Harleigh, Mark and Chrissy Arrived

We had visitors from Darwin on their way to Wagga. It was nice to catch up because we haven't seen them since Melissa and Jo's wedding. Harleigh was born this year in May and has turned out to be a very happy little chappy. It won't be long before he is crawling. He wants too and with a passion.

Ewans big ride

Neil, Nelson, Brad and Ewan went on an epic ride. Ewan thought he was going to ride to the brewery lights along Linear Park. They actually went as far as Hackney Rd past the zoo. That is a hell of a long way and especially on a 16 inch bike the poor little bugger. He was knacked by the time he got back. That was well and truly his longest ride. He was very proud of himself and so he should be.

Alicia's nightmare

Alicia had a nightmare the other night and this is where she ended. Check out photo. She has been having a few nightmares recently and they all seem to involve animals, ducks, dogs, cats. Obviously she won't be coming a vet when she's older.

The last Child Care Christmas Party

It was our last christmas party with Ewan and Alicia's child care centre. We have been involved there for over 5 years. Alicia moves on, to a different child care/kindy program. It was funny as usual and we met up with Dani and her little boy Isaac. He is a funny little fellow, full of energy and looks just like Dani. I used to dance with Dani many moons ago. Ewan had a really good time harrassing the clown/magician.

Smiley Face

We received a text quite late one night from Natasha, talking about a smiley face in the sky. Our curiosity was aroused so we went out to investigate and looked to the sky. We saw it, 2 planets and the sun had aligned to form a smiley face in the night sky. It was very cool. I took a few photos and a video to show Ewan the next day. Stuff like that doesn't happen that often.

Another Car Cruise

At least we weren't driving for too long and it ended at Fort Glanville. The kids had a good time, Ewan collected a rabbits skull. mmmmmm nice. Alicia played in the sand and the soldiers reenacted a cannon being fired. It was only a little little cannon but it made one almighty bang. Scaring everyone to death. Its not a very big fort and they didn't have any wartime action but the big cannon has been fired before. There are volunteers that do the show and restore the items. It costs a lot of money, as everything does.

I think shes cookoo

Ewan and Alicia were having a lovely but slightly heated conversation the other morning. I decided I needed to get a better handle on the conversation, so I stuck my head around the corner whilst in the kitchen. Thats when I saw it. Ewan signing the cookoo signal. You know. Twirling your finger around near your head. As in, I think shes crazy! Well I have absolutely no idea what the conversation was about and once Ewan saw me watching him, he proceeded (ever so slowly) to stop signally with his hand. Where do they get these things from??

A busy 3 weeks, lawn and fence

Not only did Brad and I (yes you read correctly, I did too) lay the lawn out the front but the front fence was installed as well. Its taking shape. The house actually looks like people do live there. Its amazing what you get used too. Dirt, mounds, desert like conditions. The dog is the most happy. All we need now is a lounge stuck out the front, to watch all those walking by.....

Father Xmas and his Sax

This is the best $20 I've spent in a long time. I bought it last Christmas because I wanted to add to my Christmas ornaments. The snow dome lasted about 1 week before Alicia broke it. Oh well, you get that. But Father Xmas and his Sax is working a treat. I thought he was having problems but I changed the batteries and now he's a new man. Well the kids think he's great and Ewan does an uncanny resemblance. Alicia thinks she's doing the hula. Check them out.

Too many butterflies to count

I knew if I held onto those clips I would use them eventually. I think they came in a pack with some other things that I used a long time ago but my hair was too fine to use them. Alicia put them to good use when we played hairdressers. She looked very grown up and actually kept them in for at least 2 minutes. Too bad it took me 15 min to do it.

Conversation at the table with Ewan

These are true events: Ewan got a serviette because he had tomato sauce on his fingers. In the process, he happened to get sauce on about 20 other serviettes.

Me: Did you christen the serviettes Ewan?
Ewan: What?
Me: Did you christen the serviettes?
Ewan: Pardon?
Me: Did you get sauce on the serviettes?
Ewan: Yes
Brad: Do you know what christened means?
Ewan: I stuffed up!
Brad: Close enough

Kids say the darnedest things.

Ryans 11th Birthday

We had a nice BBQ to celebrate Ryan's birthday. The kids had a great time and a get together is always very cool. Isn't he growing up.

The Blur

Alicia has become very adventurous when it comes to climbing and jumping. Here I have captured the elegance that is Alicia.

My Roses

My roses are looking lovely. Though there is not that many of them, what is there look beautiful. Its taking a lot of work but its pleasant work (so far)

Alicia's friend Sophie

Alicia loves Sophie, though it seems to be a love, hate relationship alot of the time. They spend time together at child care and also at kindergym. Actually they run a muck at kindergym but both Lee and myself don't mind.

Picnic with Fona and Phoenix

We had a lovely Sunday morning down at Henley Square. Fona and Phoenix were over for the weekend and Fona organised a picnic. Great day, great people, great time spent. The kids literally run a muck and had a great time harassing the birds, checking out the ocean and generally being kids. We saw some people we know but hadn't seen for ages and their kids are getting bigger and the families are growing. Its nice to keep in touch and find out whats been happening.

The Group Photo

What better time to get a group family photo than on your birthday. We have never had a photo where both sides of the family are together. Its always one of things you are going to do, but never get around too. I was determined to get one. A couple of people aren't in it, Susy (the loser) had to work and Paul and Jenny were a little late. But nonetheless, its a cool photo. We will just have to try again another time.

Catch up with the girls

I had a great birthday this year. Deb organised a catch up with the girls and the kids. It was a brilliant location and a definite to be returned to. I had a great time, hopefully everyone else did as well. I managed to get a photo at the very end and when I reflect on the photo and the day, I am very proud to have known so many lovely people who I can call friends and have a special bond that will never be broken, no matter if we see each other every day, once a month, twice a year or once a year.

The Walker

Dad has finally got with the times and moved or walked into the 21st century. He decided to try the walker that I am borrowing from Leanne and Steve. He quite liked it and I think one of the reasons is because he could see some results ie how many kms walked, how many calories burned. I think he got the concept of the Walker and realised that there are no benches to sit down on, which is what currently happens when he goes for a walk with his mate Tony.

Decorating the Xmas tree

The Christmas pageant has come and gone and this is the time that we (I) put the Christmas tree up. I like to have it up as long as possible and it brings festivity into the household. This year Alicia helped. She was very helpful even though most of the decorations ended up at the bottom of the tree. Slowly but surely they were moved, but its the thought that counts. I didn't notice until later, but she decorated the reindeer and positioned them so they could talk to each other, in case they got bored.

The Front Yard

The front yard, is finally starting to take shape. We have cement fixed, paths and even preparation for the front fence completed. The fence should be completed and installed by the beginning of December. I love, love, love the flowers and plants. Its not something that interested me before but it does make the house that much more appealing and colourful. Everyone has commented including people who were walking past on Sunday when we were planting them. Its nice to know other people appreciate it aswell.

What do you wear for gardening??

Last weekend, Brad and I ventured out to Virginia nursery to buy lots and lots of plants and roses for the front garden because I couldn't wait any longer. We didn't take the kids but dumped them with mum and dad (suckers) Brad couldn't think of anything worse, than walking around the nursery except if we had the kids aswell.

We got home on Saturday afternoon and by Saturday night the standard roses where replanted. I seconded mum AND dad for Sunday planting and proceeded to get ready. I told Alicia that she had to get dressed for gardening and that is exactly what she did. She is a very stylish type of girl. Without a care in the world. By the end of the day, she had her fairy costume back on and had enough of the garden, plants, dirt or water. Now thats saying something.

Brads excursion

Brad went to the shops with the kids to buy my birthday present. I had already bought some things because at least that way, I know I am going to get something. Before they went shopping, he asked Alicia what she would like to get me. Her response "A toy". Brad said "What kind of toy?" She proudly replied, "A barbie" and then said, "Me too". So there goes it, Alicia thought I would like a Barbie doll however if I was having one, then she was going to have one. That's kids for ya.

Life is busy

You know that your life is busy when you have to leave notes for yourself for the smallest thing: save kids photos to disc, kindergym fee, taekwondo grading fee, birthday present Charli, rsvp tupperware party. Its a little out of control. Or maybe for the fact that my mind is constantly thinking about the STAT test for uni. I'm gonna predict the latter. I haven't had so many sleepless nights in a row for ages. There isn't anything I can do about it, so I don't know why I worry but I want this really badly. Only time will tell.

What do you do when on Camp?

You go bowling of course. Ewan loves bowling and apparently did very well at it but did have the bumper lanes to help. 1 game is enough usually, they get bored after that.

Ewans sleep over for 4 nights

We are talking camp at Aunty Susys and Grandma's during the October holidays. We dropped him off on Monday night and mum brought him back Friday night. You realise its much easier with 1 kid when you have 2 and then 1. There is no fighting, no arguing, less trips to the kitchen, quicker in and out of shops. I love camp, bring it on.

Alicia on the motorbike

It wasn't that long ago that Alicia was scared to go on the motorbike but the other weekend at Sean's was a different story. She loved every minute of it and pulled off the helmet fashion really well.

Stephanie and Matts 1st house

Ain't it grand to be in debt. That's what Steph and Matt have embarked on. I remember it being a great feeling, not so much now but 10 years ago it was good. Yep, we have owned our house for 10 years. Yes, we will have been married for 10 years next March. Whoosh, there it goes. I hope the next 10 years don't go so fast. We have in that time achieved a lot, been in debt, been out of debt, gone overseas, renovated a house and had two little kidlywinks. Not to mention changed jobs. I hope Steph and Matt have as much fun, experiences, headaches and momentous occasions. Why not. That's called LIVING. Congrats to you guys.

Its birthday time

Its that time of year again when heaps of people have their birthdays. Phoenix was over from Melbourne with Scotty in the second week of the school holidays. Boy, she is growing. Her birthday was the end of September. And Charli turned 6 not long before Ewan. Carla made the cake, she is very talented. Not bad, for a throw together in a couple of hours.

Evidence of Ewans motorbike riding

Lets ride a motorbike

It was Ewan's first time riding a motorbike on Sunday. He had a great time out at Sean's property at Swan Reach. There is plenty of land to get lost in, and plenty of trees to climb. Why? Because they are there. Sean has it set up really well with a toilet, shower, electricity and soon to be a bath and outside kitchen. What more could you want. Its easy when you happen to be a plumber, which is what Sean is.

Ewan pestered Brad for a couple of hours and then Brad finally relented. One thing that Ewan does well, is listen to instruction, especially if its fun and he wants to listen. It didn't take him very long at all to grasp the concept. Now all we hear about is getting a motorbike.

Its not just about the motorbike but all the crap that goes with it, helmet, armour, boots, gloves. There is a lot of money just in that. I can see us getting a bike for Ewan by the end of the year. Its inevitable in our household!!! Brad was very proud of Ewan's ability.

Superhero Birthday Cake

Deirdre you should make a birthday cake like this. What do you think? Luckily she said, "Yes" and voila, it seemed to appear. We had a couple of templates and Deirdre had a thought. The pan size proved to be a little temperamental and the Superman figurine wasn't that easy to find but she succeeded in the end. She produced a masterpiece AGAIN.

Thanks again Dee, the tradition is well cemented and the cake adds to the celebrations of the day.

Ewans 6th Birthday

Ewan turned 6 on Saturday and we had a superhero party. Everyone dressed up in the costumes and had their best smiles on. We had a couple of games, including a pinata (that I made) it almost lasted one round. Brad opened it a little more and then tipped the lollies and stuff out. The kids had a good time collecting the lollies and toys. The other was a sack race. It least it passed the time and the kids didn't have to run a muck. The trampoline came in handy as did the football and balls. Ewan had a really good time and received lots of lovely presents.

Its funny. I didn't think about his birth day. The day he was born and the drama that unfolded before that. Slowly other memories take over and you admire the way they have grown and how fast it has all happened instead. We have many more milestones to happen, lets hope they are just as memorable.

It ends up a long day, luckily it was the beginning of a long weekend.