Visit to Granny and Pa

Sophie, Cooper and Lachlan came to visit this morning.  A variety of games were played before morning tea. As can be seen, the sustenance was greeted with different levels of enthusiasm

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Then it was down to the business of some serious cooking with Play-Doh.

Lachlan did not opt out entirely,  but by the end of the morning he had decided that sleep looked like a good option.

Training for the First Game

Anticipation is growing for the first game on Sunday.  These photos from training show the calm before the storm. 

Football excitement grows

The Donvale Magpies had their Jumper Presentation at a club Family Day today.  James was pleased to get his preferred No.4.

Following the presentation there was a team race.  James did not get away well but in the second half of the race he streaked through the field coming in a close second.

Dinner with Friends

The story continues.  We all met on a tour of Europe 13 years ago and met again on return to look at our photos.  We are still meeting but by the time we finish talking there is no time to look at the photos.

One photo we did see was taken by Lex and Rosemary when we all went to a Castlemaine B&B for a weekend last November.

School Fete

The Primary School had their Fete today - titled "Fete of the World".  The weather was threatening but so far it is cool, cloudy and thankfully, dry.  The place was packed with people who came for the rides, food and bric a brac offered at these events.

There were rides for kids of all ages but James favourite was the Hurricane.

Play Date

Cooper and Sophie came to play.  After a week of promising rain we finally got some just as the kids were wanting to go outside!  As compensation it was decided that Granny's drop scones would do the trick.

 

 Lachlan is looking forward to the time he can sit up with the big kids.

Sophie thinks that drop scones require the addition of sprinkles to really bring out their full flavour.

Tread Carefully!

These days, when Granny and Pa visit Jack Cooper and Lachlan we have to be more careful.  There is now balance in the Force as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles maintain goodness and righteousness in the land.  So far, we have not got into trouble.

Lachlan Launches

Lachlan came to visit while his brother attended TumbleTots.  He has been pulling himself to his feet for some time now but decided to demonstrate his skills again.  He is always pleased when a trick works!

The Seasons First Practice Match

The season is underway, and the Donvale Magpies Under 9s had their first kick out at Croydon this morning.  James certainly appeared to enjoy the run and managed to get his share of the action.

At this level, there are a number of special rules to ensure the kids stay safe.  It threw the team a little as there is no tackling, no smothering, only one bounce allowed etc.  It should not take too long before they get into the swing of things.

It was clear at the end of the match that they had had a great time.

Footy Season Starts

It's all go at the Donvale Magpies.  Training has started for the season and the Under 9s are in training on Wednesday evenings.  Dads stand around and offer "constructive comment" ---

while the players hone their skills.  The first practice match is scheduled this weekend.  Excitement is building.

It has been a wet summer

As if any further proof was needed, we went out the other day and the old dry stump near the back door had sprouted new life.  The wood is old and damp and the fungus has decided it is happy there.  It is like the rain forest floor!

Greg's 60th

Last weekend saw the celebrations for Greg's 60th birthday.  We went to Echuca and stayed with Pam and Noel.

The birthday party was held at a local resort and accommodation venue - Madison Spa.  Great lunch for about 30 people and Greg had a great time.  It is getting hard for him to move around so it was a bit of an adventure for him.

Ryan is absent as he had to leave to get back for his shift with the Fire Brigade.

Granny gives a Masterclass

Sophie and Cooper came to visit today and decided that it was time to be creative in the sandpit.  With Granny offering instruction and Lachlan providing special comment, work began on their creations.

On this occasion, the special ingredient was "Lambs Ears" leaves.  They were specially blended with the sand with both the cooks taking care to see the process done correctly.

With a little more blending and the addition of other ingredients from the garden, Pa was honoured with the first taste test.  Yum!!

Fixing the Rental

A good day today.  The tenants had moved out of the front Unit and we had a contractor in to clean up the garden, chop out the excess growth and take out a feral spotted gum.  These blokes really moved.  The whole thing was done and cleaned up in about 2 hours.  The garden is going to be more heavily edited in future!

Looking Good

Today was the day to look over the property in Blackburn to see how it was faring in the absence of its handlers.  Conditions (cool wet summer) seem to agreeing with it as it is looking good. 

In the rear, it's all green and lush.  All signs of the trampoline have disappeared.

The bamboo has decided to challenge the larger trees of the area and will shortly totally engulf the Cubby House.  The shed is completely dry even after all the rain but it is starting to be attacked by the lemon tree which has gone berserk!  It will need a massive prune as there is a lot of gall wasp in the stems.

And we are looking forward to the odd lazy lunch on the deck again!

Granny's Birthday

We had a formal birthday celebration for Granny's birthday last night. Kate cooked a magnificent roast lamb which was accompanied by a Forrest Hill Shiraz and a Sunset white from Kangaroo Island.  Lisa had cooked a choc brownie based pud with cream cheese and raspberries that gained high approval ratings from everyone except Patrick.  He became obsessed and had 3 helpings!

The post dinner entertainment was provided by all the body builders of the family with demonstrations of flexing and posing.

With a final grand presentation by the whole team.

Another Historic Milestone

It has finally happened. During a visit to Aireys we finally made it to the beach.

After all the rain the Inlet was quite full. In fact, the local Surf Lifesaving club was conducting a training session for the nippers in the Inlet. The walkway has been narrowed by the rise in the water levels.

The beach looks as good as ever.