Auskick Resumes

Auskick resumed after the holiday and Pat was back in the action.

There was some skills practice and a practice match and the opportunity to practice some long kicks

.

---- And Digging Continues ----

The dig is now at a point where plumbers and pavers can decide on the contours and drainage options for the area.

Royal Wedding Party

As patriotic Australians we thought it important that we should gather to celebrate the wedding of our future Head of State in an irrelevant ceremony on the opposite side of the world.  Some of us were very excited by the event.

To others, the food was much more important.

And the main entertainment of the evening was trying to get potential Tigers fans to try out the Bombers regalia with the hope of a conversion in the future.  It would be unfair to name the guilty parties in this conspiracy, but their initials are James and Patrick.

Photo Wall Updated

The receipt of some great new photos from the UK has meant that Granny and Pa's photo wall is nearly up to date.  We still have to sort Lachlan and Jack, but Granny is a happy camper.

The Dig Continues

The best bit about digging up a back yard is all the concrete you find under the surface which needs to be broken up and carted away.  I have finally worked out why prisoners are fit.

Training Night

James is back from holiday and straight into the training.  We had a wonderful balmy evening for the last Autumn training.  Wet and cold could be more the order of the day from now on.

Archaeology 101

In the redevelopment of a back yard, first you prepare all your plans then haul out all the stuff you do not want. 

 A section of the pergola had to go.

Then you start digging to change the contours.  As you dig the history of the yard is revealed with new drains and pathways appearing.

Then you dig out the excess concrete, and modify all your previously prepared plans.

Update on the Rogues Gallery

We had a photo session this morning in an attempt to update the photos of the birthday boys.
These are the current contenders although we await final sign-off from their Managers.

Another Sleepover

Rosie decided to give her family a few days off.  While they were away she thought she would come and see that Granny and Pa were undertaking their duties to appropriate performance standards.  As you can see, onerous responsibility takes it out of a dog.

The Sleepover

We had some welcome visitors come for a sleepover while Mum and Dad had a short break.  We had great weather so there were a number of visits to the park.

There is a long standing family tradition relating to the appropriate breakfast that should be provided on such occasions.  We are not ones to break with tradition.

It was decided that the visit should culminate in an Easter Egg hunt so that high standards of nutrition could be maintained during the visit.

Donvale V Glen Waverley

James team played Glen Waverley yesterday.  It was fine and cool - great conditions for football.  James had a good day.  When the ball came near him - he was fully into the action.

But, the Rovers were a good team so when James was playing forward, he did not see a lot of action.

Others (apart from his Pa) must have thought he had a good day too as he received the "Best on Ground" medal at the end of the match.

Ahhhh - memories!

Some more senior members of the family may remember doing this themselves.  The grandchildren are playing with plastic racing track and Matchbox cars that their uncles played with over 30 years ago.  They seem to enjoy the experience just as much.

Lachlan's Birthday

Lachlan has turned one.  He had a party on Sunday to mark the occasion.  He had not been very well in the lead up but was improving and managed to enjoy aspects of the day, particularly the company and the presents.

He managed to get plenty of help with the presents.  The star attractions appeared to be a sack of plastic balls and some blocks.  He also had a bit of fun with Granny.

The cake was also a source of some bemusement - he managed to coerce his Dad and brothers into blowing out his candles.

I Think I Am In Love!

I have never been terribly happy with Black and White photography in the age of the digital camera but I think things are about to change.  I am playing with new software that gives amazing control of contrast and local variations.  Here is a first attempt.
Original

and the edited version

I think that in many photos, the colour can be a distraction and this software can bring a photo back to the essentials.  The object of my desire - Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

James 9th Birthday Photo

As the birthdays come we update the family photos.  James came over this morning and I think we have settled on this as the new photo.  Results are pending awaiting official confirmation!

Donvale Plays Boronia

The Donvale Magpies U9 played Boronia this morning.  Boronia proved to be a strong team but James had a good game and was in the thick of much of the action.

I think today could be described as a learning experience for the team.  The good thing is that they are learning and this week the team seemed more cohesive than last week.

Auskick

The unseasonal weather continues with a warm clear morning for AusKick. This morning, Pat was practicing his bouncing;

passing to team mates;

and kicking.

The Accoutrement King

These days, it is expected that you will accessorize.  James displays the latest "must have" for the junior footballer.

Cooper Turns Three

Cooper had his birthday celebration on Sunday - fortuitously as it turned out because he was not at all well on his birthday (yesterday).  We all went off to the Croydon Hotel so the kids could enjoy the (contained) play area.

Then it was time for food -

 

and the Cake - (Spiderman of course!)

Then time for a bit more play.  It is amazing how much fun you can have with a balloon.

Following the festivities it was present opening time.

Again, no surprises as the superhero theme continued.

First Game for Donvale Magpies U9s

It was a grey day on Sunday when the Donvale Magpies Under 9 Team had their first game against Montrose.  There was a real air of excitement in the Clubrooms before the match (for both the players and their parents)

Then out onto the ground for a great game.

James managed a spectacular goal. Having scooped up the ball and with a group Montrose players in hot pursuit, James was running away from the posts, kicked over his head and through the middle!!