Boys Pay a visit

The boys came to visit this morning and as we seem to have returned to winter,  the activity was all indoors.  Jack spent time with the train track.

 In one of his quieter moments, Cooper spent time searching out Bunyips,

 and Lachlan pulled out his favourite book "Thomas the Tank Engine".  He knows every page.

Ballarat in September

What could be better than a quick trip to sample the delights of Ballarat in September? Book a couple of van sites and off we go.  It was a cooler day in Melbourne but not to worry.  Having set up the vans it was off to look at Lake Wendouree which is now full of water.  Two problems, the wind was blowing a gale and it was FREEZING!  Jack and Cooper enjoyed the run.

On the Saturday we decided to look for indoor options.  The Indoor Mini-golf was good but Lachlan preferred the driving simulator games.

The conditions were still antarctic but we tried for a Maze.  At least we were protected by the bush walls.

After another freezing night we scuttled back to Melbourne where it was a balmy 20 with blue skies and sun.  Be careful of Ballarat - it bites.

Photo Session

And it came to pass in the month of September that Granny issued a decree unto the people and the people saw that it was good and made good on the demands she made upon them.  She needed a photo with Jack, Cooper and Lachlan (before they got too much older) to go with those already taken with the other grandchildren. This sort of task can be a little like lining up fish in a tank but we think we got away with it.  Lisa became the photographer for the day.

Then we tried for a photo with Mum.

Birthday Feast

To mark the passing of yet another year, we had a magnificent feast at Adam and Kate's house.  Kate had cooked a fantastic Rack of Pork with all the trimmings including the apple sauce and crackling, and Lisa had made a wonderful Pecan Pie.
James branched out and became the photographer for the evening.

 

In an extraordinary feat of logistics, a couple of bottles of Australian wine appeared as presents from the other side of the world - thanks Brett and Cathy, they will be put to good use.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Patrick who played "Happy Birthday" on the guitar (really well) and then showed Cooper a few tricks. (Another photo by James)

Thanks to all for a great night

Botanical Gardens

As a little celebration to mark my "Coming of Age" we went into the Botanical Gardens to see the latest additions.  Guilfoyle's Volcano was part of the 1870s watering system in the gardens that had fallen into disrepair.  It has been revived and filled with processed storm water from the local area.

The slopes of the "volcano" have been replanted with succulents which make a fantastic display.

Another point of interest was a bee hive with the comb hanging from a tree branch.  All new to me!

Then lunch at the Cafe overlooking the central lake.  I have photos of me taken by my father at that lake 60 years ago.

Holly's New Photo

Granny and Pa's photo gallery has just been upgraded to mark Holly's fourth birthday.  Great pic - thanks Cathy.

End of an Era??

We went down to Aireys over the weekend to look at the house and do a little maintenance, but more importantly we had a chat to a couple of Agents.  The time is coming when it might be best to divest.

 

It would be sad to see the end of the place but times are changing.

Another Trophy

Another day at soccer and this time Cooper managed to get the trophy!  If it continues at this rate more shelving space may be needed.

Father's Day

The Crew arrived for Father's Day yesterday.  Rain threatened so we had a picnic at home with bacon and eggs on the barbeque.

I was presented with the perfect add on to the coffee production line.  A grinder now sits beside the machine and a stack of interesting coffee sits in the cupboard.  Doesn't get a lot better than that!

Then it was off to the park for some "slide time"

and a little football.

We also spent a bit of time preparing a demonstration video of how to kick goals.  Click on the link below to see our efforts.

James kicks some special goals

Soccer Success

Jack and Cooper have been attending Soccer classes on Saturdays.  They have been having fun and expend plenty of energy.  As can be seen from the photos, they are not standing still!

The session ends with a goal kicking competition and on this occasion, Jack took home the trophy. The runner up was Jack, his friend from Kinder.  Jacks Rule!

Progress in the Yard

Progress continues in Lisa and Justin's yard.  The fence painting is near completion and brings a unity to the area.