Claire's Birthday

Kate and Adam hosted Claire's birthday dinner on Saturday evening.  Kate cooked a huge seafood paella which was nectar to the birthday girl and found universal appeal with the assembled company.

Lisa cooked the sweet dish a scrumptious combination - details of which can be gleaned from her site, "The Latest".
The cake did the rounds with all due ceremony,

and Granny was presented with presents which included gardening gear

and perfume.  We all had a wonderful relaxed evening.  Thanks Adam and Kate.

Patrick's Team - Skills Developing

Pat's team were up against it this week when they played Koonung.  There was some determined play but the opposition had quite a height advantage so it was a bit of a struggle. 

While they lost the match, they started to make a bit of headway in the second half with some more determined play.

James Plays His Heart Out

James had a tough day yesterday.  There were only 5 players in the team to start and the talls were missing.  The boys gave is all they had.

In the end they only lost by 2 despite the height advantages of the other team and the fact that in the end, James' team was down to 2 players through fouls and injury.  It was a fantastic, gutsy and determined effort by James and the boys.

New Table - Finally

It has been a while coming but the new table arrived today.  The space created for it has made the house feel very empty but the table certainly now occupies the space.

Adam supervised installation and addition of extensions.  A small kitchen table made of the same wood can be added at the end so we can now seat the whole crew (17) if required.

The Al Fresco Cooks

Another warm day so it was decided that the cookery class would be conducted al fresco.  As always, a good result is dependent on quality ingredients.  Both the boys had their specialties for this dish.

The ingredients were combined and then there was the all important taste test before presentation of the final product.

Play Time With Granny

Cooper and Lachlan visited today.  They were not hard to entertain. Playdo seems to provide endless options for play.

Vikings Under 10 - On a Roll!!

If you have a look at the following photo you may be able to tell that James is having a good day.

When I arrived at the match (after watching Patrick) the score was 22 to 0 in favour of the Vikings.
The boys could do no wrong and they crushed Bulleen 30 to 2.

Patrick Has a Good Day

Patrick and his team stepped up a notch this week.  It was still a tough game but the boys showed more determination and it showed on the scoreboard

The scores were level up until the last minute when the opposition scored a single goal to give them the match.  Next week will be the one!

James Has a Good Day

James team played the top team in the competition.  It was always going to be tough.  James was all fired up and shot the first 3 goals for his team.

James goes flat out for the ball.

and loves to take it from the opposition.

They played really well and won the match, much to the consternation of the opposition coach who, I suspect, thought this one was in the bag.

Another Tough Day at the Office for Patrick

Pat's team were up against a good team again today.  Things were not looking pretty early in the match but the team clawed back to within striking distance after half time.  Unfortunately they did not quite get there.

Why We Need Local Councils

We had a heavy wind storm the other day.  It blew a lot of branches and leaves down and brought down this heavy limb of a tree across a walking path.  Here is the Council response.

I think the flimsy piece of plastic makes the whole situation so much better!  It is also so much cheaper than preventative maintenance and dropping the limb that had been threatening for some time.

Film Nights Continue

Just back from another film night.  We went to see "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" from the Le Carre novel.  Good film rather than great but the meal that followed was great!

Sophie's New Uniform

A proud Sophie wanted to show us her new uniform when she arrived home yesterday.  She looked very smart too.

Kinder bags appear to be manufactured for carrying bodies!

Basketball Resumes for James

James team started the New Year with a dominating display over the opposition finishing the day with a 29 - 5 win.

James played well despite a sprained ankle. He shot a goal and spent time relieving the opposition of possession of the ball.

Basketball Resumes for Patrick

Patick and James started Basketball again on Saturday.  Pat's team had a bit of a struggle against a very skilled opposition.

The Gallery enjoyed the match.

A New Look for Cousin Itt

Lisa decided the time had come.

Cooper and Lachlan came to play with Granny while the haircut took place.

Lacewing Eggs

OK - I am a bit of a nerd but sometimes you have to marvel at the stuff around you.  These Lacewing eggs appeared on a door frame recently.  The Lacewings feed on aphids and small pests in the garden so the young are a bit aggressive.  Apparently the stalks prevent the young from cannibalising each other as they hatch.

Jack Heads for School

Today it was Jack's turn.  A little excited but very cool about the whole affair, it was clearly more traumatic for his mother than it was for Jack.  Here he is demonstrating his school bag which could probably double as a tent in the event of inclement weather!

Cooper Off to Kinder

The big day arrived today and Cooper was all fired up for his first day of kinder.  The other boys stayed with us while Cooper headed off for his first day.