Weird

On the usual morning walk, I went past an iron fence that snails appear to find very attractive.  I have not seen that before.  What's going on?  Snail Conference? Snail Woodstock?

Pat's Birthday in the Dark Zone

Patrick had his birthday party in the Dark Zone yesterday.  Some time was spent on the game machines -

and then it was time for the laser packs and some serious shooting!

The cake was consumed with relish but it resulted in some interesting consequences.

Then back to the Laser Zone.

Sophie's interests were elsewhere.

The boys ran themselves ragged and had a great time.  Happy Birthday Patrick.

Jack's Sleepover

While Mum and Dad headed for the Grampians, Jack came to stay because he had important business back in town - including a swimming lesson and a friend's birthday party.

We discovered the most important thing here was the iPad.  He spent some time showing us what he could do.  We also found that -
Some you win ---

and some you lose!

Tough Opposition for the U8s

Pat's team were up against stronger opposition this week.  They met a team that had started to develop their team skills and had a few very fast and skillful players.

Dad was on scoring this week so was viewing from on high.

Perhaps next week will deliver a big win.

On A Roll

After a couple of weeks of dominating the opposing teams, James' team was bumped up FOUR divisions this week so there was a little pre-match tension in the air.  From the start it was clear that this was a stronger team.

However, as the opposition coach said, it was not that his team was playing badly, it was that James' team was on fire.  This was the final scoreboard.

James felt he had put in a good day's work!

The Gallery Moves On

The time has come for another change in Granny's Gallery.  Lachlan has reached two and a half so his photo needs to change.  This is the chosen entry.

Family Dinner

We had a wonderful feast last night with multiple culinary inputs.  Granny provided the mains, Lisa provided the sweets, Kate provided the coffee nibbles, Rutherglen provided the Shiraz and the Port, and Kangaroo Island provided the white.

While the kids watched a movie, the elders again tried, unsuccessfully, to beat Justin at cards.

Family Photos

We have been trying to get another Lisa and Justin family photo for a while.  It has not been easy.  Putting the boys in close proximity is reminiscent of rounding up a bag of eels. Great fun but difficult to pick the exact microsecond that they are all looking the same way at the same time.
However, we did like these photos.

James' Team On Top

It has to be said that James' team is a tight little unit.  They really played well today.  Because of their dominating victory last week (75 to 0) they had been bumped up a Division.

James is not the tallest member of the team but he is fast and quite adept at stealing the ball.  It is great that they are playing to each others strengths.

There were some wide grins at the end of the match and I suspect the scoreboard may have been a contributing factor.

So not only had they moved up a Division, they had again kept their opponents scoreless!  We suspect they may move up another Division next week.

Another Win For Patrick

Patrick had an early start this morning.  Early doesn't really suit Patrick but the boys fired up for a another (this time emphatic) win 21 to 7.

Pat certainly got his share of the ball and is learning to take on the opposition with a little more aggression.  He can certainly run with the ball.

Friday Visit

Cooper and Lachlan came over to keep Granny company for the day.  I think Granny likes the kids TV programs as much as the boys do,

When the Play Doh came out, Lachlan decided he was going to disguise himself as a Klingon -

and Cooper made a plate of cookies.

Cooper is starting to show his "older" face (even though there is still some lunch on his chin!)

We Get Into Publishing

As the Blog has become a bit of an archive of family history, we decided to get a hard copy made for future reference.  It was a relatively painless process and we are happy with the results.  A substantial hard cover book took about 3 weeks and cost about $100.

What Me Worry?

As I went on my walk this morning I discovered another house had disappeared.  I wonder if I have anything to worry about?

Night Out

James, Pat and Sophie invited us over last night while their parents were out.  It was a fun evening.

Morning Contemplation

As far as I am concerned, one of the great benefits of smartphones is the fantastic cameras they now contain.  You always have it with you ready for those fascinating little situations that only ever occur once.  Here - a rose in a shaft of morning sun after rain.

James' New Season Underway

James had his first outing with his new basketball team today and what an outing it was.  Final scoreline 75 to 0!  His new team was not greatly troubled!
Things are different this season.  James is one of the smaller members of the team at present but this did not worry him.  In fact he threw the first and third goal of the match.

It looks like it will be a good team with a good range of talent and good communication between the boys on the court.  If they keep winning this easily they will be bumped up a division or two and that might make life more interesting.

James and his mate Dom were very pleased with their work for the day.

Patrick Joins the Action

The new season of Basketball started today.  Patrick is in a new team and as a result of the weird way the age groups are constructed he is now in the Vikings Under 8s (last season he was in Under 9s). the result is he is now one of the taller boys in the team. He is No 24.

In their first run today, Pat saw plenty of action.

It was a close run match with Bulleen but the Vikings won by one point.  Well done Pat.