Juliette's First

Juliette has celebrated her birthday in style by getting Mum and Dad to put on a party for her.

It gave us the opportunity to see Dad in his native environment.

Gabby and Nate were having a ball on a hot day.

Boxing Day

We went to see the new remote controlled speedboats operating in their natural environment.  James Pat and Sophie had only been working the boats for a short time but they were already driving them really well.  Boy - do they move across the water!!

Then is was time for some less controlled boating.  They did not move quite so fast.

And So This Is Christmas ....

It all started well being woken by parrots in the surrounding trees.

There were lots of presents to delight the assembled company.

There was lots of food - appreciated by the same company.

 There were works of art -

and there was the traditional Christmas game.  It was a great Christmas!

Pool Time

School is over for the year - it was a warm day and so the pool is coming into its own.  Here is the proof that even Granny will occasionally make it into the water.

Lachlan was a little concerned about is all.  Granny in the pool was just too much.

Boys Visit

It is the last day of school so Cooper and Lachlan came to visit while Mum sorted a number of issues with Mr Santa.  Dramas aplenty!  First we had the Great Scooter Prang 2013

Then Lachy had to wrestle a Green Tree Python,

then Cooper introduced Granny to some surprising facts about penguins.  It was a big day!

Patrick Enters the Dark Zone

Pat had his official birthday party last night in the Dark Zone.  On the hottest night of the year, the group assembled to fight it out.  There were some preliminary warm ups

Then it was into the war zone.

After the exertions sustenance (and cake) was required.

The crew finished the evening happy if not a little warm (and wet).

Basketball - Jack

Jack had his final game for the year tonight.  The boys had another big win but everyone will be glad of a few weeks off over Christmas.  They were looking a little tired tonight.

The best part of the evening was when the Coach handed out Christmas chocolate to all the boys.

Lisa and Justins' Birthdays

We had a dual celebration yesterday to mark another notch for both Justin and Lisa.

The younger members of the family were impressed that Justin now has a copy of the D&D Nerdopedia to minimise cheating in the future planned games.

The dinner requested by the Birthday was Garlic chops followed by Apple Roly Poly.  Granny performed to her usual high standard.  A delicious meal.

Basketball - Pat

Pat played his final; game of the year today.  His mate, Fletcher is back in the team after some months away travelling around Australia.

Unfortunately they were outclassed on the day.  Perhaps a bit of work over the holiday season will see a better result next year.

Basketball James

The Team did not win but James played a great game against Banyule today.

James attacked, he defended, he threw 4 goals and generally put on a top performance for the final game of the year.

Sophie's Aerobics Display

We went to see Sophie's Aerobics Team in their end of year Display and Presentation Evening.  Sophie was first up and put on a very confident and competent performance with her group.

At the end of the display she and her team all received Certificates and Medals to mark the end of a successful year.

She has a couple of very proud parents.

Mum K Turns 93

The whole birthday thing is really something that she would prefer to be without and getting to such a venerable age was not one of her intentions but when you visit you would never know.

Mum K hit 93 today and despite the aches and pains she is sharp as a tack and interested in all the family events and activities.  Living through old age is not for sissies!  Happy Birthday Mum.

Basketball - Jack

Jack has been working on his basketball this week and he really threw himself into the game tonight.

Jack scored one of the goals (his first in a match) and contributed well to the team's 26 to 8 win over the Vikings.

A Brief Burst of Summer

Once the pool went in we were doomed to a cool summer.  So we have had rain, hail and the coldest December day for 40 years.  We saw the sun yesterday and the younger members were going to make the best of it.

The oldies are still working up the courage.

Basketball - James

James and his team had another good day today.  James threw three goals and enjoys being in the face of the opposition.

Some of his football training occasionally comes into play but, as this photo shows, it keeps the coach and his other team members interested!

Jack in Concert

We attended the Musical Evening at the school tonight to hear Jack perform in his band.

They presented "Gold on the Ceiling" and did a great job.  Jack was also happy with his performance!