Lachlan Visits

Cooper started school today so Lachlan came over by himself to keep Granny company while Mum caught up on a few tasks

Patio Redevelopment Begins

The old patio has been an eyesore for years and the question had always been how can it be fixed.

 We hope we have the solution and work finally started today as they ripped out some of the old fittings.

Progress

It is interesting how the bedtime reading gives a good indication of progress in language and changes in interest.

Cooper Starts School

It started early.  Cooper was up and ready in his new school uniform before the rest of the household was out of bed.  He was excited.

The bag is so big it can be used as a shelter in inclement weather.  He settled into his classroom without a problem.

We went over in the evening for a celebration dinner.  We hope he is just as excited about it all tomorrow.

Football Training Underway

The Jets had a training run last night and the boys really had a workout.

There was a little work on the football skills but the night was largely devoted to building strength and stamina.  It was a punishing night.

Civilization - The Rematch

The day before school started and the boys thought a game of Civilization would take their minds off the inevitable.  We assembled at 10.00 am and played until 4.00.

Mitchell played like a man possessed and nearly took out the honours on the day but his Dad pipped him on the post with a come from behind win.

I tried the other end of the board this time assuming control of Italy but put in a middling performance.

Australia Day - 2014

Those of us remaining in Melbourne for Australia Day assembled to watch the fireworks.

It is very convenient that the Council puts on the display just far enough away that we can see it well and not have to travel.  After the barbeque, no one felt much like wandering around the neighborhood!

Civilization 2014

The old hands and the Newbies gathered to see if they could create a civilized world out of the chaos of pre-history.  After about 7 solid hours, hunger and family commitments beat us but order was starting to emerge.  Having been pounded with Epidemics by the grandchildren, I (Babylon) retreated into my corner and was in the process of rebuilding when a halt was called to proceedings.  Just wait until next time!!!

Running Repairs

The back steps had sunk as a result of waterlogged soil over the past year or so.  Brett made extensive preparations for the repair job but the foundation was in and the steps raised in very short order.

Luckily there were other ways to occupy the time. Cathy (with a little help from Matt Preston) had come up with a single pan roast.  Following extensive sampling it was declared magnificent.  Brett came up with a Bread and Butter pudding.  Again, following extensive sampling we were all declared extremely full.  The solution was to watch Ebony and Holly's dance routines -

and Mitchell played his latest piano pieces for us.  A great evening.

Grandma K Gets Out

After enduring a long period of severe pain we got Grandma to a specialist (with NO thanks to her GP). The specialist put her on a pain reduction regime that includes cortisone.  The turn around has been dramatic.  Her pain has been greatly reduced and she is now wanting to get out and have a look around at all that has been going on.  Yesterday she got to see the new pool and had a look at all the work Adam and Kate had put in during the last year or so.

She saw how comfortable James, Pat and Sophie are in the water now and all indications are that she will get out again soon.

Sleepover

While Kate and Adam were having a night out, the Crew came visiting.  We needed the time to sort out the iPad issues and get them all synched up.  Now they can all use Facetime to communicate from one end of the house to the other.  (Direct speech is soooo last century!)

Kate Ups Her Candle Count

We gathered yesterday to celebrate another milestone for Kate. 

Amongst other things, she gathered more reference material to support her status as our nutrition guru.

As usual, Granny made sure that no one left the dinner table hungry.

The Heat Goes On!

We are in the middle of a record breaking hot spell.  Outside the back door this evening (in the shade) it was 47 degrees.  There is only one place to be on a night like that so we went.
You would not be hard pressed to guess that Sophie had spent some time in the water and the sun.

Ebony swam like a fish

Adam was pleased to see the end result of all his hard work (and Hard Earned) was paying off.\

James was the Orca of Donvale.

and Mitchell went water cannon crazy.

A fantastic evening.

Hot Afternoon

With the temperatures in the 40s it is hard to do much outside unless there is plenty of water around.  A pool is a good start and the crew enjoyed it yesterday.  Sophie is so accomplished in the pool she is starting to walk on water.

Pat and Cooper demonstrated their diving skills.

and we all enjoyed the cool before Kate presented us with a wonderful impromptu meal by the pool.

See the YouTube video - Click Here

Catch Up Time

Mitchell, Ebony and Holly have been busy during the school vacation.  We had the opportunity to catch up with them this morning.  Holly has established a new money making venture, she is selling off spare teeth to the Tooth Fairy.

Ebony has created a new line in sculptured soaps.

Mitchell has been putting together his electronic kits (and they work!)

They're Back!

Summer and the flowers are out in the Pyramid Tree producing plenty of nectar.  The tree is full of birds including our favourite the Rainbow Lorikeets.

Window on the Past

When you look through old photos you find things have changed a bit.  Do you think Brett and Adam have changed a lot?

Construction Continues

In an effort to emulate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Adam has been working hard to provide an access route to the northern production zone.

New Year Celebrations

As has been our custom (for over 40 years) we celebrated the New Year with the Inchleys, Russells and Raymonds.  On this occasion the venue was the Wild Cattle Creek Winery in Seville where we stayed in villa units for a few days.

The winery has an excellent restaurant and they put on a wonderful New Year Dinner.

During the dinner we were all models of propriety and decorum.

We were in a winery - you have to try the product.  A number of bottles have now made their way into the collection.