The Spartan Run

Adam managed to complete the Spartan Run today leaving home at 5am and starting the run at 8am.  it is a challenge running through water and in freezing temperatures but he managed to beat his mate Harry.

James also took part in the run in the 12 to 16 age group.  He came in 4th place.  What an effort!!

James - School Football

We watched James play with the school Football Team today as they gave Donvale Christian School an absolute pounding.

In this photo James is kicking one of his goals.  In fact their dominance was such that they won 76 points to zero.  James only played three quarters because the Coach took all the best players off the ground in the last quarter to give the opposition a chance.  They were unable to capitalise.

Football - James

We trekked out to the foothills of the Dandenongs to see James play today.

 He was on the ball for much of the day so he saw plenty of action.

He ended the day on the bench as a result of a boot to the leg.  We hope he recovers quickly.

Football - Patrick

We managed to see Patrick in action on the field today. He was enjoying the action to the extent that he could.  Pat was playing forward and the opposition seemed to be able to keep the ball in their forward line for a fair portion of the game.  When the ball came near him he was in there scrapping for it.  Dad was pleased with his performance.

The G Team Depart

The big day arrived and Lisa and Justin had the van ready for an early departure for their northern adventure. The final connections were made -

The van dragged out -

Granny and Pa said their final farewells -

and they were away.  Fun times ahead.

Jack's Eighth

It has been a while coming and a last minute effort at that!  We decided that if Jack was to be away for 11 weeks we had better get his eighth birthday photo tonight.  This is what we came up with.

Netball - Ebony

I went to see Ebony and her team this morning.  They were up against a strong team and so Ebony was working hard.  She had not been too well so the plan was that she would only play quarters 1 and 3, but she is a very handy player so in the face of strong opposition, the Coach kept her on as Goal Keeper in the final quarter.  She played a great game and came off well warmed up.

Family Dinner

We had the family over for dinner as a farewell to Lisa and Justin as they embark on their northern odyssey for the next couple of months.  A formal family portrait was called for and everyone was happy to oblige.

Once you get a good photo, the subsequent efforts are never quite as good!

Balcony Works

Another stage was reached today as the plaster was completed on the roof.  There is still plenty to do but the final product is starting to emerge.

Football - Jack

It was Jack's final game for the season as his family will be leaving for the 12 week trip up north next weekend.  Luckily he had a good day he was always in the action and he kicked a goal.

He had a big send off as his team mates sang the club song around him to celebrate their win and he got a Coach's Award for his performance on the field.

Football - James

James had a good day on the field too.The Jets came home with another win.  James was instrumental in their 3 point win, feeding the ball to the boy who kicked the winning goal!

It was not an easy win.  In the first half they were not looking likely winners as they were contending with a team that contained a few good and big players but they came home later in an exciting finish.  James had to keep out of the way of Godzilla.

Pat Enters the Footy Field

We (briefly) got to see Patrick in action in his first football game with his new team.  He had a great game showing speed and the ability to kick long. He ended up with an Award for his performance. His No 1 Fan wanted to be photographed with him.

His best mate Fletcher is also on the team.

Catching Up with Old Friends

Wow - time passes quickly.  Last night we had our three monthly catchup with friends we met on a European tour 16 years ago.  We originally thought we might meet for a quick catchup after the trip to swap a few photos.  Somehow we still have to get around to that task!

Cathedral Ranges Camp

Just for something different, we decided to leave late so we could set up camp in the dark in the Cathedral Ranges.  It was fun watching all the predicted challenges eventuate.  We did manage to bring most of the essentials so after feeling around in the dark, we got the fire started and erected the tents.

The boys were fortunate to have a selection of MasterChefs on hand to burn the sausages in a variety of styles. No one was hungry.

After a reasonable night, the fire was revived and Adam's specialty, Deep Fried Bacon was cooked for breakfast.

The camp is near a reasonable creek that looks as though it may be worth fishing.

Following the exploration of the camp, we checked out the Damper that had been cooking in the coals.  Not a raging success but we think it may be improved next time.

The Camp Masters then saw to the packing and making the fire safe for our return from the wilderness.

Balcony Update

After rain delays and other problems we have had some significant movement on the balcony roof of late.  The scaffolding which has dominated the landscape was finally able to be removed this week and replaced by temporary railing.

Because of the curve in the roof a whole lot more wood had to be installed to support the plaster sheets which needed to follow the curves.

And now the plaster is being installed.  We are finally starting to see the shape of the end product although there is still a lot to do.  Plasterers have another day before the floor can be sealed and the tilers get to have a go!

Cross Country Stars

Methinks we have some Stars in the making!  At the Cross Country Run yesterday, James ran fourth, Pat ran eighth (both improved their positions from last year) and Sophie finished in fine style.  They did not allocate places for her group.  We are very proud of their achievements.

Mother's Day

Today all the crew assembled for a Mother's Day afternoon tea (or meal).  When we are all together the decibel count works to the top of the scale.

We think the Fathers also have their place in the "Grand Scheme of Things".