School Starts

The start of the new school year always brings a level of excitement.  James' move to Tintern sees him in a smart new uniform.

Pat and Sophie are are also looking good in their new gear.

Sophie is starting to remind us of an old photo of Kate taken a year or two back.

Kate's Birthday

We had a slightly belated family celebration of Kate's Birthday on Australia Day.

There was plenty of assistance with the candles -

Then we retired to the balcony to watch the fireworks display that the Council had been kind enough to provide by way of celebration.

Sophie Sleeps in Comfort

Sophie no longer has to be concerned about the nightly buzzing in her ears.  The mozzies are being held at bay by the upgrade to her bed.

The New School Year Approaches

James had a day preparing for the new School and the new school year.  He now has his new iPad and Clamshell Case -

and his books have been purchased and are ready for naming.

Summer Fashions

With the warmer weather Rosie and Max spent some time in the Salon to update their summer wardrobe.

The Rise of the Entrepreneur

Ebony and Holly decided that on a warm summer day, a street stall might be the way to go.  The Mini-Moguls prepared Fudge and Lemonade, distributed advertising in the street, set up the stand and watched the dollars roll in.  It was good product as they sold out.

Jack's New Look

Jack called over this afternoon sporting a new look. He is looking a lot older.  We had to record it.

Morning Call

The Rainbow Lorikeets are back in force and making plenty of noise in the mornings (and other times).  They LOVE the flowering gums.

Preparation for the New Year

There  is still a way to go but Sophie, Patrick and James have set up their rooms for the new school year. They have rearranged their furniture and have new desk chairs.

City Stay - Part 2

The trials and disasters of the Melbourne Star have kept us amused over the years so it was decided we should go and see it.  All good fun, but expensive and certainly no London Eye.

We used the trams for transport of course.

Walking to the Botanic Gardens we were revived by a Devonshire Tea.

The old Treasury buildings and old gold vaults were worth a visit.

As were the Conservatory and Fairy tree in the Fitzroy Gardens.

We arrived home ready for a sleep (by limo - of course).

Melbourne City Stay

We decided that it was about time to see the city as tourists rather than residents so we booked a few nights in the Sheraton and took a Limo to our accommodation.

 

As the Melbourne Laneways have gained a big reputation in the past few years, they were our first port of call.  They were an eclectic mix of colourful, clever, crass and moronic.  Certainly worth a visit although the better ones have to be searched out.

 One of the local pubs provided dinner with the backpackers -

and then it was down to the serious business of cards and Bananagrams for the evening.

New Year's Eve

As Terry and Tricia were in Tasmania this New Year, it was decided to celebrate closer to home. We travelled to Clover Cottage and felt well at home amongst the plethora of grey hair assembling for the evening.

It has to be said that there was never a chance that we would go home hungry.  The meal was magnificent.  The range of offerings entirely overcame our resolve to be abstemious on the evening.

Great venue, food and friends.  Let's hope for a great 2015.