Kate's Birthday

We had our celebration for Kate's birthday last night.  She had organised a balmy night with fireworks to finish so we settled in.

Following the meal, some decided on a film before the fireworks -

and for others there was the Great Rickety Kate Championship.

Then it was out to watch the display.

Civilization 2016 - Round 1

We lined up this morning for a Civilization marathon to determine who was the current champion of the world.

It was a day of high emotion with all the elements of treachery, skullduggery, soaring ambition, valour, risk and luck. As my poor cities were subjected to the ravages of epidemics and civil disorder, I was able to see the development of great civilizations out to the west.  On this occasion, James turned out to be the great leader and empire builder with a magnificent win just ahead of Brett, Adam and Mitchell.  Unfortunately I was left so far behind I could not be seen in the  final photo.

Cars in Action

Pat and James gave us a demonstration of their radio controlled racers last night.  They are like the real thing needing constant maintenance but when they are running well they can really fly.

Mum's at Work

Jack, Cooper and Lachlan dropped by today.  They needed someone to supervise while Mum was at work so Granny and Pa volunteered.
Jack created JengaHenge.

and Cooper enjoyed Trick Sticks.

RC Racing Comes to Town

About two months after his birthday the day finally came when Patrick decided on an appropriate present.  His money was going toward a remote control racing car.  Having located the one he wanted he received full instructions on care and maintenance.

James decided to also take up the challenge so the shop had a good day.

These are quite sophisticated pieces of machinery so should provide some real challenges and fun over the holiday period.

Botanic Gardens - Cranbourne

We visited the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens with the Richardson Clan who were having a meet-up.  The place has continued to develop since our last visit two years ago and has to be one of the most impressive public spaces we have seen.  Great displays of Australian native plants in very well designed settings.

New Year Celebrations

Our New Year celebrations saw us in Geelong this year.  We travelled via the Werribbee Open Range Zoo and spent a warm afternoon with the animals.

In Geelong we had rooms in the Novotel looking out over the foreshore where the New Year Celebrations were to take place.(Just over my right shoulder.)

Geelong was well organised for the New Year with activities set up all along the beach front.

Their Christmas "Tree" was ablaze with lights and the fireworks were being set off from a barge in the bay.

Our Hotel Balcony provided front row seats for the whole performance.

New Year's Day provided ample opportunity to sit around and chat in a variety of locations.

The local band allowed us to participate in a final performance before drifting back to Melbourne.

Sophie's Christmas Haul

Sophie knew what she wanted for her Birthday and Christmas and what she wanted was Shopkins.  We can only conclude she had a very successful Christmas. It raises the question - can one ever have too much Shopkins? I think Sophie's answer is "No!"