Basketball Starts 2014

Basketball cranked up for the year on a hot day in a very hot stadium.  The team was committed but it was very hard work in the heat.  The introduction of short halves to combat the heat were not a lot of help and the boys were exhausted at the end of the match.

 

There were some monster players in the opposition but James managed to sneak through the pack to score a goal. 

A tough game in tough conditions - we hope it is cooler next time.

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.