Mid Sept already?!

  Monday we started swim lessons for all 3 kids. Everyone did well and is looking forward to the next lesson. Tuesday we finally made it to a playgroup with a couple friends. They have been trying to get us there since we moved in but I always had something planned or someone sick. EL was so happy to play in the kitchen (we didn't bring ours with us to Aus) & DB enjoyed the craft and playing cars with his mates.

Wednesday we had  our three way meeting -a parent teacher conference in which the student leads  the discussion. MA was excited to show us her diary and all the math she has been working on this term. The grading system here seems to be a bit different. C is what the majority of students get. It is considered average or the student is preforming at the expected grade level. I feel like in the States they hand out the As & Bs for achieving grade level success.
  Friday was the last day of Term 3 and gold coin donation day. MA was looking forward to wearing her own clothes. I was happy to donate the gold coin. The money raised is going to help fund the free breakfast the school offers on Thursdays to all students. They also had a sausage sizzle during morning tea. MA said it was delish!

 MA needed a nap before we headed to Southbank.

  EL woke up Friday afternoon saying her ear hurt. Friday night we went down to Southbank to see the Vonk family and check out the laser light show. It was very cool. Kind of like quiet fireworks set to music. It was pretty late once the show was over and we stopped to watch a street performer. The kids were starving. We ordered pizza but MA fell asleep before it arrived and EL was melting down. Her ear was really bothering her. Thankfully we had driven our car there so we didn't have to deal with public transportation on top of everything. Here is a video of last years laser show.

  So to complete our busy week, we made a trip to the Dr. office Saturday morning. Good times. EL had an ear infection. MA- still fighting some sort of bug. Aussie Dr.s tend to not give us an exact diagnosis. They say something like, "Yes her ear is red" or "well she definitely has something." We spent the rest of the day at home. poolside.

 Sunday we got up and moving early. A full day at the beach is just what we all needed.

 

 

bits and pieces

DB was in need of a haircut. So I decided I could do it. I think it turned out fine for my first haircut. He seemed to like it.

Since we couldn't be at my sisters' first home volleyball game I sent them a little something to let them know we would be cheering from afar. Big thanks to Nicole for being my delivery girl. The MTHS office provided plenty of entertainment for her while she was there ;-)



















I thought this sign was funny

And if Brighton Park was only that close. Miss our friends from the 'hood.

 really?! now that's a lot of stamps

Redcliffe Festival

  In an effort to make sure we get out and see as many places as we can (more than just the beach or our pool) I planned for us to go and check out the Redcliffe Festival on Sunday. It is about 45 mins north of us, not quite to the Sunshine Coast. After finally finding a parking place, a good 15 min walk from the festival, we were on our way to explore. It was busy as we walked along the road with vendors on each side. They had some adorable kids clothes and even a couple dresses that caught my eye. The kids wanted some lunch so we grabbed some chips (fries) and sat in the shade along the water. A little more browsing & ice cream put everyone in a pleasant mood. We wandered down to the lagoon (similar to Southbank's) and stuck our feet in before we started the trek back to the car. Throughout the day there were speed boat races. DB loved them! It was neat to see them fly by and the sound of the boats could have put me to sleep. Growing up around boats will do that to a girl. My dad would have say there all day and watched them, I'm sure. EL fell asleep while we were walking back to the car and MA & DB were right behind here once the car was moving.

simple things

I have a new appreciation for a working washing machine. For the first 2 months we lived in our house the washer did not work properly. It got to the point that I was filling it with a pot and a jug from the sink. But it is finally working on its own again. Thank goodness, laundry is already enough of a chore without adding to it.

Manly Bay Market

  Some coworkers at Matt's office told him to check out the Manly Bay Market. It takes place every 3rd Saturday of the month. So we headed there last weekend. The area is beautiful. The hills run right into the water. I bet there are some amazing views from the homes there. The market itself has a bit of everything. Fruit, veggies, meat, tea & coffee, and sweet treats. There are vendor selling clothes, fresh flowers, even musicians set up around the area so you can enjoy different styles while you browse. The didgeridoo guy was awesome! We greabbed an couple treats to share and found a place to sit and enjoy the water. Then we let the kids burn off a little energy at the playground & finished off the trip with a stop in the boat club for a drink ($21 for 2 beers and a pitcher of lemonade.) They call Sprite type soda lemonde here. Not sure what they call American lemonde here. Matt and I could have sat there all day and watched the boats come and go. 3 sleeping kids made for a quiet ride home.

The Big 5!

  DB turned 5.  Not sure how it's possible but he didn't want to turn 4 again. He picked out a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting & informed me he didn't want a plain cake. I didn't have anything planned since it was going to be just the 5 of us and a relatively quiet celebration. So like any normal mom, I started searching for an idea at noon while the cake was baking. I found some super hero logos, emailed them to Matt, he printed them off, and brought them home. Got to love being out of ink at home. DB picked spaghetti and garlic bread as is meal & Justin Bieber to listen to on the ipod. We also enjoyed some Lady Gaga & Glee music during dinner time. Present, cake, & a little target practice finished up the night.

 A special package from the States.

"How am I going to hug everyone right now?" We were sitting around the table & he couldn't reach everyone. He had just opened up socks! Love you DB <3

Dr. Dr.

  This past weekend was a doctor filled good ol' time. MA went on Friday and ended up needing med 4 times a day. DB was already on meds for an ear infection 3 times a day.

Saturday Matt went to run a few errands with DB and I stayed home to keep the pool company & let the girls play. I decided I would sit on the step of the pool and cool off while the girls played. MA needed me to open the gate to let her in. As I was standing up I must have slipped/ lost my balance& the next thing I know I am under water! I quickly hop out (I was plenty cooled off!) and looked down at my foot. My 2nd toe was no longer straight but bent sideways over my middle toe. Thank goodness Matt walked in the door at that exact moment. I calmly (I think) told him I broke my toe and needed to go to the doctor. Our usual doctor office was already closed. Matt went next door and asked the neighbor were we should go. Called, made the next available appointment & I laid on the chair until it was time to go. 45 mins later we loaded 3 kids & snacks up to go to the Dr office. We weren't even sure they would be able to help me but really didn't want to haul everyone to the ER. Finally it was our turn and the Dr uncovers my foot and says "OH!" Just what I wanted to hear.. All the kids are staring at it, fascinated. DB kept asking me if I was ok & if my toe hurt. EL said "toe. pool. mommy." Luckily the Dr. was able to straighten my toe- then it really hurt. Bandaged it up & told me to go get an xray & come back Monday. There isn't much they can do for a toe, so I opted to skip the xray and return visit. I am guessing it was just dislocated. Been hobbling around this week but it is slowly getting better. Matt and the kids took very good care of me. And thanks for Nicole for laughing at me. Glad I could once again provide some entertainment for you!

While Matt was out getting this...

I managed to do this...