August Randoms

Becoming more Aussie by the minute. Walking in the street with no shoes.

 Always creating something

 All buckled up and ready to roll

 Playing 'The Voice"

 Rocking out to her own beat

Sunshine Coast Half Marathon

  Ineke and I signed up to do the Sunshine Coast Half Marathon. And as added bonus, we drove up the day before and had a night away! We checked out the coarse, relaxed in the room, & went out for dinner. Cala Luna had some awesome lasagna and garlic bread. After we stuffed ourselves silly we called it a night. Up before the sun, we made our way to the start line. The views were picturesque. The course nice and flay except one hill at the beginning (best place for a hill). Ineke and I got separated at the start but met back up a few kms into the race. We ended up running most of the race together. finishing less than 2 minutes apart. We had a dip in the ocean  and got some brekkie before heading back home.

 Daddy was on nail polish duty while mum was away.

10 Years!

  10 Years of Marriage! Crazy to think back to our wedding day. Gosh- we were young! I think about everything we have been through and all the opportunities we have had so far. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without Matt. He works hard to provide for his family and is a great dad to our kids. He encourages me to sit outside, enjoy the weather and eat Bon Bons every chance I get ;-) Thanks Der. Can't wait to see what we can fill the next 10 with!

Sunday Funday

  Our friend did some anniversary/ family photos for us. We had a great time finding ideas on Pinterest, planning it out, & actually doing it. The kids did relatively well except when EL fell over and got her white shirt a little muddy. Some how afternoon turned into night and a drink turned into quite a few. Kids had a quick dinner at home before the adults had a delicious seafood pasta next door. I think Monday was a bit rough for some of us, but worth it! Friends like D&H don't come along every day.

Italian Day

  At school, MA & DB had Italian Day. Our original plan was to just wear the Italian flag colors but of course, DB had a different idea 2 days before- A gladiator. Then MA picked a gondolier. A couple busy days later and we had 2 Italian Day costumes ready for the parade. The kids sang songs, did art projects, and played games. They even got to have pizza and gelato for lunch!

Pan Pac Games

The Pan Pacific Games were held on the Gold Coast this year. And seeing as we have never been to a professional swim meet, I decided to be the "fun" mum and take them on a school day. I didn't tell the kids until we were loaded in the car. The weather was cool and rainy but we made the best of it.  I think once we got there and watched a few heats, they got into it. We cheered for the American and the Aussies. We saw some big names in the swimming world- Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Cate & Bronte Campbell, & James Magnussen!

Cate Campbell in the green and black suit

 Michael Phelps getting ready to go. Love his preswim ritual.

 Ryan Lochte in lane 3

 James Magnussen lane 4

Brisbane Roar

  Southside Eagles had a fundraiser for an Epilepsy organization. The Brisbane Roar sent their inflatable field and some players for the afternoon. The kids had a blast playing soccer, watching the clubs top 2 adult teams play, getting some Roar players' autographs, & running around with their friends.

Noodle Markets

  A couple friends and I went to the Noodle Markets at Southbank. It was a great & relaxing night. Not even the threat of rain could scare us away.

Gold Coast Half Marathon 2014

  I ran the GC half marathon with a group of friends. We had been running every Sunday together & sometimes during the week too. We left very early and got to the race area while it was still dark. It was the most well organized race I have ever been a part of. Bag drop, toilets, no long lines anywhere. The course was beautiful and FLAT! The weather was so nice, cool but sunny. It was a great day. I finished in 1 hour 55 mins, which was 30 mins faster than my 1st half marathon. The signs people held along the way were very entertaining too. One of my favs- Go random stranger go!

More Park Time

  We met one of EL's friends at the end of the school holidays. Roo enjoyed having the dog park to herself. EL and her friend ran, played, & chatted. MA & DB kicked the soccer ball around and helped with Roo.

Movie Time

  We met up with the whole group of school friends for a movie and play in the park. We took up a lot of seats. A lot of popcorn and lollies later and everyone watched the movie. After we headed out to burn off some energy. Kids everywhere. Running this way and that, boys chasing girls, brothers bugging sisters. It is so nice, that with this group of friends, all the kids have someone to play with close in age.

 And we had to have some ice cream when we stopped by Southbank, of course!

Soccer Camp-palooza

  MA & DB did a soccer camp at our soccer club. A big bunch of their friends participated also. It was nice to go each afternoon, big kids played soccer, little kids had a play in the park and the mums had a chat. Great way to spend a winter afternoon. Roo got her 1st taste of the park too. She loved it and was tuckered out before we made it home each day.
  The 2nd week of school holidays MA & DB did a Brisbane Roar soccer clinic. More chatting, playing at the park, & soccer. The kids loved playing in the inflatable Roar field.

 The 2nd week of school holidays MA & DB did a Brisbane Roar soccer clinic. More chatting, playing at the park, & soccer. The kids loved playing in the inflatable Roar field.