school holidays begin...

Trying to think about what to do over the next two weeks to maintain some sort of sanity. Got lots planned, just have to make sure I keep on track taking the kids out everyday. It just becomes too rowdy when we try and stay home for a day. My other Mum friends are interested in creating a roster these holidays so we can all take it in turns to mind the kids and each of us can have a break... phew. Eli off to another grueling week of Killer Elite.
Photos: Liam graduates to a blue and white striped belt, Zoe starts to play at the indoor playground and a car full of monsters head off on a rainy Saturday.

long time since writing...

It's so hard to get a minute to sit and write, but I will endeavor to be a more frequent blogger, hoping that peoples still remember to log on.
Things have been busy to say the least, it seems on a Monday that I have so much time during the week to get this and that done and before I know it it's Friday and the weekend. It's great I guess, but boy is time flying and I have to remember to just sit and take in everything that is happening as this is such a special time for us all, the kids being so young and growing so fasat.
Kai is just amazing me at how grown up he is these days. He comes out with all kinds of little thoughts he's been having and I have to really check myself before I just quickly dismiss what he is saying. I tell myself "Jo, this is when Kai is just soaking up everything we say, make it meaningful"... Its just that I get so caught up in everything else I forget and just end up humoring the kids when they come out with these pearls of wisdom.

Mum has finished her renovation... pheww. So happy for her to see she has some of lifes little luxuries now. I just love thinking of her finally feeling so proud of her place and so happy to have people visit... I am enjoying it more through her than if it were me I think... although her renovation has made me really keen to get stuff updated here. We have been here three years and things we said we would undertake when we moved in are unchanged and sometimes it drives me a bit bonkers. Not that I can complain as my darling husband has been working his proverbial ass off the last few months. He's so reliable and steady and I feel really proud of him that he has achieved all he has in these last few years. He really made a go of it when things looked pretty bleak for him in Melbourne work wise not too long ago.

So off to St K again tomorrow for a small celebration of my Nana and Grandpa's 60th anniversary. Even though grandpa is gone we wanted to show Nana that everyone appreciates their union and all it has created... Jeepers they have left their legacy on this mortal coil.

Will write more soon... until then a few picks of the precious ones.

gaye's birthday

I took Liam and Zoe into town today for a picnic at Alma Road Park for Gaye's 53rd birthday. I picked up Nana on the way. We all arrived at the same time and spent about 3 hours sitting around chatting. It was pretty cold even though the sun was out. I don't mind so much when Melbourne Autumn feels like it should. It's when it feels like Feb in the middle of April that unnerves me.
I got Gaye a really simple black wool top for the coming chilliness, and opted for some more colorful winter tights to the plain black ones I had originally intended to get her.
Mum went back with the gals to St Kilda (I thought she was coming to stay with us for a while). She is roughing it in her half finished renovated flat. I can't wait until it's finally done and we can look around at all that has changed without the debris.
Kai and E stayed home resting up. Kai has been pretty sick, actually we have all been run down with some cold or other. Back home now and about to get everyone bathed and bedded... then time out for Mum and Dad : )

train ride into the aquarium...

We took the boys into the Melbourne Aquarium today. We took the train in and it was pretty fun. Too many people for such a small aquarium I thought, but it was great to see the penguins and the sharks with the kids. Zoe was loving the huge fish tanks.
It was nice way to spend a sunny holiday.

grumpy mum...

dollhouse of my dreams...

Classic example of living my childhood through my kids. Picked up this dollhouse from a yard sale. I painted, renovated and got some new furniture. I don't think the kids appreciate it anywhere near as much as I do. Maybe Zoe will?

daggin' around in st. kilda...

Spent Sunday with Mart just wandering around St. Kilda.
Grand Prix buzzing in the background.
Got a $20 toasted sandwich for the boys.
Adventured to the playground.
jets roaring overhead.
Wowed by the 747 low fly over.
Coffee from the Gal.
Gaye made yummiest chicken burgers ever.
Mum played games with the boys.
Had a little parking/Grand Prix convo with Joe Camilleri...
Great Day in my old hood.