Clare Valley

with its rugged beauty we awoke to explore The Clare Valley. we stayed in the town of Clare. the 2 nights we were there were cold but beautiful warm to hot days, perfect weather. we visited a heap of wineries and the boys had fun, exploring , playing and sometimes annoying us after the we had stayed at a winery for too long.
Clare is famous for their Rieslings and i feel in love.
the area reminded me a little of Tuscany with its rugged beauty. perfect rows of lush green vines and then ruggered Australian bush :: gums, dirt and brown grass.

we swam in the caravan park pool, had yummy BBQ's in our camp and had great coffee in the main street. we found a great toy shop that sold anything related to tractors and Archie was in heaven.
we needed a few more days as we would have liked to hire bikes and ride the reisling trail which meanders through the townships of the valley and the wineries.

South Australia

Today we left for a week of relaxation.
we got really cheap air flights to Adelaide and decided to come over for a week.
today we picked up our home for the trip, a home on wheels a big motor home. we were all very excited.
first stop Grange.
this is a fantastic town/suburb of Adelaide :: john had some worked to do so the boys and i explored the beach. we found shells, crab body and nippers and beautiful rocks. the beach was amazingly windy but once we were used to that and down by the waters edge, all i could here was giggles, shrieks and laughter. the waves were rough and Archie was sent to the ground a couple of times but to his credit he just kept on getting up. we had a wonderful afternoon. we walked along the pier and saw the fishermen with net/wire baskets. Hugo was fascinated and wanted to know what they caught. all of a sudden a little voice next to me said "excuse me what do you catch in those ?" i looked down and it was Hugo asking the fisherman, :: wow he is growing up i thought as i leaned closer so i also could hear the answer. "what ever we can mate" was the response. not enough for my inquisitive young man so we stayed and stayed till it was time to meet daddy. a quick walk back along the pier to show dad we saw some crabs on the ground. i" i think it must be crabs mummy. but we can ask Popeye he will know. "
with sand in our toes and our hair all wind blown we had a quick dinner on the deck of the grange hotel. as we pulled out in our motor home i could hear 2 big happy sighs behind me.
we drove to Clare and as i tucked the boys into bed without them even waking i could smell the sea in their hair and it already felt like we had been on holidays for weeks.

hot hot hot

37 degrees they say today is going to be and it feels like it.
hugo got some new construction for his birthday called zoob. hugo and archie spent ages playing inside with this today.

summer fun

the boys were outside this afternoon playing cricket, after archie bowling a few balls it was my turn to take over.

eildon

we all look pretty happy, as we have affectionately nicknamed it we were back in "paradise" friends of ours have a house boat an lake eildon and we go up and spend time with them. its about the only place where john switches off and relaxes, which in turn is good for all of us !!!
we are here for the weekend. lots of friends, skiing, chatting, eating, drinking and enjoying the sun.

Happy Birthday Hugo

Happy Birthday little man
5 seems so old, so grown up.
where has the time gone?
i wish i could have it all again with you.
I love you being 5 :: you think, explore, experiment, problem solve, inquire, laugh, play, dream and laugh. i hope you do all of this and more when you are 55 !!
i hope you enjoy your year of being 5, that you grow and develop and have fun.
you are my little mate, i love you so very much.
happy birthday, darling Hugo
enjoy your day.

8 years

its been 8 years today since we got married. a beautiful summer day in 2001.
what a day. it was the best day of my life.
it seems such a long time ago that we got married, we have done so much in that time :: new house:: 2 children :: overseas trips :: and many many experiences with all that we have done it seems to be a long time ago. we have both grown over this time. john is very good for me whilst he will sit quietly and be my rock always supporting and encouraging he is also good at encouraging me to take risks and try new things that take me out of my comfort zone.
we are different people john loves to be busy and active and be around people, i also love that but also need time out to read a book or sit quietly. we are both able to do what we need with love and respect and i think this is why it works.
we have had a rough trot last year so i am glad its the start of a new year.happy anniversary john.
i love you

first swim of the season

today was the first day Archie has been in the pool for a swim. after spending time at the beach and eildon he has been enthusiastic about the pool. before Christmas he wouldn't go anywhere near the water, loved his bath but not at all interested in the pool. :: now i can't keep him out, he loves it.
i am so relieved that we have another water baby.

Eildon

we have just come back from a week at eildon with friends that have a house boat. the first day was great weather the rest of the time was freezing. we spent most of the time playing games, but the kids managed to swim most days. it was a great break relaxing with good friends. pity that the weather was so cold.

Blairgowrie

we have just spent 4 magical days at Blairgowrie. the boys had a wonderful time playing. they are truly endulged with attention and time when we are down there. there is always someone to play a game, the really lovely thing is that i can sit and play a game with Hugo while mum or dad takes archie off to do something or vice versa. Mum and Dad gave Hugo Junior Monopoly for christmas, we had a great time playing that as well as countless hours playing cricket.
hours and hours on the beach. the first day archie was scared of the water but by the time we left he was jumping in and out of the waves with Hugo.
we went and saw the start of the melbourne to Hobart race .
when two little tired cherubs are tucked up in bed, with live in babysitters john and i were able to go out for dinner.
bliss..

christmas lunch

this year we had Christmas at mum and dads down the beach. beautiful weather and a traditional lunch and i as per usual ate too much Christmas pudding and yummy food. we had a great day.
we are down the beach for 4-5 days which will be lots of fun.

Christmas Morning

the wonder, delight and magic of christmas morning is so special.

Happy christmas to all.

Christmas Eve

a new baby arrived yesterday. great friends of our Ian and Mish just had their second baby, a baby boy called Remy. little brother to Charli.
Hugo and Archie were very wxcited to visit him today.

preparing a snack for Santa. 2 beers and some biscuits !! hmmm not sure Santa will be able to deliver much after finishing those 2 beers.

magic reindeer food.