We had to wait till around 8.30pm so it was dark enough to see the screen. The plan had been to watch from in the pool but it was a little on the cool side. Only Amy was brave enough to start off in the pool.

Ideally we’d have some pool floats so you don’t actually spend the whole time “in” the pool. Looks like we also need some more lounge chairs.

We watched about half of Aladdin before the mozzies chased us indoors. It was definitely a fun event, we just need a few more supplies…. like citronella candles…and some popcorn!

After work, which we had to chase him home from, we had a nice family dinner.

Followed by cake.

And no, he didn’t really turn 10, but they were the only candles we had and Christy insisted we have some to blow out.

Gotta love birthday cake….

There was damper…

BBQ steaks/veggie patties and salads…

and pavolva for dessert…

Followed by this Australian Afternoon Tea that I picked up this morning… it didn’t really taste different to any other black tea but it was nice…

with Tim Tams and lamingtons….

Definitely a very yummy way to celebrate Australia Day. Unfortunately my arthritis was VERY bad so I spent the afternoon on the couch feeling sorry for myself while more painting was done upstairs.

We had a bite to eat and then walked down to the lotus pond, which is actually flowering at the moment.

There are SO many fish in the pond.

I love all the statues throughout the gardens. I’m sure this guy was here before but I don’t remember seeing him.

As for this guy – he’s part of the Chinese New Year decor.

We loved the lanterns hanging alongside the paths and on the buildings…

and these cute dragons…

If you’re ever in Wollongong you should definitely make time for a visit. And I’m always free for a chai latte at the cafe .

After the game we headed home for a late supper with Nan & Pop….

My camera is mucking up so we’re having to use the flash…which leads to shiny faces and double chins .

Just before 10pm we headed outside from some sparkler fun.

Then it was home to bed. I’ve been getting up early and therefore very tired at night. I read for a while and didn’t even stir at 12am!!!

On New Years Day the Powell’s came for lunch.

Not sure what happened but I only took three photos!!!!

Ice Cream cake for dessert….

and Noel with his big bowl of cream…. he didn’t really mean to get that much… or so he says .

JANUARY

School holidays ~ Farm tour of the Highlands ~ Trip to the beach ~ Holiday in Nelson Bay, pasta making ~ swimming ~ Australia Day BBQ at home

FEBRUARY

Movies – Gnomeo & Juliet ~ Kevin’s Birthday ~ Back to school ~ Meeting Paola in Berry ~ swimming carnivals ~ Valentine’s Day dinner ~ Earthquake in Christchurch ~ Kevin goes to San Francisco

MARCH

Amy’s Birthday ~ Glee Party ~ New fridge ~ Weekend in Sydney with Kevin ~ Tim Minchin at Opera House ~ trip to Jamerboo ~ Hawks basketball games

APRIL

Easter in Canberra with the Powells ~ Family holiday to Surfers Paradise ~ Autumn trees ~ Jamberoo (again)

MAY

Amy performs in school talent show ~ Muscial – Mary Poppins ~ Mothers Day in Berrima ~ Alpaca Farm ~ Movies with Leanne – Something Borrowed ~ the Royal Wedding ~ New desk for sewing

JUNE

My Birthday ~ trip to Disneyland & Alaska

JULY

Leanne’s 40th ~ School holidays ~ new lounge ~ all very sick ~ Kevin’s surgery ~ Athletics carnival ~ Amy’s rock esteddford performance  ~ Enrique Iglasias Concert ~ cancerous mole removed ~ Harry Potter in Gold Class

AUGUST

Christy’s futsal day in Penrith ~ Exchange Student from Japan ~ Taronga Zoo ~ Christy’s choir performance ~ Glee Concert Movie ~ Cirque de Soliel ~ Chloe’s 1st Birthday

SEPTEMBER

Amy is Rock Eseddford performance in Sydney ~ Father’s Day ~ New car ~ Kevin’s trip to San Francisco ~ Christy’s birthday & Smurf Movie Party ~ first swim of season

October 2011

School holidays ~ visit to Grandpas farm ~ Halloween Party ~ Girls go trick or treating

NOVEMBER

Weekend away to Dubbo zoo ~ juicer ~ See Cesear Millan with Nan ~ Meet Vanessa in Kiama ~ High school reunion ~ treatment for heal spur

DECEMBER

Wedding Anniversary weekend in Canberra ~ Lots of school uniform packing ~ Christy’s choir performance in mall ~ Decorating for Christmas ~ 6 new chickens ~ Girls dance concert ~ Movie – Arthur Chrismtas ~ Nan’s birthday lunch ~ pre- Christmas eve lunch ~ Leigh’s engagement party ~ work xmas party ~ Amy’s school award presentation ~ Fiji for Christmas

Once we decided we’d be spending Christmas in Fiji we knew we’d really miss spending Christmas Eve with our friends – a tradition dating back to my childhood. So we decided we’d have a pre Christmas Eve party before we left. Now I was either having too much fun or my arthritis was bothering me or both, but I have hardly ANY photos. It was dreary day but a few brave souls (i.e. kids) had a swim. And poor Sarah (Powell) wasn’t able to come as she has the chicken pox.

However, there were games….

There were laughs…

There was punch made by Kevin…

There was pizza….

There were yummy desserts…

There were friends and family…

There were kids who did not want their photo taken…

There were very cute babies…

There were puppies with presents…

There was the mayhem of gift-giving and present unwrapping…

There were good times had by all….

Well the weather might not have co-operated (it was a little on the cool side) with my plans but at least I had the tablewear (thanks to Annie) for our first ever “let the Summer holidays begin” party. Though the girls inform me it’s not really a party unless you get to invite other people.

Don’t you just love the watermelon candles? I couldn’t light them though (they are outdoor citronella candles) as we ate indoors.

We debated a BBQ but decided on a very “healthy” meal of chips, potato scollops and pineapple fritters.

After dinner I busted out a new game – UNO stacks.

You’d think this would be a quick game but it’s surprising high the tower can grow before it comes crashing down.

While we didn’t get the swim I’d planned for, and it was easy night food wise, the girls really enjoyed that it wasn’t a normal night. And I think it was a fun way to start the Summer holidays.

I think there were well over 30 boxes of new school uniforms (we have a totally new look school uniform).  Mid packing looking like this, and these photos don’t do justice to the chaos we experienced at times.

After almost 3 days Mum (who was the most wonderful helper) and I had packed nearly 200 orders.

I felt so sorry having the leave the sick girls to fend for themselves but I had no choice. They were so good about it. But Christy kept calling asking when I’d be home – she wanted her Mum . My Dad was just next door much of time but on Friday morning Amy went to school and Christy was all by herself. That’s when you miss having no siblings to call on for help.

Anyway, finally we returned the room to state of order…..

just don’t look at the other half of the room….

which is stack of old uniforms and empty boxes waiting to be flattened.

Now I just need everyone to pick up their orders next week, then I sit back and relax and get ready for Fiji!!!

Then in the afternoon Mum & I headed up to Sydney…

to see this….

Cesar Millan (the dog whisperer) was fantastic. The show was funny, moving and educational. We had 3rd row tickets and got to stay behind after the show for a special question and answer time.

Then on Sunday, after doing some paperwork in the morning we headed down to Kiama  to meet one of my online friends, Vanessa of Little Retro House(  they were staying at East Beach – you might remember our stay here). We’ve been trying to meet up for a while now so I’m so pleased we finally managed it. And like always when I meet blogging friends we hit it off straight away. It ALWAYS amazes me there is no awkwardness, just instant real-life friendship.

Her daughter, friend and Christy took off for a swim at the pool (also instant friends) while we chatted and enjoyed some afternoon tea. We then took all the girls (including Amy) down to the beach for a swim. Though it was overcast it was still very warm.

While we were sitting here  a Southery came through and it instantly turned cold. I think it dropped around 10deg. Just crazy.

When we could see the big grey clouds moving in we headed back to their van…

and tried to stay dry.

We really enjoyed our visit and it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Of course, it’s essential to have ice-cream if you drive through Kiama. Mad, I tell you, as it was rather cold.

Christy didn’t end up eating her’s as it was “too cold”. What, ice cream is cold? Who knew?

Me, being the sane one, opted for a nice hot tea .

We then headed home and since Kevin wasn’t keen on going out again to the basketball, I took Christy with me.

We had a nice time, though the Hawks lost (due mainly to bad sportsmanship by the other team).

It was a certainly a very enjoyable weekend. Hope you all had a good one.