a big birthday

back in october we got to celebrate my Grandpas 85th birthday. We had a special family party for him with all but 2 grandkids making it for the occasion. It was the first time in a long time that the family had all been together, and it was a lovely night to catch up especially with those that I dont get to see very often. And the kids got the opportunity to meet some of there second cousins for the first time and they had a great time playing. Grandpa has dementia and doesnt remember us now but he was very aware that everyone in the room that night loved him and that he had created a beautiful family.

2 weeks to go

only 2 more weeks to go until this little person arrives in our family. It has by far been the longest pregnancy ( im sure it has been more then 9 months!). I also had forgotten how hard it can be being pregnant with a toddler, and a high maitenance toddler at that.
It has been fun though trying to help Zack understand what is happening and setting up his little room so that we can fit a cot and a bed in there. Thankfully they wont be sharing for long as Zacks room is SO small, but for the first month or so they will. all I can say is bring on January 5th.

Our Weekend In Melbourne

I have fallen a little behind this year with the blogging. I just cant seem to find the time to sit down on the computer, So I am playing a little catch up at the moment.

Back in June I took the older 2 boys to melbourne for a couple of nights.It was their first trip back since we moved 4 1/2 years ago. When I first decided to do it it seemed like a fun adventure ( which is was) however very tiring as by the time we went I was well into my first trimester and very tired.

We stayed at Plum hotel and apartments in Southbank and got an awesome deal thanks to Auntie Leah who works there. The first full day we had there we went to the Aquarium which the boys just loved. I had never been myself and loved it also. after the Aquarium we headed to the outlets to do some shopping ( the boys were very keen to spend their hard earned money). the boys bought themselves all sorts of bits and pieces. For the sports mad Daniel the highlight of his day was riding the train with all the football fans on it heading to a game. they werent even Collingwood supporters but he got into the spirit of football chatting with the supporters.


The next day we headed off to the Zoo taking the tram ( I learned at the end of the day the train would have been easier!) The zoo was a lot of fun and Daniel had a huge facination with the apes. By the time we had walked around the zoo, had lunch and bought half the gift shop it was time to head back to the hotel to grab our bags and head to the airport home....or so we thought.


at the airport we found out that our flight had been cancelled ( thanks Tiger) and that due to the back log of flights that had been cancelled the previous week due to the ash cloud there were no flights on any airline for days. So off we went to a new hotel that tiger was putting us up in ( although yet to get my refund for that still). We stayed at the Mantra hotel in conjoined rooms. IT was probably the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in. the cleanest , nicest bathroom, and nothing like a king bed all to myself , watching tv and eating chocolate. It was a nice relaxing night.



Thanks to Tiger we had an extra day and we got to spend the day with auntie Kelly and the cousins ( auntie kelly took them out of school for the day). it was so nice to just relax and let the kids play together as they dont get to do that very often.



That night after saying goodbye to our cousins we headed back into the city and down to port Melbourne to catch the boat home. I wish I could say i love the boat but I dont, especially when it is rough.

When we arrived in Devonport we caught about our billionth taxi to mcdonalds to wait for Matt and Zack to come and pick us up. We were all very tired and relieved when they arrived and eager to start the drive home.
It was a great weekend, although next time I think i will take matt with me if I am taking kids.

Our traditional photo at Ross Bridge. Matt makes us stop there every time we pass and take a photo. It was very wet and cold that day

Race Day

Today was the boys School Athletics carnival. I think it was the first day of the year I havent had to drag Daniel out of bed and push him to get ready for school. He was SO excited. Being that the school is my old primary school Daniel had hoped to be placed into the same house that I had been in ( as well as all 3 Docking families) however the boys were placed into another house so we spent the day going for Sherwood ( the green house). Although being back there and hearing the shouts of my old team (Gordon) bought back a lot of childhood memories....its nice to be taken back there sometimes!.
The boys did really well. They ran in every race they could and although they didnt win any races they had a great day. Zack was happy to be able just to run around outside for hours. playing in the trees and having fun with Grandma Jury who came along to watch.
It was a great day , but by 3pm there were 3 tired worn out boys and a worn out mum!

School Time

The First day of school this year was a little tougher then most with the start of a new school. WE made a decision to move schools a couple of years ago as we were really happy with their old school and finally made the move this year. From the day we collected the school uniforms I could tell that we had made the right decision. It s a much nicer school in a much better area and has a much better feel for it. It was the school that I went to as a kids along with my brothers and all my Docking cousins so it has been nice being able to show the kids around.
I was so greatful in both the kids classes this year that they werent the only new kids which has made the transition easier. AFter. only a week at school Daniel has already come home with his first birthday party invite for the year! It is such a relief that they have started making friends and settling in well.

Russell Falls

During the School Holidays we didnt get to go away this time but we did manage a few small day trips. One of them was up to Mt Field National Park to see Russell Falls. The kids just love the falls. All 3 loved walking along the track looking for platypus and other animals. Zack loved being free to run around outside ( and the challenge was to keep him out of the water.)

bits and pieces

These are just some random shots over the past few months. I have been very slack with my blog. It seems I just don't have much time at the moment. But my goal is to get back into it this year as it is a great way to record bits and pieces that we get up to. We haven't been up to much these holidays as we have had so much sickness ( including out car).

my little man

My Little ratbag. He is only a few months off being two and definately my biggest handful yet. This little guy loves to climb and do everything he knows he shouldn't do! He loves to take his clothes off and loves to show everyone his buttone (nipples)!. Yet no matter what he does it is so hard to get annoyed or angry with him when he flashes his gorgeous grin. I just love having a little person in the house again. It is so much fun.