Gone so quickly

Our last day spent under a rumbling sky,

Sitting by the BBQ swatting flies,

 

Laughing like we have been doing this every day in the holidays,

Munching on the dinner of choice, burgers cooked on the BBQ, that was fueled by the mountain of sticks Toby collected at the park on Australia day

Slurping on root beer

Desert to follow with favourite raspberry, blueberry and malteser ice cream

The holidays are over so quickly and they are off to school today, one happy to go, the other not so happy

and an extra one to hang out with me but wasn't so happy because he wanted to wear his soccer boots and we ran out of time to put them on.

Happy Australia Day

On a hot day

Our bunny likes to luxuriate in his air conditioned pad

It gets a little hot for bunnies on these 40 degree days

So what better way to spend the day than snuggled up to a frozen bottle of water.

He likes it so much he just chills...

Family heirlooms

Our lawn mower was given to us by Donald's dad back in 2000.  It came down from Rockhampton especially.  It was a family heirloom that was originally Donald's grandmothers, Ruth Lillian Walker, who passed away in 1998.

Now we don't really know what vintage it is but she's still going after all of this time and still runs on the smell of an oily rag.  There were times she wouldn't start and then there were the times that she started and the whole neighbourhood became engulfed in smoke.  For every time that I can't start the mower Donald steps in and gets it going, he seems to have the magic touch.  Now it's time for the mower to change hands....

...on to another generation.  Sam mowed his first lawn this week, (under strict supervision mind you) and aren't we proud!!  It's not easy I might add, with the wobbly handles that make it hard to push

and the wonky wheels that make it even harder to steer.

I know, I used to be the one to mow the lawns, even when I was 5 months pregnant and Sam was crying at the window because he didn't like the noise or me mowing.  We had a bigger yard back then too, and thicker grass, it's much easier now in this house.  It's time to move on and let the young ones do the work  Now I'm the one standing at the window crying, looking at my big boy working like a man.

Cookie cutters

I love these cookie cutters that Joan gave us for Christmas.  I think all the Canadian's in the family got them.

We've been dying to try them out.  So I set Sam to work.

They were fun and yum, but a little tricky to transfer from the bench onto the tray, legs kept falling off but we got the hang of it.

Dearest Joan

How do I love this quilt.....let me count the ways.....

This quilt is everything I've ever wanted and more.  It is beautiful, it is vibrant, it brings me such joy. The richness of the colours and the way the leaves fall.  It is perfect.

It is just like the ground beneath a maple or liquid amber tree in full colour.  It is just like the leaves gently falling off the tree and fluttering to the ground.  I want to roll in those leaves and now I can.  Autumn is my most favourite, favourite time of year and you have captured it in this quilt for me all year round.

You are a very talented and clever woman.  Nine months of love, sweat and tears (and swearing) that went into creating this magnificent quilt.  Now you've handed over her care and you feel a little empty...but she is in good hands now and will be loved for ever more.  Visits are encouraged, in fact are compuslory.

Thank you Joan

Lots and Lots of Love

Lisha

Sam's favourite leaf

Ethan's favourite leaf

Toby's favourite leaf

PS. You are my favourite mother in law xx

Down by the creek

Holidays (part 3)

A day down at the Gold Coast catching up with friends.

It's amazing how kids just get on with playing with old friends...and a new one.

It's kind of cool how adults just get on with hanging out together, especially with really good old friends.

I made ice cream yesterday

and it was good!!  We ate it with fresh blackberries and icing sugar.

I just want to tweak the recipe a bit before I share it.  The ice cream leaves a creamy film over the roof of your mouth which I need to change, so I guess I'm going to have to make another batch.....

but I'll have to finish the first lot off....it's a hot enough day for it!!

Holidays (Part2)

A get together

with cousins

Ready!

Aim!

Fire!

As I lined up to take an action shot of Sam and Ethan about to shoot each other, Sam moved around in front of me blocking my view.....then quickly side stepped to miss a shot from Ethan.....it hit me full in the face.  Luckily I saw what was about to happen and was able to lift my camera out of range just in time.  I don't know if it was planned or if it just happened.  He certainly looks guilty though.