Emma's Summer Uniform

Here is Emma's summer uniform - it's just a bit too long!! May need to take it up a few inches!

Lucy watching on

Mr Magpie Comes To Visit

One day last week, a curious and hungry magpie came to visit. He swooped in to our pergola area and gladly ate the chopped up ham we put out for him. Lucy was fascinated by this feathered friend - he must have been very hungry as he wasn't even bothered by Lucy's screams of delight!

Our Lady of Hope Day

Friday 16 September was Our Lady of Hope day at Emma's school. This is an annual day cleebrated by the school, starting with the whole school attending mass. The students then jump onto buses and are taken to Thordon Park for a day of fun and games with teachers, family and friends. It's a great day, with the teachers playing games with the students, a sausage sizzle, the older students held a face painting stall and families getting to know each other over a picnic lunch. It was a great day and Thorndon Park is a beautiful spot. It's a huge park about half an hour away from the school in the suburb of Paradise, with a huge lake (fenced), playground, open ovals and leafy picnic spots. The kids had a great day - Lucy loved chasing after the big kids, and it was a good chance for me to get to know some of the other parents. The kids are already talking about next year's Our Lady of Hope day!!

Emma's class - Room 1

Emma's "boyfriend", Nick!

Emma's "other boyfriend", James - poor boys!! (Lucy in the background, riffling through everyone's bags for food!!)

Now THAT'S A Rocking Horse!

On Sunday 16 September we jumped in the car and headed into the Adelaide Hills. We ended up at the Big Rocking Horse, located at Gumeracha, about 40 mins from Adelaide. After our Fairyland Village adventure, we were a little worried about what lay ahead. But we were pleasantly surprised. We were greeted by, you guessed it, a very large rocking horse. Technically, not really a "rocking" horse, but an excellent representation none the less. It's free entry, and only $2 to climb to the top of the horse, upon completetion of which you are entitled to a certificate proclaiming your acheievment. Emma and I braved the cold and rain to ascend this large metal beast; Wayne was on baby sitting duties. I have to say, the rocking horse is very well designed, with an "up" ladder and a "down" ladder. Emma enjoyed it so much we did the climb again before heading home!
There is also an animal park, which you can meander through and feed an assortment of animals. Kangaroos, wallabies, ducks, chooks, sheep, goats and a couple of rather nasty alpacas. Poor Lucy got smacked on the head by a hungry goat and Emma left me stranded in between the mean alpacas. After feeding the wildlife, we headed for the gift shop, where there is a huge range of wooden toys, most of which are made on site. Then it was off to the cafe for a bite to eat.
Overall, we had a great day and I would strongly recommend anyone to head out for a look should you find yourself in this neck of the woods. It was good fun and not too expensive - a nice change!

Yep, that's us at the top!

Up close and personal with the wildlife.

How cute!

Happy Birthday Emma!

On 24 August we celebrated Emma's fifth birthday! Jan and Kerry came down from Brisbane and stayed with us for the week, and on the night of Emma's birthday we went out for a family dinner to celebrate.She was, of course, spoiled rotten, by all. I couldn't help but feel sad for her though, not having any of her close friends and family around to help her party. She still had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed all her gifts.