Strawberry fields & Posers

We ventured up the coast to do some strawberry picking yesterday. This was a first for both Malcolm and Gregory. Between four of us (Callum and friend spent more time leaping over the rows of strawberries than actually picking anything) we quickly collected almost 4kgs...and ate just a few along the way. We then drove inland, buying pies for lunch en route, and found a spot in the forest to have our picnic and stretch our legs.

Mal thought he'd have a go at posing for the camera and looking tough but we were in such hysterics he couldn't hold the pose for very long.

Theme Park Fun

A few weeks ago we bought ourselves annual passes to three theme parks. We spent a weekend there, visiting two of them. By far our favourite was seeing the dolphins up close and personal, followed closely by as many scarey rides as we could cram into three days. Greg wasn't that keen on the bigger rides although he did go on a few. We hope we haven't scarred him for life and he won't turn into one of those adults who tells the story about how his parents and siblings traumatised him by dragging him on the Scooby Doo Ride (He kept his eyes firmly closed the ENTIRE time).




















This one just swam right up to the childrens' hands to see what they had to offer.

Down-time on the beach in between theme parks

I think this ride is called the corkscrew, for obvious reasons. Olivia, Callum and I are clinging on for dear life in the 4th carriage.

Glad I didn't eat too much lunch before THAT ride!

Towards the end of the day Greg was turning grumpy. He was determined not to enjoy the seal show, in fact threatened to not even watch but he couldn't help taking a peek.














Halfway through the show and the seal is not the only one eating out of their hands. The slapstick humour was right up his street.

A few weeks later...

Greg's first wibbly tooth

September holidays

Just back from a week's camping up the coast. We met up with Mom & Dad, my aunt, Pam, who has just turned 60, and her three sons, some of whom we hadn't seen for up to 13 years.

Camping downunder

A very intricate farm which his great-aunt helped him with

Enjoying the sunshine Boys in from an attempt at fishing

Here's the whole family at an impromptu Indian-themed birthday dinner

Mel & Rob - what can I say?3 not-so little Indians

Our MC Moonsamy, also shaker of the dice during a rowdy game of Cranium

Pam enjoying the 'exploding' flower on yet another birthday cake. We seemed to have one every day, thanks to Mom. Greg gets aquainted with Rob as they work on some art togetherLand of stunning sunsets...and probably sunrises, but we don't see too many of them

Greg turns 5!

Pringles gets a toasting

Golden Girl
Hey! It's me who's 5!
Just what I wished for
So absorbed...and delighted. It was an extended birthday with celebrations at home..
with schoolfriends,in the park with Granny, Grandpa and cousins ,

and a Fireman's birthday party at home a week later...

A houseful of boys

Getting ready for the Fireman's Obstacle Course which was a great hit

Some tall genes in our family

Olivia with cousin Jens

Bubble Boys

Greg and his friend find a fun way to spend a Friday morning.

Half time at soccer













Preparing his toy for the toy expo at school. A high tech marble run that sets off a buzzer at the end. Many hours of work.





This face painting stayed on at least 2 days and had to be touched up when he woke up

Giggling tummies with Sami