May

Here are a couple of really nice pics of the Knight family and our gorgeous girl taken when out for lunch recently.  Zane has an awesome camera and I wish he would use it more often!

We went for an epic bushwalk with our friends the Tollonaeres recently.  It was a 5km walk basically scaling a cliff face, going from the top of a waterfall to the bottom of it.

This was towards the top when energy levels were still high and hi-jinks were still happening aplenty.

Half-way down, a rest and some quiet reflection was required next to this cooling water-hole.  That's Remy on the left, one of Liam's good mates.

James and Ella had to rest their little legs at every opportunity.

A very out of shape Ange had to rest her legs too.

Moving along, one weekend we headed to the Chermside Green Heart Fair.  Ella loved the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show.

James got to hold the fireman's hose - a highlight for him.

... and Liam got to play six-a-side soccer with some players from the Brisbane Roar.

We've been having some gorgeous Queensland winter weather lately, so we've been moving the inside outside and finding some beautiful little spots to bask in the sunshine and relax.

We also attended the Wilston Winter Fair which returned after a 10 year break.  Apart from the crowds and a few over-crowding issues, it was kinda fun.  Kerrie, Sophie and Toby came and checked it out.  The kids enjoyed a tea cup ride.

James was quite taken with the fairy floss.  Won't be telling the dentist about that one!

Bend It Like Liam

As promised months ago, here are a couple of pics of Liam in action on the soccer field.  He absolutely loves Saturday mornings, and has taken to it with gusto.  I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the freezing cold Wednesday night training sessions, but I am loving seeing Liam thriving on a new challenge. 


Liam leading the charge



Yes, that is James just relaxing in the middle of the action!!  Rules are slightly more relaxed for the Under Sixes.

The cheer squad

Amelia Grace

I can't figure out how to rotate this photo, but thought you might like to see our beautiful niece / cousin, Amelia Grace.  She's about 3 months old here.  She's just a little poppet.  Sooo cute.

School Holidays and a Visit from the O'Dowds

This is a very belated blog, but thought I would work my way through the collection of photos I have accumulated over the last few months and put everything in for posterity.  Sooo, going back to the Easter hols and our visit from the O'Dowds.  The visit was anticipated with great excitement by the Knight kids, and a great time was had by all.  The cuzzies really enjoyed hanging out together.  Under strict instructions from Leigh, who had to stay back at home and work, we took LOTS of photos.

Enjoying a dip in the pool

Liam was completely thrilled with jumping off this stone ledge, it was a big thing for him to pluck up the courage to do it with the big kids.  That night, when I was tucking him into bed, he declared that it was "the best day of my life".  Bless!

James enjoyed watching the action poolside.

Sophie contemplating her next jump while Toby and Liam take the plunge

Ella found her soulmate ... Uncle John.  She would not let him out of her sight the entire time he was there, and insisted on endless cuddles and games with him! 

Katie was a little mummy and took great delight in looking after the little kids.  She read them lots of stories and played with them all day, and had great patience with them.  In return they showered her and Chloe with adulation!

A group shot of all the cuzzies.  James's scooter also had a starring role.

Look how high I'm being pushed on the swing, Mum!!  Weeeee!!!

After a very exciting couple of days, I high-tailed it down to Sydney for a night in Sydney with Leigh.  It was a great getaway, just wish I could've stayed a bit longer.  We had a great brekky at Dee Why and then a walk along the beach afterwards, followed by a movie and a spot of shopping.  It was such a fantastic weekend and I loved every minute of it.

Soccer Season

Liam had his very first "proper" soccer match this weekend, his team Brisbane City Brazil played the Newmarket Wolves in the Under Sixes.  Photos to follow soon.  In the meantime, here is Liam in his training kit.

We think Liam looks great in his soccer gear!  He is really enjoying it.

Our Little Helper

For our 10 year wedding anniversary, we decided to treat ourselves to a new cutlery set, ordered from Peters of Kensington.  When the box arrived, James was very helpful with the unpacking!!

March Madness

In March, there was an exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art that a couple of friends recommended.  It was the work of a Japanese artist (can't remember her name).  It was really whimsical and whacky.  The kids loved it. 

First there was a quick stop in the foyer to admire the fountains

Then a visit to the bubble room - which James found quite baffling.

Ella and I loved this room which was full of colourful paintings and sculptures

Then a visit to the spotty room! They created a living space made entirely of white, then invited everyone who visited the rooms to stick on a few colourful spots.  Their goal was to have the rooms completely covered in spots by the end of the exhibition.  We're not sure if they made it, but we had fun contributing!

James decided to put his spots on this vase of flowers.

Liam thought the ceiling needed some more spots.

Next was another birthday for me.  I had a great day.  The Masons and the Knights drove up to
Springbrook for a bushwalk and a lunch at a cafe up in the mountain.  Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of our bushwalk, but it was very scenic, and there were lots of leeches! 

The cafe was very unique - outside were aviaries, picnic tables, gardens and LOADS of signs with various warning notices and signs, some verging on being downright hostile!   On arrival we were greeted with:


and this:



Once inside, there were various "you break you pay" signs and other warning notices just to make sure you stayed on the straight and narrow.

No chances were taken for misbehaviour in the very small toilet... I almost forgot why I was there in the first place after receiving my various stern warnings.

After a very quiet lunch - we didn't want to draw any unwanted attention to ourselves for fear of reprisals - we tiptoed back to our cars, being very considerate of their neighbours, and making sure we weren't smoking.

The rest of January

Our exchange student / au pair Elisha made a traditional Korean lunch for us one day.  There were sushi rolls, kim-chi and a couple of other dishes.  Korean food is generally hot and spicy, and involves lots of rice and cabbage.  A few dishes are put on the table for everyone to share.  It was a really lovely gesture, we all enjoyed it very much, and Elisha shared with us some stories about life in Korea. 

Here we are enjoying the banquet.

Zane's Mum was flown down to the Royal Brisbane Hospital for a couple of weeks for surgery on her leg.  We went up most days to visit.  On Australia Day, the boys made lamingtons to take in as a special surprise for Grandma.

Elisha had her 21st birthday - we had a little party for her here.

The kids enjoyed helping Elisha blow out the candles

We had a nice dinner that evening.

Liam's first day of School

Liam had his first day in Prep at Wilston State School at the end of January.  It was a great day, no tears (from Liam, maybe a couple from me!), and he thoroughly enjoyed it. 

A special pose for the camera

We couldn't believe how grown up he looked!

It was also James's first day in the Pre-Prep class at C&K Wilston.  Here he is clutching his new lunch box, all ready for a busy day.

Ella realised that she would have to up the ante to get any attention with all the other goings on, so she tried some scooting - she was very good at it!