More of Mum's Visit and School Holiday Things

We've been spending a lot more time outdoors since Spring has sprung.  Here we are having a quick game of footy before dinner.

Ella is now trawling along the walls and furniture, and standing up with no assistance!

Grandma was very impressed with James's kicking foot

I thought I would try my luck at getting a nice one of the three of them together ... but it proved elusive as ever.

We have been spending lots of time in the pool.  The solar heating has it at a nice toasty 27 degrees.

Liam spent ages trying to stack all his puzzle pieces up in a tower.  After much persistance, he did it!

Sophie and Toby spent the day with us.  We had great fun swimming ...

... while Ella and Grandma looked on from the side of the pool ...

More feeding, this time upstairs (it takes a lot of work to keep those chubby cheeks in the style to which they're accustomed)

We also went bowling.  They have nifty things for kids like this launching ramp, and gutter barriers.  All that protection even allowed Liam to get a strike!!

There was some ticketing system on the gaming machines that we couldn't figure out, but we thought we'd have a photo with all our booty anyway.

Ella getting into the puzzles and looking beautiful as always!  Note the dribble everywhere ... those teeth can't be too far away now!

I know it's mean, but I just had to add this one in, sooooo cute!

Much happier here!

Ella meeting her O'Dowd cousins for the first time!

A few more cuddles with Grandma before she headed home

We went to a strawberry farm to pick some berries on Monday. It's a great activity to do with small children, they had a great time.  We packed a picnic and had some lunch there, and there was a great playground for them too.

Today we tagged along with the O'Dowds and the Masons for their scheduled visit to the Gold Coast.  We hit Main Beach about mid-morning and had a play in the surf, then headed over to Cavill Mall for a browse and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Liam chatting with the locals

Two of my gorgeous nieces

... and there's the other gorgeous niece!  I am a very proud aunty.

Katie had her hands full here with Ella who was desperately trying to get at my chips!

Mum's visit

Mum was nice enough to come and help us out for a couple of weeks while Zane went to Sri Lanka for work.  It was so good to see her again, and just fantastic spending two whole weeks with her.  The kids and I loved every minute of her being here, and were very sorry to see her go. 

Ella got to have first cuddles with Grandma

Liam made some zucchini and apple muffins for Grandma

Liam and Ella warming up for an impromptu photo shoot

James got in on the action (not the camera smile firmly in place)

A lovely one of Mum Liam and Ella

... and another one ...

... and another one!  Couldn't decide which one was best, loved them all!!!

Mothers Group Joint Birthday party

We had a joint birthday party for our group of friends who all have kids that were born within a couple of weeks of each other.  Since our first joint birthday party in 2007, the brood has expanded and is still growing!

We had a great barbecue at Hidden World Park in Taigum.  There was a storm looming, but luckily it held off until the end when we all had to race for cover!

Two thumbs up from Liam

James sneakily checking out the pressies while no one was looking

Getting ready for a quick game of pass the parcel

Ella was feeling very relaxed about the whole process

Checking out the competition

Time for the old classic, sausage 'n' bread

James's 3rd Birthday

Just when you thought you couldn't possibly have to read any more birthday blogs .... there is one more!  James turned 3 on 9th August, here are some pics of the day.

I can't believe James is 3 already.  Hopefully his 4th year will be not quite as fast-paced as his 3rd, he earned his nickname "Hurricane James" well and truly!!!  James is vivacious, funny, super-cute, entertaining, engaging, affectionate, sweet, thoughtful, brave, daring and fearless.  He is also cheeky, stubborn, and can throw a whopper of a tanty when things don't go his way.  But life would be boring if we were all flawless, and James and his big personality have made our lives a lot more fun, and we love him so much!!

Happy birthday James! xxx