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!

Another Twin Waters Holiday

It's about time I updated this blog, so I will pick up where I left off, which is just after Christmas 2011.  In January Zane took a week off work and we headed up to Twin Waters for a break.  It was great to get away.  The weather was glorious and we spent lots of time swimming, eating and just lazing around.  Toby came up for a couple of days while Sophie was in NZ with her Grammy.  We all loved having him to stay with us.

A spot of breakfast before another busy day

We did lots of kicking the soccer ball around

... while Ella looked on delightedly

She thought about joining in, but it was just all too much excitement for her.

The boys and I did a spot of kayaking on the lagoon.

Some of the local wildlife

Gorgeous James.

Liam and Toby enjoyed the boogie boarding conditions

Toby even managed to stand up on his board.

Go boys!

James busied himself making lots of sandcastles.

We also spent a morning at the Ginger Factory.  Was great fun.  Check out the super-hero poses.

They had a very well done boat ride which was on a par with the one at Disneyland.

They had the old favourite coin-slot rides too.

Enjoying a bushwalk.

Back to the beach.  Ella was thrilled to be in her togs and enjoying the sea air.

Those waves can sneak up on you sometimes though!

Liam declared that he wants to be a pro surfer when he grows up.