Australian beauty

Bronte has been having her own bath - the benefits of being a two bath household. She sings to let us know she is ok, and loves putting her head back and just floating in the water.

The changeover

The switch has happened: mum is back at work (Monday-Thursday), and dad is now a home dad. Zach has been calling out a few "mumma's", but has generally coped extremely well. Mum has not been coping as well - she very much misses her boy. At least it is only four days this time around.

The B-street gang

This is across the road with Will and Olivia - a place where we spend a lot of time. Having such awesome neighbours is pretty special.

Good clean fun

We finally had the Keys Flanagan crew over for dinner and a bath. Well, dinner for all, and a bath for the kids.

Nailing the sitting thing

Boys doing what boys do

It is tricky to capture these two. Finn is nearly getting to standing on his own (he cruises extremely well along furniture), while Zach has started dragging himself forward. This also captures one of his favourite things to do - bang really noisy things against hard noisy surfaces. The louder the better.

The babysitters

Mum and dad went off to the movies leave the kids with Aunty Jen and Nanna. They made it seem all too easy.

Mt Cootha walk

Bronte loves bushwalking. As we are surrounded by state forest, we often end up going for bushwalks at the end of an unsuccessful attempt to drive her to sleep. This was at Mt Cootha, looking at an old gold mine shaft and bridge crossing.

Giggles with Nanna

Big, big laughs as Nanna got stuck into the tickles

Awwww

So, where is my lunch?

Here it is!

Just chillin' out in B's room

G'day Bob

Tony got to share some time (and head sweat) with the Hon Bob Katter as he went on his Australian Party campaign trail.

Bronte at the Ekka

Ekka time of year! We had such a good time last year, we decided to go again. We caught the bus and train in - this was Bronte's favourite part of the day.


Bronte was very very gentle with the chick. Later, she got surrounded by cows, goats, and sheep as we were there early in the morningm, and she was one of the first kids with a cup of food. I think they keep them hungry in there.


The necessity of a strawberry icecream.

Strawberry Fields (forever)

Inspired by the Hunter Smiths, we stopped to pick strawberries on the way home from the beach. I think it is now going to be a regular stopping point - easy to get to, easy and fun to do, and delicious to eat!

Underwater world

We are now annual members of underwater world! For only $10 more than the day pass, we figured it was a no brainer, and a great place to go on those rainy days at the beach. Bronte loved touching the starfish and the sea cucumber, while Zach absolutely loved looking (and talking) to the fish.

Late afternoon at the beach

We joined Grandma, Jan and the dogs on their afternoon walk.


No - Zach doesn't have teeth - that is some sourdough in his mouth.


Pretty freaking nice.

River Quiet

We headed off for a holiday week up at Mudjimba. For the first time this year, we had glorious weather, and we were one of the very few at the river enjoying it.

6 months!!

It is hard to believe our little boy is 6 months already. He has embraced solids with both hands (and a very enthusiastic mouth) - willing to stuff anything and everything into his mouth with suprisingly few consequences. he particularly likes to feed himself. He is a chuckle monkey - always smiling, and loves rough play. He also is a big fan of banging things - he is such a boy. Zach moves around the floor by rolling very rapidly, and has started to lift his bottom up in preparation for crawling. His sitting is improving, but he always is too interested in grabbing things to remain too stable. Oh, and he loves the jolly jumper. LOVES it.

Grandma

Zach has already flagged Grandma as a "bouncer" - someone who bounces him, such that whenever she gives him a cuddle, he instantly starts jumping up and down.

Stack on cousins

Annika and Gabby are just wonderful with their cousin

Sticky date

Zach, like the rest of us, was a fairly big fan of the sticky date pudding.

Drop-ins

Ava, Finn and Kate dropped around for an afternoon play, and ended up staying for dinner and baths - a lovely time!


Boys in the Bath - the Ikea tubs have many uses

3 years, 3 months

Bronte is becoming increasingly interested in concepts such as time, days of the week, where she lives, and letters and numbers. She has also become very interested in the authors of books, and suggests that we should send them a letter with a picture on it (something we will do soon). As you can discern from the photos, she does not wear pants anymore, only dresses or skirts with tights. She can also now unlock the front door - a bit concerning, though she is fairly trustworthy :-]

Watering

Another job Bronte does on Fridays is water Nanna's plants.


GNX - Nanna wanted you to take special note of the lemon tree!

The eyes have it

Sunkissed

The front lawn is a pretty nice place to catch the afternoon sun, and catch-up with the neighbours

Halibut 11

2 days, 8 games of ultimate, 90 minutes per game. Does not sound like too much fun, either for parents or bub, but we survived - and actually really enjoyed it. Zach was amazing (he was there both days - Bronte was just there Sunday), charming everyone, and refusing to sleep until he finally passed out during the last game of the day. Our team won 6/8 games, and the spirit prize - a nice result.

Prams - not just for babies.


The jolly jumper was a winner - providing entertainment while jumping, and a frame from which to hang the hammock.


Zach finally passed out, after playing hard all day.

Quiet time

As we had a frisbee tournament down the coast, we spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandad's house to cut down on the driving time. It also allowed the grandparents some special time with the grandkids.