The new adventures of The Collies

Princess Collie

2011-03-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

Another Bunya Trip

2011-03-27T03:13:00.001-07:00

As Mummy (aka Nanny) is on her last trip we decided to take her to Bunya Mountains. We had a great time and as an extra bonus Stephen, Michelle, Mark, Thomas and Heidi came along as well.

Catch up

2011-03-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I did a post so here is a quick run through of what we have been up to in the last 6 months.

Halloween!

Oktoberfest!

1st swimming lesson

Just hanging at home!

White Christmas in the UKNew Year in CopenhagenI LOVE shark's

A little trip to Alma Park Zoo!

Happy as a little fish at Mooloolaba

Bunya Mountains

2010-10-09T00:43:00.000-07:00

We recently took a long weekend in the Bunya Mountains. It is a very beautiful and peaceful place. We had a lovely time just recharging the batteries and spending time with each other.

A sofa of my own

2010-07-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

Mummy and Daddy bought me my own sofa to match their big ones. I love to lounge on it.

Look who's 1!

2010-07-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

On the 25th June Neve turned 1. We can't believe it has been a year since she was born. She really is an amazing little girl and we feel honoured to be her parents.
On her actually birthday we went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with her Nanny, Gramps, Grandma, Grandad, Aunty Nicola and Gemma.
On the Sunday we had morning tea at the house which was great fun. Neve loved being center of attention as well as having heaps of little ones to play with.
Her daddy made her cake and spent more than 2 hours icing it the night before to get it perfect for his little girl.

Nanny and Gramp's house

2010-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Neve had an early 1st birthday party as Gran and Uncle Howie would not be able to make it to the big day. Nanny even had a lovely cake made.

Big Trip

2010-06-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

We have all just been on a big trip, Iain, Neve and I plus Iain's parents went to Singapore for a few days. Then Neve and I went on to the UK whilst the rest of the Collie's headed back down under.

It was very hot and humid in Singapore but as none of us had spent any time there (does a few hours in the airport count?) it was nice to explore a new country. We tried to keep off the tourist track but did have to sample afternoon tea at Raffles.

Yummy

2010-05-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

I am such a big girl now that I can eat an apple all by myself

10 months old

2010-04-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Neve was 10 months old, how time flies! She is now 78cms, has 4 top and 2 bottom teeth and just over 10kg's. She is a very happy, loving little girl who has smiles for everyone. She has been sick recently which has disturbed her sleep a little but on the whole she is an amazing little person. She points at what she wants which is very helpful and will only eat big girl food.

xxx

Gadget Girl

2010-04-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

You are never to young to dabble in technology!

Look what I can do!

2010-04-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

A very busy easter break

2010-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

in no particular order....

opening easter eggs

a sneaky piece of chocolate

coffee stop... about to have a baby chino! (mum in back ground)

good friday morning

portrait with grandma and granddad

smile on command

the new smile.... kind of cute... kind of...

Ant... with bigger ears than normal

Cousin Cameron... probably about 12 years since we've caught up!

Cousin Megan with Neve and Declan

Our Easter Bunny

2010-04-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Climbing frame

2010-03-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Who needs a climbing frame when you can use your mummy's leg!

A cat named Tiger

2010-03-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

Ant and Emma have a lovely new cat called Tiger who despite being a playful kitten is really good around Neve as doesn't even try to steal her toys.

More bath time

2010-03-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we were up at the beach house and the bath was a bit awkward to get into so Neve had hers in the sink. She pretty much fills it now so that will probably be the last time. Oh and yes Daddy did style her hair!

Bath time

2010-02-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

Pretty girls

2010-02-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

Neve and Gemma at dinner time

Mmmm yummy!

2010-02-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

Cork place mats taste sooooo good.

Fairy GodNanny

2010-02-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

What is a 7 month old to do when they have months of cooler weather ahead and a Mummy who only buys her the bear minimum of clothes (yeh right!), well you wait with baited breath for your Nanny to arrive with half a suitcase full of new clothes.
My favourites were her Primark PJ's.

Thanks Nanny!

Look what my Daddy did!

2010-01-31T23:52:00.001-08:00

Australia Day

2010-01-31T23:49:00.000-08:00

Neve enjoying her 1st Australia Day dinner!

Neve is 6 months old

2010-01-15T03:15:00.000-08:00

Neve is now 6 months old and is 8.3kg and 73cms which in laymans terms means she is a VERY big girl! She is going to be tall like her Daddy. She is taking to solids like a duck to water and even ventured into watermelon!

The Sims

2010-01-15T02:55:00.000-08:00

We visited our good friends Stephen and Michelle in Toowoomba last weekend. They have 3 lovely children Mark, Thomas and Heidi. Heidi is only 2 months older than Neve so it is interesting to see what we have to come in the coming weeks.

Ruth & Mikey

2010-01-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Our good friends Mikey and Ruth have been staying with us for a few days whilst on holiday in Brisbane. It has been great having them over and are honourary 'Uncle Mikey and Aunty Ruth' after all of the effort and love they have shown to Neve. I especially loved that Mikey got up with Neve when Iain had to go to work so I could have a lie in.... come back again soon!

New Years Eve

2010-01-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

On NYE we left Neve with her grandparents and headed out with our good friends Mikey & Ruth, Ant & Emma. We had hired an apartment in the city with a few other people which has views of the fire works and set to work demolishing the huge amounts of alcohol we had brought with us. We had a fabulous evening and are looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us all.

A hot Christmas

2010-01-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

Our real Christmas Tree, love the smell... looooook at all those pressies!

The Collies

Mum and Dad

The Mess afterwards!

So... next pressie please!

This is how Neve chilled by her pool on Christmas day!

UK/Hong Kong 2009

2009-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

On the 13th November, Iain, Sian and Neve headed to the UK via Hong Kong. We wanted Neve to meet the rest of our friends and family and also to have an early Christmas with the Raw family.

It was a good flight to HK but once there our little angel became a bit of a monster. Her sleeping patterns have gone out of the window so we were a bit like zombies walking around the city. Even once we got back to OZ her sleeping is still terrible and she regularly has us up every hour or so during the night but once she is settled back in her own cot and gotten used to the heat I think it is something we are going to have to work on.Anyway back to the trip. We had a lovely time catching up with family and friends at home. It was great getting to introduce Neve to the people who mean so much to us. A special thank you to Sian's family, Alex and Ani, Lucy, Simon and Freddie for their hospitality.

Highlights of the trip were a day in Bath with Uncle Howie, sightseeing with the family whilst taking pictures of Neve EVERYWHERE, and breakfast at SOS followed by drink at the Princess Louise with everyone.

See you all soon

Neve is 4 Months old

2009-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

On the 25th October Neve turned 4 months old. She is a happy, contented little girl who on the whole sleeps well and is a pleasure to be around (except from 3-6pm which is witching hours). She had her check up on Tuesday and she is now 66cm long, 7kg and head circumference of 44cm. That means that she is tall like her Daddy being taller than 96% of babies born on the same day as her, she is heavier than 90% of babies born on the same day as her but her head is only bigger than 25% of babies born on the same day. Luckily she does not look at weird as this may sound.

Play mates

2009-10-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Nicola and Gemma popped round . Gemma is 6 weeks older than Neve, though Neve had a head start in the weight department so they are a very similar size. There is, though, a massive developmental difference as Gemma is very alert and enjoys playing with toys where as Neve is still intrigued with her hands and feet.

Super Cute

2009-10-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

Neve's Uncle Howie bought her a dressing gown and as it was a little chilly this morning we tried it on... with the sleeves rolled up it looked super cute!

A sad goodbye

2009-10-21T01:49:00.001-07:00

Last night Howard (aka Uncle Howie) headed back home. It was quite an emotional day for everyone. We ended his trip with beer, darts, steak, home cooked bread and butter pudding and a good bottle of red.

Even though it is only 4 weeks until we will be home I had a few good cries in Chermside (which got me some interesting looks)

Can't wait to be home in November!!!

Sirromet

2009-10-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, Iain, Neve and I headed to a vineyard down at Mount Cotton. We were meeting some of the ladies from my mothers group, who to be honest have become much more like friends over the last few weeks and we were also joined by Howard and Janelle.

We had decided that all of us ladies would sample the local wines and the boys would take care of the little ones and drive us home. It worked out fantastically well and we all had a lovely afternoon. Can't wait to do it again soon.

New Bonnet for Neve

2009-10-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we visited Grandma Collie at the Handmade Expo, there was a suprisingly large amount of REALLY nice things, we came away with far more than we expected and Neve got a lovely new bonnet to add to her ever growing wardrobe.

Oktoberfest

2009-10-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

It was that time of year again, time for beer, dancing, beer, food and did I mention beer!!!! Yes it was Oktoberfest, the 2nd time for most of us but a 1st for Neve who was a really good girl and slept through most of it, but what she did participate in she seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

A plus side for the adults was that the bar staff kept forgetting to collect our beer tokens so we ended up with more free beer then we knew what to do with... and it helps to explain why the hangovers were very harsh on the Monday!

Natural Falls

2009-10-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a little drive down to see some countryside. We did a lovely walk to the falls and then came home via the Fox and Hounds in Mount Tambourine for a lovely Sunday lunch and a couple of ales for the boys.

Another trip to the Beach

2009-10-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

As the weather is hotting up we took advantage of the empty beach house and spent a lovely weekend chilling out at the beach. Neve seems to really enjoy being in the water so I think we will be investing in some swimming lessons shortly.

Sydney

2009-10-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Howard, Neve and I went on a little midweek trip to Sydney so that Howard could experience more of what Oz has to offer. We had a dust storm and well as torrential rain so it was certainly a different trip for me.

Neve was great on the flight and has made us a little bit more re-assured as we have the flight on the BIG plane next month.

Bathtime

2009-10-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

With Iain working late a lot Uncle Howie has been helping out a lot with Neve's bath.

Pasta Night IV

2009-09-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the Wielands, plus Howard and Henning over for pasta night IV. For our house warming/leaving present Mark and Meike bought us a pasta machine. It had been in its box for quite some time as it just didn't seem right to use it without them. We had a great night and the food was out of this world. The pumpkin and feta ravioli was a massive hit.

Uncle Howie

2009-09-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

To Neve's delight her Uncle Howie arrived last night for his 5 weeks stay. I don't know who was more impressed with who!

Toowoomba

2009-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we headed up to Toowoomba to see Stephen,Michelle, Mark, Thomas and Heidi. We had a lovely picnic in the park amongst the flowers. The festival starts this coming weekend so we got to see the lovely displays without the masses of people.
Heidi and Neve were all smiles for most of the day and despite Heidi being a full 2 months older than Neve they look a very similar size. Neve is very long and has yet to fill out but I think she is going to be a very big girl when she is older.

Heidi giving Neve a Wet Willy!

Bath time and Naked Fun

2009-09-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

Neve is now really starting to enjoy her baths and loves to get her daddy soaking wet with her kicking legs. I think she is going to have to graduate to the big bath soon as I don't know how much more water the kitchen floor can cope with.

The little Blakeney's

2009-09-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Last week Neve and I went to spend the day with Netti, Ben and Emily. We spent a lovely few hours in the park and everyone seemed to enjoy the fresh air.

A Super Celebration

2009-09-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

Today was both my 31st birthday and Iain's 1st Fathers Day. Neve spoilt us both rotten with lovely cards and presents so in turn we treated her to a trip to the beach.

As the weather was so warm we even got Neve into her togs and let her dip her toes into the water. She loves her baths so it goes without saying that she also loved her mini swim.

Naked in public

2009-09-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

On Mum's last day here we went for a trip into the city. Neve was looking very pretty in her dress from Phuong but a disaster happened so we had to strip her naked in the boot of the car!

Super cool

2009-09-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

How cool does Neve look in her new sunglasses??? Mind you she only kept them on for about 30 seconds after this was taken as she has now discovered her hands which means that nothing stays where it is meant to.

Babychino

2009-08-27T00:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you not in the Southern Hemisphere, a babychino is an espresso cup filled with froth and covered in chocolate to look just like Mummy's cappuccino. Mum was mighty impressed by them and decided that Neve needed to try this along with a mini cake to complete the picture.

Due to her limited diet I drank the milk and her Dad ate the cake but she did look super cute!

Lucky girls

2009-08-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

Mum, Neve and I spent a couple of days up at the Sunshine Coast last week to give Iain some sleep. We treated ourselves to heaps of new clothes (mainly for Neve, and a manicure and pedicure). When we got back we found some beautiful lillies waiting for us from Iain who had missed his girls.... aren't we lucky!

Nearly 2 months old

2009-08-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Next week Neve is 2 months old. The time has flown by and I realise that I have been very slack at updating pictures of her so here are a few we took at the weekend.

Never to young to start your collection

2009-08-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

Since Neve has been born her shoe collection has grown, she is now out of her baby booties and into her proper little girls shoes. As you can see she has a pair for every occasion. The blue ones are to go with her jeans which here Nanny bought her and she looks VERY cool.

1 month old

2009-07-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

On the 25th July Neve was a whole month old. We can't believe how quickly it is going as well as how much she is growing. Here are a few extra pictures of her

Introducing..... Neve Jasmine Collie

2009-06-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful daughter, Neve was born at 15.51 (AEST) on Thursday 25th June 2009, weighing in at a whopping 8lb 8.5oz (3.85kg)

We are now all home and getting to know each other.

Neve Jasmine Collie

Happy families

Out for her first walk

Neve in her little rocker chair

Still Pregnant

2009-06-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

I am now 4o weeks and 4 days pregnant and not a sign that Baby Collie will be joining us any time soon. Keep your fingers crossed it won't be too long now.

Baby shower

2009-05-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

The ladies and I spent a lovely afternoon eating cake, opening presents and playing some interesting baby related games including how big is Sian's belly (everyone thought I was significantly bigger than I am!) and guess what is in the baby food.... I think Lentil will be eating homemade food!!!

Here is a couple of pictures showing off my massive bump and some of the presents.

Coffee love

2009-05-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband made me a special coffee on Saturday morning with a little note for me.

A little bit of England in SE Queensland

2009-04-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day to take the car out and head into the countryside.

Sian found a great little pub called The Fox and Hounds that has pretty much been shipped over from England (possibly with the First Fleet) and reconstructed in the Tambourine Mountains, just south of Brisbane.

All four of us had the Sunday Roast and even had room for a little pudd'in.

Oh, and of course Cider was the drink of choice for me!

Iain

2nd Wedding Anniversary, Spring Creek Mountain

2009-04-26T03:11:00.000-07:00

this was the view from our bedroom, looking out over Spring Creek Mountain, South East Queensland

with a stroke of luck, we asked the owners of the B&B what they recommended we do for the day and they gave us their spare 4X4 to go trekking through the gorge... i wish more people were like this

Queen Mary Falls, Spring Creek Mtn

Sian standing on the deck of our cabin

evening dinner

This "bug" was sitting on the plastic windbreaker right next to us.

cows

Sian getting lost in a 5km maze just outside Stanthorpe

Once again, Sian losing her head (or off her face)

Baby Belly

2009-04-05T04:20:00.001-07:00

I am now 30 weeks pregnant, I can't quite believe it but in 10 weeks we will get to meet the little one who is making my belly grow quite so much.

Double Trouble

2009-03-18T03:51:00.000-07:00

A Saturday brunch with Rebecca, Neil, Thomas and Fraser was followed by a trip to the park... it was all going so well until the boys found the only water fountain in the park. The boys went home a little wet!

A fond farewell

2009-03-18T03:41:00.000-07:00

The day that Mum headed home we treated ourselves to high tea at Joseph Alexanders. Ant and Emma joined us and it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

See you in 4 months Mum!

Mikey and Ruth's wedding

2009-01-29T00:25:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Mikey and Ruth got married just outside of Dunedin at a place where Ruth spent many happy holidays as a child.

The sun shone and kept shining for the whole day and the weather was unseasonably warm.

Mikey and Ruth's Mum's spoke at the beginning of the ceremony and welcomed them into each others family's. As part of the 'Support Crew', Sian along with Carla and Liz spoke about Ruth and Mikey as a couple and as individuals. It was an unusual but extremely moving ceremony topped off by Mikey and Ruth speaking about why they loved each other.

Here are a few pictures to capture the spirit of the day for everyone who couldn't make it.

The new BBQ king

2009-01-15T01:15:00.000-08:00

No man can come to Oz and not BBQ so Iain took Freddie under is wing and showed him how it is done!
Ps. That is a flipping burger not some ugly tash Iain is now growing!

The Dunn's down under

2009-01-10T01:01:00.001-08:00

On New Years Eve some two of our great friends from home, Lucy and Simon arrived along with their little boy Freddie. Freddie was a couple of weeks late when he was born so Iain and I missed him as we were already on our trip in the States.

Since they have been here we have spent many fun days on the beach and today we actually got Freddie in the sea.... which is interesting as he hates being in the bath! (baby logic I suppose).

Rowley Road Christmas Party

2008-12-30T17:04:00.000-08:00

Being in Oz didn't stop us celebrating our annual Rowley Road Christmas Party, it was just a smaller turn out than usual.

Instead of the usual roast with all of the trimmings we celebrated with a BBQ.

Lentil

2008-12-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

We have had a little secret for a few weeks.... we have a baby Collie due in June 2009! Had our first scan last week and everything looks great.

Ben Blakeney turns 2

2008-12-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Ben's 2nd birthday. In the morning he went to the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary with his family and in the afternoon Iain and I went round for some tea and a very yummy cake.

Happy birthday Ben!

Bath time

2008-10-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

Thomas and Fraser exploring a new bath.

BBQ Man

2008-10-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

A night at Ant and Emma's would not be complete without a BBQ and a LOT of good wine (and Dad trying to out do Howard!)

Airshow

2008-10-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

In a blistering 35 degrees with no shade and no breeze, we sweated our way through Amberley Airshow. It was a great day out and we had prime positions and brand new camera's to try out.

The winning shot was Max's new toy plane though!

New pet

2008-10-12T00:36:00.001-07:00

We now have a pet possum who lives in our palm tree and likes to make lots of noise at 3pm. Good job he is cute!

Oktoberfest

2008-10-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Howard was adamant he wanted to go to Oktoberfest. The rest of us were quite tired from our trip to O'Reilly's but we agreed to go. It turned out to be an excellent night with bell ringing, yodelling, lots of beer and dodgy dancing.

Bris-Vegas reception

2008-09-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago it was finally time for our long over due Oz wedding reception. Iain's parents hosted us a wonderful party for us at the Victoria Park Golf Club which over looks the city.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a fantastic evening.

(sorry Trevor I don't have any of you.... were you hiding???I seem to remember you being on the dance floor ALL the time!)

O'Reillys

2008-09-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

In honour of Dad's upcoming 60th birthday which Howard will miss and on Drue's earlier recommendation, we decided to spend our last weekend together at O'Reilly's. As Mum and Dad don't slum it they paid for us all to stay in one of the new 3 bed luxury villas. For the first time ever Howard got 1st pick of the rooms and did not have to sleep on the pull out sofa bed.

When we arrived it was thick fog and Iain had a difficult drive up the mountain but we got there safe and sound in time for dinner.

Despite the rubbish weather we were delighted to find a hot tub on the balcony so we all crammed in. In the end we had 5 people in a tub made for 2!!!!
On the Saturday morning the boys decided we would do a 10k hike.

This was Iain's little leech which he found on the floor after we got back and he noticed the lovely trickle of blood running down his leg.

We are all pretty unfit but it was a lovely trek. Half way along our route was a pool so the boys got changed and decided on a swim. It was a little cold, with it being fresh spring water and all but they splashed around for a little while.Once they got out and the water settled, we noticed a 3ft eel which had been swimming around in there. Strangely no one wanted to get back in again.

As none of us had seen them before we went on a glow worm tour. We hopped on a bus down the hill and then went for a walk along the creek, once we were all sat down we all turned off our torches and the bugs put on a lovely show for us. It was just like looking at the night sky. It was pretty magical.On Sunday morning we finally got to see the wonderful view before packing up the car and doing the 2nd best thing here... feeding the bird.Doing the Sound of Music!

Boys will be boys!

2008-09-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

It started so well, all getting along and then suddenly......

Sian turns 30!

2008-09-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

To help celebrate me turning 30, Iain and I plus the Raw's and the Collie's headed up to the Whitsundays for a long weekend. We hired a lovely villa with our our pool and 180 degree views over some of the Whitsunday islands. It was an idyllic weekend and we all had heaps of fun.The view from our balconySunrise of my birthday

Birthday girl!

On my actual birthday we went out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkeling and my parents treated me to a helicopter trip over to see the Heart Reef which is the most photographed reef in the world (I wonder why!!!) As I was the birthday girl and the man on the desk couldn't believe I was actually that old he let me on for a child's fare! So we have no decided that we are now always going to pretend it is someones birthday to see what we can get for free in future.

SUN!!!!!

2008-09-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

For a relaxing first weekend we took my family to stay at the beach house in Caloundra and we had a great weekend of sun baking (we thought dad would burst into flames when the sun touched him),

some early morning fishing for the boys (where no one thought to put on insect repellent and are still itching a week later)

Finally an action packed day at 'stralia zoo! (that is the correct way to pronounce it!)

Howard riding a croc!

Howard wrestling a croc!

The Raw Arrival

2008-09-02T02:03:00.000-07:00

Last week the Raw's arrived on mass for their first trip down under. Firstly was the senior Raw's after a week in the Far East followed by a very perky junior Raw (far too perky for a long haul trip that's for sure)

It has been a long 7 months since Boston, there was tears at the airport for the ladies after a baywatch in flip flop style run by Mum..... strange that Sian no longer is homesick!
There was no way Dad was getting the first hug! You mind the trolley Mike in case someone finds all the things we smuggled in! Customs... should have checked the bags!

Sydney Part 2

2008-09-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of the rest of our weekend in Sydney

Drinks at the Harbour

Dusk over the city

Hmmm... does my bust look big in this?

Moonface thinking Iain looks tasty

Sydney Part 1 - On yer bike!

2008-08-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

The day before we flew to Sydney I was looking for things to do and found a 4 hour cycling tour. It had great reviews so I booked us in knowing Iain would love it. It was perfect cycling weather, sunny but cool and we had a great time seeing the sites of Sydney (me for the 1st time). We pretty much saw all of the major attractions in a short period of time so when we finished we compiled a list of the things we wanted to go back and see for longer.

I would highly recommend this if anyone is going to Sydney.

Iain with his bike Bindi (mine was called Swan, not so exciting)

Look one handed!!

Public Art??

Ambiwerra

2008-08-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

One of the private schools in Brisbane has a school fate with a difference, it is a jazz, fine wine and food festival which takes place in early August. A number of top restaurants have stalls on a Sunday afternoon and you eat a feast of amazing food with lovely Australian wine. The weather had been a bit poor but on the day the sun came out and made the event even more of a success. See you next year.

Bec and Neil were caught out by the surprisingly good weather

A few more pics from NZ

2008-07-15T14:22:00.001-07:00

The awesome foursome!

2008-07-02T03:15:00.001-07:00

The gang!

As the Collies headed over to New Zealand to spend the weekend with the lovely Harvey-Fays, little did they know how much was involved.... a full day of travelling, but of course it was well worth it.

We had a fantastic weekend catching up as we haven't been together for more than a year. The boys went on a hike whilst the girls went wedding dress shopping and plenty of coffee, cake, BBQ shapes, burger rings and of course alcohol was consumed.

We will be back

Visitors from afar

2008-06-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Danny and lore popped in to Bris-vegas on their world tour. I had the day off and drove down to meet them at their friend Tash's place. We walked into the valley and had breakfast at Fat Boys (a staple for us Valley Boys and Girls following a big night out at Rics watching Resin Dogs.... are you completely confused ???) I took them on a little tour of the "mountains" surrounding Brissy. It was a very foggy day and as you can see, very limited visibility, but warm warm warm.

We had a nice little bushwalk and lunch at a biker's cafe up in the hills, watching wild birds and enjoying the serenity.... ah... the serenity

Sian and Tash joined us for drinks afterwards at a cool bar and then down to the river for fish and chips, pizza and steak sandwiches. Good luck with the rest of your travels D & L !!

To see their past and future travels, check out their blog...

www.mytb.org/Danny-and-Lore

The city is out there... somewhere

Bushwalk

A beautiful view of moreton bay and hinterland... well, when the clouds aren't in...

Cheers!

Cake

2008-06-28T03:50:00.001-07:00

Cupcakes rule ...

State Of Origin Game 2

2008-06-28T03:31:00.000-07:00

In true Queenslander spirit, after a demoralising defeat in Game 1, we bounced back to destroy the Blues 30 - 0 in an awesome game of blood, sweat and tears.

Me and King Wally

Shane with Beer

The walk of honour, our champs.

Game 3 is this wednesday, I'm already celebrating a big win

Happy Birthday Rhys

2008-06-28T03:17:00.001-07:00

Hope the finger healed okay......

A day at the races

2008-06-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

Eagle Farm Oaks Day arrived and although major rain showers were predicted, we got a great day with lots of sunshine. Sian and I managed to bring home two winners and came away from the day relatively even, including food and beer so not bad all round for a couple of wannabe punters. We even stood down by the edge of the track and I waved my form guide in the air shouting and screaming at the gi-gi's as they raced past, what a thrill. Gambling can be so much fun.

Thanks Shane and Kristin for organising a great champagne breakfast too! What a day!

Sian and Kristin and Adam in background

The gang

Tuffy... a living legend

Men

Birds

Horse... but you knew that

Fun and Games

2008-06-09T04:06:00.000-07:00

Recently Bec, Neil, Thomas and Fraser came up to see us for the day. Whilst we have so few possessions we thought we had a child proof house, boy were we wrong. There was a fun game of how many hands can we fit in the VCR, I wonder what happens if I pull this wire, how many books do I stack to get on top of the book shelf, and my personal favourite, I wonder what happens if I put my tounge in the telephone socket!We had a great day with yummy food, great company and the boys first real experience of the beach.

A trip to the Big City

2008-05-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

With us being up on the coast a trip to the city is a very exciting affair. Our trip also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Expo so they city was busier than usual.

So much food, not enough time... though at least it is healthy stuff!

Australia National Tree Climbing Championship

Lawnmowerman

2008-05-15T04:51:00.001-07:00

Through the smoke-screen,

he can be seen,

cutting... trimming...

where he has been...

the Lawnmowerman

Blue sky and drunken trivial pursuit

2008-05-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Shane and Kristen came up for a visit. Whist the boys went for a swim the girls stayed on the beach planning the evenings activities. By 5pm we were all a bit worse for wear but it made trivial pursuit even more entertaining (Shane and Sian won!)

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of my 21st Birthday

2008-05-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

A very big thank you to everyone for coming to my birthday party BBQ last weekend and the lovely emails / calls I received from those that couldn't!

Some photos of the fantastic day

Hope i haven't missed anyone.........

Iain

One legged grasshopper

2008-04-30T05:50:00.001-07:00

I was very excited when Iain pointed out our new friend, having not seen one before I was quite surprised how big he was.... our little gecko friend is still around as well. I will have to be careful I don't become known as the Bug Lady!

Big Pineapple

2008-04-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

Since before we decided to move here Iain has been promising to take me to the Big Pineapple. I think that the title should be explination enough. Well I think it is way past its heyday and it spoilt a few of the memories that Iain had of it through his rose tinted glasses but we did have fun on the Macadamia nut train and feeding the animals.

So who knew pineapples grew out the ground??? I had never thought about it before!

Rainy days

2008-04-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered what you do when you live by the beach and it is raining in Oz... well this is it, a 500 piece black and white jigsaw that we found in the cupboard.

Was it a wasp???

2008-04-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

No it was a mosquito.... unfortunately they seem to love me and no amount of vitamin B seems to help. This is the 2nd time I have been properly bitten and the second time for antibiotics to reduce the painful swelling (the one on my foot is even worse than this). I currently only have two visible knuckles on my right hand!

Two become One!

2008-04-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Rebecca and Neil hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate Thomas and Fraser turning one. It was a lovely afternoon catching up with friends of old and there was yummy cake!

Currimundi House

2008-04-18T19:53:00.001-07:00

Since we moved full time to the beach house a couple of weeks ago we have been doing a lot of painting and cleaning and it is slowly starting to look like our home. Here are a couple of pictures of what we have done so far.

Iain in the Blue room
Blue room
Green room
Lounge
Little visitor