Isle of Pines

Isle of Pines was the most beautiful Island I had ever seen. It was just as I had imagined. Velvet white sand, warm turquoise water... AND I found a spot to swim all by myself, well for a little while anyway.

We were walking to the village, when I decided I just wanted to go for a swim incase we ran out of time (I had to get back to the boat because Tim was watching the kids so I could relax).

I stopped about here and found a tree to hang my bag and towel, and went for a swim. It was kind of an overcast day, but really humid, so it was easily warm enough for us to go swimming. I had only been there about 10 minutes when this guy came and sat down, maybe 20 meters away from my stuff. I know it sounds judgemental, but I was kind of freakng out, in my mind, because I was worried that if he took my stuff, we would be without our passports!

Then I had a brilliant, but frightening idea... I will ask this guy, who doesn't speak a word of english, and I don't speak any french, if I can borrow his bike.

As a side note: I am absolutely afraid of bikes, I hate them and I suck at riding them, BUT I thought a good way to see some of the Island would be on a bike.

The bike seat was extremely uncomfortable and the steering was not straight, but it still was quite the adventure. I was so proud of myself for doing something I was afraid of. It was almost as exhilerating as going sky diving (for me).

I can't say that I would lend my car to some random tourist, just like this guy lent me his only mode of transport, without even thinking about it. So thank you, french guy.

Ha Ha! Later on in the afternoon, we all came back and went swimming on the otherside of the Island, which is where I went snorkelling for the first time. It was awesome! So beautiful, I really want to go to the Great Barrier Reef soon. I'll start planning...

And I know I look like an idiot with the mask on...

I did get a small cut under one of my toes, not while taking this picture though.

Aunty Becky, Arden, Tim and Missy.

The kids were soon crabby again, so back to the ship we go. Isle of Pines made all of the stress of the previous 9 days, totally worth it!

Back we go to Australia...

Arden's 3rd Birthday 26th October

He had a lot of fun playing in day care, but later that night was when the real party began. He kicked off the night with a little dancing at the Oz Bar, after which he was sung Happy Birthday by the kids club, and presented with a gift.

After that we dash off to dinner, with our waiters Ray and Chris. But Ardy can't wait any longer to open his gift, so we stop for that...

Dinner was beautiful, as usual. Three courses every nigh does start to take its toll though.

I think Aunty Bec and Tyson got him the flying monkey, he was very impressed.

Happy birthday my little guy! I hope you had a great day, love your family and friends.

(We are sorry we couldn't get you the one thing you asked for, which was your girlfriend, Lily)

Swanhill Friday 29 October

Hip Hop lessons

This kids bolwing set was really awesome, I wonder if santa is listening...

VIBE! That was the name of the Aboriginal organisation that was running the programs. I was trying to remember.

I know it sounds crazy, but we had a really good time in Swanhill. They had their annual street market on the day we were in town! Awesome! We were feeling a little deprived of retail therapy since being on the boat, and also we didn't want to go shopping in Noumea, because it was a total rip off. I had to buy some wet wipes for the kids, it was over $8 aus for the cheapest brand they had.

How much do I love that Only Girl song by Rihanna! Random comment, yep sure.

Ardy Party... No. 2!

Dads famous Pizza dough, mmm.
I'm loving this pic, I think I'll enlarge it and put it on the wall at home.

Ahww, masked lovers. Happy birthday to you too Rylan!

Musical Chairs

Tim won one round and Pani won the other.

Another classic: Pass the Parcel.
Also traditional to Davidson parties, go hard with the dance moves.

...and many moooooore!The festivities go on into the night...

It was a quick visit, but it was good to see almost everyone. At least there was a bit more room around the place with family members missing. Love you all, thanks mum and dad.

Be good you crazy kids!

Gumboots

Tim has been shopping online again. He bought missy a new top. I think she looks lovely in sage.


On Tuesday Jai's Kinder class were celebrating Book Week, so they were able to dress up as their favourite character from a book. It's not that Jai has read Harry Potter, but we already had the costume, and he does like the movies, so Harry it was. Thanks for the scarf auntie Hay!


It's been raining a lot lately, so we thought it would be a good idea to take a quick trip to the park this morning, in between showers.

Make me a Bicycle!

Has anyone seen Wedding Crashers...There is this part where this kid wants Vince Vaughn to make a bike out of balloons, and the kid starts going crazy-brat at him for suggesting something simpler to make... well our kids wanted something better than crowns from Tim and I. Haha the brats...

Go Queenslander!

Hey Pani, remember this shirt from Mana. Good times, good times.



Walking by the Tram Sheds July, I think?




I am now beginning to love that Tassie has distinct seasons. I haven't ever experienced that from anywhere else we have lived. I like the contrast between these crunchy brown leaves and the crisp, blue winter sky.Trees are beautiful no matter what the season. Hug a tree love a tree, never let one down..



When mum came to visit
This is when we went for a walk with Paul and Smudge-the-wonder-dog up at the Trevallyn Reserve.




Oh Arden! He can be so lovely when he is in a good mood. His new thing is asking 'What your name', even if he knows it already. He goes 'What dad's name', 'What nan's name', 'What pop's name' and so on. It was cute the first time.






The boys wanted to put on there own war paint to watch one of the Cats games. They sat in front of our wardrobe mirrors and drew on each others whiskers.


Cameron Ling and Percy the Penguin came to visit one night. That was exciting.



In Flood Augustus




Percy goes to Penguin to see some old friends.

Missy thinks because it is dark, we can't see her climbing up the steps to the slide...WRONG

He Still Gets Into Everything

This is Ardy eating yoghurt out of the rubbish bin a year and a half ago, and he is still getting up to mischief. A couple of the worst accounts have been when he dragged a chair over to the freezer, got the ice cream out, and hid behind the bookshelf so he could eat as much as he could before he got caught! Another time he got into the Vitamin C tablets, somehow, and that was scarey because we didn't know how many he had eaten. He was such a good newborn though...


Winter can be so depressing some times, and also being trapped int he house with the kids. I like to think of when I used to go running along the beach in Lammermoor in Yeppoon. It was one of my favourite things to do.


Everyone says that Ava will look like Pani. Here she is with Jai in Rockhampton, June 2007.

Ava's first helium balloon experience

Arden likes to lead the exploration into the backyard to discover new, secret pathways and hiding spots. On this occasion they felt sorry for the neighbours dog and were trying to play with him.


Our latest emergency room fiasco... Arden was jumping on my Bosu Ball and hit his head on the edge of the coffee table. They were too slow in the E.R. so we put butterfly clips on it instead of waiting for stiches. Poor little boy.


Hay, remember that shirt that used to be Pani's, did you or Mana get it? I can't believe she can fit it already. Jai with his Queensland State of Origin jumper on, show no mercy!

I don't like Hi Five and I wont even tolerate it on in the background while I'm doing things, I'd even prefer Yo Gabba Gabba over it, thats how much I dislike it. Recently I was blind-sighted when it came on after a show I was watching. My heart was melted when I saw how much Ava was mesmerized by it. I did go outside for the remainder of the show though.

Time to smell the roses

Here goes the monthly blogger. May is always an interesting month. There are a few birthdays in the family and it is almost winter. So normally its time for a bit of fun and a last ditch effort at getting the house and garden ready for winter...







... but this month we sadly had to say good-bye to Tim's grandmother. We wish her peace and thank her for enriching our lives.

Sheila May Triffitt

24th February 1923 - 20th May 2010

Dear Great nan,

I am so happy for you to be reunited with your beloved Harry, it is so romantic. We are all glad you are not in pain anymore; Jai said he wasn't sad because you would be laughing and kissing Great pop in heaven.

I didn't know you in your prime, but your strength of character, love of others and appreciation of all the gifts of god transcend through your posterity.

I hope we can all learn, like you, to take one day at a time, and take time to smell the roses.

Love Us

Tim's Birthday
Happy birthday honey! We love you so much. You make everyone around you happy, most of all me. Thanks for another year of memories and laughs. Love your family:)


Jai's Race went well. He didn't fall over or cry or give up. We are so proud of him. He didn't win but he tried his best. Go Jai!