Rhys turns 4

Rhys had a great day, he got construction work type toys for his birthday this year, Dump trucks, bulldozers, road cones and workmen. The kids have been playing road works for most of the day. It's funny to listen in and hear Rhys saying "good job team!" and Emily announcing "it's time to pack up tools for lunch". After the morning's hard work we headed to Maldon for the eagerly anticipated steam train ride. After lengthy delays due to the train having water in its oil, they were able to set off and we enjoyed the ride. On the way home they had no lights, due to forgetting the generator so we all got put in first class which was nice although dark. The kids and I chose the "Ladies compartment" which we had all to ourselves. It was easy to sit there in the dark and imagine it was 100 years ago. Once we got home we had the birthday cake (they decorated it themselves with Rhys directing where to put things) and off to bed for kids after a long tiring day.

Pictures of Natasha and Emily

These pics were taken today (Rhys's B'day) I thought that they really didn't come under the birthday heading though so they are under a seperate heading.

Full of Badness!!!

This is the sight that greeted me this afternoon after the neighbour had been hosing. A stream of water had come into our section and the kids began to make mud pies and throw them at each other. Luckily they were easily fixed with a bucket of warm water followed by a bath. The neighbour and I had a good laugh at them anyway.

Athletics Day at School

This year we had athletics day with a difference. Usually it's hot, today was not. Usually held at an oval across the road, today at a proper athletics park with proper facilities. The kids had great fun and even managed to earn a ribbon for 3rd place each. Tash's was for hurdles and Em's was for sprints. (Yes there are more than three kids in their grade. Here is a photo of Natasha and her friends and Em about to throw the Javalin.

Easter Art

Em became a Princess and Rhys was Batman. They wanted me to take photos before they jumped in the bath. Tash had an airbrushed tattoo on her ankle. They had a lovely Easter, ate far too much chocolate and we walked miles.

Bushwalk to the summit of Diamond Hill

We have started doing a few 5km bushwalks locally and today I remembered to take the camera. The first photo is of the kids when we reached the summit saying "we made it!" We took a picnic lunch and some snacks which the kids enjoyed. Since we have started bushwalking we have seen two kangaroos and a turtle. We are all really enjoying our new hobby.

Ballarat

We went on the 7.00am bus to Ballarat yesterday. We went to see a photographic exhibition of John Lennon pictures. It was very good. The architecture in Ballarat is lovely. Just like Bendigo!

Easter Hat Fun

The kids took part in the annual Easter Hat Parade. Here are the photos. I only bought the supplies to put on the hats, I didn't help in any other way, it's all their own work.

A Python Cuddle for Rhys

At the school fair I was asked if Rhys would like his photo taken with the snake. This is the photo, what a brave boy! The snake was about 5 kilograms.
Now Tasha has ridden a camel and Rhys has worn a snake, both experiences that I have never had. There are such great opportunities for kids available over here.

St Patricks Day Concert

The girls danced well in the concert and were very cute. I was lucky enough to have a leprecaun sit on my knee, he's pictured here somewhere. The older girls dancing were great to watch and the Emu Creek Bush Band were very entertaining and played great music.
A highlight of the evening was Natasha and Rhys getting up on stage for the bird dance. Rhys was the youngest child that went up and he took part as well as any of them. Especially the wiggling bottom bit!

Rhys the Fish

I took the camera to Rhys's swimming lesson this morning. It was very humid in there so excuse the misty photos.

Irish Dancers

Tash and Em are dancing in a concert on St Patricks Day. Don't they look cute in their costumes. Of course Rhys had to be in one of the photos, no show without Punch!

Labour weekend fun

Before all you NZers say "but it isn't Labour weekend!" be assured that here it is.
We had a busy productive weekend. Wayne headed out to Wedderburn for some token finding fun for prospecting enthusiasts. We headed out to join him on Sunday and Tash and Em learned the basics of gold panning.
Today I helped the kids to bake cupcakes (baby size ones). They iced their own and chose their own colours. Tash purple, Emily - Orange and Rhys made yellow. They learned that it takes a lot longer to bake and ice cupcakes than it takes to eat them.

The Little Peoples Art Studio

This is a new business based at 287 High Street, Golden Square. Rhys went along to try it out. Here is the result of his time there. He really enjoyed himself. I will take the girls there sometime soon as well. They have white mould objects to paint, you can make a clock or a photo frame or a mask. I found their prices really reasonable. They have kindly taken an earring stand of my earrings to sell as well, so I am rapt.