W-Ms in Australia

December 2011 - Basin with the Howes

We made many diary dates with our special friends, the Howes, to take them to the Basin on our boat. Several times we had to cancel due to rain but we FINALLY got them over there for the day in December. Such top banana buddies, all three of them.

November 2011 - ballet and boys

Here is Tenzin with his best mate, Charlie, being crazy aliens with breadstick antennae! It became a ritual for me and Fi (Charlie's mum) to spend nearly every Thursday together with the boys and Iona this past few months as soon enough they would be starting big school. Most Thursdays were spent at Little Manly, Oceanworld, the Zoo or Little Manly again! We are going to miss these two big time when they start school.

Check out my 'pinkle ponkle' in her ballet gear. She started three weeks before the end of the Christmas term and seems to love it. I made a half hearted effort (I only asked Lenka and Kirsten) if they had any 'hand me down' ballet clothes to pass on. Neither of them did so I then gaily skipped to a dance shop with Iona in tow to buy ALL the new goodies. Such a treat after three boys to be doing something so utterly girlie. Let's hope her interest in ballet lasts longer than mine at that age!

November 2011 - the Basin, Ben & Jerrys

I must have hundreds of shots of each of our kids taken at the Basin (and Seal Rocks) but I never tire of seeing their faces covered in sand, salt water, suncream and smiles.

Iona's hair seemed to be having a bit of a Farrah Fawcett moment in this shot below!

A very popular Auntie Fi treated the kids to HUGE Ben & Jerry ice creams one day in Manly. Always a winner with the kids.

November 2011 - taking Fi to the Basin

It wouldn't be a complete trip for Fi without the obligatory trip on our boat over to the Basin. One of our favourite spots to take friends, family as the shark netted lagoon is so peaceful, wallabies are regularly spotted and you just take your picnic and enjoy the tranquility.

November 2011 - big sister Fi visits

We were thrilled when big sister Fi announced that she was going to fly over on her own to see her little brother and give him a huge hug after the ordeal that he'd been through with cancer and surgery. It was SOOOOOO good to see her and although sad not to have Colin, Joe and Esme here too it was also really special for Dunc to have time on his own with Fi. The first time in many, many years. The only disappointing thing is that she had a mere SIX nights with us and then flew home. Crazy woman!!

Here they are pictured on one of numerous long distance walks that Dunc did along the Northern Beaches coastline as he rebuilt his fitness, strength and mental state before returning to work.

Dunc and Fi on the beach at Little Manly.

Our family at the Little Manly kiosk having a wonderful meal with Fi. Iona fell asleep later on the cushioned benches while an incredible electric storm took place over the City. Barney and Tenzin stood by the waters' edge for a good hour or so pretending to be struck by lightening and falling dramatically to the sand.

Dunc, Jules and Fi had a super twilight sail on Jules' boat, Oka, while Lenka and I put the world to rights over a few glasses of wine awaiting their return for a Friday night dinner. Lovely.

November 2011 - ducklings growing

Amazing how quickly they change. Always together in a little threesome.

October 2011 - Iona turns "3"

How can our little girl already be THREE?!? A fun day filled with pressies, new outfits, a tea party with all boys except fortunately cousin Tess was there to be a fellow female.

The very popular "Pillow Pet" named Buzzy Bee was a huge hit. The boys looked on with envy when she opened this and immediately put in requests for pillow pets for Christmas! Perfect to take camping as it doubles up as a pillow/cuddly toy. Might have to get one myself!