Powerful waves

Where did the months of April and May go?

Let's see...we had a great visit with my parents, we've done some sightseeing, and soaked up the autumn weather. We've also had other things going on. For example; school, homework, music lessons, Luke's birthday, Benjamin's birthday and baptism, Mother's day, my birthday, swimming lessons, the boys' football, oh yeah... and we found out that we're going to be moving again. We even bought a house in our new location. We're not ready to post the details yet, but stay tuned for exciting updates on our next wave of life.

Birthday weekend

Todd took me to the Gold Coast for an overnight stay for my birthday. We hadn't been away together since our trip to Scotland in 2010. It was the first time I had been away from Sara overnight. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the kids. I talked about them most of the trip. However, I knew they were in good hands and it was great to spend time with Todd-- especially since the next couple of months are going to be busy with another move.

I mentioned before that our kids were in good hands. My sweet friend from church came to stay with our kids. We are so grateful to her for coming to our house and to her husband for caring for their kids while she was at our house.
When we got home our kids performed a play for us complete with advertising, programs and props. It was adorable.

Under 8's day

'Under 8's day' is an activity morning at the kids' school with all sorts of different stations for kids under age 8.  It's about celebrating childhood and learning about safety. Benjamin was able to participate this year even though he turned 8 a few weeks ago. Look at Sara in the stroller in the picture below-- she's not sure what to think about that fire fighter next to her.

Mary has a great group of girl friends at school. Here are some of them blowing bubbles.

Benjamin and his buddies included Luke in every activity-- he felt as big as them. It's awesome to feel 8 when you're 4.

It was a fantastic morning. The kids are still talking about it. Good times.

Aussie Autumn

Most Aussie's would say it's getting too cold to swim. However, yesterday and today our kids were in the pool right after school.

It's a bit too cold for me and Sara though. So, what do we do while the kids swim? We watch aunts.

We take self-portraits...

...and we eat snacks. The pool side is never dull.

I love this Autumn weather. I love being outdoors with my family. The other day we took a walk through the botanical gardens. Delightful.

Strings

Benjamin played his viola with the other members of his strings class in last weeks school assembly. It was the sweetest rendition of 'twinkle twinkle little star' i've ever heard.

The sneeze

I play the piano for the congregation at church and Todd sits on the stand. We are really grateful for the Judge family. They sit near us every week and Luke usually gravitates to sit with them whenever he can.

A couple of Sunday's ago, Luke was sitting next to David Judge (the dad) playing tic-tac-toe (one of their favorites). I glanced at Luke just in time to see him sneeze into his hand. Then I watched in helpless disbelief as he glanced at his sneezed-on hand and then turned and wiped it on the suit coat sleeve of Dad Judge. Everyone who saw it got the giggles. Including me. Hasn't that child's mother taught him any manners?

Hangi

Dear friends of ours from church brought us a Hangi for Sunday dinner. A hangi is food cooked in the ground. Our friends brought us the works; a whole pig with curly tail, ears, feet, etc..., taro (a root vegetable), bananas with cream, corned beef wrapped in seaweed, potato salad (tongan style), and watermelon juice. It was a memorable dinner with good friends.

(I still can't believe I had a whole pig on my kitchen counter).

Footy

Our two oldest boys traded in their soccer ball this term for an 8 week course on Australian footy (football). Kicking, hand balling, bouncing and picking up...all skills to be practiced over the next few weeks.

I enjoy watching them learn to love a new game as do my fellow cheerleaders.

Darling gap

Her first tooth came out! I can't get enough of that darling gap in her mouth and the slight whistle when she talks. And she can't get believe that the tooth fairy brought her very own two dollar coin. Now... what to buy with it?

Mom and Dad's Australia visit

In 1997, I had just completed my mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My parents came to tour Italy with me. That was the first time I shared with them a country that had become dear to my heart. A few years later they joined our family in England and then just a couple of weeks ago we shared our love for Australia with them. My mom came to Australia last year when Sara was born, but we stayed close to home. This time my dad was able to come along and we did a little more sightseeing.

Besides seeing the sights and animals, my mom helped to capture a gigantic cricket that came into our house. I started the adventure with her when we thought the cricket was dead. Then, we realized the cricket was very much still alive just as I had to excuse myself to go take care of a sick kid. My mother was left alone to capture the quick cricket on her own. Go mom!

My dad also helped us fix a rather large hole in the wall created by a certain son who shall remain nameless. Thanks dad!

And thanks for sharing our love for Australia.

Eight

Benjamin turned eight years old and was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a special day for Benjamin and our entire family. Following his baptism, Benjamin stood at the pulpit and said, "I feel great! I've waited a long time for this day..." Benjamin is his father's son. He is kind, tender-hearted, generous, athletic, and funny. I feel blessed to be his mom.

My parents came all the way from the U.S.A. for Benjamin's baptism. It was wonderful to have them share in the excitement with us. Todd's parents were unable to come due to church commitments, but they were with us in spirit as were Benjamin's aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-grandparents.