Goodbye summer

The last day of summer today and what an interesting season it's been. It can be summed up in one word, wet. So we bid farewell with more rain today. 

At least while it's hot we can get outside and play in it without worrying too much about getting sick. 

Birthday boy

With so much action today I couldn't choose just one picture so here are a few from the day.

Today our Isaac turned 4. He's such a clever, articulate little boy that it's sometimes hard to forget how young he actually is. Still, as every parent says, they grow up too fast and it feels like only yesterday he was a newborn.

We had a great day filled with lots of fun, smiles and laughs. Happy birthday little man, I love you to the moon and back xxx

Ride and play

I took the boys to Bicentennial Park this morning for a bit of exercise. It was great to let Isaac loose on his bike without having to worry about roads or driveways. It also meant that I had to walk at a brisk pace to keep up with him.

After our bike ride we had a play in the playground and shared a fruit salad at the cafe nearby. Such a lovely morning and one sure to be repeated.

Just Desserts

 

Isaac doesn't typically have any day time sleeps anymore but there are some days he is just too tired and crashes out. Today was one of those days. When he does fall asleep during the day we always know bedtime is going to be a struggle - he's just not tired enough to go to sleep at the normal time. So I decided not to fight it tonight. He had dinner when he woke (it was a late afternoon siesta) then I put him in the car for a ride to the shops and then for a sundae at McDonald's. He loved it and went straight to bed when we got home without any struggle.

Storytime

My turn to read Isaac his bedtime story tonight. After much consideration, and negotiation, he decided on Mr McGee goes to sea. A good choice.

Easy like ... Friday afternoon

Noah and I have been spending some time outside on the picnic rug the last few days. He loves kicking around in the fresh air while I flick through a magazine. I've also noticed a bird that seems to come by every afternoon. It lands on our small gum tree to eat the nectar from the flowers. I keep trying to get a photo but it's scared off easily.

An Apple a day

I have an old school iPhone, a 3GS, and over the last few months it's been starting to have a few niggly problems. After a trip to the Apple store a few weeks ago a hardware problem was diagnosed and I was quoted $89 to get it replaced. So today I went along to a different Apple store to get the replacement done. However, this time was quoted $170. I explained what had happened at the last appointment and after talking to their manager they explained that it was an error I was quoted the cheaper price but that they would honour my original quote. I have to say Apple does great customer service. I walked out with a 'new' phone and a positive experience to share with others. It's a win-win.

Fresh food people

 

Once a week we have a small box of fruit and vegetables delivered to keep our fridge stocked and encourage us to eat healthy. We also get other essentials delivered like milk, eggs and bread. We usually still need to do a bigger shop during the week but having this regular delivery means that there's always something in the fridge to eat.

Cruising

I have been feeling a bit 'blah' all day so by the time the boys were in bed for the night I felt I needed to escape a little. I contemplated going to the movies but anything I was interested in seeing wasn't on til late and I wanted an earlyish night. Darren suggested I just get out and go for a drive so that's what I did. With the car speakers recently fixed and no little ones to consider it meant I could turn the music up loud too. These days I don't get to listen to as much music as I'd like (unless you count the Wiggles and Play School) and I forget how good a catchy tune or some meaningful lyrics can make me feel.

P.S. Please excuse how many kms are showing on the clock. I've had this car for 10 years now and she's been very loyal.

Spinning around

I was hoping to get dinner prepared before having to feed Noah this evening, lucky for me he was quite amused by the clothes dryer spinning around. It gave me about 10 minutes or so to get everything ready while he happily watched and cooed. Ceiling fans also seem to keep him mesmorised, even when they're not moving which is interesting.

Stormy night

Yet another storm in Sydney tonight. I do love a good storm, so long as everyone is safe. I love the sound of the rumbling thunder and the rain on the roof. We were given quite an amazing light show tonight too. 

Unfortunately, while watching the storm from the back door I noticed water teaming down from the gutters. Looks like another thing to add to Darren's task list. 

Birthday celebrations

The first kids birthday party of the year today and the most civilised 'pass the parcel' I have ever witnessed.

Isaac is lucky to have lots of good mates at daycare, with a group of three being particularly close (and troublesome). It's always great watching them get so excited and the big smiles on their faces when they see each other are priceless.

Rain gauge fairy

A little fairy delivered a rain gauge to me today. She knew I liked my sister in-law's one and that it would look cute in our garden. She's a lovely fairy :)

Welcome aboard

We boarded flight SYD-A06915-3A with pilot Darren Osborne this evening. It was a short but very smooth flight, especially the landing.

If Darren is going to indulge his love of flying I think I'd rather it be in a simulator like this :)

Balloon fun

What fun you can have with a few balloons in the backyard. That's all Isaac and I needed to keep ourselves entertained this morning.

Cheesy romance

I'm not one to get too caught up in Valentine's Day. I'm more of the belief that we should do small things each day to show that special someone we care rather than a grand gesture one day a year. Having said that, I do ackowledge the day and like to use it as an excuse to do something a little nice. Tonight I headed into the city to meet Darren for a meal at the GPO Cheese and Wine company. This is such a romantic little place with good food, great wine and, best of all for me, scrumptious cheese! Another perfect Valentine's Day spent with my Valentine.

Food fondness

Another food photo. Ok, I love food. Not so much the cooking of it but certainly the eating part. I'm fortunate enough to have lovely friends from all different cultures so I've been exposed to some wonderful cuisine in my time. I'm also willing to try most things once so there has been some not so wonderful, yet very interesting food stuffs I've experienced too (sheep's balls come to mind).

Korean was on the menu today with some lovely 'colleagues'. It was great company and yummy food. Such a nice way to start the week.

Patty cake

I've had a cake mix in the cupboard for ages so today during a big storm I decided to bake with Isaac. Using a pre-packaged mix I guess is a cheats way of baking but with my limited experience it was probably the best option for all concerned. Fun was had by all... the beaters were licked, sprinkles were spinkled and, most importantly, cupcakes were eaten.

Lift off

We took a break from cars today and set up an airport on the coffee table instead, complete with helipad.

The classics

 

Another day home sick for Isaac and a chance to catch up on some old classic movies. A friend kindly leant us Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which he watched for the first time yesterday, and Mary Poppins. He didn't take as well to the latter today and about 15 minutes in asked for Chitty Chitty again. I think it might have something to do with his love of cars.

Plans interrupted

I look forward to Thursdays and Fridays as Isaac heads off to day care. Now, don't get me wrong, I love him to bits but it's good to get a break from each other for a few days. My plan today was to catch up on a bit of sleep and just potter around the house enjoying the peace and quiet. Instead I got a call at lunch time to collect a sick little boy. After a trip into the city and a vomiting episode on the way home, the afternoon was instead spent with Isaac on the couch (watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and me cleaning car seats. Poor little guy, I hate seeing him sick. I think we might be in for a long night.

Me time

At the end of a long day with the boys I crash on the lounge. Usually with the laptop and idiot box in the background. This 'me time' at the end of the day is treasured. No interruptions, no endless requests. Sure, I could be folding washing or tidying something but that can all wait for tomorrow.

Coin operated madness

I often plan my trip around the shopping centre to avoid the coin operated rides. There are just so many and kids can see them from a mile away. Each shopping trip involves at least one negotiation involving how many rides he can go on or what we have to get done before he can play on one.

Thankfully this was the only one that Isaac asked to go in today.

Swings and round-a-bouts

Off to the park again today. I've driven past this one particular playground so many times since we moved into our house over two years ago and I keep meaning to take Isaac there. So today we put Noah in the pram, grabbed Isaac's bike and headed off. We walked/rode a little over 1km until we reached the park... spent about 15 minutes there and walked back to the park right around the corner from us. Isaac decided it was a little too out of his comfort zone. Ah well, it was good to get out for the morning and get some exercise.

Nature art

Just the boys and I at home today while dad went for a much deserved day of geocaching. Isaac and I spent the morning outside doing some art while Noah slept. We started with painting and then put together a collage of different things we found in the garden. We used bark, leaves, mulch, sticks and rocks and glued them onto the lid of an old cardboard box. He enjoyed walking around the garden to collect all the bits and pieces and waited patiently for the glue to dry before using the finished product as an island for his dinosaurs. That kid has one big imagination.

Yum cha

Yum cha today with friends! Unfortunately the food wasn't as great as the company but regardless, it was a lovely relaxing lunch (well, as relaxing as it can be with three babies and a preschooler). We have all had babies in the last 6 months (all boys) so it's always great catching up to see how much the bubs have grown and to compare war stories. Looking forward to many more yum cha dates... let's not leave it too long between dumplings ladies.

Sweet tooth

While I was rushing off to collect Darren and Isaac from the train station this afternoon I heard the familiar bell of the Home ice cream van. A quick decision had to be made, leave straight away and be in time to meet the train or take a few minutes and stock the freezer. As you can see by the picture, I decided on the latter. Not only did I grab a great deal on some yummy ice creams, I was still in time to meet the boys.

Wet, wet, wet

 

'Twas a rainy old day in Sydney. Perfect weather for sleeping and watching a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother while Isaac was at daycare. From what I hear we should get used to this rain for the next month or so. Now, if only Noah was old enough to build us an ark :)

On a more serious note, my thoughts are with all the people in flood areas. Keep safe.

Visiting Orange

 

Today Noah and I went into my work for a visit. This is a photo of the greeting at the office as you get out of the lift.

We had lunch with some of my lovely colleagues and friends and then went up to the office to show off the new bub. It's been 3 months since I went on leave so it was nice to see everyone again. Do I miss work? Maybe a little. Not enough to be rushing back just yet though :)