Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Picnic at Silver Lake

We started our holidays on Friday, so Saturday we decided to roam a bit further away from home for a picnic supper on the shores of Silver Lake.  AC wanted to take pictures of the sunset over the lake, so we arrived late in the day, and stayed until sunset.  It was so relaxing and refreshing to spend the twilight hours at this spot. 
We first set up our chairs at his site, and munched our supper.
We then moved to the other side of the park when the sun started to get lower in the sky.
Believe it or not, we had the whole park to ourselves. 
AC spent lots of time roaming around with his camera.  I sat and read while he roamed.
When the sun was just about to disappear behind the trees, I grabbed my little camera and snapped a few shots too.


What a nice way to start our holiday. 

We will be setting off for Riverwood in a few days, and as you already know, the internet connection up there is slower than slow, so I don`t think I`ll be blogging while we are there.  Talk to you again when we get home in about three weeks.


Monday, July 30, 2012

What a pair

These two are something else, and keep the smiles coming every morning.  The other day they were Rock Stars...and boy did they have the roles down pat. 
JJ was rocking with his guitar...
...and Smudge was hamming it up...
for the camera...
...before belting out a tune.

Friday, July 27, 2012

At the library

We are staying away from the water this week, so lots of time might be spent at the library once Smudge is feeling better.
We didn't know the little boy in this picture, but Smudge decided to read him a story.  She is such a friendly little soul.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Afternoon in the pool

After our morning at Stewart Park, we enjoyed an afternoon in the pool
3-2-1---Blastoff!  And JJ is in the pool
Sister is flying high too.
Having a snooze
Noodle fun
Smiles with Buppa

What a fun afternoon.  The next day was surgery day for the Smudgster, so we won't be back in the pool for three weeks. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Stewart Park

The day before Smudge's surgery last week we took the kids to Stewart Park in Perth.  We spent the morning at the Park so the kids could play on the equipment.
At the top looking down...
At the bottom looking up!
Time for a break and some lunch.
Then back to the slide for more fun.
Here JJ is going UP the slide instead of coming down.
Then we went for a walk across the park to find the water.
We came home for some rest time before heading over to the neighbour's pool for one last swim before surgery day.  Amma was trying to sleep, but a certain rascal thought it was great fun to climb on the couch with Amma.
She is trying her best to rest...but we didn't have much luck.  Soon it was time to go for a swim.  

Sheesh, what a scamp!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The Boat Dock

We took the kids to the boat dock the other day, to dangle their feet in the water, and soak up some sunshine.  When we got there were discovered another family already on the dock doing some fishing.

We stopped to say hello, then Buppa and JJ walked on down the dock to the other end.
Not Smudge though, she stayed for a visit with the other family.
JJ sat quietly with Buppa...
Dangled his feet in the water, and enjoyed himself.
Smudge on the other hand, stayed with the other family, and asked to borrow their fishing rods.
I insisted in the nicest way possible, that she should give the other family some space, and join JJ and Buppa.
She grudgingly consented, and eventually joined them at the end of the dock, and watched the dragon boat races with them.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Passed her swimming class with flying colours

The munchkin had her surgery last Thursday, but leading up to that day, we kept both kids busier than busy at swimming classes, picnics in the park, water play at the river, and afternoon's spent splashing in the neighbour's pool.  After the busy-ness of the days leading up to the surgery, and the trauma to this old Granny's heart on the day of the surgery and the few tough days following, I was one poopdicated Granny on Saturday.

I spent most of the day on Saturday just sitting and staring into space.  I didn't read, didn't work on any projects, and didn't budge from my comfy chair on the porch except to refill my teacup.  I looked at the garden, watched the birds in the bird bath, and counted clouds floating by.  That was the extent of my energy.    

The Smudgster was up and ready to bounce and dance on Sunday, and Mommy was finding it very difficult to keep her quiet like the doctor ordered.  Amma on the other hand wasn't ready to dance, but did feel a bit more energetic today.   Onward and forward into a week of trying to keep the Smudge restrained.  I think we will have our work cut out for us.  She is sooooo full of energy that one is.   

I have a few pictures in waiting of events leading up to surgery day last week, so will post some of them for the next few days, and hope to have more new ones for you at the end of the week.

Smudge was very pleased to pass her swimming test, so we took her out for an ice cream treat to celebrate.  She looks pleased doesn't she? 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

At the Stream Study area at the Mill of K

Undaunted by the heat, we headed back out into the sunshine to explore the river's edge.
A little rest on the deck before heading into the woods.
It was a pretty walk...
with lots of shade, and millions of Dragon Flies.
We had mountains to climb...
Dragon Flies to watch...
Stream beds to study...
Benches to rest on. 
Smudgester enjoying a game of Patty Cake with Amma.
Time to test our balance...

Then climb a fence on the way back to the car for the trip home.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

In the museum at the Mill of K

Next it was on to the museum.
JJ was very impressed with this Scottish soldier, and asked me if he could talk.
They both wanted to pose with these action figures in the artist's studio.
Then with the Naismith Stone in the Basketball Museum.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Exploring at the Mill

After lunch it was time to pack up our lunch and go exploring.
Hmmmm, what's behind these leaves?
It's an open air chapel.
Buppa and Amma sat on the benches in the little chapel while the kids preached a message, did a dance or two, and generally had a grand ole time.