Fun in Pakenham

Once we got the cameras on the right setting we were ready to take some pictures as we toured this quaint little town.
Ben was about to get his feet wet down at the water's edge, but Mary stayed on higher ground with the camera at the ready.
Ben decided it was time for a rest,but Mary was getting right into her work.
So was AC.
I think it was too late for the barber to help Ben with his latest hair cut.
Mary avoided the barber chair, but put a nickel in this old machine for her weight and fortune.
AC posted some pics of Benmar's visit here,if you want to see a few more.

Just because

We are on vacation this week and have been gallivanting so don't have time to post much today. I did want to send Grandmama a picture though, so here's lookin' at you Grandmama!

Oh baby!

Can you guess what the newest addition to our house is? I'll give you a hint, below is a picture of the babies on the new baby.
You guessed it, it's an ipad and I'm lovin' it! Total fun!

Chillin' with Buppa

When Smudge was here for a sleepover last week she enjoyed chillin' with Buppa. First of all she had to get on top of the situation...
then she settled in to have dinner on her lap while she and Buppa sat on the couch and watched So You Think You Can Dance.
She's growing up she is!

At the park

Before and after our adventure at the water's edge, Smudge had fun at the playground.
"Can you show me how this works Buppa?"
"I think I've got it!"
"OK, enough of that, let me try climbing this nifty yellow spiral thingy. Hang on tight Buppa."
Buppa had enough of this one and...
encouraged Smudge to try this smaller one.
"Put your feet here like this, and move your hands so you can hold on like this."
Again the phrase rang out loud and clear..."Hold on tight Buppa."
Ah, a nice calm swing at the end of the play time.

Hold on tight Buppa!

Smudge came for a sleepover last weekend, and after a lazy start to the day on Saturday, we went for a walk to the park. After a fun time on the equipment we sauntered over to the water's edge to see what was happening on the river. As soon as we got close to the water Smudge had a question.
"Can I put my feet in the water Buppa?"
Buppa found a path down to the river's edge near a quiet spot in the rushing water and helped Smudge down the hill.
"You can stand right there, but you have to hold onto Buppa's hand."
Smudge hiked up her dress, and encouraged Buppa to hold on tight as she stepped into the water.
She was pretty pleased with herself and happily posed for a picture.
She ventured as far as she could in either direction as long as she was holding onto Buppa's hand...
...then she let Buppa help her back up the hill...
and onto the walking path again.
What a great adventure.
"Thanks for holding on tight Buppa. Now, can we go back to the playground?"

Hop Scotch

With all the fancy toys awaiting in the back yard, the kids wanted to play good old fashioned hop-scotch on the driveway instead.
I gave them each a piece of chalk and let them go to it. JJ took to the task with great concentration...
while Smudge got a whole new perspective on the game.
Did you notice JJ's shoes? He insisted on wearing his sister's pink plaid running shoes that were about a kazillion sizes too big for him. I figured it didn't hurt to let him wear them if he was happy, so I didn't argue with him. He was quite the sight clomping around in them though. What a kid!

Mary, Mary, quite contrary....

...how does your garden grow?
Very well thank you, with lots and lots of water.
Smudge does love to help Buppa water his garden.
But it does make one's feet tired, so we must stop now and then to refresh them in the bird bath.

The latest...

While the kids keep me on my toes, I refuse to do handstands.
Smudge on the other hand thinks handstands are the greatest.

Sir Hiss

JJ discovered that Play-Doh makes nifty snakes!

Hello Mr Mailman!

If we aren't greeting the garbage man with enthusiasm, we are cheering the mailman on while he goes about his duties.
What a pair!

Musical Minnie

AC and I attended Smudge's first dance recital this weekend, and it was delightful.

On the big night while AC awaited in the auditorium with his camera at the ready, I took the dancer to the dressing room to put the finishing touches on her costume, and await her turn on stage. This once camera-shy little munchkin was more than happy to pose for pictures each time I pointed the camera in her direction.
The pointed toe, raised arms or
Jazz Hands...were all perfect.
Some of her little friends were more than happy to pose with her backstage...
while we all waited for our cue to head to the stage.
Once on stage the lighting wasn't as good for us to get pictures, but AC managed to get some good action shots.

The picture below is my favorite shot.
We think that she saw AC in the picture below and was smiling at him.
At the end of the show everyone was invited back on stage, and Smudge was front and centre while the Teacher said a few words. Smudge listened intently and clapped enthusiastically as each introduction was made.
Our little star.