Dancing Competition

Kate dressed as a mouse for ballet

Today Kate competed in the ATOD dancing competitions. They were held in Kwinana, 5 minutes from Amie's house, so we picked Amie up at 8:45am and headed to the Arts Centre.

Kate's tap which is Bronze Star was in Section One, so we didn't have long to wait. She placed 3rd out of 5 girls, some pretty tough competition out there, so she was thrilled with the result.

Section two, after morning tea was he ballet - Bronze Medal - 6 contestants, and again she placed 3rd! Absolutely thrilled.

Then it was a lunch break. We headed up to McDonalds, it was absolutely packed with different dancing school grabbing food in-between competitions. Amie & Ella had had enough of watching now that Kate had finished performing, but Kate wanted to watch the third and final section which some of her friends were in. So we dropped them back to Amie's house and we went back again. The day was over at 3:30pm and we went back to Amie's to pick up Ella and spends some time with Ruby & Jonah.

School Excursion

The orchard is set on 40 acres

I went along with Ella's class today on an excursion to an Orchard. I would have to say it was one of the most interesting and enjoyable ones I've been on, and I've been on lots!

We were greeted by Emily when we arrived, who was our tour guide.

Emily tells the children of the different fruits they grow

We learnt about the history of the orchard which belongs to Emily's husband and family. It was established in 1939.

We walked along the rows of apple trees

Emily talked about what fruits they grow there, which trees were which, and about what happens during the different seasons

The garden where they dug for worms

Then it was on to digging for worms - well Emily dug while the kids all found a worm each

Ella gets down and searches for her worm

And here it is!

The kids all compared their worms while the others were getting theirs

They then went and fed their worms to the chooks who were waiting patiently.

The chooks waiting for a snack

We then met up with Phil who explained what he was about to do on the orchard (clean up with his tractor around the trees

More learning from Phil

Then it was time for morning tea. Everyone was pretty hungry by then. Emily brought around plates of cut up fruit which was delicious!

Ella waiting patiently for some organic fruit

Ella gets some Pink Lady apple

We then met Farmer John (Emily's husband) who was working in the shed. He explained about his Grandfather and Dad building the sheds. He showed us the coolstore.

Farmer John talks about the shed and cool stores and what happens inside

The kids learnt about the process of getting the fruit from the packing shed to the wholesalers, to the retailers to home.

A look into the coolstore

Then finally after lunch they all got to enjoy a short ride on the apple chariot back up the hill to the bus.

Ella (back right) gets a ride with her friends

New Find

I found this gorgeous tin this morning at the garden centre. It's perfect for the bench.

We are just about to start our own composting, so this was a great motivator to get us going.

Even the girls were excited, and because they already have vege gardens at school and know all about compost, they told me what can go into the bin!

And plenty of more gardening books from the library today! Fun and interesting to look through.

The end of autumn

Gordon loves to snuggle up in a small space

The end of another season (my favourite) is here

the mornings and nights have a chill in the air

Winter veges plants have been planted

there are late flowering rose buds

time to dust off the heater

hot chocolates with marshmallows

snuggled up in bed with a good book

Early morning sunshine filters through

We nearly lost this peacherine tree in windy wild weather. We are happy it looks like it is recovering.

Simple Fun

The girls raced in the door yesterday and saw a container on the table and immediately asked what it was for. I said it's for all the buttons. We use buttons for craft, and of course sewing back on clothing.

They sat there for ages sorting, picking out favourites and setting them aside, chatting away. They didn't even ask for afternoon tea for a good half hour.

After they had sorted about half the buttons, they had to stop and get ready for swimming lessons. They do love swimming, but today they were happy to sit and sort buttons. They ended up finishing when we got home.

I remember my Mum having a button bag. It was green and lived in a draw in the dining room. I recall as a small girl often asking my Mum if I could play with the button bag. Such fond memories.

Writing Workshop

A couple of weeks ago, Kate came out of class after school waving a piece of paper with a very excited look on her face.

Her teacher had been talking to them about a writing competition that is being run by the Shire. To encourage entrants, two writing workshops were being held (9 -12yrs and 13-17yrs) and students were nominated by their teacher if they thought you would benefit from attending one of the workshops.

Kate was delighted when her teacher named her (along with Kade in her class) and today was the day of the workshop.

The author was Norman Jorgenson. He told stories of how he became a writer, with his new book due out next month. He read some of his first books ever published. He talked alot about what makes a good story and gave the kids sheets with ideas to take away.

So. now it's time to start thinking about what to write for the competition. There are some great prizes up for grabs!

I will keep you posted!

Just plodding along

Not much has been happening around here. Well, just the usual everyday things - housework, homework, taxi-ing the girls around to dancing and swimming lessons and school. Phil is going away to work tomorrow, not sure how long he will be gone, but the groceries were a bit cheaper this week with one less adult to feed :) The days are still nice and the nights are nice and cool. Great sleeping weather. The girls have been busy with birthday parties and playdates. Kate is busy planning her 10th birthday next month :)

Changing Weather Patterns

Finally we are experiencing some cooler weather after a record breaking summer. We have even had some rain. Not much, but a little bit to get excited about. The girls now have flannelette sheets on their beds, we don't yet but I feel it will be soon. Ella is the only one in winter pj's, but she likes to sleep with her arms and feet out so likes her arms and legs covered. The days are still warm and short sleeves, shorts and thongs are still being worn. It's perfect weather for working in the garden or enjoying a walk around the neighbourhood. I love this time of year.

Second Hand Bargains

Amie and I met at a shopping centre near where she lives down on the coast on Wednesday. I noticed as I drove in there was a Salvos on a side street that I thought I would check out after we visited the main shopping centre. I'm so glad I did as I found these two awesome jumpers in mint condition (they are both for Kate but she has been letting Ella wear one) and a dancing skirt for Ella. I also got some Tupperware herbs/spices containers to add to my collection (not photographed)

These were taken this morning before jazz, hence the shoes!

Mother's Day

It's been a lovely Mother's Day today. Ella and I were awake first so we got up and had a hot chocolate and waited for Kate & Phil to wake. I was given some lovely homemade cards, chocolates, a new nightie for winter, slippers, sheets and a herb garden. Very spoilt indeed.

The girls and I headed out to get some fruit and veges for the week and to buy some herbs while Phil put the garden together. Came home and planted - doesn't it look good?

Amie, Brendan, Ruby and Jonah arrived after lunch and we potted about while the kids played. Ella and Ruby were so pleased to see each other.

I wanted to get a photo with all my girls, but Ella wouldn't. She only wanted one with her buddy Ruby. Oh well, another time.

I got one of Amie and her kids

and a rare one of Phil and I

Amie, Brendan & the kids

Jonah loved watering and was pretty good at it!

All in all it was a beautiful day filled with love, peace, happiness, sunshine and lots of fun!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums out there, I hope you were all as blessed as I was.

End of the holidays

Enjoying a play in the sandpit. You are never too old!

The last day of the school holidays was yesterday and once again the sun shone for us.
I took the girls swimming first as they had been wanting to go for awhile but hadn't made it there. Then we decided to visit Amie & Jonah. Ruby was at school as private schools started back on Tuesday. Jonah had fun with the girls and vice versa. Oh what luck to have such young Aunties :0

Friends & Fun

From left: Isla, Kate, Hannah, Ella

The beautiful Kate

The beautiful Ella

We met our lovely friends Hannah & Isla and their Mum & Dad today for a morning of roller skating. The girls all had a great time, a few falls and tears, and some bruises, but they always got back up and had another go. Lunch afterwards at Hungry Jacks, A nice day for the school holidays.

Singing & Dance Troupe Competition

3rd place! Be back tomorrow with details.