Bed time!

Dani wanted to sleep with Jared last night but he wouldn't let her cause she was being a pain. She waited for him to go to sleep and snuck in with him anyway!

Carols in the park

Sunday night we went to a carols night out Castle Hill way with Simon and Tamara and some other kiwi friends of theirs. There were sideshows, a train, singing and dancing performances by local kids, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale., It was a lovely evening

Jared getting stuck in to his tea!

Simon, Tamara, Sophie and Zac

David Jones Christmas

On Saturday we headed into the City with Simon (an Action coach), Tamara and their kids Sophie and Zac. We were on a Christmas mission to check out the Christmas displays.

David Jones, a department store, had Displays with puppets singing and playing music in different scenes/carols in all their windows. The kids all loved them and they were so well done.
Inside they had Santa's cave with a talking tree (that actually heard you and answered your questions), a carousel, weird mirrors, lucky dips, a movie den with Cars playing, and, of course, Santa. We never actually saw Santa cause the lines were too long =(

We were then going to have fish'n'chips at Darling Harbour but it got too windy so we all came back to our place instead.

This train was in Santaland at Myer (another department store). It pretty much just had the train and Santa but the kids loved it. Dani and Sophie were a bit unsure but wanted to go again as soon as the ride was over

Dani exercising

Dani likes to keep fit!

The aquarium

Ben had a day shmoozing on the harbour for work so I thought I'd take the kids into the aquarium at Darling Harbour and meet up with Ben afterwards. It took so long for us to get there on the train (a mega mission with the buggy when 3 lifts were out of order and I had to lug the buggy and try not to lose the kids on massive flights of stairs! Rediculous) that Ben was nearly finished. We dicided to wait for him and he joined us too. Both of the kids absolutely loved the fish. I think a fish tank at home might be in order one of these days.

Sorry about the lack of photos, it was really bad light in there.

Jared was very excited when he saw Nemo and Marlin!

The new pool

We have been looking at these pools for ages and, much to Jared's delight, finally got one! It is a very welcome addition to the back yard, and I don't think a day has gone by that Jared hasn't been it, snorkel and all. Dani isn't so keen. She prefers it to be only knee deep so she can run and splash. I guess we'll have to get a wee one for her next!

I like it because I get to work on my tan while they are out there :-)

Berowra Waters

We went and had fish and chips with Mandy, Dominic and Charlotte at Berowra Waters. It was such a nice evening but we were sad we arrived too late to hire a little boat to look at all the flash houses up the river.

As usual Jared never left Dom's side.

The kids

Hanging out in the new house....What's with the socks?!

Deep in concentration with his spray gun. Grandma gave it to him for his birthday.

This was HILARIOUS. We walked down to the mall and it was a really hot day. On the way back the kids wanted to see the fountain...all of a sudden a leg dangle became a full-on swim!

Exploring Sydney

While Mum was here we spent a few days looking around. We had to see the Opera House and wander around Circular Quay and Darling Harbour like tourists. It was great fun.

Playing in the purple Jacaranda petals - they are EVERYWHERE and are so pretty.

The train trips are always a highlight for the kids

Moving to Sydney

31 Oct - The day has come!! We had to get up REALLY early so we could leave for the airport at 5am. Yuk.

On the way to the house we had to pick up the keys from the agent. Mandy caught the train in and met us there. It was very exciting.

Mandy and I then went to the supermarket to stock up on cleaners (thank goodness, because the house was left disgusting :( ) and walked back to the house while Ben, Mum and the kids went on to meet the furniture truck. It was all go!

The house came together really well with all the help and by the end of the day we were all exhausted.

On the plane

Yay there are beaches here!!!

Dani's 1st bottle in her new house

It's over!!

Jared's Party

Oct 29 - We had Jared's party at Pine Rivers Park in Brisbane. The kids from over the back fence where we lived came, and so did some of his friends from Kids Church and playgroup. He has so much fun playing with his friends.

pressies

Ready for a game

The oldies and the food!
Buzz and Woody cake

Jared's Birthday

Pressies

30 Oct - The day started at Gwen and Johns (where we were staying) with some pressies. Some of them all the way from Nelson.

Alma Park Zoo

After living just down the road from it for a few months we thought it was time we visited the zoo! Jared had been asking for a while so it was great we did it on his birthday. We all thought it was pretty special.

Both kids were happy to touch the snake. Dani couldn't get enough and kept sneaking back for more!



















The koalas were very cute and you were allowed in to touch them for ages. It was great.












Dani LOVED the chicks

Jared had the kangaroos eating out of his lap

He kept trying to get close enough to feed the peacocks. Not a bad effort.

Out for tea

We went to 4 Mile Creek Hotel for tea. The kids like it because there is a great playground and games room to keep them entertained.

'Aunty Gwen and Uncle Shon' joined us too.