. . . it is time . . .

I am always Impressed when my children remember what I say.  Especially when it was 365 days ago "I promise I will take you to the EKKA next year"! We did go and had a lovely day, accompanied by Jeannette. Waiting for the bus at Eight Mile Plains busway  Milking a cow  Feeding in the animal nursery. Water Zorbs At the Brisbane City Council exhibition  Sitting on the bus!

What an exciting day out we had.  Lachlan joined in the challenge for the Largest Trumpet Ensemble - lead by James Morrison. After that we headed down to Suncorp Stadium to attempt to break the record for the Worlds Biggest Orchestra.  Here we are before entering the stadium Kira was with the school section I was amongst the clever triangle players and Lachlan was up high with the trumpeters and here are all the 7223 musicians from the other end of the pitch. A NEW WORLD RECORD !

Kira was delighted to collect her school flute and embark on her instrumental music program.  Lachlan got his trumpet out and they had a wee jam session with each other. I may post a video later in the year, but for now a still photo is best :)

Kira started back to school first on 29 January into Grade 5. Lachlan starts high school this year in Grade 8. We chose a private school, so his dress code has taken a more formal approach. This is the day we collected the new uniform. He was very taken aback by the 'walk socks'.  The hat wasn't available, so he had to wait until his first day to collect that. Here is my wee boy ready for his first day.  I went to work and fortunately Michael drove him, as the roads were flooded. This is the street where his bus stop is (submerged) . . .  and this is the school oval!  Here he is in his sports uniform (worn every Thursday) and with his hat on.

25 January While Michael slept the kids and I were planning an outing to Southbank.  However it had been raining for a few days and we thought that it would be better to find an indoor activity.  So we headed to Rocksports . Here we are al harnessed up I run through the safety check with Lachlan before he heads up the wall. They both enjoyed their climbs and were very very brave.

Michael has been on leave, so I have been treated to dinner on the table most evenings when I get home from work. Mainly it is salad, as we are experiencing high temperatures. Our inside temperature range for the week has been in  deg Celsius : Low: 24.6 High: 34.7   Here has been a lot of sitting around watching movies/TV etc too.

Reading The kids are keeping up with their reading, encouraged by Michael, who is on leave with them.

Lachlan had a wonderful celebration with all the Year 7 classes (5).  Us before the ceremony Lachlan receiving his certificates and whole of class photo.

Up-cycling Project Lachlan's final project included an up-cycling activity.  This was his version with the empty coffee jars found in the cupboard. Music Extravaganza Both children participated (very proud parents) Lachlan played the trumpet . . .  and Kira sang with the choir.

Well things didn't seem to slow down much at all. Here is a little something I gave to Kathy as her birthday is  1 November. Supplies: Spellbinder die; Bigz Butterflies die - made into a broach 4 November Kira finisher her year with the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts Australia with a fantastic gala concert season featuring the fabulous Bruce Woodley and 25 years of I Am Australian.  9 November I made a few wee gifts,  for the card team and one for the raffle at "Stamp Camp".  the theme this time was "the 80's", se we dressed accordingly.  I had a productive weekend with a PB of 47 (I think). I arrived home to "cubby world" constructed by Kira  constructed by Lachlan  while I was away, Michael discovered how things had been falling over in his 'man cave'!  He was very very brave and caught it, then relocated it the next day.  It was identified as...

Lachlan headed off to camp As Lachlan is in his final year at primary school, they have a big camp for a week on Stradbroke Island. The kids love it. So LAchlan headed off the day before Pop and Kathy arrived from NZ. Bledisloe Cup - Suncorp Stadium 20 October  We dressed in our respective support colours (except Dad) and headed off for the adventure.  the excitement built  and the result was . . .  Kathy's creativity for Lachlan for Kira  O'Reilly's Plateau  Byron Bay - Australia's most easterly point  Lachlan performing at the Brisbane Schools Band Festival They were the largest band in their section and they were awesome. Each band is assessed on their ability and awarded either bronze, silver gold or platinum. the bands do not compete with each other. They were rewarded for all their hard work with GOLD!!!