A girly weekend trip to Sydney - February 2011

Well what was supposed to be a get away without kids for me and Rachel, did not start with smooth sailing. Our first mistake of the trip was to choose to fly Tiger Airways.

We got to the airport rather early and went and checked in at the counter, I did not realise that you had to do e-check in before you arrive, and we were both slugged a $20 per person fee. Then after reluctantly paying the funds, we decided because we were so early we would go and check out the shopping in Ikea. Apart from the walk over in 40 degrees that was a stress free expedition. Then we sat at the terminal waiting for our plane, and was surprised to see the Tiger Airways sign being taken down. Huh, we were then told our flight had been cancelled and our only option was to either fly the next morning or get a refund of our ticket. Ok, now there is one nights accommodation lost. But apart from my initial sook, we took it in our stride and booked the Stamford Grand in the city (getting a cheap Wotif.com.au deal) - this was a girls weekend, there was no way we were going home! We grabbed some dinner, then spent some time at the Adelaide Casino - pretending of course that we were actually sitting in Star City, Sydney.

We finally got to Sydney at lunch time on Saturday so half our time there was already wasted, but we made the most of what we could and ventured off into the 42 degree heat. As we walked around the markets and toured Sydney, we had no idea we were walking around on a heat record day, we thought it was hot, but thought the weather was meant to be 36 degrees.

Chinese new year celebrations were in full swing while we were in Paddy's Market which is near China Town, we heard the fire crackers going off and went out to investigate.

The only way we were able to cool off was a trip out on the ferry to Manley, Rachel and I loved it there, by the ocean we picked up a couple of caches, and enjoyed some baked fish and chips which we ate by the beach.

Sunday before our flight home we took a bus trip out to Palm Beach aka Summer Bay, it started off really hot and hard to do anything, then some thunder clouds rolled in over the ocean and within about 15 minutes I think that the temperature must have dropped 15 degrees. It was so lovely out here, such a beautiful spot that really must be a place where the rich and famous live or holiday.

Harry Mc in Hospital - January 2011

Not that I wanted to take many pictures of my little Angel in this condition, but for 5 days he was in and out of hospital, with originally a gaestro virus which then caused him to get a twisted bowel. Poor little man was in so much pain.

This was his last day in hospital, and the day we knew he was better, when he started downing those sandwiches.

Rocky Horror in the Botanic Gardens - January 2011

What a crazy bunch of girls to sit in the Botanic Gardens on a night with forecast thunder and lighting to sit and watch the movie 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'.

but that is exactly what we we did, Amanda, Lana, Amy and myself sat huddled together, eating veggies and dip, with a blanket over our heads while we sat and watch one of my all time favourite movies.

Despite the weather, we had a great time, and I definately hope we can me some type of regular occurrence of the event.

Monarto Zoo - January 2011

In early January we took a little mini break with the boys by staying at the Hahndorf Resort, and by doing this we were easily able to spend a day out at Monarto Zoo, which is a zoo set up to help animals roam in as close as possible to their natural habitat.

We had a great day and surprisingly I did not take too many pictures, but this was a day out that was well worth the trip, and we all had a great day where we bonded as a family and thoroughly enjoyed each others company.

Mitchell's 2nd Birthday - January 2011

Well we celebrated Mr Mitchell's birthday with a small family and friends gathering, being so close after Christmas it is always going to be hard to organise any type of big gathering, but the Nana's came, and the Mashfords came so he had a great time being doted on and chased after by everyone..

He got up in the morning and got to open some presents, he got a Chuck the Truck, which is a talking truck, a new bike, and lots of other bits and pieces.
At the moment, Mitch does not really have a favorite character that he follows, but he does like all boys stuff like 'Bob The Builder', so that was the cake that I made for the occasion. The best thing about this cake was the toys he got to keep as a result.
At the end of a big day with so many presents and cake and visitors, the boys curled up together in bed for a brief moment of affection.

Sounds By the River - 8 January 2011

I had no idea this concert was on until I heard a radio advert for it the day before, and having a shortage of babysitters I kind of figured that there was no way I would be able to go out. Well thankfully a call to my lovely mum, and the boys were sorted.

So with my lovely friend Lana and Graham, it was off to Mannum for the 'Sounds By the River' concert, for a good old Aussie Music Rock fest.

We had such a great time, Graham even bumped into some footy friends and I ended up loosing him for half the night.

We missed a couple of the warm up acts, which were pretty much some hardcore country music bands, which didn't faze me too much, but I had to make sure we were there for when Thirsty Merc came on - I love them, I even managed to get up close and personal with them after their gig and get my CD signed. (no individual photos though - pooh)

Next came Noiseworks, and let me tell you Jon Stevens can still rock out some Hot chilli Woman
Then for the finale we was treated to some Jimmy Barnes, who even though getting on in age he had everyone dancing and screaming for more.

Mitchell's end of year childcare photo's

Some end of year photos of Mitchell taken at childcare - cute photos, but I am not sure what angle the photographer had their camera on though

Might have to get Auntie Lisa to take some more recent photos (Hint Hint, nudge nudge, wink wink)

Christmas evening

We spent christmas lunch with Graham's family and for some reason I didnt take any photos, but we had a lovely lunch at Tremayne and Tommy's house, with a BBQ and some lovely salads.

Then went to my mums in the evening and it was so hot, but we managed some cold meats and a yummy chocolate fondue.

I didn't take too many photos, but since it was hot day the boys enjoyed playing on the bikes and playing with water outside.