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Australian Academy of Science

Late last year, the Australian Academy of Science announced it's annual award prize winners of which Andy was awarded the Frederick White Prize . So last week Andy presented his lecture 'Surprises in the Southern Ocean' at the Shine Dome. That evening we had to scrub up to attend a black tie dinner at the Gallery.

Perth Playgrounds

Are just the BEST! Here is the Dinosaur Park in Kings Park, officially known as Synergy Parkland. It has giant sculptures of local dinosaurs which are perfect for climbing on as well as 3 playgrounds. And did I mention a coffee shop....

    

 

Matthew and Muppet Day

While in Perth we met for the first time Matthew, Heather and Adrian's 3 month old son. Matthew enjoyed interacting with our two girls - pulling faces with Katy and holding hands with Ella. Muppet on the other hand was very wary, keeping the girls at an arms length despite their best efforts at patting him.

AQWA

Instead of a party, we suggested to Ella that we venture to Underwater World for her birthday. It was me though who was showing my age. I've been a few times before to Underwater World - firstly as a student and secondly as a teacher!! However these days it is now known as the Aquarium of Western Australia. Anyhow with Nana, Grandad and Nayne (my nana) in tow, the girls explored the wonders of the ocean and rivers. The conveyor belt travelator was still as I remembered but for the girls the highlight was Mettams touch pool and holding different starfish.

Bunbury

Our trips to Perth always involve an overnight stay with our very good friend Annwen and her children Ashley and Nathan who reside in Bunbury. It just so happen that on the Saturday, the local orienteering club SWOT were holding an event at Evedon Ridge. Parking at the quarry certainly provided entertainment for Ella and Katy while Andy and I tag teamed. Combining the steep slope, dry gum leaves and notorious WA red gravel made for a very slippery course. Fun all the same especially with the sunny warm weather!

Next stop Annwen's house. Before our tour of Annwen's new enormous abode had even finished, the girls had already reacquainted themselves and Ashley was busy painting fingernails and toenails! The kids played heaps together (with the occssional disagreement) and were pretty exhausted by bedtime.

Next morning was perfect - morning run followed by cooked breakfast then down to the Bunbury foreshore to scoot, skate and ride and enjoy a takeaway coffee! With the school term beginning the next day for Annwen our visit was short and sweet but as always very enjoyable. 

Happy 5th Birthday Ella

For the second year running, Ella spent her birthday in Perth. As per usual the birthday cake is an important factor in celebrating ones birthday. So wIth Andy in charge and assisted (?) by Ella and Katy a wonderful rabbit cake was produced. Ella spent the day shopping, cake making, swimming, bike riding capped off with a family dinner with nana and grandad. Her 'party' this year was a trip to underwater world but more on that later.