Time Out

The ASUM conference was held in Sydney this year so off I trekked. My journey began with a very relaxing bus ride up on Wednesday night arriving at central railway station to see Cath waiting for me! It was wonderful to be able to stay with Cath, Eoin and Aoife for the 4 nights.

The conference located at Darling Harbour was split over two wharves (a 5min walk between the two). The obstetrics and gynae components had several wonderful international speakers and was well worthwhile. I also spent a morning session refreshing my musculoskeletal skills now that I back working in general ultrasound one day per week.

It was the longest stint I've done away from the family however everyone back home were doing just fine without me!

Afters

The girls have been enjoying attending afters this year. Here is how Katy came home on the last week of last term....in fact I received this photo at work! All I can say is that I have a lot of work to do...

Girls Move Out

Another big weekend with the aim to paint both girls bedrooms - ceilings, walls and a feature wall plus the hallway ceiling and walls!! Work began after soccer. We took to our expert areas - Andy prepping by filling the edges, patching and sanding while I started painting the cornices and edges followed by the rolling. We finished up fairly late with Katy's ceiling finished with 3 coats but only managed the 2 coats on Ella's.

Sunday started early with Ella's ceiling finished before Andy and the girls were up. Perfect timing really to help the girls cook Andy a Father's Day breakfast in bed! Once all the formalities were over it was back to reality and we began painting the walls. It was another long day with a late finish but the jobs were completed, a very satisfying feeling. We moved the girls back in on Monday night much to their delight. Their rooms aren't quite done - pictures need to be hung, inside of wardrobes painted and blinds purchased to name a few....all in good time though!!

Ella's room before

Ella's room now

Katy's room before

 Katy's room now

Hello Brown Bear

A very excited Katy exited her room last week bringing with her a 'special' bag. Tucked inside was a small brown bear appropriately named Brown Bear, his favourite book 'We are Going on a Bear Hunt' and a diary to record his adventures over the next few days.

That afternoon Brown Bear came with us to Little Oink, our local coffee shop where he shared a croissant with Katy! Then it was off to swimming lessons, however Brown Bear had fallen asleep in the car, so we left him there! Back home Brown Bear enjoyed potato and leek soup for dinner.

Tuesday was fairly quiet for Brown Bear. We ensured Pippa didn't become too friendly (and chew off his eyes - the fate many of the girls soft toys have succumbed to!) As Andy was at a conference, the girls attended after school care so Brown Bear was by himself for much of the day. Once home Brown Bear joined in a game of Bird Bingo before Katy read him 'Two Hungry Bears' and then cuddled him to sleep.

On Wednesday Andy arrived back home just in time to attend the Maths Night at school. Brown Bear loved immersing himself in all the different Maths activities!

Thursday morning, Brown Bear had to be returned to KJK to continue his journey with another class member. Katy showed the class Brown Bears Diary of his time spent with her.

Old Dog New Trick...

Who said you can't teach an old dog a new trick? Here is Ella utilising the tree root as new play equipment for Pippa. Obviously just throwing the frisbee for Pippa is not challenging enough!!

Happy to be Home!

After an extended break Loopsy is back where she belongs!

Freedom Again on Saturday Mornings

Our first soccer season is over with both girls partaking in their respective presentation day(s). Friendly matches followed by an award ceremony (where everyone receives a participation trophy) and as expected both girls were pumped. Ella had an absolutely wonderful team of girls with superb coaches and an excellent manager and hopefully will tee up with most of them next year. Katy is very much looking forward to having her 'own' team for lots of fun and friendship!