Saturday, December 25, 2010

Bubble-O



A bubble machine for Xmas and some great weather
- boxing day in Curl Curl.

Christmas 2010

Christmas Eve swim in the pool.

The build up this year has been big, barely a day has gone by in December without Scout singing "jinga bells" or Luca asking how many more days until Christmas. The photo with Santa this year did not have to include Kelly or I, Luca asked for a scooter and Scout wanted "ollies" (lollies, candy) and there has been some extraordinary toy putting-away at bed time knowing that Santa is watching.

The big day arrives...
Luca and Scout just before they see the tree and presents.


Luca with the tree.

After seven "get-ups" between us during the night to get Scouty back to sleep, (this is a problem unrelated to Christmas), Kelly and I were dreading Luca's anticipation driven early wake up - but it came at something past 5 in the morning. Somehow Kelly convinced him to wait another 20 minutes in which time he fell back to sleep and we were able to delay the start of festivities until 7:15am.


Scout unwrapping "Snow White" her first "girl" movie.

There was zombie like wide eyes for a few seconds looking at the tree with all the presents, we somehow delayed Luca enough to read Santa's thank you note for the beer, cake and apples we left. The kids loved the present opening, as you would expect, and Luca took great pride when Scout and I opened the presents he had actually chosen for us.

Luca's present for Mark "Tiger Beer"

It was just us this year and it was nice as a change. We took our time opening the presents knowing we were on no schedule to get anywhere else, lunch was mostly leftovers from the delicious Christmas eve turkey dinner that Kelly had made and the afternoon was spent enjoying some nice Sydney, December weather in the pool.

Scout making lunch in the new kitchen Santa brought to her and Luca.

It was as chilled out a Christmas as I've ever had and I have a trail of chilled out Christmas's behind me. We did spend a fare bit of time on the phone to family in Perth and the U.S. and next year we will definitely be spending Christmas with family and we will enjoy it just the same if not more.

Scout and her new baby having a post unwrapping drink.

Our Christmas best wishes to all of our family and friends. Joy to the world.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Soccer


Luca has been taking a soccer skills class for the last few months. Today was the last class before the holiday break, not only did Mark make it to the class to watch him score 3 goals (top scorer on his team (to be fair, some of the girls were sitting in the goal on the other side of the field)), he also was told he gets to move up a level next term. He loves his soccer and I couldn't be more proud of the little man!

Of course, he is all decked out in his Chelsea gear, this makes him a big favorite with the coaches! -kel

Friday, December 10, 2010

Summer afternoon


Scout in our garden this afternoon. She is growing up fast and she is cheekier than ever! -kb

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

School Concert



Mark and I attended Luca's "End of the Year School Concert", Luca didn't sing a note, didn't even open his lips once! We aren't so sure if it was stage fright or distraction, he was totally not in to it. Mark and I had a few good laughs and the kids were really cute. He is growing up quickly, sitting in the seats with all of the parents it made me feel so grown up. Luca had a great year at school, Mark and I could not be more proud, seems like just yesterday we were taking him to his first day. The party afterward was great fun, and Luca had no hesitation participating in the cake eating! Here he is with his good friend Millie after the concert. -kel

Monday, December 06, 2010

The Big Guy hits four

Present opening in bed, cinnamon scrolls for breakfast, a day at "his" beach, more presents in the afternoon and finally fish and chips with Grandma an Grandpa for dinner - a birthday any four year old would be happy with. To celebrate his dual nationality it didn't end there with phone calls and web cam's to family in the U.S. on his "American" birthday the next day.

He is getting bigger and more independent but still Luca is really very little trouble, he is a good, happy, fun kid ... happy birthday mate, we love you.