Wildlife warriors

We had an eventful afternoon post-school on Friday.  We hadn't been home long when a thud was heard and Milly announced that a bird had flown into our front windows.

Henry went outside and found it on our front path.  It was still alive and lying on it's back.  We flipped it over but it couldn't stand on it's legs nor open it's wings.  It was a bit tragic.  The poor bird was pulling itself along the ground with it's beak.

We called WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) who suggested we call the Native Animal Trust Fund who had a local branch, who then in turn told us to take it to a vet. They also advised us to put a towel over it to pick it up and put it in a box.  

So off we went in search of a vet.  The boys took turns in nursing the bird on their laps while we drove and carrying the box to the vet.  On our way to the vet we even came up with some names for the bird.  I named it Charlie, Buster called it Max, and Henry named it Blobson.  Milly was not impressed that she was missing out on having a hot chocolate because of the bird.  This lesson in compassion was lost on her.

Once at the vet's they took our address details so when the bird recovers it can be released back to it's own neighbourhood.  They said a wildlife carer would collect it and look after it.

The sad news is the bird passed away that night before the wildlife carer arrived.

RIP Charlie Max Blobson.

PS.  Milly did get her hot chocolate when we got home.

Now we are six

When I was one, I had just begun

When I was two, I was nearly new

When I was three, I was hardly me

When I was four, I was not much more

When I was five, I was just alive

But now I am six, I'm as clever as clever

So I think I'll be six now and forever.

Buster's birthday celebrations started on Saturday when he hosted his first birthday party.  He invited a group of school friends to a play centre and they ran around and got sweaty for a few hours.  He was a great host and enjoyed himself totally.

Come Monday and our sleepy head was slow to wake up and get his actually birthday started.  Instead of heading downstairs to open his presents, he headed to the kitchen and helped Henry unstack the dishwasher.  Once he realised what day it was the present opening began with gusto (interspersed with well wishing phone calls).

Then it was off to school where his class sang him Happy Birthday and he got to wear the birthday badge all day.  He was also selected as the teacher's special helper for the day, which just made it all the more glorious.

Come home time and he was greeted with more presents, a birthday cake afternoon tea, and more phone calls.  His birthday dinner request was a trip to McDonalds where we met up with Michael, fresh off the train from work, and where we finished the day.

He (and us) are very grateful for all the birthday wishes and gifts received.  Now we are six.

Henry is the VIP

At the start of the school year Henry's teacher introduced a VIP concept to his class.  All of the kid's names went in a hat and each week a name would be drawn and that kid would be the VIP for the week.  Being the VIP doesn't require anything of you.  It's purpose is to have your classmates acknowledge you and write down something positive about that person for them to keep.

Henry has been waiting all year for his name to be selected.  Above is the result, all written by his classmates.

Halloween

Not really an Australian tradition, but that doesn't stop every shop in town trying to milk their marketing dollar to attract sales and shoppers.  Our neighbourhood doesn't celebrate Halloween, but each year the kids are keen to Trick or Treat.

A local shopping district puts on a daytime Trick or Treat to attract people to their area.  The shops have signs letting you know if they are participating so the kids know who to approach for lollies.  It's an alternative Halloween to the American traditional one, but the kids don't really care as long as they can dress up and fill their bags with sweets.

The shopping streets were crowded, the shops had a delegate standing outside just handing out crap lollies, no interaction in terms of saying "trick or treat", some great costumes were seen, but it wasn't long before the kids were over it and ready for home.

A bruised Boo

Someone was a bit excited the bell had rung, then tripped and fell on the concrete running to lunch.  He's all better now.