PJ Harvey

Geez, I'm a bit behind with my blog posts.  Got a few things to share, so I'll start here...

Polly Jean Harvey.  I'm a big fan.  Whenever she tours Australia I always get tickets.  The gig was in Sydney, which meant a little travel and the question "do we stay overnight or drive back after the show"?  Michael needed to go to work the next day and given he also would be commuting early the next morning we decided to make a night of it and treat ourselves to a kid-free 24 hour vacation.

Nanoo was on hand to stay over and take care of Milly and Buster, and Henry had a sleepover at a mate's house.  Michael and I were footloose and fancy free.  It was a little exciting.

We boarded a train and away we went.

After a relaxing trip we arrived in Sydney - our old home town.  It was 2.5 hours on the train and we thought walking to our accommodation in Darling Harbour would stretch the legs.  It was funny strolling around the streets.  We knew where we were going but still felt like tourists.  Plus we realised we no longer walk like city dwellers (ie fast and with purpose).  Wearing backpacks and sensible shoes, I'm sure we looked like tourists too.

Checked into our hotel and turned on the TV.  Not very romantic I know, but the Australian Open tennis was on and Andy Murray was losing, the day could not have been better.

We went out for an early dinner and I put on a frock.  We hit the bar and merchandise stand for some goodies.

There's always an interesting mix of people at a PJ Harvey concert.  The ages range from early 20s to late 60s or even older.  Her music isn't really something you dance to, which is why I always get seated tickets instead of standing.

The show starts and she is mesmerising.  Each concert is very different from the last and despite my crap photo below, it was awesome and worth the trip away to experience it.

We were up early (too early) the next morning to have a nice breakfast at the hotel before it was back to reality.

The light rail train took us to Central station and then we boarded the train bound for Newcastle.  Michael jumped off at Hornsby and I continued on to collect the kids and relieve Nanoo.  Our adventure over way too soon.  Got to remember to do this more often.

Beating the heat

Zara

Meet Zara.  She is an eight week old rottweiler puppy.  No, she doesn't belong to us.  She is the new dog of my mum's neighbour and in need of some kids to play with, which is something we can provide.

At eight weeks old she is already the size of most full grown small dogs.  She is going to be a big rottweiler.  For now though, she is playful and gorgeous, and as carefree as a ......... puppy.

Boxing Day 2016

Gorgeous sunny weather greeted us on Boxing Day.  The only thing to do was to head to the pool for some cooling off and a bit of family fun.

Christmas 2016

Ah Christmas.  That magical time of the year where the kids are so excited they can't sleep..... and so it was for Henry on Christmas Eve.  The poor kid struggled to fall asleep and was upset about it.  He finally fell asleep around 10.45pm only to awake at 5.00am and proceed to wake up the other two as well.  Stockings were full, presents were under the tree.  It could only mean one thing.  Santa had been.

The kids kept themselves occupied until 7.00am when we adults decided we should get out of bed and start the day.  Let's face it, they weren't letting us have a sleep in.  Michael made everyone breakfast and we let the kids open one present before my brother and his family arrived for the full present opening festivities.  The late night and early morning start took it's toll on Henry.  He needed a quick power nap.

Then at last Santa arrived and the exchange of presents was underway.

It was a very Journey Girl Christmas for Milly.

Then we all headed to Nanoo's house for Christmas lunch and more presents.

After lunch (sorry I forgot to take photos of the food), it was an afternoon of quiet reflection by the water or a game of Finska.

The annual gingerbread houses

It's just not Christmas in our house without gingerbread and the decorating of biscuits and houses.  I always make my own gingerbread because the gingerbread house kits you can buy just taste revolting.  Nothing better than homemade gingerbread.

This year instead of one big house we made three mini houses.  

End of another school year

Just before school ended Henry went on his first school camp.  His year went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens, where they enjoyed lots of outdoor activities and didn't enjoy the food.  He came home very tired, dirty and hungry.  Nonetheless, he had a great time.  The house was very quiet without him, which was surprising, considering he is the quiet child.
  

We had one family representative at the school Presentation Day ceremony.  Buster was honoured with a class award for Excellent Attitude Towards All Areas of Schooling.  He was given a medallion and a certificate, and only one of two kids chosen from his class to get an award.  

His teacher also gave him a Christmas present on his last day and left a note inside the book's cover for him.   

So another year done and dusted.  Next year will be their last all together in primary school.  Henry will be in Year 6 and then on to high school.  Michael and I are now left to ponder where the years have gone.

Things Milly says #16

Jane, our next door neighbour, recently had a change of haircut and colour.  On the weekend Milly was at her house having a playdate with her daughter and noticed.

Milly:  You've changed your hair?

Jane:  Yes.  What do you think?

Milly:  (long pause)  Mmm..... it's different.