First Day of School 2018

Even though the upheaval of moving in the middle of the year last year was painful and the kids starting a new school in fourth term was not ideal, I now count it as a blessing. The kids were much more confident and happy starting the new school year after making friends and familiarising themselves with the school last year. If they had started at the beginning of this year, they wouldn't have got the same amount of attention or care. I am grateful that they had the chance to settle in last year. 

We were staying at Kate's house for two weeks at the beginning of term. Kate very kindly put up with four extra kids in her home and the craziness of school run. We then moved into an AirBNB for another two weeks while waited (impatiently at this point) to finally move into our house. 

The kids all settled into the school year really well (including Zara into her daycare). Sienna in year 2 and Harry in year 6 - his last year of primary school! 

Looking up to her big sister 

Lissy is now full time in pre-primary! Time flies!

Swimming with Cousins

Another beautiful day in Mandurah during the school holidays, swimming with Renz and Nate. Zara was a bit unsure about being in a rubber ring by herself - she wanted Mumma! 

Harry and Renz have a gorgeous relationship, even though Harrison wasn't lucky enough to get a little brother - he relishes having little boy cousins who look up to him. 

Cute Renzy

Nate Bug 

Lissy and Renz (up to mischief no doubt)

Lissy loves to sunbathe, she just gets browner and browner!

Harry surfing in the pool 

Mandurah Beach with the Bakers

We enjoyed a couple of days with Georgia, India and Reeve down at Mandurah. It felt like we were back in Karratha when I was having long chats with Georgia while the kids played happily together. My girls just adore Indy and she entertained them for hours!

These photos were obviously taken before Michael went back to Karratha too!

My beautiful Sienna

Indy Mindy

Adventurous Lissy, she loves splashing around in the waves 

The girls practicing their surfing poses 

Zara taking a nap on the sand (she has the right idea)

Zara loves Indy... 

and Reeve!!

Beautiful India 

Georgia and I watching this scene - perfection!

If someone builds a bridge, why not crawl under it? 

I tried to get a photo of the kids jumping together - we couldn't quite get them all in synch 

It's always hard saying goodbye to Georgia and the kids!! I can't wait until they move back to Perth one day. So many precious memories together, they are family to us. 

Last Week of School Holidays with Friends

We only had just over a week of Michael staying with our family so we crammed in as many activities as we possibly could! I took all these photos on my phone and some of them aren't great quality but you get an idea of how busy we were that week (and how much fun we had!). 

The day after Zara's birthday we drove to Perth and had a birthday lunch for her at Sizzler with Aunty Kate, Jack and Lucy and Aunty Mon, Ava and Eden. They spoiled Zara with even more presents!

Harry and Michael enjoyed the best part of Sizzler, the cheesy bread. 

We then headed to Timezone and met up with Georgia and her kids (they were in town for a couple of weeks on their way back to Karratha from having Christmas in Adelaide). The kids had a blast! We then had a play that afternoon at Kate's house. 

Clint took a day off work to go to Adventure World with our family and Kate and her kids. Harrison was desperate to go there with Michael and they had a great time together! 

Zara mainly splashed around in the kiddy pool and stayed cool with me sitting in the shade! 

Daddy and Lissy on the peddle cars. 

As you can see, Alissa's feet didn't quite touch the pedals and Clint was doing most of the work! Clint said it was his scariest ride as it felt unbalanced and like it was going to tip!

These two were off doing their own thing most of the day, they had a great time. 

Sienna discovered she loved the Dragon rollercoaster and went on it multiple times (often by herself!). 

Sienna and Jack on the dragon rollercoaster

Lucy and Lissy 

Clint, Lissy, Michael, Harry and Sienna on the motor boats 

Zara liked the fish in the fishpond 

Harry and Michael on the go karts - they came second and third in their race 

The Bakers stayed with us overnight and together we went to an Operation Ouch concert at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Operation Ouch is a popular TV show for kids about medical procedures and facts (presented in a funny way). 

Indy and Zara 

All ready for the show!

It was a very entertaining and fun show 

Then we had an ice-cream at the boardwalk afterwards 

We tried to get a good group photo but the sun was too bright! 

Swimming in the pool together 

Lissy, looking like a rockstar 

Harrison and Michael were at the beach often - sometimes even by themselves if I thought it wasn't too rough. More photos of this day on the beach to come. 

Harry and Michael enjoying a yellow watermelon! 

There were free holiday activities for kids at Joondalup and we went with Kate and her kids to check it out.  Michael, Harry and Lissy shooting nerf guns. 

This made the boys feel a little bit sick!

Harry's favourite restaurant is Tony Romas in the city, Michael loves it too which meant eating there one night was a must! 

Harry and Michael at the airport waiting for Michael to board the plane to fly home. 

We were really sad to see Michael go home, he was a wonderful house guest and all the kids enjoyed his company. Harrison had a ball spending quality time with his bestie. I told him he's welcome any time!!

The one good thing was knowing that Michael and his family would be moving to Perth in a year too. These two will only be living ten minutes away from each other. Happy days!