Sun 30 December 2007
Mini Tour of Victoria
Well, we've just had a whirlwind tour of Victoria and we're exhausted.  We were up early yesterday and set off before brekkie to get a kms behind us.  We drove out of Melbourne and down through Geelong where we hit traffic jams.  I guess most of Melbourne had the same idea of getting out of the city for a few days.  Anyway, we eventually reached the start of the Great Ocean Road and the start of a long but beautiful drive.  We drove past beache sand bays and endless streams of little holiday towns with amazing homes perched on cliff tops overlooking the sea.  We stopped a few times to take photos and eventually for a lunch break in the very busy Apollo Bay.  We could hardly even find anywhere to park, but it was worth it as it's a lovely little place.
 
Next stop was the 12 Apostles which are sandstone towers just off the coast line.  I last visited here 15 years ago and there aren't 12 Apostles anymore - apparently the last one to fall was just 2 years ago.  Still, there's a fair few left and we set off on the clifftop walk to the lookouts.  As did about 200 other tourists and 150 million flies.  Half way over the walk and Mike couldn't stand the flies any longer.  He decided he fancied seeing the sights from a helicopter so off he and Becca went for their adventure in the sky.  Ellie didn't want to go in the helicopter so we continued with the walk, and it's so worth it, it's a stunning sight (see photos).  On our way back, we arrived at the helipad place just as Mike and Becca were about to set off so as they'd had a bit of a wait.  The girl directing them told us they'd already done 120 flights that day and they still had 3 hours of flying left - the day before they'd only done 90!!!  It cost Mike and Becca $90 each for the 10 minute trip, talk about a money spinner eh?  
 
After that the road took us inland slightly and through a forest.  This was amazing.  It smelled strongly of Eucalyptus and the sound of the insects was almost deafening.  It was around this point that Ellie asked Mike to slow down as the said the windy road was too much like a rollercoaster lol.
 
We finally arrived into Port Fairy around 6.30pm ish.  We were all filthy and hot and sweaty so we had showers and went out to the local wine bar with Lynn, Campbell and the boys.  The food we had was lovely, but unfortunately the mozzies were in total agreement!!  Lynn was being bitten alive, and so was I apparently (although I only discoverd how much this afternoon - I now have 9 lovely big red itchy blisters to show for my night out).
 
Anyway, we had a nice night so I guess that's all that matters.
 
Today was Ahren's pool party for his 6th birthday and our main readon for visiting.  Before the party we had a quick tour of Port Fairy which is a lovely little town, with great beaches and pretty homes.  The kids all had a great time at the party (including Mike and Campbell who both have blistered feet after playing in the pool with the kids).  Sadly, we weren't allowed to take any photos at the pool but it was great fun nonetheless.
 
After the party we had a quick coffee back at Lynn and Campbells and then we all drove to Tower Hill which is a game reserve near Warnambool locared in an old volcanic crater.  We spotted a few wild emus and 3 wild kangaroos as well as a koala's bum high up in a gum tree lol.  The Scotts headed home after that and we started our journey home.
 
We were taking the "short" route home overland (the Western Plains and the Golden Plains).  This was a lovely drive too, but certainly not as spectacular as yesterdays.  We drove through lots of farm lands and past a few thousand gum trees.  We eventually reached Ballarat some time after 5pm and we were going to stop there to eat but the kids were quite settled watching a movie so we just battered on back to Melbourne.  Having glanced at it though, we made a note to revisit soon as it looks really historical.  It's an old gold mining town and at lot of buildings are off that era and really cool.
 
Arriving back in Caroline Springs we stopped at the shops and got milk and fish and chips for tea.  While we were waiting for the fish the news was on the TV and we couldn't belive the weather forecast.  It had been 42 here today.  Thank god we spent most of it in the nice air conditioned car.  It's to be a cool 30 tomorrow and back to 40 on Monday eeeekkkkkkkkkkk.
 
We were supposed to be having Martine, Zach and Matthew over for a few beers tonight but it was really late when we got in and the kids were just exhausted to we cancelled.  We're doing it tomorrow though so that'll be great, I hate letting people down.
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Fri 28 December 2007
Jab Day
The kids both had to go to the Dr today for their pre-school immunisations.  Ellie already had some last year in the UK but they are given more here so she had one more to get (and has to get 3 more boosters).  As if that wasn't bad enough, Becca had to have one in each leg and one in her arm (and has to get boosters too).  They were both feeling very teary after that so we treated them to a trip to the cinema to see Disney's Enchanted which they both loved. 
 
Thankfully, the Xmas depression is lifting.  We knew our first Xmas away from home would be hard but we were completely bowled over by it.  What we'd have given for a dark sky, family get togethers, turkey dinners, my Mum's soup and Boxing Day at Mike and Izy's.   Thankfully we're off to visit Lynn and Campbell in Pt Fairy this weekend and en route are driving down the Great Ocean Road so we 're really looking forward to that.  It's Brody and Ahren's birthdays this week so we've been invited to their pool party so should be lots of fun.
 
I hope the weather's not too horrible in the UK and that you're all enjoying the festivities.
 
Before I forget, Nicola, the girls loved the photos you sent.  Ellie's added the halloween shot of the kids to her new Little Mermaid photo frame and the wedding photo is on the fridge for all to see :-)  Oh, and check your emails Mrs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by herrchook at 07:36 | in:
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Wed 26 December 2007
More Xmas Day Fun
We've had a lovely afternoon with Sandra and Jim and family.  Thankfully the sun eventually made an appearance too which helped lift the homesickness.  We had a massive BBQ of steak, veal and kangaroo with lovely salads (thank you Jim and Sandra) and after that, Mike, Jim and the kids went into the pool.  The kids had an absolutely brilliant time.  They were giggling and laughing so much, it was great.  There was no doubt we were VERY homesick but we really did have such a lovely time at Sandra's and because it was soo different, we really forgot about being homesick for a while.
 
After a long swim, the kids were getting a little cool (it was probably around 7pm by now mind you).  So Sandra ran a bath for Ellie, Rhianna and Becca and they got into their pjs.  We then had some dessert and a cuppa (Jim and Mike opted for more beer lol) and around 9pm we came home.
 
We managed to keep Ellie up long enough for a call to Pam and then Donna and evetually we got her to sleep around 10.30pm. 
 
What a different Christmas.  Very strange but also lots of fun.
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Wed 26 December 2007
Merry Christmas
Well, Santa's been and gone and apparently he's sponsored by Disney this year lol.
 
Mike and I got lots of lovely things for each other and from our parents.  My favourite is my new George Foreman grill and the new Most Haunted DVD boxset and I think Mike's is his remote control helicopter and one of those little italian metal coffee perculator thingys lol.  He's very easily pleased :-).
 
The girls were in bed sharp last night but up at 12, 2 and 4am before finally getting up for good at 6am!!  They piled into their pressies and had great fun doing so.  They both love everything Santa brought.  We've had a lovely chat with various family members online.  First was Uncle Adrian who watched the girls open some gifts, then Gran and Grandad Watters and more gifts, including the new dolls house which is apparently the best present ever!!!  We then had brekkie before a final web chat with Gran and Grandad Carragher and Uncle Steve and the remaining pressies.
 
Just after that chat, the girls went into meltdown!  I think it was all a bit overwhleming for them.  We've had a bit of downtime and put the pressies away and until precisely 30 seconds ago it was all a bit calmer.
 
We're going to have a coffee (made from Mike's new perculator) now then get the girls dressed and washed before we go down to Jim and Sandra's later on.
 
No doubt we'll have more photos and news later on.  By for now though.
posted by herrchook at 07:35 | in:
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Tue 25 December 2007
One More sleep
We've just put the girls to bed.  Becca's been asleep 10 minutes already and Ellie's almost there.  Not bad for 7.40pm on Xmas Eve with the sun streaming in their windows lol.
 
They've left a carrot and 2 homemade gingerbreadmen and a large glass of whiskey out for Santa with strict instructinos on who's stocking is whos.  I have no idea what time we can expect them up in the morning, but I don't imagine we'll be getting anything resembling a long lie. 
 
Doe it feel like Christmas - honestly, it still feels odd and not real.  I have a real sadness at not being with my Mum and Dad and brother and sister and the kids, and also Mike's family.  I guess it's true what they say that you don't realise what you've got til it's gone!  Thankfully, we'll be back in the UK for next Christmas, so we can go to town and really enjoy it.  I love living here, but not at this time of year.
 
We've had some lovely cards and emails and messages from friends and family back in the UK.  Thank you so much, it's lovely to hear little slices of "normal".
 
We wish you all a fantastic happy and safe Christmas.  no doubt, there'll be lots of new photos to upload once Santa's been so watch this space.
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Fri 21 December 2007
The Week Before Christmas
We've been in full Xmas Preparations mode this week.  Becca and I di da little last minute shopping on Monday and we finally got round to sending out the last of our Christmas cards (sorry Paul, I don't think yours is going to arrive this side of Christmas, but we love you really lol) Ellie's done absolutely nothing at school other than crafts and fun and tomorrow she's singing with her class at assembly in front of the whole school.  I'll make sure I take my camera along.  We have been told she's with Miss Carmichael next year and she seems very happy with that.
 
Mike's had his 3 month review at work.  This was v important as this was the meeting at which they had the option to say "we don't like you, you're fired on the spot".  However, one of the phrases used contained the words "sun", "shine" and "backside" so I thin kthat means they like him :-)
 
We were invited out to dinner with our new neighbours (well, along the road a bit) Zach and Martine last night.  Martine and I have met a few times now and the girls get on well with their wee boy Matthew so it's nice to have some friends close by.  Very nice people, and Mike and Zach have lots in common which is good.
 
Tomorrow, I'm having coffee at the lake with Helen and a few other Mums after the school assembly then Helen, Helen and Sandra and their kids are all coming over for a pressie swap and little Xmas tea.
 
Mike's continuing with his swimming lessons and has been told he's too good for the class and that he just needs a programme now for fitness as his stokes are fine.  Also at swimming this week, Rebecca swam 10 metres compeltely unaided!!!  Ellie didn't manage this until she was over 5 (mind you that was in the UK) so we're very proud of her.  The girls are both still loving their lessons here.  Ellie's lessons being switched to a Sunday morning seems to be working well.  She's often alone or one of 2 with the teacher and being morning time, she's much more alert and doing fantastically well.  She's also got a really strict teacher who Mike and I call "Bubbles" as that what he screams at them to get them breathing correctly.  Ellie seems to find him funny though, so maybe he needs to change his tack lol.
 
We have decided to bomb the house again this weekend as we're getting a lot of spiders in again.  Yesterday a huntsman crawled out of my washing that I'd just brought in (I was still shaking when Martine arrived 10 mins later) and then at night a really big one decided to come watch Grays Anatomy with us in the TV room.  I've got to say, I will NEVER get used to those things.  They are big, ugly and fast.
 
The marine shippers have made us an offer for the items damaged in transit.  The total is £570 so that just goes to show how much they broke!!!!  We're happy with the figure so have accepted it.  That means we can now go out and buy new chests of drawers for our room as Mike is sick of drawers that don't shut (the removers snapped the carcases).  Actually we had a laught with this last night as when the offer came through, our immediate thought was "how many dollars is that?"  I guess we're getting used to being here after all lol.  We thought we'd never get used to dollars.
 
I think that's all we've been up to this week.  We were hoping to go to the beach this weekend but the weather's taken a turn and despite it being 29 degrees and humid, we've had amazing thunder and lightening storms today which are forecast to last all week!! So much for Christmas in the sun eh? lol
 
posted by herrchook at 07:34 | in:
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Mon 17 December 2007
I'm Dreaming of A White Christmas
This past Friday saw the annual Caroline Springs Carols By Candlelight in the yard of Ellie's school.  The front doors of the performance arts studio is opened out onto the outdoor stage and a canopy is erected where the Victorian Concert Orchestra sat.
 
It was a beautiful balmy hot evening, actually, when we arrived at 6pm it was still 30 degrees, but when the sun started to drop the temperature cooled to a much more pleasant temperature.  There were magicians, jugglers, and a bouncy castle for the kids and also the Caroline Springs Community BBQ was there providing a sausage sizzle and drinks.  Although, the night was so warm the ice cream van was doing most of the trade.
 
The actual event was a lovely and we had a great time listening to the music and joining in in some of the carols.  It didn't finish til 9pm by which time it was just dark so for the first time, the girls were able to se the outdoor Xmas lights on the various houses enroute home.
 
Yesterday, Ellie had her first proper birthday party to go to in a party centre called Junglemania.  The party was for one her school friend called Bellicia and Mike and I found it really amusing that her Dad is called Bong!!!!  Don't you just love asian names lol.  Anyway, we took Becca in too for a play and at the end of the party Bellicia even gave her a party bag so she was very happy.  This wasn't just any old party bag though.  It contained over 20 items!!!!!!!!!  Mike reckons Bong owns the local dollar shop in Caroline Springs so that would certainly explain it.  When we got home Mike put up the curtains the landlord had given us for the lounge, only to discover that the cheap so and so had only bought curtains just big wide enough to cover the window, so by the time they went onto the pole, they don't even meet in the middle!!!!!!!!
 
Then at tea time, Lynn and Campbell and the boys arrived for a fleeting overnight stay enroute to their hols on the Gold Coast.
 
Today, we were all up sharp and the girls had swimming at 9am.  I actually had a day off today and was meeting friends to go to the Xmas Markets which was great.  I bought a lovely bit of turkey stuffed with cranberry and apricot which we're going to have on Christmas Eve.  Highlight (actually, the complete opposite) of the day was returning to Helen's car to offload sme bags to find a massive (over 3" at least) huntsman jump out of the boot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
 
We're all pretty tired today and the girls are VERY sleepy after 2 late nights.  We're going out to Ellie's favorite restaurant tonight (no, not MacDonalds lol) and then hopefully we'll get the girls into bed really early.  Maybe Mike and I will catch up on some X Factor after that.  We're about 3 weeks behind so nobody tell us who won.
 
Despite all the fun we're having, the prospect of Christmas without family is really starting to hit home this weekend.  Actually, if someone were to offer me a one way flight home right now I'd bite their hand off :-(.  I know it will pass and that Christmas will be OK but it won't be the same.  We're definately having Xmas dinner at Sandra and Jim's so I know we'll have fun, and if it's hot enough we'll all be in the pool all afternoon, but family and friends back home will be very much in our thoughts.  To be honest, if it weren't for the fact Mum and Dad are coming out a few weeks, I'd be ready to come home (for Xmas anyway).
 
Hope all your Christmas plans are going well and it's not too cold.  We miss you all loads.  Oh, and Catriona, hurry up and have that baby, I've got my eye on a gorgeous little outfit but don't know what colour to by lol.
posted by herrchook at 07:34 | in:
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Tue 11 December 2007
A Great Night For A BBQ
We had around 27 people here on Saturday night for a BBQ.  We had a lovely night and there was hardly any mess which is a bonus.  Margaret and her wee girl Lorna stayed over and we didn't get the kids to bed til nearly midnight.  As you can imagine, they were dstraught going to bed telling us "I'm not tired" and then asleep within approximately 2 seconds.  If only getting them to bed was that easy every night lol.
 
Thanks to everyone who came along and made it a great night.  And big thanks to Sandra who brought Tunnocks tea cakes and caramel wafers which went a long way to helping the sunday afternon hangovers.
 
Busy week again this week.  The girls and I are goingto see The Wiggles tomorrow.  Ellie's really too old for it now, but it means a day off school so she's more than happy to come along.  I think while we're in the city we'll pop into Myer and try some perfumes as I still don't know which one I want for my Christmas yet and Mike's keen to get his pressies bought.
 
On Friday night, there's a carols by candlelight on in the school playground.  We've to take chairs or a blanket and turn up at 6pm.  There'll be a bouncy castle, face painting etc then the carols start around 7.30.  If it's a warm night it'll be lovely.
 
On Saturday, Ellie's got a birthday party to go to and The Scott' are staying with us for the night enroute to their holidays in the Gold Coast.  Then on Sunday, both girls have got a swimming lesson.
 
We've also got to somehow find the time to visit Santa and Mike's still got a pile of Christmas cards to be done (apologies to some of you who's cards may well be late).
 
Hope all your Christmas plans are coming along well.
posted by herrchook at 07:33 | in:
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Tue 4 December 2007
Time To Wash The Car
You know how in the UK, when it's a dry day, everyone gets the hose out and cleans the car - well you can't do that here.  In fact, you can only clean the windows and lights on your car here unless you use a car wash place!!!  The result is that our lovely new shiny black car is usually covered in dust and spider webs.  Not today though !!!  It's raining (thankfully) so after mopping the floors, I cleaned off my mop and took it outside to mop the car in the rain.  It was great, the rain is lovely and cool after the hot sticky night we had yesterday.  And, although it's not had the best clean in the world, as least there are no spider webs on the car now :-)
posted by herrchook at 07:33 | in:
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Fri 30 November 2007
Snake alert
Ellie's school yard had to be closd down on Monday as one of the teachers spotted a snake in the mulch near the sand pit !!!!!!!  The school's right next to the creek so I guess it's no surprise, I'm just glad the teacher's are so vigilant.
 
We've been busy getting our christmas cards ready this week and also started wrapping some of the girls pressies.  Most of the cards are now off to the UK except for a few I need to post to Brightons.
 
I'm really looking forward to the weekend.  Because a) we're putting up our tree and then letting the kidsstay up late to watch High School Musical 2 on Saturday night (should be fun).  Also, I've arranged to call Katie and I'm missing her loads so I'm really excited about that.
 
Mike's out on a swimming lesson right now.  It's at the same private pool the kids go to so I expect him to be pretty tired when he gets in lol.  Actually he's just come after his session with the hitlers down at State Swim and tired is a huge understatement. lol.
 
I've had a lot of lovely messages this week from people who've read my blog and I just wanted to say thanks.  The main purpose of the blog of to keep family and friends up to date with what we're doing but it's nice to know so many others are enjoying it too.
posted by herrchook at 07:32 | in:
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Tue 27 November 2007
Finally, A Quiet Weekend
We had this weekend to ourselves so we dicded to finally clear out the packing stuff that was filling the garage.  The girls and I stayed home while Mike made two trip to the local recycling depot in Melton.  After that, we filled thje house with Mortein Bombs to rid it off nasty creepy crawlies (hopefully) for a few months.  We had to put the cats in the garage which they weren't too happy about, but drefinately worth it.  We had to vacate for 2 hours while the bombs worked so we took ourselves down to one of the local lakes and had a coffee and a walk in the afternoon sunshine.
 
On Saturday evening we had dinner at the local chinese place called coco Chine which was a treat.
 
Yesterday, I had planned to go to an exhibition in the city with Sandra it was called Festival of the Mind Body and Soul and was all new age and mediums etc.  We both had out cards read but no major revelations.  My lady told me we'd buy a house here next year and it'll need lots of work doing to it which my husband would do all himself!!!!!!!!!!  Whilse i was out with Sandra, Mike took the girls to the city swimming pool and then we all drove home together.  On dropping Sandra off, we discovered their pool was finally usable (they moved in last week and it was yuk).  Well, it took the girls all of 30 seconds to get their wet bathing costumes on again and dive in (bearing in mind this was 5.30pm).  We had t odrag them out at 6pm to get them fed lol.
 
Other news is that we've finally had confirmation that Becca's for a kinder place for next year so that's a huge relief.  Also, we've just booked tickets to see the Disney On Ice show in april.  it's High School Musical this year and we're going with 5 others so should be good.  We've also managed to get VIP tickets which is a bonus.  Last year in Glasgow, the Disney On Ice cost us £50 each.  Here, even with those tickets, it's just $58 each - talk about rip off Britain! 
 
Other good news is that I had my stitches out today and the pathology shows there was no cancer in my mole  (what a relief).
 
Finally, the post man has just brought 2 parcels for the girls wrapped in pink paper.   I've had to open them as I had no clue what they were or who sent them, but I've now discovered they are Pam and Kenny's xmas pressies for the kids.  Thanks guys.  I'll re-selotape them and put them away for Christmas.
posted by herrchook at 07:31 | in:
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Sun 25 November 2007
Vet Kid's Club
When we were in the vets last month, they told us about their new kid's club which was about to begin.  Well, the first night was last Thursday (22nd) and we arrived at 6.30 along with around 22 other kids and their parents.  We were split into groups and given a tour of the animal hospital, got balloons modelled, faces painted, had a BBQ and made Christmas cards for a competion.  It was all great fun and Ellie even won a prize for best card so she was VERY happy.  The highlight of the evening was the animal zoo though.  Becca actually held a snake and Ellie and her both held a joey.  Mike also got a shot of holding one of the BIG snakes.  Not bad for a free night out eh? 
posted by herrchook at 07:31 | in:
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Tue 20 November 2007
Holey Moley It's Hot
I wasn't looking forward to today one little bit.  not only was I shattered after the hot night before, I'd 2 mega mozzie bites on my lef which were also driving me mad.  Finally, today was the day I was getting the mole removed from my back.  Strangely enough I was REALLY nervous, to the point of shaking when I went it.  Not sure why as I've had one out before and it wasn't horrific.
 
Anyway, the jag stung LOTS and the anaesthetic going in was pretty bad too but after than I felt nothing.  It was over and done with in 25 mins and off I trotted to Helen's place for a coffee.  We then decidedit ti was too hot to stay home so we took ourselves off to Watergardens Shopping Mall for a wander in the Air Conditioning.  I bought some amazing strawberry vinegar and turkish pide bread for dinner and we also bought a 12kg seedless watermelon between us for $7.00.  The seedless watermelons here are fantastic, the kids think they're sweeties which is a winner.
 
As for the weather, well at 3.30pm it was 37 degrees.  And it's not even summer yet aaaaarrrrrrrgghhhhhhhh!!!!  It's a little windy out and it's like walking into an oven out there.  Don't even begin to imagine how hot the car was - I couldn't actually touch the steering wheel!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
I've just had to take some strong painkillers as my back's getting really sore now and I have to get ealyl careful not to twist and rip the stitches (yeuk).  I guess that means no mopping the floors or hoovering for me tonight.  Saying that, I've got a huge pile of ironing to do now after washing all that bedlinen yesterday which I'm perfectly able to do.  But if you think I'm ironing in this heat....................... 
posted by herrchook at 07:30 | in:
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Sat 17 November 2007
Never Move House in the Heat
Well it was always going to be a busy weekend, but boy were we shattered when we got to bed last night.  I guess we didn't help ourslevse with having auch a busy week running up to thw weekend.  Also, I was helping Jim and Sandra move house on Friday (in 28 degree heat).  Anyway.....
 
We all drove to tyhe airport around tea time on Friday to collect Paul and Andy.  It was great to see them both again.  although it's only been 4 months since we saw Paul, we haven't seen Andy since he left the UK.  We took the bags back to the car and Mike and the guys got the bus into the city.  The girls and I then drove home and got the beds ready for everyone.  Lynn, Campbell, Ahren and Brody arrived around 9pm, just as Rebeca fell asleep, and miraculously, she slept through it all.  That girl loves her sleep lol.
 
Campbell was supposed to then head into the city to meet the guys but he was shattered so after we got the kids down, we had a few drinks and then went to bed.
 
I think Mike and the boys came in around 1am but I'm not too sure as they were very quiet :-)
 
Next Morning there were a few headaches.  Apparently they were drinking sambucas and asking the waiter to bring them six sambucas.  The waiter misheard though and thought they were asking for sex sambucas!!!!! 
 
I was to babysit Rhianna for Sandr and Jim whilst they completed their house move so I took Ellie, Rebecca and Ahren with me to collect her at 9am and we then took a picnic to the park and got back around 10.30.  We then piled into the cars and drove down to Albert Park and stood on the race track and podium.  Then we moved on to St Kilda where we went for lunch.  Sadly, the kids were a bit noisy so it wasn't exactly relaxing, but the company was good :-)
 
After that, we took Rhianna home and then went home and had a BBQ.  After the kids were down, we played a few games on the Wii and I eventally crashed around midnight (I'm such a lightweight).  I think Campbell was seen in a murderous blind rage playing Scarface lol.
 
On sunday, Ellie had a catch up swimming lesson as she didn't go on Tuesday due to Becca's party.  The 4 of us went t owatch her and she did her best swimming yet, it was great for Mike to be able to see how much she's progressed.  Technically, her breast stroke (called freestyle here) is getting really good and she seems to be getting the hang of the correct breathing techniques too.
 
After swimming, we all went to Williamstown.  Lucky Andy and Paul went to the pub and we took the kids to the park, and we got home around 2pm for a lovely relaxed BBQ.
 
Sadly, everyone left at 5pm.  I think it was difficult for Mike as he felt he hadn't had enough time with the guys but I guys that means he needs to get himself on a weekend up to Sydney with no kids.
 
It was really hot yesterday and you probably won't believe it but by 9pm, I had washed, hung out and dried 10 bath towels, 3 single duvet covers and sheets, 2 double duvet covers and the sheets and the weekend's clothes !!!!  Lets hear it for hot sunny, windy evenings.
 
Having said that, it was still 26 degrees here at 9pm last night so it wasn't the most comfortable night for any of us. 
posted by herrchook at 07:29 | in:
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Thu 15 November 2007
Holey Moley
I had a Drs appointment today to get my moles checked.  I've got loads and was warned by the doctor when we first got here to keep them checked regularly so I finally mae the appt last week.  To cut a long story short, I've got 3 suss moles and one in particular on my back which needs removed/investigated so I'm booked in to have it done on Monday.  Ouch.  After that, I've got have regular check ups done about 3 times a year as i'm in a high risk group apparently as I have so many moles.
posted by herrchook at 07:29 | in:
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Wed 14 November 2007
Happy Birthday Becca
Well it all started a bit earlier than we hoped yesterday when a VERY excited Rebcca woke us up at 6.30!!  She was sooooo excited, I can't imagine what Xmas will be like.  Anyway, Ellie got up too and we all heled her open her pressies.  She got a Fairies set from Ellie, a fairies accesories set from Adrian and Catriona, a Princes set from Steve, a ballet skirt and her new favourite ballet slippers from Abbie and Jamie and Polly Pocket stuff from Bethany which Ellie's eyeing up lol.  She was most delighted with the gifts from her Grand parents though (a tink dressing table and Dora PJs and a set of Barbie light up/musical wings with matching Barbie and microphone and DVD).  Mike and I gave her a pink keyboard, and playdoh as well as a few other bits.  She also got a lovely card from Ahren and Brody with a badge on it which she's still wearing now.
 
After breakfast we chatted on the webcam to Gran and Grandad then it was a dash dow to get Ellie to school (still wearing her barbie wings).  Next we had swimming lesson and she did so well she got another certificate.  This time for a 15 metre swim !! I've put a little video of her doing it on youtube.  As a treat we went to Maccas for lunch and then we came home and got the table set for the party.
 
We had Helen with Rob and Mike, Sandra with Rhianna and Nicole, Helen with Ellie and Martine and Matthew over so she was having a great time.  She got a bit upset when we all sang to her though but she soon perked up with her cake.  Thanks to you all for coming and making it special, and for all the lovely gifts too.
 
As you can imagine she was exhausted when she went to bed last night, as were we mind you :-)
posted by herrchook at 07:28 | in:
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Mon 12 November 2007
A Busy Fortnight - Melbourne Cup
We haven't blogged in a while so there's a lot to catch up on.  First things first...Melbourne Cup.
 
The Melbourne Cup is the climax of what is known here as the Spring Racing Carnival.  The cup itself is also known as the race that stops a city as we get a special holiday just so people can watch the race.  Nice :-).  We didn't actually go to any of the races as we felt the girls are a bit young but maybe next year.  On the first day of the long weekend that week we took the kids to Melbourne Aquarium.  It was fantastic, it has the world's largest fishbowl in it where basically you're inside the bowl with the fish al around you.  There are apparently over 10,000 different species in there so you can imagine how big it is.  We all had a great time til we got to the Creepy Crawly exhibition and I literally came ovr in a cold sweat with the bird eating, funnel web and huntsmen spiders !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We took loads of photos but they are all on our cameras so we've not uploaded them yet.  Watch out for them soon though, there's some fab jelly fish shots.
 
On the actual day of the cup, we drove down south to the start of the Great Ocean Road.  First off we went to the world famous Bells Beach which was flat as a pancake and then we drove on to Torquay and Angelsea where we stopped for lunch.
 
Last week we also had our first visit to an Australian vet as the cats were due their annual boosters.  We had no idea hoe expensive it might be but it turned out to be about half the price of the UK as they don't vaccinate against feline flu here.  We had to laugh though as we've been advised tha the cats need to have sunscreen on their pink bits (ears and noses). 
 
This past Friday Becca and I drove ourselves to the Queen Vic Market and I got lost and ended up driving in the heart of the city for the first time AAAAArrghhhh!!  I had to make a fair few detours to avoid Melbourne's famous hook turns.  Anyway, we got there eventually and even met Mike and one of his colleagues for a spot of lunch.  Incidentally, while we were there we also bumped into Marty who, for those of you still in the UK was one of the top 4 in Australian Idol this year.  There's my claim to fame for the year lol.
 
On this Saturday past, we had a lovly picnic in the Botanical Gardens.  It was a fab warm and sunny day and we really enjoyed just sitting in the heat relaxing and playing with the girls.  It was also the first time in ages we've seen green grass.  Due to the water restrictions, most of the grass here is yellow. 
 
Sunday was a busy day as we had arranged to meet Sandra, Jim and the girls for a wander around the local Caroline Springs Market.  We met at 9.30 as it was a hot day and we all had lot to do.  Helen (Ellie's Mum) joined us and we (the mums) headed infor a coffee and a chat while Mike, Jim and Jonathan took the kids to the petting zoo, face painting and boucy castle.  That afternoon, Sandra had the girls for a couple of hours for us so we could go buy all the bits we needed to make Becca's birthday cake.
 
Actually, making the cake turned out to be quite an event.  Firstly as it was a nightmare baking in 28 degree heat but we also had decided to make a Fairy Castle cake so it took a fair bit of making.  It turned out lovely though, and the girls were delighted with it.
posted by herrchook at 07:28 | in:
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Wed 31 October 2007
3 Months Down

 Wow, can you believe it, we've been here 3 motnhs this week.  In some ways it feels like much longer and in others it seems like no time at all.  Needless to say, we all miss everyone at home masses and masses, especially as Rebecca's birthday approaches :-(

On a positive note, we were at another BBQ at the weekend (Helen and Andy's) and had a great night again.  Can't believe it, that's 2 nights out in 2 weeks lol. 

We've also found out that Paul is coming over in 2 weeks.  He's arriving to stay with Andy in Sydney then they're both coming down here for the weekend and I think Campbell's coming up too so Mike's really looking forward to having 4 of his best mates around for a while (looks like i'm babysitting for the weekend lol).

Talking of Campbell, he and Mike now have tickets to see Iron Maiden AND Ozzy Osbourne play in Feb/March time - alright for some eh?  I'm not doing too badly as Mike's taking me to see Muse in 2 weeks (this was my birthday present).

Swimming lessons are progressing well and boy do they work the kids hard.  They emphasis is definately on stroke technique and breathing and it's much harder than it was in Scotland.  The girls are shattered on Tuesdays after swimming.

We finally got the trampoline built at the weekend and the kids are delighted to have it back, we've also bought a little table and chairs for outside so it's looking quite civilised now.

Still not sure what to get Rebecca for her birthday so I'm off shopping with Helen tomorrow for some inspiration.  We've invited a few friends over for a birthday tea on the day so at least she'll get a bit of a fuss made of her which is nice.

I've had an absolute stinker of a cold for 10 days now and it's still showing no sign of leaving, I actually thought I was going to need the doctor on Thursday night as it chest ached and I had a fever, but it's back to being just a sinus headache and body ache now.  A friend here who's a nurse said most new arrivals get quite ill as the bugs are different here and we've no immunity built up to them yet - joy!!!!  Here's hoping it's just me and not Miek and the kids who get this one as it's a nightmare.

I'm continuing my latest fun thing which is trying to get as many famous friends on Facebook as I can.  I've a fair few now including Vernon Kay, Dom Joly, Jonathon Ross and Peter Andre.  It's pointless but fun.

Remember if you want to call us that we're on daylight savings now so we're 11 hours ahead.

Ellie's class did a little song at school assembly today so I've taken a couple of little videos.  I've also uploaded a little video of Rebecca at her Aqua Playgroup too - see my other blog for those.

posted by herrchook at 08:26 | in:
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Mon 22 October 2007
Summer's Coming
The weather has really taken a turn for the better this week and we've had a few 29 - 30 degree days, and it's only Spring!!
 
Mike's had another busy week at work this week and is settling in a bit more and making friends.  He's even taken to going for a few beers on a Friday night after work which is good.
 
The girls and I were at our first Aussie birthday party this week.  It was Ellie's english friend from school's (also Ellie) 6th birthday.  We had alovely birthday tea while I chatted to Sandra and Helen (Ellie's Mum) and Helen (Vaughan, who took me to the market last week).  We've all arranged to go to Helen Vaughan's house next week so the husbands can all meet and hopefulyl become friends.  They're a lovely bunch of friends so I think it'll be nice day.
 
This Friday, after dropping Ellie at school, Becca and I went into the city to meet my friend Jane and her son Scott.  I met Jane about 18 months ago on a BE meet in Dundee and we hit it off right away.  Although we haven't met since, we've kept in touch by email and it was great to catch up in person.  It was a glorious, sunny afternoon, we had a wande around Bourke Street then took the kids to the park for a play before Becca and I had to get the train home to collect Ellie.
 
Yesterday, we had a lazy morning and packed a picnic.  We then drove to Werribee Park and sat in a lovely shelter near the (immaculate) BBQs and watched the girls play with their balls in the sun.  Then in the evening we had been invited to another Scots couple's house to watch the Celtic Rangers game live.  The couple are Sandr aand David who emigrated with 2 of their daughters just over a year ago.  They are in their late 50's/early 60's and their daughter Ann is about my age.  Anyway, they had ordered Setanta sports for the night and invited all the Scots they knew round to watch it.  As you know, football's not our thing but in the sprit for being social we went along and had a good night.  Mike's even got a hangover this morning so I guess it was a success lol.
 
Today is expected to be 31 degrees and poor Mike has decided to do the garden and build the kid's trampoline !!  He's got a pile of bricks to move so he's off with the toughest gloves he can find so no man eating spiders get him from the shadows lolol. 
 
A personal few messages :
 
Nicola, sorry I've not called, I've not had a minute this week as the time for calling is usually the kid's bedtimes and it's been a bit manic.  I promise I'll call soon, can't wait to hear all about the wedding and honeymoon.
 
Katie, I've been meaning to call you too.  Ellie's desperate to speak to Ben and I can't wait to have a good chat.
 
Cheryl, well Ellie's got most of the prep classes of her school squaking like a chicken now lol.  I keep asking her not to do it but her reply is "I don't want to stop as it reminds me of Ben and I miss him". 
 
Emma Church, hope you're keeping well.  All the other teachers from Wallacestone, Ellie still talks about you all very often.
 
Paul, we can't wait to see you when you come over next month :-)
 
Lorna, how's uni going?
 
Everyone else, we miss you all loads and loads, lots of hugs and kisses from us.
 
Sophie, Niamh, Emily - Ellie says you can all come for a sleepover so she can show you the kangaroos at the zoo (I've told her no problem so long as your Mummies pay the flight lol). 
posted by herrchook at 08:25 | in:
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Wed 17 October 2007
Philip Island Moto GP
This weekend past we drove with Lynn and Campbell and the boys to Phillip Island to watch the Moto GP.  The Scotts arrived on Friday night to stay with us before heading off.  Thanks to the kids, we got an early start on Saturday and arrived on the Island by lunchtime.  It was pretty gloomy and windy but we managed to get the tents up after the rain.  And those of you hardened campers reading this will be horrified to hear that we even had a toilet tent and portaloo with us which was fantastic.  Actually, the site toilets were pretty clean all weekend and although my shower was cold on the Sunday morning, Lynn got a hot one.  With 4 small kids though, it was really great to have a handy loo.
 
Talking of tents, we had bought a new one last week and after we put it up, we realised they had given us a 3 man tent instead of the larger one we wanted!!!!  There was no way our 2 double airbeds ere going t ofit in it, but we had no choice but to use the tent so Mioke and I slept in the outer bit.  It was a bit chilly but at least it was dry!! 
 
On the Saturday, we walked over to the track but it was pretty chilly and gloomy.  We wandered around a bit, then headed off into Cowes for a pizza which we ate in the rain as all the restaurants were full lol. 
 
Sunday was a lot brighter and warmer and we were at the track by around 10am I think.  We had a great spot on the hill overlooking the track and the lovely coastline.  It was only spoiled by a prat behind us complaiing everytime someone stood up.  He even threw a bottle at someone which hit Ahren.  That was pretty intimidating and to be honest, that's the first trouble I've ever seen at a bike event.  Despite having sat in our lovely spot all day, we deicded to move away after that and get closer to the track. However, down nearer the track the bikes were REALLY loud and the girls didn't like it so I took them back to the campsite so mould see the rest of the race in peace.
 
That night we had tickets booked to see the Penguin Parade.  The parade takes place at dusk and it's when the fairy penguins come out of the sea and cross Summerland Beach to return to their sand-dune burrows.  They do this every day after spending the day fishing in the waters surrounding Phillip Island.  It was really fascinating to watch and the kids just loved it.  We sat on the sand right at the front and one particular group on penguins came right up near us, with one coming about 2 ft from the kids who were mesmerised.  I think it was more special because it's natural, don't know if the kids really got the difference between that and the Edin Zoo penguin parade, but we adults certainly did.  We then walked back over the boardwalks and watched them head into their burrows.  It really was a lovely experience and we're so glad we went.  It normally takes about 5 mins to get there from the circuit but due to the massive traffic jams, it actually took over and hour and a half!!!!!!
 
The kids were all asleep in their sleeping bags within minutes of getting back to the campsite on Sunday night, mind you, I wasn't far behind lol.
 
We drove home yesterday and despite sitting in winter woolies the day before, we arrived back in Melbourne to 30 degrees!!!!! 
posted by herrchook at 08:24 | in:
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