Me and my girls

Taken at Cairns Esplanade one evening during our holiday.

First day of school

Bella's first day of Grade 1. She is sitting next to her best friend Natalie.








Bike ride after school down to the shop. We went again this afternoon - we are determined that Bella won't need training wheels all her life!








Michael and I had our first day back to work today. We made it through ok!


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On the eve of Grade 1

Isabella starts grade 1 tomorrow.

Michael and I had fun (NOT) covering Bella's books in contact on Monday. Only to later be informed of plastic book covers!

Michael told Bella to check out all the other kids books to find the best covered so we can pay their mother to cover her books next year!

This morning I made a batch of mini quiches and some jelly/fruit cups in readiness for lunch boxes.

I also ironed Bella's uniforms. Gone are the 'prep' polo's she will now wear the school blouse.

She is so excited!

I asked her the other day "do you think you'll cry?" to which she responded "no - do you?".

Maybe a little...... Although I'm also excited for her and everything she will learn this year.


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The Raw Prawn/Paronella Park

We are heading back to Townsville this morning after a great holiday in Cairns.

Yesterday was pretty miserable weather wise so we spent another day shopping! The back of our car is chock-a-block full of goodies!

Last night we dined at The Raw Prawn and I had the best meal of my life. Barramundi with kipfler potatoes, asparagus and avocado salsa mmmmmmmmm!!!!!

The girls had fun "drawing" on the tables too!

We have just passed Innisfail ( we are staying at Club Lenz tonight!) and we are going to stop at Paronella Park for lunch.

Paronella Park was amazing! We will return again (soon we hope) so we can explore for longer.

Here is a photo of my artwork from last night and the sign for the restaurant. I will post some pics from Paronella Park when we get home.







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Daintree, Port Douglas and visit with Gran

Another early start and about 1.5 hrs drive to the Daintree.

A bit worried about the weather as a cyclone had formed up north and we did have some heavy rain before arriving at Daintree.

We decided to do a River Cruise on the Daintree. The weather was better by then.

It was great! We spotted a couple of tree snakes and a couple of crocodiles! The scenery was just gorgeous too!

We travelled back down to Port Douglas and had some lunch before going to visit my Gran and David and Ticky.

We hadn't seen Gran since Tahlia was born. She turned 92 last year so she isn't able to travel anymore.

It was lovely to catch up and do some reminiscing.

We decided to have an early dinner at Port Douglas so Michael and the girls could look around some more seeing as they hadn't been before.

It was over 20 years since my last visit and I was astounded with the changes.

Isabella has hit Michael fir a night swim bur I think I might stay in the room with Tahlia who is quite exhausted by all the travelling we have been doing.

Not sure of our plans for tomorrow at this stage.

Bye for now. The photo is from the lookout at Port Douglas looking onto Eight Mile Beach (??) need to check on that beach name though.






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Kuranda

Today was amazing!

An early start to Freshwater Station fir a train ride up to Kuranda.

Some gorgeous scenery complete with waterfalls!

A visit to the Butterfly Sanctuary was probably the highlight alongside the candy shop demonstration!

Return trip was via Skyrail. I had to wipe from my mind the fact we were up sooooo high dangling nearly by a thread at one point!

Here are some photos. It was all too much fir some ;-)













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Dinner at Mondo's

We had an excellant dinner last night with Tim, Lisa, Keeley and Mikaela at Mondo's.

Complete with face painting, karaoke for the girls and childrens entertainers (juggling, balloons and general craziness).

Tahlia performed a few numbers on the mic and literally didn't stop going all night.

We are up early thus morning for a day trip to Kuranda. Weather is quite ordinary (think tropical low) but we will make the most of it anyway.

Better get cracking!

PS please excuse any typo's!




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I love Mum

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Shopping and movies

So yesterday we spent many hours and many dollars at DFO.

The specials were amazing so we got lots for our dollars.

The girls changed into some of their new outfits shortly after buying them and I saw dome other kids who had done the same thing LOL!

Later we went swimming at our hotels pool which was nice and relaxing.

The girls bought themselves knock off Pandora bracelets after dinner.

Quite a late night by our girls standards. So it was great to have a sleep in til 8.15am!

We are now in Cairns Central and have bought me some legit charms for my Pandora. Just saw Princess and the Frog which was CUTE!!

About to have lunch and work out the plan for the next few days!




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Breakfast with the Lenz'

We had a great night with the Lenz' and their friends last night celebrating Jo's birthday.

The kids have had gin pulling out every single toy in their toy room!

Today we travel to Cairns.




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Roadtrip

We are travelling to Townsville today and then on to Cairns tomorrow for our holidays.

The girls are set.....







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The dishes

I just left the girls at the table to finish their dinner. I went to the study and on the computer.

Tahlia soon came in and wanted me to put on a movie - which I did.

I heard some rattling around going on in the kitchen and then Isabella came in with the dishwasher tablet to tell me she'd done the dishes and just wanted me to unwrap the tablet and turn it on!

All unprompted!

How sweet is that???


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Mumma

For some reason Tahlia has just started calling me "Mumma".

And I love it!!!!!!




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Nearly 3 and nearly 10

Tahlia turns 3 next Friday. I can't believe my "baby" is going to be 3. But to all and sundry who have asked the question she has been 3 for a while now! Hehehe!

And on the same say Michael and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage. I don't know where that time has gone.

I am so blessed.


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Back to work tomorrow

Isabella and I are having our last day together before I head back to work tomorrow. Have sent Tahlia to daycare today as I need some time out from her! She pushed every one of my buttons yesterday!

Isabella is sitting next to me painting her tea set - a gift from my mum for Christmas.

I have a few chores to do today but they are at home so not planning on venturing out today except to pick Tahlia up when I get some strength back to deal with her.

Michael and his dad were busy over the long weekend putting some more drainage in beside the pool. Water issues have added thousands to this pool project ugh!

Here is a photo of Bella painting.




So until next time!

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