SUMMER BIRTHDAY

We've been to the beach, with Little Aussie.

Our European trip seems far away, lost in the haze of the Australian Summer which has caught us unawares, unprepared...

It was winter when we left Australia, we had a few days which could reasonably be called Spring...

and Summer has arrived...

Aussie turned 5 while we were away.

His Dad made a fantastic R2D2 cake:

(Our grandsons are all big on Star Wars these days)

Aussie's favourite gift from Europe was a tiny music box from Paris, which plays - ta dum - the Star Wars theme!

and he is enjoying a bit of Italian culture with a Pinocchio book and yo-yo, from a street vendor somewhere in Florence...

The Garden of Neglect continues to cover itself in glory, with new roses every day.  I don't know what's come over it..

and life returns to normal in the Red Cardinal nest.

PS I cheated.

I did buy an extra bag - in Rome at the end of the trip...

Just to squeeze in the dirty washing, mind you...

Have a lovely week

XXXX

CELEBRATIONS FOR BOYS

We have been missing in action for a few days,

hiding out at a Coastal Resort not far from Brisbane ...

I have been Laid Low by the virus you get despite having the Flu Jab,

and a few other medical issues besides.

Thank Goodness for Spring, warmer weather, clear blue skies, and a chance of Rain!

The Red Cardinal front lawn is now a distinct shade of Brown..

Little Aussie turned three and his Dad made a Fire Engine Cake.

We celebrated in the good Australian way, with a BBQ in a park...

Little Aussie arrived on his new red bicycle,

to the applause of assorted Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

A red fire engine and lots of Lego dominated his haul of gifts,

and lots of lovely books to read.

Here he is on the beach with his Dad, our eldest son, who also had a birthday

(36, but don't tell anyone!)

We also celebrated Fathers Day with all fathers present duly acknowledged with gifts, cards, candlelight dinner and brunch by the beach.

In a fit of nostalgia, we took Little Aussie to visit the Big Pineapple,

former iconic Queensland tourist attraction.

Now, sadly, well past its best.

Our children loved it when they were small.

That is, they loved the train ride, the animals, and the Supersized Icecream sundaes on offer.

Simple things amuse - the three-year-old loved an icecream rubbish bin ..

Have a lovely week

xxx

HOLIDAY WITH GRANNIE & GRAMPS

We returned from the airport to find a weary Ted face down on the stove.

Like we Red Cardinals, he was tired and emotional after the wondrous visit of

our Dear Daughter, her husband, and our Canadian grandson, the fabulous Petite Garcon...

It all went much too fast, but the memories are wonderful:

PG is mighty fond of an engine - any engine -

and loved the Ipswich Railway Workshop Museum ..

where he tried his hand as the Man in Charge of a train.

At the local Zoo, he fed the lorikeets.

Yes, we do it at home, but we don't have this fancy schmanzy feed holder.

Excellent fun.

Then there was the Koala holding experience.

He's not unhappy, just being Very, Very, Careful!

And very proud of himself afterwards ..

He loved the bird visits every morning, eating his breakfast on the deck and chatting to them.

He named this one Rocky Cocky - that name will stick.

Underwater World, to see a Shark!

Likes his monsters, does PG ..

And - ta dum - first ever sight of the beach by the ocean.

Ottawa is a long way from the sea.

Gosh it's quiet round here today..

Have a great week

xxx