Woodland Antics

Yesterday was the last day of swim lessons. 11 weeks sure did fly by... Reed doing his torpedo She can't help but dance even when she's in the water This is the same boy that 11 weeks ago didn't like to put his face in the water. With certificates in hand they say farewell to Miss Jenny (FYI she doesn't always wear a purple wig, it was to celebrate the last day) Next week the kids start an intensive swim program. They'll have 40 minute lessons everyday for the week. The really exciting part is it's at Daddy's university so we can drive him to work everyday!

I came home on Saturday and found this as soon as I walked in. My friend gave me a lift to the hospital where I met up with Ry and the kids.  As soon as I saw a tear-free Reed just relaxing with frozen vegetables on his head the jitters and knotted stomach I had the entire ride (only ~8 minutes) dissolved.  He was okay. A couple of hours later he had tissue glue on his wound. (what a great alternative to sutures)  Ryan waited in line to pay. Because we're not permanent residents we don't have a medicare card which is a total bummer.  The universal health care system here is fantastic.  Typically when we visit the doctors we have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed from our insurance.  That said, what we pay out of pocket is about the same amount we would pay as a co-payment in the states.  That alone says something about the health care system state side. {I really should write a post comparing the US, Canadian and Australian health...

Fiona unintentionally hurt my leg last night. She felt so badly she made this for me on the ipad... She ran out of space so you have to read it from the bottom up. "I am so sorry mum." {melt}

{our backyard today} Do you prefer rain or snow? This was the question I proposed to the kids today as we drove to school in the rain. Of course SNOW! was their immediate response. In return they politely asked me the same question. Without hesitation~ RAIN! This was followed by disbelief and questions as to why. I guess I can see where they're coming from. They can have rain anytime they desire in the shower. Shower caps are the new trend in our home. Who knows why. It very well could be the same reason Fiona has a lollipop in the shower.

Dear Ryan, I'm laying in our bed listening to you practising reading with the kids. It's music to this mum's ears. A reminder that all of my dreams have come true.  You have the patience of a saint and I promise you'll never regret all the time you invest in our children. {or the grey hairs we've given you} They  We are so lucky to have you sweetie.  I just had to take this moment to note how much we all love and appreciate you. To the moon and back baby! xo Photos were taken by Ryan back in 2008 as part of a surprise mothers day collage he made for me.

We have a new favorite snack in our house. Avocado Toast. It's easy to make, healthy and oh so delicious.  So I thought I'd share the recipe.  {if you can even call it that.} Toast some bread {I use whole grain} Mash an avocado and squeeze some fresh lemon over it. Spread it on the toast. Top it with feta cheese. Sprinkle with green tea salt. {to make green tea salt open a green tea bag and mix some of the flakes with salt.  I store it in a baggie because we can't get enough} Easy peasy lemon squeezy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In other news~ Last night we had an earthquake here in Melbourne. It was as you'd expect, the house shook, the windows rattled and it sounded like a truck was crashing through the house.  Ryan was on the train coming home from rock climbing.  He didn't feel a thing.  The kids were asleep in bed.  I ran to their room.  Reed was in the top bunk and had woken up. He told me he was shaking, then...

One morning as I was making pancakes I heard the strangest sound.  I looked around to see what I possibly could be banging up against to make such an odd noise.  Nothing I could see, so I carried on.  Then I heard the kaaaw sound again. {forgive me it's a tough sound to replicate}  I asked the kids what they were doing to make that noise.  Nothing? No worries. The next morning I let the chooks out of their pen for the day.  Tuck looked right at me, stretched her neck and "kaaaw ". Chickens respiratory systems are really delicate so I worried that maybe she was sick.  Later that day I made sure their pen was absolutely clean. The following morning this is was I heard... For the past month as the sun barely poked her head up, Tuck has gone to town waking up the whole city.  It's not just one crow but one after another after another.  She'd do it all morning long.  Each morning I'd lay in bed waiting for a knock at the door from o...

Yesterday/today  {It gets confusing with the time difference}  was/is Fathers Day in America.   {Australia celebrates in September} Some of my favourite childhood memories involve my dad giving me rides on our pony Tinkerbell. Thanks Dad~ I love you!   Happy Fathers Day to all the dad's that take the time. {Especially my Ry Guy}

If I were queen, on my birthday I'd give everyone the day off. So it is. Today's the queens birthday ,therefore, a public holiday. We celebrated by making brownies and playing at the playground. I'm so happy they have one another. A buddy to laugh and play with. Someone to make them cry then wipe away the tears.