Woodland Antics

We had a Devonshire Tea picnic this week... Australia has made me a tea drinker and a scone lover.  (I've also become a fan of Vegemite but that's for a whole other post titled Things I Never Thought I'd Try) I have to share the links to the scone and cream recipes... Scone Recipe Devonshire Cream Recipe They are incredibly easy to make and sooo delicious. Promise! After tea we played charades...... soldier penguin jedi polar bear chickens tree thirsty in the desert Two lions falling in love I was the boy, Fiona the girl I mention this because to her it was important frog  above and below: mad scientists For the life of us Fiona and I couldn't get this one  My favorite of all. Mostly because of Reed's laugh: Koala's Oh man did we act so foolish and laugh so much! After this we played hide-and-seek. Some of my favorite memories growing ...

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}

Lately the kids have been asking us a lot about what we were like when we were their age. Their curiosity reminded me I've always intended on using this space to tell some history about us. So here's a short story about me when I was just a young lass. W hen I was about 8 I had a swim instructor I absolutely adored.  She was going off to college and I wanted to buy her something special.  With the little saved money I had I headed to Slavins, the local drug store.  I looked through the small dusty section in search of the perfect gift to let her know how much I cared and would miss her.  After what felt like hours of scouring the shelves I finally made a decision.  I chose the perfect gift that expressed my sentiments and even tied in the sporting aspect of our relationship.  She Was Going To Love It! Excited, I it brought home and showed my mother and teenaged sister. Immediately my sister burst out laughing. My mom did her best to contain herself b...

Today's my birthday.   I have every intention of dragging it out for a full week.  I'd try for longer but Halloween is next Monday and will certainly steal my thunder.  Celebrations began yesterday and this is what I did: * slept in  * stayed in bed and read my book * got up and was gifted some handmade cards from my angels, the best pair of pants from my hubby along with a the promise of a new camera lens. * went back to bed to read some more.  {This time with a bag of chips.} * serenaded by my beautiful family with the birthday song as they presented  me with a beautifully decorated carrot cake. {still while in bed} * ate a great lunch that Ryan made{finally out of bed but still in pajamas} * took a hot shower without a child at my feet * spent some family time at the playground * relaxed, feet propped on the man of my dreams * dozed off to dreamland after some pillow talk about how fantastic my life has been, especially the past 9 years that I'v...

I was three when I sang the following song: (presumably out of tune) Uncle Donald's got a big ole butt, oh yeah Uncle Donald's got a big ole butt, oh yeah My Uncle Donald looked at me and said "what?" My response, "Did I say Uncle Donald ?" I know this story well because he told it to me on many occasions. He thought I was funny and witty. Coming from a truly funny guy this always meant a lot to me. I sure do wish he could have met my babies, they are way more funny & witty than I ever will be. Me & Uncle Dee (may he rest in peace) Here I am 30 years later still singing out of tune. Spring is here, oh yeah Spring is here, oh yeah Did I say Spring? It's been snowing all week.  We played hide-n-seek today. There's a couple of us who need to refine our hiding skills. A for effort? Here they are finding me. When I "found" her she said, "Mommy my feet are sticking out a litt...

T oday we visited the Biodiversite Center in our village.   Reed intently sat and watched the entire video that normally I would skip right over assuming there would be little interest. This guy did too. I found one of the benefits of being the minority in speaking English are The Private Tours. (another one is telemarketers here generally don't speak English) This snapping turtle was awesome.   He's intrigued by children and likewise the munchkins couldn't take their eyes off of him. O f no surprise Fiona was fearless and wanted to touch everything .  Reed stayed one step behind. He'd cautiously stand back and watch his careless sister grope a creature.   Once it was put back into it's rightful home he would analyze it in a safe manner. Once again reminding me, we all learn in different ways and at our own speed. Allow me preface this next set of pictures by explaining, I have always been extremely afraid of snakes.  I distinctly ...