This entire week I felt like I was a 7,000 year old women. 

 Every bone in my body throbbed like a toothache. 

 I was a spectator to our house falling to shambles around me and didn't have the energy to do a thing about it.

The only thing worse than my own misery was watching Fiona fall victim to the same virus.

 {she stayed home all week from school} 

 A few days later my sweet Reed said to me, "Mum, I don't think I'll ever feel better."

Simply put, we were a HOT mess!

{even more so than usual}

Today we decided to see what some fresh air would do for our recovering bodies. 

 We traveled less than a half-hour to Dandenong Ranges and hiked to Olinda falls.

Merry Merry King of the Bush ~The Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburras have the most unique call.  

Their laughs have been used as a sound effect in jungle movies for many years because it sounds like a group of monkeys.

 I was reminded of this a few mornings ago when I woke up to a couple laughing away outside our window.

tree ferns.  They're just what they sound like...a fern so big it's a tree.

 By no means do I think I look hip here.  It was a rainy day and gum boots were practical footwear.
Although with the correct pants I think I could have had a chance at looking a little cool.

A family picture Reed wanted nothing to do with. 

I had other plans.

Who won?

I think we'll have to call it a draw.

It went something like this:

Reed: What's a headlock?

Me:  I'll show you a headlock!

Fiona observed with great concern.

Ryan- snap! snap!

 I can't help but kiss this boy up every chance I get

I don't think you could find a better rope than the long strands of gumtree bark to play tug of war with!

Ry Guy took this photo.  I love it so.

Back home we go... 

 I now feel as if I'm a 7,000 year old women reincarnated.

Filled with the wisdom to never ever take a moment with my family for granted.

 I'm looking forward to more cleaning and laundry tomorrow. {gasp}

It's true what they say, If you have your health, you have everything.

I have everything and then some.