Merry Christmas!

We hope that everyone had a fantastic Christmas, and that you are looking forward to the new year. We had a great day - only about 30 degrees, 10 down on the Wednesday before, and we had a great time with our best friends - 8 in all plus 3 small children. The camp oven roasts were awesome even if I do say so myself, and Lyndon declared that it was 'the best Christmas ever'. Not bad I reckon! Anyway, here are a few pics of the day. Happy New Year.

Above: Lyndon & Rach (available for modelling all year round!)

Below: Dave showing how the 'Yanks' can kick an AFL ball

Above: Lyndon using the official Essendon coloured ball - pink...

Below: Abbey midly excited

Above & below: Sharing is caring

Above: Tayrn checking out a weird Aussie invention

Below: Karina the story teller

Above: lunch!

Below: Opening presents

Above: Abbey in her chair from Grandpa

Below: Close up!

Above & below: Abbey in full present mode

Above & below: Having fun at Ormiston Gorge

Above: Cooling off at the pool
Below: Thanks for the table & chairs Dad!

Kylie and I spent last week at Ormiston Gorge (me for work, Kylie for fun!). We both enjoyed the change of scenery and the chance to swim at the waterhole. I made Abbey the table and chairs - she loves them but won't get off them, even for dinner! We hope everyone has a great xmas and new year break - talk to you all soon.

Above: What's around the corner?

Below: I wish I could reach the brakes!!

Above: Smile for camera

Below: Fun at the beach in Adelaide

Above: Big hat, or little head?

Below: Taryn and Abbey on the couch

Just a quick update to keep the folks happy!! Here is Abbey in her nice dress, and playing on her swing which she loves. Now that summer has well and truly hit, the clothes are coming off in the yard. Luckily she loves the water so she can cool off when things get too hot. By the way, my Movember team has raised almost $1000!!! Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. Just to scare you, here is a progress photo of me! Imagine how bad I'll look in another 3 weeks....

Our almost toddling toddler!

Abbey and Niczavier (one of the other Rangers kids) at the Buffel Cutters (Simpsons Gap) social club... This is what Abbey looks like 99% of the time... grubby and with a mouth full of food!

Hi all, it's been a while so I'm updating our blog with a couple of pics of our gorgeous Abbey (well you might beg to differ when you see the photo of her eating!) Things are going well here - starting to warm up for a long summer. Abbey took about 12 solo steps last week and then gave the idea of walking up and has barely taken a step since! She is loving this little pram though which requires good balance and concentration so I think it is good practice.

Back from WA

We got back from WA late yesterday. It was a great trip despite the rain (only 3 days where it didn't rain at least once!). We spent lots of time with family, went to the beach, took heaps of nice bushwalks, drank lots of wine and coffee, and generally had lots of fun exploring. It's good to be home though, so we'll have to plan our next break away. More to come....

Above: WA family - Ivan, Margaret, Christine, Hedley, John & Kylie

Below: "Is that the last of my food??"

Above: Fishing with the boys - I hate fishing!!

Below: Peaceful Bay on a typically sunny afternoon

Above: Kylie at the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse

Below: A towering Karri tree

Above: Jetty at Rottnest Island

Below: Abbey & I bikeriding around the island

Above: Kangaroo Paw in flower at Kings Park, Perth

Abbey has discovered that it's fun to walk by pushing this cart type thing in front of herself. We reckon' that it's pretty fun too - except when you close the front gate and she gets mad that you are preventing her from wandering down a busy road! Off to WA on Tuesday, will update when we get the chance.

Time for an Update

Phil has just completed a fauna survey at work - they didn't catch alot, but this marbled velvet gecko was pretty cool. The survey was at Hugh Gorge in the West Macs - pretty rugged but beautiful country. Pity the weather is starting to feel like summer already though! We are now only a couple of weeks from going on our holiday to Western Australia. Looking forward to a beer in Fremantle, walks through the forests in Pemberton, and tasting the wines of Margaret River. I sense a theme developing here... We will also catch up with plenty of family, take Abbey to pat some farm animals, play golf (Phil only) and hopefully drink plenty of coffee at some nice little cafes. Can't wait!!

Above: Abbey hanging out on her swing

Below: Let me go!

Above: part of Hugh Gorge

Below: Taking the family for a walk in town

Just thought I'd add a couple of photos to Abbey's 1st Birthday post below :) I had to add this photo because Abbey's expression is hilarious!! This is us enjoying morning tea out at Ormiston Gorge. Chelsea looks less than impressed!!

Dirt and Abbey are the bestest of friends

Proud as punch on her new little car... thanks Aunty Stace....!

Opening presents with a little help from two very helpful cousins!