The Donaldsons in Oz

As we near our shortest day here in the southern hemisphere, it has been getting darker each morning I head out for my run. Today was the first morning that it was still dark when I finished.

Charlie wakens around 5.30 each morning so I usually take him out just after 6 in the jogger. Although, Kirstin has been stealing my slot some mornings - not that I’ve complained too much!

Since the race we recently took part in, I’ve managed to keep up a decent mileage so I’ll probably do a half marathon that’s coming up in June. I’m then thinking that I’m going to do another full marathon - the Melbourne race is in October - we’ll see!

Alan.

Thursday mornings are swim school for Ella and her friends Hugh & Olivia.  Charlie, Rory (Hugh’s brother) and Sophie (Olivia’s sister) sat quite happily watching the goings on, reading books and eating some snacks.

K

Here are a few pics of Charlie at swim school this week and then both Ella & Charlie at bathtime.  Baths are always a messy affair in this house.

K

Ella & Charlie’s childcare centre, Treehouse, held a pyjama party yesterday to introduce families to each other and to raise money for the St Kilda Mission.  Kids attending the centre yesterday went along in their PJs and in the evening we joined in with kids ready for bed.  Whitney went along with Maddie and Roberta with Zoe. too.  There was a sausage sizzle and entertainment from the Kazoos.  It looked to be a fantastic success.  Ella had a ball and danced the night away with Zoe ……we had a giggle when she was picked out to win a DVD for her dancing efforts!

K

Yesterday morning we had breakfast at Cowderoy’s Dairy.  Charlie enjoyed his food…..and Ella ‘filmed’ the events!

Later in the morning it was time for Ella’s gymbaroo class.  The teacher was absent so the children were allowed lots of free time on the play equipment - much to their delight!  There’s only Ella, Maddie, Hugh & Kyle in the class.  Charlie & Caleb (Kyle’s little brother) join in the fun and Rory watches what’s going on.  It was the perfect opportunity to get some pics.

Charlie on the trampoline having a chat to Maddie

Hugh & Ella having fun

Kyle climbing

Rory keeping an eye on everyone

Maddie, Hugh, Ella & Kyle in their ‘house’

Caleb climbing

Maddie making music

Everyone enjoying picnic lunch after the fun….

K

We took our usual Tuesday afternoon trip to the park.  Whitney, Maddie & Spencer were there too and Amanda, Olivia & Sophie stopped by for a quick visit.

Charlie climbing

Maddie trying to climb through the window

Ella & Maddie at the top of the slide

K

Today was the first day I’ve needed to put jackets and beanies on Ella & Charlie.  Here they are dressed to go to the park this morning to meet William & Frankie…..

Unfortunately it rained so I called William and Frankie’s mums to come over to our house to play instead.  It was fun and the children all had lunch together.  Charlie is much more able to keep up with Ella’s friends now and joins in with them running up and down the hall.  There was only 1 collision but Charlie came off worst!

This afternoon we met Hugh and Maddie in the park much to Ella’s delight.  I got a puncture on the pram but thankfully Brian pumped the tyre enough to get us home.

Ella and Charlie were both very tired tonight although as you can see below Ella was determined not to give in until she’d watch all of Angelina Ballerina.  Charlie however almost lost it when he couldn’t quite reach his milk in the kitchen……stamping his feet and lots of tears.

K

Sunday morning started way too early in our household with both children up by 5:15. We used the time productively and had a family trip to the supermarket at 6a.m. After that Ella & I collected Auntie Christina and Uncle Hamish from Jill’s and took them to the airport. For some reason Ella was very excited to be in the airport. It was sad to say goodbye…..

Sunday was also Fiona’s birthday and Mark had organised a surprise party for her. Between us we got their house decorated, food delivered and she genuinely had no idea. The look on her face when we shouted ’surprise’ was fantastic. We had a lovley afternoon and hope Fi did too!

K

ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War. As a result, April 25th is a public holiday across Australia for ceremonies of remembrance for all the men and women who fought and died.

We spent the day with Auntie Christina and Uncle Hamish. First stop was the market to pick up food for our picnic lunch then we headed to the Botanic Gardens. Marie, Clint and Frankie also joined us. It was a lovely afternoon.

Charlie fell asleep when out running with Alan (their way of avoiding the market!!)

Ella strikes a pose

Charlie with Uncle Hamish (and Ella’s beloved Dora trolley case)

Ella & Frankie dancing

……and running

Charlie playing football

Ella, Uncle Hamish, Charlie & I

We saw this on playing fields as we walked back to the car - the message seems a little dramatic!!

Last night we all went to Campari at Port Melbourne for dinner.  It was fun and great to spend time with Auntie C & Uncle H.  Here’s some pics.

Alan with a very happy Charlie!

And then after a walk around in the fresh air he was fast asleep in the pram

Ella doing some colouring while we waited for dinner

K

A few weeks ago we had Charlie’s hair cut for the first time.  As you can see from the pictures he was none too happy about it.  This was only a fringe trim so imagine what he’ll be like for a proper cut….

K