Spring Has Sprung

 And it sure feels good to be out in the thick of it!

The kids played very well in netball and soccer, and were thrilled for their medals, plaques and "golden boot"s...


 but we are very pleased to have our Saturdays back!

 While waiting for spring, we still had a raucous time indoors.

Yes, Summer AND Des are asleep on Dad.

Obstacle courses were assembled. Many a gymnastics meet was hosted and judged. Playdates were had. Desmond was blessed. Twister was played. Freezing dips in the neighbor's pool for the brave of heart.

First smiles :)

That Twister mat kept them occupied for hours.

 But for the most part, we've been living outside and loving it. Stromlo Bike Playground is the best. All sorts of ridges, logs and skinny raised platforms to test your biking skills on. Great place to prove your balance, agility and courage. It takes guts, man. Many tears spilt and triumphs claimed. (Bless those kind gentlemen who offered to spot brave Kenna on her first go at the tipping see-saws. Dad was home with Sums, so me with Des in the Bjorn was obviously no help at all for that imminent disaster.)

U.S. Labor Day enjoying Dad's sunny nap on the grass outside Questacon

Autumn

Always a delightful time of year.

Lots of gorgeous walks through the crisp air.
Crunchy, golden leaves underfoot.
A bunch of footy games. 
Frosty morning chill.
Cozy sweaters.
Hot cocoa.

Jury's out which is rougher; rugby or AFL - both boast huge, beefy specimens of grown men trying to kill each other (without pads.) It's some seriously brutal action and both are quite exciting.

Athletics Carnival

All decked out in their house colors

They "trained" for a week straight before field day at school.


We're talking...
 - laps around the house
 - up/down the stairs
 - upside down push ups
 - wall sits
 - heavy lifting
 - no dessert... the works.

I think it all paid off though.

 Will experienced his first "runner's high"at the end of the 800 meter, where he placed 3rd panting, "I was running so fast I couldn't feel my legs - I wasn't even controlling them!"

Welcome to the addictive world of marathon running! He's committed.


Annie did group relays, Kenna placed 2nd & 3rd in various races, & Will made 3rd in long jump too. Fun day.

 Will started AFL or Australian Rules Football the same weekend (despite his sore racing legs.) What a game! I like watching football, but this version is way more fun. You can run it, kick it, throw it, bounce it - so much action going on. He loves it so far, but I still think he's made for rugby...

bad mommy wingin' it with soccer shorts as a sun hat