the artist...

It doesn't take long for disaster to strike when an unaccompanied toddler meets up with a permanent marker. I realised this on Tuesday the 23rd December when I left my angel child to play by himself for all of 30 seconds while I quickly sent an email. This is what I found when I came out into the hallway...

If you happen to stop by before we get it off (which I think will only be when we re-paint), then you won't miss it- Lachlan managed to choose the wall you first see when you come in the front door. I told the budding artist he might as well stand next to his artwork seeing as though the damage had already been done (Sorry it's a bit dark).

The following day Lachlan proceeded to add to my pre-Christmas stress by sticking 2 sultanas up his nose. After a quick dash to our local Doctor, we were all in happier spirits again...

What would I do without my son Lachlan? Crazy as it seems, I really cherish these experiences. He won't be my adventurous 20 month old forever- time is so fleeting that I have learnt to find joy in my daily journey through life. When he is all grown up, with children of his own, I will have all of these memories to savour.

family photo...

Yesterday, we got together with my side of the family for our yearly family photo. It is something we started last year for my mum for her Christmas present, and I think it will probably become a regular event. We went to my sister Joanna's home in Glenorie as they have such beautiful scenery and gardens. It was a bit of a challenge with Lachlan. Last year he was a placid 8 month old, but this time round, he is a very energetic 20 month old! He kept running off between shots, and thankfully didn't fall over in the mud until after all the photo's were taken- a blessing indeed. Here are my two faves:

(I love this one as it looks like William and Lachlan are having a chat!)

me and my boy...

This is currently my fave photo. I am rarely in photo's these days as I am usually the one taking pics for my blog. John took this one a few weeks ago and I love it. Lachlan was actually sitting still long enough to take the photo, which is a rarity in itself. He is usually such a busy little man, always on the go.

on the weekend...

We were invited to attend a friend's daughter's first birthday party last weekend. It was held at the beautiful Fagan Park in Galston. We had a great time, especially Mr. Lachlan, who loved stuffing his face with all the yummy food and playing at the park...

In the past, Lachlan has avoided these types of park entertainment, but loved rocking to and fro on this yellow pelican.

Here is John being a big kid on the flying fox.

After seeing how it works, Lachlan wanted a go on the flying fox too. He's showing how it's really done- one handed!



And we couldn't go past getting a shot of the 'mo-bro's', growing their moustaches for 'Movember' (I can't wait for the end of November so John can get rid of his!).

love playing outside...

Lachlan absolutely loves playing outside in our yard. He could play out there all day if he had the chance. Yesterday he discovered what happens when you mix water with dirt... MUD!!! And he loved it. I just let him go for it- he was having such a great time with the texture and sensation of it as he squeezed it, threw it (thankfully not at me!) and splashed around. I had to get a photo or two...

'how does your garden grow?'...

We have been working on a new project since July this year- cultivating a veggie garden! We have always wanted to grow some of our own vegetables, but for various reasons, had never gotten around to doing it. So mid July, we decided to give it a try and got stuck in.Here is John digging out a suitable spot in the yard for our garden. (I promise that amidst snapping the camera, I did help him!)

Here is what the garden looked like when we first planted the seedlings and barricaded it off so our dog Ushki could not get in (mind you, she is a Great Dane and the sides are not very high- needless to say, she has been known to get in from time to time... grrrr!). In the garden we planted Carrots and Onions, and in seed trays, we planted Chinese Cabbage, Lettuce and Cauliflower.

First signs of life!!! Here are the seed trays with signs of hope that we are on the right track!

Last week, we couldn't help ourselves and plucked a carrot to see what it was doing underneath all that soil. Although it was fairly tiny, we were thrilled! John and I got about 1cm each to taste. There is nothing like home-grown food- it was delicious!

This is what our garden looks like today- lots of lovely foliage and promise of good food to come. We have transplanted the seed tray veggies into the garden too and they are coming along nicely. The carrots will be the first to harvest and should be ready by the end of this month. We have really enjoyed our first experience and have learnt so much too. But we still have lots to learn. We are now keen to get a few more gardens going and are looking forward to planting some spring/summer fruits and veggies. We'll keep you posted!

first motor show...

The Sydney Motor Show arrived in town the weekend of 18-19th October. With his keen interest in cars, not to mention his job in Highway Patrol, John eagerly went along. This year he had a new buddy to take along, our son Lachlan. With them both fitted with "Holden" t-shirts, they headed off to the city for a boys day out.

As you can see, Lachlan is totally loving the environment and all the dazzling colours, posing with a Lamborghini. (Unfortunately Lachlan fell asleep before the Holden pavilion, so no pics with our car team)

"Please Daddy, can I take this one home with me?"
This photo was to tempt me- my fave car, the Chrysler 300C... so nice!!!