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!!!

guess what...

Well, many of you may have already heard the rumours, so I will confirm them here- I'm having a baby! We are so excited about welcoming another child into our family, and for Lachlan to be an 'older brother'. I am 12 weeks and am due around the 4th May 2009. My excitement however, has been curtailed by constant morning sickness and nausea, not to mention the fatigue! How do women keep going back for more?!! I remind myself that I too have experienced this before, and so I am very thankful for amnesia that allows me to go back and do it all over again. So right now, my focus is on survival, and getting through each day as it comes. Hopefully I will start feeling better by week 16 (around the time I began feeling better with Lachlan). I am very grateful to have John around, and he really has been a huge help. So there you have it, Smith baby number 2 is on the way!