Jason and Sarah McDonald

Charlottes first Day of School!!!!!!

2012-02-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

A beautiful smile for Charlotte's first day of school. Being the 3rd child and the 6th grandchild if you count the cousins, Charlotte was desperate to graduate from Kinder and start big school so she could be just like her olders brother and sister! So when the day finally came, she would not stop smiling! She had laid her clothes out the night before and was ready to go a good 1 before she needed to leave.

Jacob and Charlotte were super excited for her, ready to show her the ropes at big school!

Her school bag was almost bigger than she was, but thankfully it only has a notice folder and her lunch in it!

All our angels ready to leave home and have some great adventures at school!

Daddy was very proud. His boss let him have a late start to the day so that he could walk her to her classroom, so that was nice of him! Jason's been able to see all his kids go off on their first day so he has been pretty blessed!

Big smiles from me as she leaves home for the day! What will I do with out her?!?!?! I'm sure I will fill it with something - like keeping the house running!

Nanny Susie popped over for a quick hello on her way to the temple! Another one leaves the day care of Nanny and onto big school!

Ready to head off to school!

Our little angels!!!!!!............

On the big journey to school..............

Waiting for the bell to go in the playground!

A cheeky monkey already!

The group............Charlotte, with Jacob, Brooklyn and 2 of Brooklyn's friends Katelyn and Holly, along with James! Plenty to show her around the school.

Getting acquainted......

Charlotte finds her desk!

............with her name on the top to practice!

....and after a big first day? Charlotte comes home, gets straight into her pyjamas and falls asleep on the counch (It's about 3pm here in this pic!) Poor little Cherub!

A Beautiful New Year's Day Visit to the Beach 2012!

2012-01-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Well, Monday here in Australia (as with everyone else probably!) was a public holiday for New Years and so we decided to head out to the beach and try Dad's new Jetski's! Everyone was so excited. We were all up really early and on the road before 7.30am as we knew it was going to be 40 degrees today! (105 degrees for the American fam!) So we wanted to be on the way home by after lunch!

Nanny Sussie with Jordan and Me with James enjoying some paddle time in the water.

Jordan's first trip to the beach! Yeah!

James, getting ready to sit back and relax in the shade on a beach chair he stole from his cousin Maya! It was just his size!

Brooklyn and her cousin Madison enjoy a dip in the sea while they wait patiently for their turn on the jetski's.

Enjoying the sun, Beautiful ski, clear water and nice warm sun!

Passengers waiting for the jetski to come back!

Brooklyn loads up her water gun ready for a fight!

Brooklyn, Charlotte and Megan!

..........and here comes Daddy! With Jacob enjoying an awesome ride out to sea on Poppy's jetski. Jason, Poppy, my brothers Scott and Simon, brother's in law Steven, and Tara all went to get their watercraft licience before Christmas and were eager to give it a go! The water police were on hand checking liceinces and restrictions as the bay was busy. Didn't get a pic though of them!

Best cousins! Jacob and Madison.

We went and bought a packet of icy-poles because it was so hot! James thought it was awesome to have one in each hand!

What a Stud! Just like his Dad!

Courtney and Myself have a paddle with James and Jordan.

Spunky beach goers!

Charlotte not impressed to wait her turn...........

......now she's fine! Go figure!

The Set up! Plenty of shade from the heat!

Now Brooklyn has a go!

Was a great dayout!

McDonalds Christmas morning! 2011.

2012-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at the McDonalds house. I wanted to show of the new Christmas Stockings that myself and the women in my family had made this year! Each calico sack has their names stitched on, along with some fabulous buttons and pictures. I was so excitied to have these finished with some massive help from mum, Tara and Courtney! Of course I had the most to do but often struggled with threading the needles as my eyes got bad! But we pushed on and finished them with 3 days spare! Thanks guys! Next year we are going to tackle stockings!

So here they are all lined up ready for Santa to pay a visit? MMMmmmmmmm!

And here we go.........James on his cute new little bike!

All the kids enjoyed a new Pillow Pet! Exciting, they lay down like pillows and then you can fold them up to be different animals on their beds! Cute!

James with his new little couch! Been popular with all the kids when they were little!

The gorgeous girls!

And Gorgeous boys!

Jacob really excited to add to his Transformers collection! Santa Rocks right?

Charlotte is still a fan of Tangled and loved her new Rapunzel tower!

Brooklyn excited with a new set of books to read. She got Ronald Dahl's collection 2 years ago and has read everyone! She now gets to tackle the Harry Potter collection! Very cool! My cute little bookworm!

Daddy hits the Jackpot!

And mummy scored from Santa too! Yeah!

Jacob in his PJ's with his new remote control car!

.and Brooklyn with her new bike. She might actually fit on this one and ride like a champian!

Isn't she gorgeous???!?!?!!!!?!?!?!?!

Christmas Day 2011!

2012-01-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas Day this year was quite busy.....but let's face it. Every year Christmas is busy! After attending church and opening our presents at home, we toddled off to Mum's house at about noon to have the best Christmas lunch ever! In no particular order we have captured the days events!

James reading his new book with Morgan and Seth!

The whole family together for a family portrait....or tried to anyway! Aussie Macs front and centre and all smiling! Yeah!

Brooklyn waits patiently with cousin Megan and Jeanie so everyone can open a mountain of presents.

Our hunky spunk Jacob with Nanny Susie Claus!

Lunk Time! The outside area at Mum's was beautifully decorated and the Christmas Turkey with all the trimmings was ready to go. After the success of Jay's Thanks giving turkey, he was asked to cook the Christmas Turkey - new tradition I think. He did an amazing job, he's become a turkey cooking master.

Have a look at what his adoring uncles got Jacob to do with their new Nerf Guns. He loved it really but it just looks bad when he stand on the wall and they fire foam darts at him! Don't worry he got his own back!

It all gets abit much by early afternoon!, Uncle Steven and Charlotte catch some ZZZZ's

Our gorgeous new neice Jordan enjoys her first Christmas!

Aunty Meggy and Jordan...........

Let the chaos begin. Here's what happens when everyone gets together and then hands out presents together. We do a Kris Kringle each year to cut down on presents but there are over 25 people all opening presents! Can someone say mess?!?!?!

More Chaos!

Steven loves his new Shirt!

Relaxing after lunch, Charlotte and Nanny.

Simon totally oblivious to Steven's new shirt!

More Chaos with the grandchildren!

Jacob with Auntie Courtney and Auntie Meggy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Brooklyn, Maya's, and Lauren's Birthday dinner!

2012-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Daddy celebrates Brooklyn's birthday by trying to choke her - nice! No really it was another lovely summer day with an awesome summer BBQ had by all the family!

Chow time!

Lauren and her mum, with my mum and Dad!

Nice one Simon!

Nanny Cloud, Poppy and Jeannie celebrate with us!

....and Meg and Seth.......

..and Courtney and Jordan...........

James chows down!

......Brooklyn and her BFF..........

It's so hard trying to get a nice family shot....okay this will do, you have to work with what you've got.

Jordan enjoying the party!

Daddy and Charlotte, Daddy loves the T-shirt from his Mum..........

Charlotte's close up of Mum and Dad!

now a little further back!

Uncle Scotty and Auntie Tara.......

Afterwards, everyone chills out for some Wii Just Dance! Brooklyn got it for her birthday and has loved it ever since,

PRESENTS!

Charlotte Graduates from Preschool!!!!

2012-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Charlotte and her cousin Megan had their final Preschool Christmas Concert in December and got to show to their families and friends how much they have grown up this year. Charlotte has been doing a transition program with the Primary school she will be going to and the smile could not be any bigger as she is finally ready to say goodbye to 'kinder' and hello to Big School!

Bashing out some Christmas Carols with musical instruments!

Charlotte and her Kinder teacher sing some carols!

Charlotte receiving her graduation certificate!!! Yeah!!! Was a bit emotional for her teacher - been there the poor thing!

Look at that smile! Charlotte proudly poses with her teachers for her graduation. They have done wonders for her, helping her to be a great member of her class!

Nanny and Poppy David show their support (if not for the thousanth time at a preschool event or two?)

Megan and Charlotte show off their certificates!

Proud Mummy and Proud Uncle Scotty (or Daddy to Megan!) 30 years ago (yes you heard!) Scott and myself graduated preschool here in Kilsyth. Been round the world and back again!

Celebrating in the playground after the concert! James can't wait to come to preschool! Bit of a wait there. He forgets he's only meant to be 13 months old!

Another year at Road to Bethlehem!

2011-12-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

This year we had the privilidge again of going to Road to Bethlehem performance! Unfortunately the only tickets were for Brooklyn's birthday night, so we brought along a cake to celebrate while we were waiting to go through the gates. Road to Bethlem is a fantastic life size production of the the week leading up to the Saviour's birth. The kids get to see the roleplays, scenes, farm animals and phsyically go on the road to Bethlehem. It is amazing, run by the Seventh Day Adventists for the whole community. This year is my (sarah's) 15th visit and am so lucky that I can share this with Jason and the kids!

Waiting to go through the gates - of course Uncles Simon and Scott muck around with Balloon twists. There was also face painting, crafts, DVD's to watch, abseiling walls, climbing frames and music performed while we all waited.

Scoot gives his balloon flower to Tara!

Brooklyn's beautiful face painted!

Jason and James crack some jokes while waiting!

Mum, Lauren and Lauren's mum Vicki waiting patiently!

Jacob's shark face painting!

Jordan's Baby Blessing......

2011-12-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

Jordan's immediate family tree - uncles and poppy's galore on both sides.

The happy family. Courtney, Steven and Jordan.

On big happy family.

Adams girls.....

My gorgeous boy tucks into the food.......

Charlotte waiting for her turn on the flying fox at the park.....

and off she goes!!!!!

The celebratory lunch spread!

James tries to help Uncle Seth and Nanny Susie to blow out their birthday candles as well. Was a big afternoon!

Carolling in Mooroolbark

2011-12-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

Nanny and Poppy and Morgan and Seth come out to support Brooklyn as her school choir performs again at the community Carols by Candlelight concert again this year! The weather was a little fresh and we enjoyed a picnic dinner of Fish and Chips, perfect.

Setting up before the school children arrive., enjoying dinner.

Proud supporters all around...................

Brooklyn and her choir get ready to perform.

Our tall baby in the back row!

Dancing along to some christmas carols!!!!!

Morgan finding ways to entertain herself while waiting for Brooklyn to come on!

Nanny. Mum and Auntie Meg (never mind Daddy's background gestures!)

Still trying to entertain ourselves whilst waiting for the show!!!!!

Charlotte had had enough by the end of the night we think!

Merry Christmas!

Our Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

Mum and a lovely team of ladies threw another awesome Ward Christmas Party 2 weeks ago. We brought our camp chairs and picnic rugs and had heaps of fun in the chapel gardens! We has facepainting, jumping castles, kids crafts, games and even Santa rocked up with lollies for everyone! On top of all that, the food was wonderful, BBQ meats, yummy salads and icecream sundaes for everyone!

Charlotte and Sarah show off our cute facepainting.

Poppy David with Megan and Cahrlotte enjoying some BBQ dinner.

The good thing about the moon chair that Jason got me for my birthday was that there is always room for everyone to snuggle in and cuddle with mum!

Stealing some yummy chocolate cake and icecream sundae.......

Josh and James enjoy the sun and the crowds............

How blue are those eyes!!!!!!!

I love this picture.......Mum and Jason smiling together in the same shot! It's a christmas miracle!!!!! Mum was run off her feet in the kitchen and Jason got the boys busy with set up and clean up. They did a great job behind the scenes and Jason was run off his feet talking to lots of people and new faces. He's a great EQ president, always working.

SANTA visits with Jacob.......

and Brooklyn...

and Charlotte..............

and James........he's not that much of a fan just yet!

The kids and their christmas crafts, making wreaths!

Brooklyn paints my christmas tree!

A beautiful day for christmas crafts and fun!

The YW's president is kept busy all day!

Charlotte and Madison wait in line to visit with Santa.

Merry Christmas from Australia everyone!

Brooklyns' Busy Birthday/ Camping week!

2011-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn had her first sleep over birthday party for her birthday this year! Perhaps will be another few years before it happens again.......................Here we have Brooklyn and her friends in the lounge room dancing around to that song "Party Rock Anthems" "Every day I'm shuffling" An unfortunate angle for one of her friends!

Brooklyn and her friends enjoy sone nail polish, some chips and lollies and some music.......PARTY!

Good job Brooklyn!

Brooklyn and her best friend Katelyn.....Brooklyn got a Hair Crimper for her birthday so we all had fun in the kitchen crimping every inch of her hair!

This was all followed by some coloured sand craft outside on the back patio!

Now for some Wii Just Dance fun. Even James got in on the act and had a boogie!

Well moving on now............that party was Friday night, followed by Thanks giving on Sunday night with the family and here we are on Monday morning ready for Grade 4 camp. Brooklyn and her friends and classmates were heading to Phillip Island on the Peninsula for 3 Days. Here are a bunch of tired but eager girls ready to go!

The kids got to go to visit the pelicans, coastal education units and event went for a walk with the Penguin Parade in the evening - a big attraction to Phillip Island. Brooklyn was so excited she forgot to take her camera for most of the activities.....

she did enjoy watching this baby pelican............

AND that scary stingray lurking in the water just there..............clearly no swimming please!

Self portraits from Brooklyn and her cabin friends!!!!! Oh to be 10 years old again!

A busy week for my baby, she's growing up so fast!

2011-11-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn's Guitar Recital!!!!!!!

Brooklyn has been taking guitar lessons for about a semester now and she finally had the opportunity to show off her new skills in an end of year recital with her teachers. As mum will tell you this is not the first recital in a local community hall we have all been too! (years of ballet rear their head!) but this was Brooklyn's first public performance and she was super excited to show her her parents and grandparents what she could do. She waits here patiently for her turn next.......

A room full of excited parents........

Brooklyn shows off what she's got! A duet with her teacher playing cords as well. She did an amazing job. We were so proud of her!

Jacob showing his support and enthusiasm.........

Charlotte's turn on the camera!

A proud Brooklyn and Nanny..... she did great!

Saturday Night Sundays........

2011-08-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Brooklyn's guitar recital, we decided to have a family night of home-made sundaes and a movie night. We bought some tri coloured ice-cream, sprinkles, M&M's, chocolate and caramel toppings, whipped cream and wafers and made the biggest sundaes that would fit into our special bowls.

This was followed by a spooky kids Halloween movie and lots of laughs! It was great fun to spend some family time together after a month away from them!

YUM!!!!!

Charlotte's 5th Birthday!

2011-08-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

We had Charlotte's 5th birthday party recently at Mum's house! She has wanted a Tangled Rapunzel party all year because with her long blonde hair, she has always said that she looks just like her!

So we had a gorgeous princess party with some of her CTR friends from church. Aunty Tara made our gorgeous tissue pom poms AND the gorgeous cake! What would we do without her!

Rapunzel's tower.......

Charlotte's favourite posters on her wall in her room............

I had set up a craft activity for Charlotte and her friends to do whilst at the party. They made secret treasure boxes and colourful paper lanterns from the movie.

Daddy and his boy.

Charlotte and her friends sing Happy Birthday.

Opening presents...........Happy Birthday Baby!

Some pics of the kids............

2011-08-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Winter is normally a slow time here for pics.....not alot has been happening lately!

Last week Jason went away for 3 days for work and so one morning after breakfast we decided to send some pictures to him! James gave us the perfect smile and brighten everyone's day!

James is on the move! We had to go and purchase a gate this week after James or 'Cyclone James' emptied a whole roll of toilet paper followed by the waste bin in the laundry! Our solution!

This was Daddy's wake up call this morning whilst getting ready for school! Our gorgeous little angels!

2011-07-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 4Th of July everyone.

We had a little shindig at Mum's place after work on the 4th. It was fabulous. We had the usual hotdogs, salads, sweets and 'sparklers' - fireworks are illegal here!

Jason and Jacob!

Tara made some gorgeous pom poms to go with the theme. If you look closely she also made a white cupcake pom pom that has reeses peanut butter cups in the middle as a present for Jay! It was awesome!

Uncles Scott and Simon hoeing into the food!

Charlotte with a glowing Courtney!

Simon enjoying Jason's homemade corndogs! He makes a mean corn dog! Tiana (Seth's (Morgan's husband!) little sister) also enjoys a feast!

Charlotte shows off her sparkler skills!

Courtney and Steven and Nanny Susie enjoy the fun!

Brooklyn attempting to write her name in the air with the sparkler!

I don't know why but we had a yummy cake made by Tara to mark the celebration!

Now for Jacob's Family Birthday Party!!!!!!

2011-05-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

To continue on with the football theme of Jacob's friend party earlier on in the day, Jacob had a family footy dinner to celebrate his birthday. Here are Charlotte, Megan and Hannah - never too far from food!

Uncle Seth and his cheer squad - Uncle Seth goes for the Bombers!

The dessert spread!!

Uncle Steven - totally getting into the spirit of things with his 80'2 retro footy get up. Nice legs Stevie! They don't wear shorts THAT! short anymore!

Auntie Lauren's take on the footy theme with her Liverpool footy jersy. It's not football Lauren - it's soccer! xoxoxox

Hello ladies - From back left - Tara, family friend Kelly (Collingwood supporter), Courtney (poser!), Lauren, Morgan and Sarah - doing our footy photo.

Now the boys do their footy photo - Seth, Steven, Shannon, Simon, Scott, Jason, in front Jacob and Poppy David!

Heaps of people tell tell us that we look alike - even Facebook groups our faces together in the tagging program. One of my better shots and well Meg just looks great all the time! Hurry up and have 4 kids Meg!

Proudly showing off the guernsy that I fit into when I was 17 years old! Still fits but a bit more snug!

The proud parents!!!!!! My spunky hunky husband and I lookin fabulous!

Time for games and presents!!!!!!!

Jacob's birthday party!!!!

2011-05-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Jacob had a few of his friends from school over to my mum's house for a footy party this month. As you can see Jacob and his cousins all go for Melbourne Demons! I had mum, Tara and Scott helping me as they all love the footy! Although Scott did say we had had our quota of Collingwood supporters come. So Jacob's friends came dressed in their favourite footy team colours and we had games, tasty footy food, games and heaps of pressies!

Jacob and his friends line up to pin the footy between the goal posts!

Dessert!

Charlotte has a go!!!!

Present time! Look at that army of Demon supporters!!!!!

Tara did an amazing job of the footy oval cake. The lolly buffet. I'm a bit of a fan these days!

Uncle Scotty with Jacob's friends - 'Kick it to me!!!

The budding birthday boy! Look at that toothless grin!

Happy birthday mate!!!!!!

Jacob's first slinic at the local Ausjick club!

2011-04-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Jacob has joined up to play football on a Saturday morning with some of his school friends. The clinics are fantastic. He learns some footy drills and skills and then gets to play in a short game at the end! It was a gorgeous autumn morning and Jacob was so excited!

Jacob's at the front catching a hand ball!

For his first clinic, Jacob has great hand/ eye co-ordination and agility! I think he'll be a natural! But then again I am bias aren't I!!!!!!

Jacob learns the great art of tackling the dummy!

Go Jacob - that's him No. 26

Tackling for the ball.

Forever the camera man - what a cutie. He loves having his photo taken!

My champion!

James's tasty new treats!!!!!

2011-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if he actually does like it but Jason has decided to expand James food palate by introducing him to dill cucumbers!!!!

Yeh or Neh!

Love that smile!

Here, I gave James his first wafer finger to try!

MMMmmmmmm yum!

Partners in crime I tell you! My angels!

Twilight Sports 2011

2011-03-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

The kids had twilight sports last week at school. This is like a house colours event for the wholeschool to participate in. Our family is in blue house. So Brooklyn and Jacob had fun with sprints, relays, tunnel ball, bean bag toss and agility games. and.................Blue house won the school sports!!!!

Jacob came second in his sprints and Brooklyn came third. Good effort!

Jacob casually glances at his friends while running relay!

The cheer squad! We had a picnic rug with drinks whilst the kids did their events. It was agorgeous sunny evening and even James had fun!

Team supporters!

Some pics of James.....

2011-03-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pics of James..... he's almost six months old now and according to the kids has just started to become more interesting!!!!!

Jason's Birthday

2011-03-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long lince our last posts. Time has just flown. Anyway I'll try and catch you all up.

We had Jason's birthday a while ago and the kids were so excited to make some special gifts this year. Daddy is wearing his birthday crown that Brooklyn and Jacob made for him. A happy family snap!

Jason got some great new tools, a nice shirt, some chocolates and lots of kisses.

The Excavation!!!!!

2011-01-29T02:51:00.000-08:00

Here we are with the beginning stages of excavating our backyard. For a while now we have wanted to lay a concrete slab that eventually we can build on and now we have finally began. Jason, some family and some elders from the ward begain with jack hammers and shovels.

Here we find an old storm water resovior.

Jacob not that thrilled with the Jack hammer

Shovelling lasted about 3 hours before the big guns were called in.......

'The Dingo' mini digger

Even I had a go - We finally got done in 3 hours what it would have taken 3 weeks I think!

Clearly no ocupational Health and safety inspector on this worksite! It was an accident though.

Now the kids get to have a go. Charlotte has no idea where she's going!

"When I grow up I want to be a big bulldozer!!!! said Uncle Scottie

And here's the final result! A nice concrete patio.

Eventually there will be a roof put on and then slowly building in a rumpus room but for now the kids are having a blast riding their bikes and playing basketball!

Some photos from Simon's 30th......another fancy dress party!!!

2011-01-29T01:51:00.000-08:00

My brother Simon turned 30 last week and so he wanted to have another fancy dress party like we had for his wife Lauren. So top try and top their Tweedledee and Tweedledumb costumes, my brothers (who are never too shy opted for Super Mario Bros. costumes. Mario and Luigi. James, Brooklyn and I went to the party but Jason stayed with a sick Charlotte and Jacob unfortunately. I went as a hula girl and James went as Superman.

Scott as Mario and Tara as trash ( you had to come as a first letter from any part of your name) Scott's middle name is Matthew.

Simon as Luigi (middle name is Luke) and Lauren as Little Bo Peep!

My Boys!!!!!!!!

2011-01-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

Jacob absolutely loves his brother to death. He wants to hold him all the time and can't wait until they can 'hang out'. Aren't they gorgeous?

A Gorgeous Summer Day out with the Family......

2011-01-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Whilst most of the extended family had a few weeks off over Christmas, we decided to take an adventure to the rock pools of Rye back beach. A place where the Adams family had visited many times whilst growing up. We found a great place to set up camp and then it was time to explore.

Here Morgan and Jacob see what they can find under this rock bridge.

Here Uncle Scotty shows us all how it's done

Brooklyn and Jacob carrying their stuff

Jason and Morgan find a treasure trove of creatures.

Finally Brooklyn with her league of cheerers on the side there, takes the plunge. She was very brave.

Jacob the explorer

Uncle Simon the sunbather.........

Our brolli set up

Finally we then move around to the front beach because the waves were too rough at the back beach area. Here we are again relaxing in the sun.

Tara and I - 16 years later, (my one and only YW friend) and still smiling.

Floating in the water was just amazing - just ask Brooklyn and Nanny and Poppy......

....and Charlotte, Megan and Madison.

It was a fabulous day! Thank goodness Summer is here!

McDonald Family Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T21:15:00.000-08:00

I know I've loaded these photos in reverse but here is what the McDonald family got up to christmas morning.

Wow, we've finally joined the Wii revolution and got a Wii for the family this christmas. The kids really like the bowling game so far!

Daddy asembling the Wii

Jacob enjoys his christmas stash in his room......Charlotte enjoys her new Leapster game!

Jay gets a visit from Santa!

.....even James got some great presents from Santa!

.......Charlotte searches her sack for everything she can find!

Merry Christmas!

Charlotte and her new bike!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Brooklyn scores for her birthday......

2010-12-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Brroklyn is starting to get into jewellery so this year Brooklyn was lucky enough to start her collection with some great bangles and this owl necklace!~

Finally Brooklyn get's her Ipod for her birthday!!!

Some Christmas festivities.....

2010-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Daddy and his boy chill after work one day. James' beautiful smile!!!!

Brooklyn's school choir sang again at the Mooroolbark Carol's by Candelight! Here we are with Brooklyn's best friend.

Here Charlotte supports Bee and waves her candle around singing to the carols.

Brooklyn and her class friends pose after the choir finishes.

Charlotte enjoys another cuddle with her brother. She loves to hold him all the time!

James..........smiling

Daddy finds it fun to push his ears forward because he looks like an elf!

the kids enjoyed making some christmas craft today........christmas tree place settings that they put out at dinner time.

This year we also finnay got organised to make some christmas treats for our friends and neighbours.

The kids decorated glad containers with some christmas paper...........

............we baked some truffles, mashmellow puddings and what we call here 'white christmas treats' which is basically like a white rice crispie with white chocolate, cherries and fruit.

We packed them into boxes and then did our secret santa deliveries!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Belated Thanks giving everyone!!!! Here's how we celebrated!

2010-12-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was celebrated at Mum's house this year with 40 of our nearest and dearest family and friends. Jason once again cooked a massive stella turkey and the kids even helped make the oreo turkey's used as the place settings.

All decorated!

Our festive turkeys

The kids enjoying Thanksgiving

Jason get's the honours after sharing how greatful we all are for this wonderful family tradtion of Jason's to be extended to his aussie relatives!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree....

2010-11-29T01:26:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. It's christmas tree time again. And Jason had plenty of little helpers this year.
My gorgeous helper Charlotte

Helpers 1,2 and 3 use whatever means necessary to decorate all of the tree.

Fluffing out the branches.....

Ready to be decorated...

Santa's little reindeer elf !

Our little tresures.........

2010-11-29T00:45:00.000-08:00

Killing their little brother with kindness. Charlotte has just worked out she can carry James everytime he cries. So she brings him to me every time now! Joyful days.
My four little angels,,,today their angels anyway.

McDonald boys!

James learning to smile...!!!!!

2010-11-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

My baby boy is about 5 weeks old in these photos and has started to smile at everyone who smiles at him. Heavenly Father knows exactly how to melt a heart with the innocent smile of a young spirit. These smiles were enough to keep my sleep tortured frustrations in check. Being a mum is awsome!

A very ticklish James!

Doesn't this face make all of your problems seem insignificant?

Now it's Daddy's turn for a tickle.

Here's some light bedtime reading for you!

2010-11-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

Charlotte was quietly reading to herself in bed the other night but by the time I got back to tuck her in and turn out the light......I found she had already dosed off. I guess the book wasn't that interesting!
Jacob also is anotherone that likes to read in bed with his little lamp.

Isn't he cute!

Some Randon Pics of the Kids lately:

2010-11-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

Some Fun at the school fete.....

2010-11-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a beautiful weekend here last week so we decided to go to the kids school fair. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year and I had felt bad because James was only 3 weeks old and thus my participation was pretty limied. School is only about 500 metres around the corner so we all set out for a nice walk. The kids saved their pocket money just incase their were any rides or show bags they liked. Brooklyn also sang in the school choir presentation. She loves to sing!

As it turns out - the rides were the biggest attraction. Here are the kids waiting for their rides.
James and I wait patiently....

The swinging chair ride.

The crocodile jumping castle - on the inside. Jacob climbs in.

And now they all come out the other end!!!!!!!!

Charlotte getting some form of help her from her older brother!

Fun with Camping Puddles......

2010-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

Time for the annual Melbourne Cup Weekend Camping Extravaganza - where all the family get together and enjoy some time in the great outdoors! Hahahaha!

This is what camping is like when you have about 30 centremetres of rain over a long weekend. Thankfully, this year Jason and I opted to stay at home over nights because James was only 2 weeks old, but mum and Dad took the kids up and we visited each day. Well, let's see what happened. There was no swimming, no canoeing, no bike riding, no camp fires or hiking. Nothing but rain and then some more rain. Those in caravans probably counted their blessings as they crossed the great seas that were lapping at their doors.
SO WHAT ELSE IS THEIR TO DO WHEN IT WON"T STOP RAINING????
GUMBOOTS AND PUDDLES!!!!!!!

Charlotte....

Jacob....

Brooklyn.....

There's always next year. Sometimes you beat the weather, othertimes it beats you! We eventually came home after 2 days (supposed to stay 4 days!) because, well, we ha no dry clothes or clean clothes and all wanted a nice warm shower!

James William McDonald's Blessing......

2010-11-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today was James' blessing day at church and the sun was shining, blessing us for a fabulous church service, nice photos in the garden and a gorgeous outdoor lunch after church. Here we begin to round up the stragglers.....as they head out of the chapel for a family photo.

James' aunties never too far from a digital camera. This was just one of 19 shots that Courtney and Morgan took of themselves and their partners whilst waiting for the rest of the family!
Here come some more family stragglers out of the chapel doors....me included!

Waiting patiently enjoying the sun and not having a current calling that requires my attention....

Here we go!

The three ring circus of misfits that is our fabulous family! We wouldn'd have it any other way. We finally manage to pose for a family shot to celebrate.

Four generations of Adams, McDonald women

Four generations of Adams, McDonald men!

The tremendous wall of priesthood that is our family...one has to be blessed to have such a wonderful army helping to raise our children. From left to right - Uncle Simon, Seth McDonald (no relation-Morgan's wonderful boyfriend!), Uncle Scott, Jason, Poppy David, Uncle Steven and of course older brother Jacob in front. Our only wish was to have the USA McDonald priesthood line here as well.

One big happy family..................smile!

On to the grandparents house after church for a yummy lunch complete with soups, sandwiches, hot savouries and of course dessert.

Time for sweets!!!!!! YYYUUUMMM!

Aunty Tara made the beautiful cake that was a white rasberry mud cake - a favourite that was demolished in 2 seconds. Jason and James enjoy a blessing song (haha) and....

Jason blowing out the yummy blessing cake with his only front tooth!!!!!

Here comes HALLOWEEN!!!!!

2010-10-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again and with the weather being so mild we had to wait until last minute to carve our family pumpkin. Otherwise he begins to droop - hahaha!

Jacob chose the design this year and could not wait to get started.
Daddy's little helpers.

Jason- drying out the seeds. He's going to try and plant them for next season!

Ta-Daaa! And with the candle inside!

Happy Halloween everyone!

More Pics of James.....

2010-10-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Chilling in the bath

Eager brothers and sisters.

The boys....

Charlotte loves her brother.

xoxoxox

James' First Bath.....

2010-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy always gets the honour of bathing the kids. It's his special time with them. Besides I'm petrified to bath them as infants!
Even though James hates being naked, he loves a nice warm bath.....

He especially loves to be swimming on his stomach. Quiet the whole time.

Welcome JAMES WILLIAM MCDONALD.....

2010-10-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

The McDonald Family would like to welcome it's newest member - JAMES WILLIAM MCDONALD. A week ahead of scheduale, James made a rather hasty 3 hour journey into the world and has been loved by the 3 ringed circus that is our fabulous families ever since.

James arrived on Thursday 14th October (our 10th wedding anniversary!!!!!! which seems to pale in significance by the way!) at 11.40pm. My contractions began as I was watching Criminal Minds at 8:30pm and then it was all go.
James arrived weighing in at 8 pound 8 ounces, 50.5cm long with deep blue eyes and a thin shot of red hair - what else really!

As you can see everyone is thrilled!

Our family day at the Melbourne Show!

2010-09-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

We had an awsome opportunity to go to the Royal Melbourne Show this year. I had managed to win 2 family passes to the show so we took Scott and Tara and the girls to the show. We packed a picnic lunch to save more money and budgeted for a couple rides and the kids had been saving their pocket money for 4 weeks to get their choice of showbags. We came to see how expensive a day like this could be..... anyway let me tell you how great it was!

There was pavillion after pavillion of all kinds of farming animals that the kids could get up close and personal with. We saw show dogs, baby animals, alpachas, horse jumping, woodchopping competitions, cow milking, bees making honey, tractor rides, all sorts of things bringing the country to the city. We had the traditional corn dogs, hot jam donuts and couldn't stomach the fairy floss. There was singing, kids shows and a long line to the toilets!!!!!!!!!
Farmer Jacob!
This was Charlotte's favourite animal - the alpacha's so she took her own photo from her height. The animals were all the same size if not bigger than her and sooo soft.

these exhibits were followed closely by some rides, jumping castles and alot of noise. Here Jacob had to pull and Brooklyn pushed Charlotte up to reach the top of the castle.

Here is Jason and the kids in the massive ferreswheel that overlooked the whole showgrounds, pretty much you could see most of Melbourne as well. It was absolutely massive. You can see Melbourne city in the distant background there.

A family shot, clearly I went on no rides with the size of my belly but we all had a fabulous time.

The big slides were a favourite........... here are some close up shots!

After all this fun, the kids got to spend their hard earned pocket money at the Showbag pavillion. Once Jacob worked out he could walk away with 1 toy bag or 3 chocolate novelty bags, I think he made the sensible choice. We were only there a few hours but we were all exhausted!
We had a fabulous day that I'm sure the kids and their cousin's will all remember for quite a while. Now home so Tara and I can put our feet up!

Our annual celebratory Wedding anniversary dinner!

2010-09-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to all go out for dinner together last week to our favourite restaurant, american diner Misty's. We decided last year that we (my brother's and sisters and spouses) would all go out for an annual celebration of married life within the Adams/ Handley/ McDonald families. Unfortunately I haven't got any pics of Tara and Lauren but trust me they were there. Courtney and Steven joined us this year as they are about to celebrate their 1 year anniversary - Yeah! The rest of us had an awsome time contiplating married and family life over the last year and the challenges and joys that it has brought us all, together and individually. Enjoying our Texas Brownie with ice-cream, whipped cream and fudge sauce!

Not a flattering shot I know but the burgers were so good!

Simon and Steven enjoy one of the best milkshakes they have ever tasted.

Brother Scott, Sister Courtney and Brother Simon.

It was wonderful to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and how much fun we all still seem to have together.

Never get tired of going there! The food was fantastic and we were sufficiently entertained. Even though we collected a parking ticket on the ride home! Can't win them all can you!

Charlotte's sleeping?

2010-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Charlotte tends to sleep in places and positions just like her father. Jason has the uncanny ability of falling asleep wherever he can find a spot to rest. Let's just say that Charlotte is following in his footsteps. Here is Charlotte - I was checking some emails on the computer and Charlotte will often climb up, lay across my lap and ask for a back scratch. This usually means she's tired, but today, she actually fell asleep over my lap. Her hands are dangling on the otherside and I couldn't move anywhere because of my rather large belly right now. I'm pretty jelous actually. I wish I could sleep wherever I dropped right now. Isn't she gorgeous!

Jason tries to teach Brooklyn to chop wood!.........

2010-09-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

One night after school, Jason and the kids decided to clean up the backyard. Now coz it's winter, this can't be done without a bonfire apparantly so Jason decided to teach Brooklyn how to chop some firewood. She's my delicate little flower and let's just say that if you need Brooklyn to build you a fire in a hurry, pack a warmer jacket!

Giving it a big swing! She put in a decent effort!

Not too sure if I would stand within a 10 foot radius if I were you.

Our visit with the Cocky's and Rosellas.....

2010-09-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

Today Courtney had the day off work, so she decided to take Charlotte, Megan and myself for a drive to the hills to visit some wonderful cockatoos, galahs and rosellas that live to be fed here at a local devonshire tea room in the mountain ranges about half an hour from our house. It was a gorgeous day - the forest was green, the surroundings were beautiful and if we had more time we could have gone for a great nature walk.

Here's my new friend. Let me tell you the claws are sharp. He kept sliding off my shoulder and exposing me!?!?! Next time will remember to wear a proper jacket and maybe a scarf!

Even the rosellas were friendly. The cockatoos were absolutely massive and were quite heavy.

Charlotte was not sure at all about these massive birds. All she wanted was a little Rosella but everytime she put her hand out she got a massive cockatoo.

Too close for comfort

Have a look at the face as one of the cockatoos takes flight off her shoulder!

It's all too much and too close!

Finally Charlotte warmed up enough to touch one. He was sitting on my leg and not hers! All in all a great visit was had by all. There was a great tea room attached where we could have had some great scones or some chips. There was also a great picnic area and heaps of walking tracks nearby. We will definately bring the rest of the fam back for a picnic.

Our Ward's pioneer adventure!

2010-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a great ward activity that Primary (me!) and Activities committe (mum and her team!) put on together. We celebrated all things pioneer. We all got dressed up in our gear and felt what it might be like to be a pioneer for a few hours. We played pioneer games, we made rope, jewellery, we made butter and finished this all off with some old fashioned soups, breads and sweet pies. There was something for everyone as you will see!

Jacob and Charlotte try their hand at rope making.

Brooklyn and her cousins!

The boys in action -Jason, Dad and Steven! We tried to make butter just like the pioneers would have by using some thickened cream (they probably would have used the cream ontop of milk!) and shook it in small baby food jars for about 10 minutes. Let's just say we had some sucesses and we also had some people say they would have just dipped their bread in broth! Come on, where's the spirit!

Mum and I .....

Brooklyn and her friend Temperance dress the part and had a great time!

Jacob, (my little Indiana Jones!) trys his hand at the butter making!

The happy couple, the very pregnant pioneer lady eagerly awaiting their next adventure! I pity the poor pioneer mums who had to be that pregnant whilst travelling. I could barely last 3 hours of watching my children all over the rec hall at the chapel!

Jacob and cousin Megan decorate their own ginger biscuits!

Brooklyn makes herself a weaved bracelet!

Jacob and his Primary friends throw 'Buffalo Chips' that Jason made out of polyfiller and painted this nice shade of 'poop' brown into the dutch oven! There was also sack races, 3 legged races and more but I didn't have the camera! Jason made the fake fire that's buring in the background, I'm very proud of my sparkie in training! He's always there to lend a hand and support his family and his ward!

Then onto the ever popular Pie Eating competition. Here we have Uncle Simon, Uncle Steven and Uncle Scott with the pie in his mouth. And below even Morgan gave it her best shot in the next round!

We played the game of stick pull which apparantly was Jospeh Smith's favourite game. Here is Courtney, Lauren and Steven giving it a go!!!!

All in all - a fabulous night for everyone! Go the pioneers!

Charlotte's 4th Birthday

2010-07-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

We woke up to this gorgeous smiling face this morning, all bright and ready to party. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth would it? What else does a 4 year old need but her parents and brothers and isters showering her with gifts for her birthday?

I love the face she's pulling here. She likes to watch Brooklyn's Bratz movies so I found some Bratz Babies movies just for her!

Here is Charlottes magnificent birthday cake, individually pipped and glittered for the occasion. Let's just say there was not even a small peice left to take home.

Let the feast begin at Nanny's house. We had a wonderful family dinner after church on the Sunday to celebrate with everyone.

She was definitely very spoiled and loved by everyone.

Charlotte's celebrating went on throughout the week as she went to kinder and also had birthday cards arrive from America. It was like the longest birthday ever.

Some family portraits

2010-07-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of a beautiful winters day a few months ago and had my Dad take some updated family snaps. The last photos we have are of when Charlotte was a baby! So we went to a local park and decided to experiment.

Brooklyn, Jacob and Charlotte monkey around in the trees.

We are indeed very blessed. We have beautiful, healthy children that love each other most of time. We are blessed with a comfortable home, the priesthood within the walls of our family and very blessed to have the gospel in our lives!

Charlotte's visit with the 'Postie'

2010-07-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

Charlotte had a visit from the aussie postman or woman as it turned out this time at her kinder. She even got to have a go at sitting on the postie bike! Never one to shy away from adventure, have a look at her smile.

Charlotte is having a wonderful time at her preschool this year. It's wonderful to watch her grow and learn away from the home. Our kids, even at this young age are leading active and busy lifestyles. I almost need a secretary to remind me who has what, on which day and when! We'll get there. My minds a little slow right now! Preggo brain and all!

What we've been doing over the last few months!!!!

2010-07-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Charlotte has been spending a bit of time with Daddy lately. Today as Daddy apprentice, Charlotte was put to work cleaning out the chicken house and then helping to wash Daddy's car!! All whilst wearing her beautiful ballet costume that she got for her birthday!

Isn't she beautiful?!?!?!?!?!

Daddy and the lids enjoy a quiet sleep over in the lounge room on the sofa bed. Brooklyn had a sleepover at her auntie's house and the other 2 enjoyed a movie and popcorn with Daddy!

Brooklyn and Jacob enjoyed an Australian day at school last term to celebrate their Australian studies and also to celebrate the World Cup. The kids showed their Australian pride as they dressed in green and gold for the day!

Go Australia! Even though we were even wiped out of the Cup before America! Better luck next cup Socceroos!

Brooklyn then followed this dress up day with an Asian Day at school for her class. She's been studying the Australian Gold rush and Chinese immigration during that time period. Brooklyn had a nice asian lunch and went for a visit to Sovereign Hill, which is in the area where the gold rush was many moons ago! It was a great few weeks for her!

Brooklyn also enjoys wearing her glasses that she got last month to help her see the whiteboard and to help her with reading.

More to come shortly!

Jacob's class party at Ace Space playcentre!!!!

2010-05-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Being pregnant with number 4, I was really not in the right frame of mind (putting it mildly!!!) to have lots of small children running around my small house so I opted for the local play centre where Jacob has always wanted to have a birthday party. Jacob invited a select few of his friends and that was the end of my organisation! It was fantastic. I didn't have to do a thing. All the food and drinks came out for everyone, they had a big ice cream cake to celebrate and even put together lolly bags for the kids.

Jacob up there somewhere!

Jacob and his friends hit the playground!

You know sometimes it is worth paying for convienience. As it turns out, I spent the night and next day in complete agony as my belly began to cramp like I had never felt. It turns out it was my belly ligaments beginning to stretch and expand. No one told me until they had finished that they get progressively worse with each child, coming from one of my friends - (a mother of 5 children.) Glad I didn't have a house to clean after a children's party!

Like Father, Like Son! A service for Poppy!

2010-05-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

We've been working hard over the last month or so helping my Dad try and rebuild his shed. Termite ridden, 2 walls have had to come down and now we are leveling out dirt, shovelling gravel and getting ready to pour a concrete slab. The best part is that on this particular day Jacob wanted to miss swimming lesson's and help the 'boys' to do the boy work! Jason's boss had given him a small work shirt that was too small to fit anyone and so I washed it, put it through the dryer and voila, we have a mini me - just like Daddy. Here's a picture of Daddy in his work shirt.....

....and here is Jacob, complete with work boots, hat and his own wheelbarrow!

Jaacob helping the elder's shovel the gravel!.

Couldn't resist taking a photo, I managed to miss getting a photo of the two of them together though! It was sooo cute!

Autumn has finally arrived!

2010-05-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

These beautiful shots came one day from the front of my mother's house where she looks after Charlotte and her cousins during the day a couple of days per week! Poppy had spent a few minutes blowing all the beautiful elm leaves into a massive pile to be put into compost when Nanny and the girls could barely refuse the temptation to do what we all know we want to do! - Have a massive leaf fight! Charlotte, Madison and Megan enjoy some nice Autumn sun!
Hope it didn't take too long to rake up as Charlotte took seconds to throw them in the air!

Clearly Maya is not that thrilled, maybe a little close to the action! Happy Autumn everyone!

Some more pics of summer fun at the beach! (In April)

2010-05-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

There were several trips to the beach during our trip! Here are the highlights!

All Charlotte wanted to do was let go of Daddy's hand as they went into the surf! I had to palm off the camera so I could stop her!

Safer here on the beach!!!!

Jacob and Madison

Daddy get's busy burying the kids up to their waists.

Baywatch Babes! Eat your heart out. Look at all that.....muscle!!!! Of course my Babywatch babe looks Spectacular!!! xoxo

Uncles Simon, Steven and Scott !

Time to get busy on holidays!!!

2010-04-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

We were never lacking in things to do while we were camping this easter. Infact over the 5 days, we never left the park at all, only to get a newspaper and fresh milk! Let me show you what we got up too! The weather was amazing so we brought as many sports balls as you can think of. We even had time to play "Hawaiian Charades" - where I'm told you have to spell out a word using your hips and bottom! Hilarious. Everyone had a go! We also had..... ....some footy ( Dad and Steven)

Jumping till your hearts content - or spectating like Brooklyn and Morgan there!!

Vollyball galore - best of 5 games here is the winning team for 2010 - The Destroyers.

loads of cricket, followed by a game of catch with the baseball equipment.

and finally heaps of Bikeriding!!!!!

After all this fun it was definately time for a refreshing swim at the beach!!!

Easter Camp 2010 - Angelsea

2010-04-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Now time for some R and R!!!!! Gee life's hard on holidays! Jacob is definately his father's son and has the right idea here! What more do you want than doritos, sunshine and a hammock.

Low tide

Here we go on our way to collect shells and explore!

And here's our set up!!!! We don't ever seem to do anything in halves! We have Mum and Dad's caravan on right, our's on the left, Scott and Tara's tent next to ours and the communal mess tent and lounge area in the middle!!!! All within eye view of the oval and jumping pillow.

The Easter Bunny comes to Kinder!

2010-04-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came to Kinder this month and terrible twosome Charlotte and her cousin Megan celebrated all things Easter. They made Easter hats and baskets and even found eggs that the 'Easter Bunny' had left in the garden for them.

All the parents were invited to an Easter Bonnet Parade where Charlotte and Megan modelled their creations and sang Easter songs like this one called 'Sleeping Bunnies'! Sleep little bunnies!

Charlotte shows off her design.

Charlotte hops down the runway to show off her Easter Hat during the Easter parade!

Aren't they adorable!!! Look what the Easter Bunny left in the garden outside!!!!

Scored!!!!! Happy Easter Everyone!

Brooklyn's Inter-School Sports Carnival 2010

2010-04-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn had her first sports carnival against 5 other schools in the area this March and boy did she do well! After many tears and anxiety from Brooklyn, she eventually became a willing participant, complete with her own fan club in Nanny Susie, Auntie Courtney and friend Lanor who all came down to support her.

When Brooklyn was brave enough to participate she finally found out that she was better than she had thought, even beating some of the other girls in her own team. As the day went on, her confidence grew and her smile got bigger. Here is her first event - high jump!

Brooklyn and her Auntie Courtney

Brooklyn in the relay event.

Brooklyn with a mean Shot Put.

Brooklyn also did sprints, tunnel ball and hurdles. It was a hot and exhausting day, but a personally successful one for Brooklyn. We look forward to a great year next year!

Daddy's Birthday!!!!!

2010-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is how slow I am. It was Jason's birthday last month and mine as well! but we decided to give Daddy his birthday presents after work on his birthday as he leaves quite early for work. As you know Jason has just started an electrical apprenticeship and money is tight right now. So rather than buy lavish gifts for us both, we concentrated on things that Jason might need for work and school! Honestly I think he did remarkabley well. Electrical screwdrivers, tool bags, knee pads, pliers and all manner of other gadgets, some popular ones sent from the US!! and he was all set!

Not sure you need knee pads for the ears! but I guess depends on the day at our house really!

Happy Birthday honey!

Sorry for the delay folks!

2010-03-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We got some news to share! After feeling like death and not being able to look at food we've discovered we are adding another angel to our big brood! YEAH! I have never been so tired in my whole life!

We re about 8 weeks along now and it's put a dampener on me being able to do anything really without feeling very very average!

Anyway in the midst of me feeling sick, we've celebrated birthday's, had sports carnivals and are about to embark on our annual camping beach holiday in about 3 weeks so as our big family motto is - Suck it up Princess!!!!, I best be starting to do something useful! I think Jason is starting to think he is a single parent!

2010-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

I just want to let you all know that Jason has found a great new job! He has been doing an electrical pre-apprentice course last year and has finally been offered a great new job as an electrical apprentice with a local electrical contractor.

So Jason is absolutely thrilled and has loved his first week. Finger's crossed, he is on his way to a great career.

I definately know that blessings do come after the trial of our faith.

Charlotte and Megan's big day at Kinder!!!

2010-02-06T01:13:00.000-08:00

Look out world!!! Megan and Charlotte have started Kinder. It was all smiles as we waited to go inside for our first kinder sessions without mums.

Nanny has seen all the grandchildren head off to kinder and was their again to see her last two leave the nest!
Best BudS!!!

Anxiously waiting to go in!

And away we go! Charlotte heads straight to the art easles.

What do you think????

I had to make sure that I apo;igised in advance to their teacher for the forces of nature arriving at kinder. Charlotte and Megan are going to have a blast!!!

Charlotte starts 3 year old Kinder this week!

2010-02-06T00:51:00.000-08:00

It was Charlottes turn to have her first day at Kinder this week. She has watched patiently since she was born, her siblings going off to kinder and school. And the smile was infectious. She had been counting down the sleeps for over a week. I even had to organise distractions as she waved goodbye to Jacob.

My girls!!!!!
Daddy was very proud to watch his baby go off into the big world.

She will always be my baby - she's too little to go to kinder - well apparently not! She was so ready!

Here she comes big bright world!!!

Jacob's First Day at School...........

2010-02-06T00:35:00.000-08:00

We went over to drop Charlotte at Nanny's before school this morning and couldn't leave without taking some gorgeous shots.
Jacob's bag was almost bigger than he was. This particular day he had smiles from ear to ear as he told everyone he came across that he was a big school boy now!

A proud Nanny! Watches as her babies head off to school. Madison also started school this week so it was a big week in the lives of the grandchildren. Charlotte and Megan also start 3 year old preschool this week too! We'll keep you posted!

Pics of Puffing Billy arriving!!! More Australia Day Pics....

2010-02-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

A Mammoth School Holiday Sleepover!!!!!

2010-02-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

It was time for a giant sleepover these school holidays. Megan and Madison came for a sleepover that ended up being a fantastic night. Not the greatest shot but this is the mass cleaning of teeth before settling down for a movie.

Here are our angels. We got all the pillows and blankets we could find and lined the loungeroom floor with bodies.
Madison and Jacob

Megan and Charlotte - butter wouldn't melt in their mouthes.

And my first born Angel, Brooklyn! bags a couch!

Time to settle into sleep now......yeah right!!! You know we have a set of bunks in the other room that are empty right now? We all prefer to bunk in together wherever we can fit.

Goodnight everyone....see you next school holidays!!!!

Our Amazing Australia Day Adventures........Part1

2010-02-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Australia Day everyone. A day where we celebrate the founding of Australia in 1788. Or basically a day off work where everyone gets together for a BBQ.

This year we decided to bunch together and have a picnic at Emerald lake. We arrived at about 10am and lets just say that within about 1 hour there were another 1000 people at the lake, all fighting for the perfect location.

But boy was it exciting. There were playgrounds, BBQs, paddleboats, swimming areas, historic Puffing Billy puffed into the station closeby. There were reptile animals, ice-creams and ball games. It was like a theme park!!!!!!

So here was our camp. Our huge picnic rug came in handy again - room for everyone. We brought camp chairs, books to read, balls to throw. It was great.
Me showing my patriotic spirit! There were Australian flags all over the park, even some T-shirts, thongs and Aussie tattoos!

Cannot get more patriotic than an Australian shaped hambuger, not sure what happened to Tasmainia though.

Jacob and Poppy David play Grip Ball.

Then it was time for the paddleboats.....

Jacob and Uncle Steven have a go at the paddleboats

One way to get around after all the walking, swimming and paddling we did.

More photos to come of swimming, retiles, model trains and Puffing Billy!

It was a fantastic Day!!!!

Jacob's Spiffy new boys room

2010-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Jason set to work last wee and totally revamped Jacob's room to create his own little 'manland' kind of thing! It looks fantastic and Jason worked so hard - giving me the easy jobs cause he wanted to do it himself.

We even painted bookcases, chest of drawers and windowsills.
Jacob loves it. The colours were very bold going onto the walls, but they dried in beautiful shades.

Brooklyn's Baptism.....Some pics

2010-01-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

I've just realised that I never actually put up pictures from Brooklyn's baptism I know most of you have seen pictures on Facebook but here are some more that Charloote, our budding 3 year old photographer decided to take whilst holding the camera.

Me driving to the chapel. Lanor and Lauren pose for Charlotte.
Grandma smiles for Charlotte as we wait to start.

Poppy Jack

This what we look like when we're all in one place - thankyou so much for everyone's support on this special day!

How's this for a perfect picture - now tell me who had the camera Charlotte!

Preisthood representation on the Adams and McDonald sides of things! Impressive I thought! Brooklyn will never be able to date.......hahahaha!

Boys trip 4WDriving....

2010-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Jacob was allowed to go on his first boys adventure this time. Jason, Robert and Sarah's family of boys headed out in search of Craig's Hut from the man from Snowy river country. However they couln't get through as the area was flooded in the last few weeks. Dissapointed they still went insearch of some great 4WD areas that they usually head out to when shooting or driving. They came across a historical railway tunnel that was an important part of country/ regional Victoria many moons ago!

Uncle Simon makes sure that Jacob makes it to the top okay!

Jason and Robert enjoy some exploring together

From Jason's truck looking through to Sarah's dad's car infront. The group decided to take Robert to an area where they go shooting alot, about 30 mins from home. Robert gets to see how close the bushfires came and how the area is still trying to recover.

Jacob exploring ...it's kind of like Where's Wally? (Jacob is in there somewhere - wearing a camo jacket just like Dad!)

Daddy and his boy! A great time was had by all and it was a great oportunity to see some beautiful countryside right around the corner.

Beautiful waterfalls in a secluded place recovering from the bushfires from last summer!

Our trip to the Melbourne Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa McDonald!

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Robert and Hope took us all to the Melbourne Zoo while they were here and it was a fabulous day. The weather was perfect, we packed ur picnic lunch and headed off! Hope and Robert managed to avoid all photos but rest asured they were there. The lids loved exploring all the exhibits with them. Especially when there were little hidden snippets of information to find and read.

Charlotte has the map and was only interested in seeing ' Gloria, Alex, Marty and Melman'. Our favourite movie at the moment is Madagascar. So off we went.
Charlotte loves to take photos! Say cheese!

Jason and the troops enjoy some unwater exploring.

In the butterfly enclosure...... a butterfly on Jacob's hat!