day 31

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a pretty fearful person. My Father in law found out yesterday that I am very scared of heights after I had to shimmy backwards down a wall (1.5m max!) on my knees whimpering after climbing up for a photo! Others know that I am completely petrified of spiders - all spiders, real spiders, plastic spiders, spiders in books, the works! But, as I did yesterday and the same today I am trying to push myself, I may never get over my fears but I will make a pretty ordinary photographer if I can only photograph things in nice and easy locations!

So as I was doing this dishes this morning I spied this horrific little creature under our back patio - revolting huh! I had to sit about ONE TINY WEE metre away from it and wait for the wind to die down to get this pic - terrifying! And editing it - OMG! Let's just say that I feel like I'm crawling!



Oh and yes I am fully aware that it would have been a much better pic if I had got his front rather than his underside. BUT c'mon people, I have my limits, crawling under the web to get on it's other side was too much, ugh feeling sick just thinking about it!

Day 30

Today's cyclone never eventuated and we received about 4 drops of rain!

This afternoon we visited my In-laws to say goodbye to their gorgeous exchange student. Apart from being a wonderful person and excellent company for my Mother in law, she was also really lovely to my kids and they adored her. Tomorrow she leaves to stay with a new host family and in July returns home to Denmark.

Sanne & Scarlett

My in laws have also recently moved from the semi suburban bush of the hills to inner suburbia, very close to the city! It came as a surprise however that, even though the new block is very small and their new home would fit in exactly half of their old home, the reserve across the road is absolutely gorgeous and gives the feeling of space and tranquility in the midst of the city. It will be one of my favourite photo locations from now onwards!!

Day 29

Today we had 'The Storm', tomorrow we'll brace for 'The Cyclone' ohhhhhhhh!

Ok, so maybe I should take the warnings seriously. I even did take the storm warning seriously preparing the house for possible damage from flying debris etc but, ah, today's storm was not all it was cracked up to be even though the storm clouds rolled in threatening a huge one!

What it did leave however, was a lovely refreshed garden.

The next pic, although not my ONE for the day (I really must restrict myself lol!) I thought I would add because I saw this plant in a new light. I always thought of it as the ugliest plant in the garden, seriously ugly! I don't really like succulents but we agreed to have it planted because it was hardy and we needed a good hardy plant for this area. After the rain today however it sparkled! In true succulent fashion it held it's water but the water looked like glass and shone, the only reason it caught my eye. I even touched it to make sure some hooligan hadn't smashed a bottle in our garden!

Day 28

This morning before we left the house Scarlett had some quiet time while waiting on everyone else to get ready so she snuggled up in bed with baby and this is how I found her.....

The funny thing about this picture - as a baby she was never a good sleeper, the worst in fact! Many a time I tried to force a dummy on her and she never ever took one! But today here she was with her baby's dummy in her mouth, sitting contentedly while the rest of rushed and argued and bustled around her.

Day 27

Almost school time!! I am sad that our days together are ending but also a little relieved not have to think of fun and exciting things to do every day otherwise the days are filled with arguments. It's not as if I've had a sleep in any of the days either!

When I was a kid I used to love getting my stationary, sorting it, labelling it and as a Mum I still find it somewhat satisfying labelling it all and packing it ready for school! That was today's job sorting it into two piles - one for Josh and one for Isabella and then labelling EVERYTHING which I have to say took ages but hooray for the Dymo!

Day 26

Was planning on a real Aussie picture theme for today but life got in the way, you know how it is! Instead we went to check out a new location for a shoot I have coming up. The location was not really suitable for pics so as a group (we also had some friends join us) nutted out a plan B!

We ended up at Woodbridge house, a spot I have wanted to photograph for AGES! Imagine our disappointment when we rocked up only to find that the house doesn't open on Wednesdays . . not to worry, have legs, can jump fence (OMG I haven't jumped a fence in decades)!

Day 25

I learnt something today . . kite flying photography is really hard!

Today was our last school holiday workshop, this time in kite making & flying. Despite my initial inward groans of protest I went along for the kids knowing they would have fun . . . and they did, and I guess so did I! The day started with some kite facts and history which sounds boring but the kids were hanging on the presenters (who's name I cannot remember!) every entertaining word and then the kids were able to get in there and make their own hexagonal kite. Once the kits were made everyone picked up and moved to the oval for some serious kite flying! Frustrating yes, lots of noise yes but there was some fun too! Josh and Isabella were able to run to their hearts content and were able to get their kites soaring quite high. It was great sense of achievement to see something they made work so well.

After a lot of flying and watching the presenter fly a ginormous kite we all sat down to picnic lunches and a play on the play ground. Once our energy was restored it was time to decorate the kites, fly some more and THEN all of the kids were able to make fruit skewers - all supplied by the shire!

The kids all walked away with a smile on their faces and of course Scarlett crashed out as soon as we got home! I am quite impressed by how great these free workshops have been so yay City of Swan!