LITTLE JOSHUA

Meet the newest member of our family.

This little man is my nephew, the son of my husband's sister, also one of my best friends.

Joshua Paul Linke was very eager to meet everyone - he was welcomed into the world

on Tuesday the 5th of February at only 33 weeks, and weighing 4 pound 11 ounces.

 I'll be taking as many photos as I can of this little man before they have to go back to Kalgoorlie when he's big enough.

They live there and Kel was over here for a wedding when her waters broke, causing her to have to stay until the birth of her baby. That was 3 weeks ago.

I'm secretly so grateful that she was here when it happened so she could be close to family, otherwise she would have been flown to Perth with no family near by, apart from her husband.

So for now I am making the most of them being here, because before too long they'll be back home and he'll grow up and I'll miss it all!

He's been in a humidicrib since he was born, but I've been told he's kicking goals in the growing and getting strong department and was being moved into a normal crib this afternoon.

Tomorrow we're going to 'pimp his crib' with some cute baby bunting and a glittery name tag!

Aren't tiny babies just the most amazing things?

CHICKENS & DUCKS

It's been a while since the chickens have featured here in my blog.

They are the most relaxing creatures to be around, and are a constant form of entertainment.

If you don't own chickens, you might want to turn away now.

If you do, you will appreciate my love for these little critters!

Living amongst my chooks are 4 beautiful ducks, which no doubt you would have seen here before.

They are much more timid than the chickens, and will definitely keep their distance from people.

But they are so gorgeous to watch.

Did you know that only female ducks can give a good loud 'Quack!'?

The boys have more of a husky, whisper-like quack.

So here they are for your viewing pleasure.

(Oh, and a couple of goats thrown in too!)

Happy Wednesday!

AUSTRALIA DAY 2013

Australia Day.

A day to get together with family and friends, have a BBQ, a few beers (or ciders!) and chill out.

A day to appreciate this truly beautiful country we live in.

A day to wear temporary tattoos of the flag, wear clothing with the flag on it, a flag sombrero, or just wear a flag in some way!

A day to slather flouro zinc cream on your nose and shout "Aussie Aussie Aussie!" and know that someone will always reply "Oi Oi Oi!"

We didn't end up going to the Australia Day party that we usually go to.

It's always a blast, but for some reason I just feel pooped, like I'm still getting over the silly season plus the birthdays that follow it.

Instead we opted to stay at home with the kids pool and our barbie.

There was some games and an attempt at kite flying in the morning, 

then my sister and her family came over and we all chilled together.

Can I just take this opportunity to express just how much I love these guys?

I think I am so lucky to have such caring and genuine people in my family- people who I count among my best friends as well.

We havn't had such a nice day together in a while.

You know the days where you just sit and talk, and really catch up on what's been happening.

And just relax. It was good, really good.

 And Australia Day isn't Australia Day without the good old fireworks by the lake.

They were magnificent this year.

There's something about fireworks, something magical and I sit there oohing and aahing with the rest of the crowd.

I love every minute.

My photos were all crap because I forgot to bring my camera and the iphone can't handle the focus with fireworks! So this one is courtesy of The Courier.

All in all an awesome day.

How did you celebrate Australia Day?