Next book of 2012 now completed. Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes. I thought that this book might be a bit out of my interest zone. But no way. It’s turned out to be an enthralling book about passion, living life and running. I’m going to have a look at some videos of this guy. His feats are amazing. Well worth reading. How you can run 18 marathons non stop is beyond me. Read it.
Ava & Tate are such a joy. Whilst they keep us on our toes with their boundless energy & wilful natures to watch them grow and develop is an ongoing source of pride and happiness. Both of them are changing all the time – Ava’s academic capabilities & physical coordination are developing rapidly at the moment and Tate’s sense of adventure (namely climbing) and vocabulary has really taken off. The role of parent, teacher, role model, carer, listener has never been more important and we try to remind ourselves to be consistent but also motivated & enthusiastic as much as we can. A quick update…
The past few days we’ve achieved another milestone with Tate Man moving from his cot into a “big boy bed”. He’s just shy of 2 and a half years old. Prior to the bed arriving we didn’t talk things up too much as we’ve learnt from past experience that he isn’t a huge fan of building expectations and making a hoo haa of new purchases (ie. his balance bike from Santa which he refused to touch and renamed “ho ho Santa bike” for some time). So we talked a little about the bed delivery but on the morning of its arrival, whilst dad was working on the back decking, Tate & I disassembled his cot and moved it into the other room in a matter of fact way. We briefly chatted how the cot would be going to Aunty Jen’s new baby and Tate is now a big boy. He was feeling pleased and important with his handywork. So cute. When the big Snooze van arrived the little guy was totally pumped and very excited to show the “man” where his room was. Gone are the days of stressing over a user manual, the guys put the bed together in no time and Tate was a happy camper. Night 1 was a big success – no day sleep saw him fall asleep on the couch in his pj’s before we’d even had dinner so a quick transfer and he was down for the count. Sunday night Granny had the pleasure of reading him books and after a couple of encores (the first time he crept out he ran down the hallway I’m sure expecting us to applaude his efforts) and finally a song from daddy he was asleep. The past 2 nights have been relatively easy so I think he’s made the transition really well. Adam & I crept into his room on our way to bed last night just to take a look at the little guy in his big bed – he was so snuggly and warm all cosied up in his special digger doona. It’s just crazy how quickly the time has flown and feels like only yesterday we looked forward to his arrival and brought him home from hospital. We are so proud of him and know how much he loves to feel like a big boy and be just like his sister whom he absolutely idolises. We love you beautiful boy.
Ava’s karate/ju jitsu days are over (for now) and this term she’s started Hip Hop dancing. The lessons are energetic, fun and involve lots of great music so after just 1 trial class she was eager to give it a go. A group of giggling, enthusiastic girls must be a handful but the teacher seems to have them well under control and we are looking forward to many loungeroom concerts throughout the year. Season 1 of her basketball for the school team “Wembley Whoppers” is just about wrapped up. The Under 8 girls have all improved immensely and all have that wonderful, easy going approach to each game which makes it a pleasure to watch from the sidelines. Next season Adam is stepping up to the coaches plate which will hopefully be fun for both him & Ava and a nice way to get ourselves more involved in the school. Ava’s 7th birthday is fast approaching so it’s time to dust off the cake books and make some decisions. Keep up the great work Pickle girl. xx
Gran reads Tate his first bedtime story in the new bed
Ava is a wonderful big sister and loves reading to Tate
This photo captures Ava perfectly – always on the go and racing around like a crazy lady
The first fortnight of school holidays has been & gone and we sure were busy. Great weather for the majority of the break meant lots of time spent outdoors which is good for the kids and does wonder for the spirits. Nothing better than watching them explore outside, make up games and run around with the footy. Hopefully we see a little more sunshine before winter sets in.
On Good Friday we headed in to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne for brunch with the Garner/Tomlinson family. We also had Ava’s favourite big cousin Megan with us which was a treat. Tate sees the twins, Holly & Caleb, quite a bit during the week but Ava is usually at school so it was nice for us all to get together in such lush surrounds and catch up properly. Nero also got a guernsey and enjoyed basking in the sun with everyone.
Ava & Megan (both looking very grown up)
Adam, Tate & Holly (isn’t she adorable)
Uh Oh! I kicked my footy where??
Never too big for a cuddle with dad
On Easter Saturday we headed down the highway to Gran & Rocky’s house in Torquay. As always, a lovely few days relaxing, reading & eating far too many chocolate eggs. Ava, Tate & Will had a wonderful time together and were very spoilt by the Easter bunny. With a healthy addiction to the DS and Wii games, they also had lots of fun playing on the slide, whacking golf balls around the yard and a run around at the new park in Jan Juc.
Back into the swing of things for the next week – Ava attended the school holiday program on both Wednesdays where she got to see The Lorax at the movies and also try her hand at stilt walking. With Jake & Sienna also going along those days Ava thoroughly enjoyed herself with the organised activities and getting to spend time with her best friends.
The last weekend we drove down to Phillip Island where we rented a house in Cape Woolamai with the Smith & Lambert families. 9 adults and 5 children meant it was pretty crazy but again with the beautiful weather we spent the majority of the days sitting outside watching Ava, Tate, Will, Meg & Alfie enjoy themselves. Ava’s favourite game was “40 40″ involving lots of hiding, running & yelling! Thank goodness we were surrounded by big trees and open spaces. Nero & Kosta had a walk on the beach in the mornings, with the highlight being Ava, Tate, Pa & Nero’s big race up the steep sand dunes. So much fun. A drive to San Remo one day for lunch and a chance to see the pelicans and huge stingrays, a spot of shopping for the girls one day and an open fire, board games & watching the footy in the evenings. A perfect ending to a great school holidays.
Tate & Pa (anyone seen a koala?)
Sand dune race #1
And the winnner is Nero
Time to jog home…
I update the South Kingsville Kinder website. Check it out.
I’ve just realised that we overlooked a dampsponge update for Ad’s big 40 birthday. Whilst we kept things pretty low key as far as celebrations go, we did get together with Nikki (his twin sister) and the families to spend a long weekend enjoying this milestone occassion. Happy birthday babe xox
Birthday boy
All the family (except little Arielle who was sleeping)
Cutest party guest
Pinching bottoms (this photo makes me smile every time)
Birthday sparklers….
And finally Miss Arielle wide awake to join in the fun
So. For fathers day 2011 I requested and received Matty Lloyd’s biography as my present from the kids and strife. I had been waiting for some down time to read it. That time eventually came during the 2012 new year holidays. I read David Schwartz’s book last year and the interesting hook for me was that I was playing footy around the same time. There were other connections with the Ox’s story. He was coached by Johnny Burgess (JJs old man) at Sunbury and when we hit the Tunnel in the 90′s JJ would run into him. The Ox would be asking JJ, “so how us your old man?”. Ox also attended Deakin Uni while I was there. So a few points of interest to read his book.
Lloydy’s book was of interest because of my passion for the Dons. Naturally. But also playing with his brothers, Simon and Brad, at Willy gave me another reason to read it. Great to hear the story behind the story as well. So I finished off Lloyd’s book. Was a great read. Loved the discussion around his last game when he fired the Bombers up with his “fair” hit on Sewell of the hawks. I attended that final round game a few years ago by myself at the MCG. I got there early. Found a seat. Sat there, read the paper, listened to the radio and watched as the Bombers sealed a finals spot on the back of the captain stamping his authority on the contest like a captain should.
This book got me hooked on the Aussie rules genre. So I picked up Richo’s book at mum and Rockets. JR wasn’t to impressed with it but I enjoyed it. Was a little harder to read. As his story didn’t have the highs, it focused more on his links with Tassie. But again an insight into a popular character and one of my favorites to watch. His dummy spitting featured in the book and he tried to shed some light on his reasons for acting that way. Little known fact that there was some African American in his blood! He did at one point discuss Nathan Buckley and his own biography. So that got me to thinking that should be the next book I invest some time in.
I borrowed Buck’s book from the library. The best of the 3 books so far. Changed my perception of him slightly. Not a FIGJAM but a great player. Was really set to be a Kangaroo until Collingwood got in on the act. His battle with injury late in his career was intriguing. To get back and play was a miracle. Malthouse rated him as the best player ever. (wonder how he rates him now that he effectively pushed Malthouse out of a nic at the Pies?)
The next was Ben Cousins bio. That book is a must read. You don’t even need to like Aussie rules to get drawn in by the story of addiction. Right from the start it hits you. I loved this book. Read it in less than a week. Couldn’t put it down.
So what now? Jan 2012 I’ve read 4 Aussie rules biographies.
Well I am going to read a bio from a player from each team in the AFL. Next book will be Akers! Heard it is well worth it. May change my perception of him too?
I’m loving reading this year.
SOPA Strike explains the situation.
Christmas 2011 was a busy one for the Hough’s. Celebrations started the night before with Christmas Eve at Jenna & Michael’s new abode which they moved into only a few days before. A gorgeous, big, kid & entertaining friendly home which I’m sure will be the setting for many happy times together. A warm night with the 5 kids running around together, opening presents, scooting up & down the street and spending time with each other.
A late night (or very early start) for mum & dad as we ‘prepared’ for Santa to arrive. Ava woke up first at 5.45am (argh!) but waited patiently for her little brother to wake up….which wasn’t until 7.30am. A hard wait for Pickle so she settled for her santa sack until Tate was finally awake and the fun began with Pa & Nanny also with us to watch pressies being opened. The big gifts included a keyboard & basketball ring for Ava and a balance bike for T Man. As always, Santa was very generous, as were the grandparents and aunties/uncles/cousins. Ava & Tate are a very lucky duo.
Tate & Ad in their matching Philladelphia Penguins tops.
The eating fest kicked off with Gran, Rocky, Nikki, Steve, Arielle (celebrating her first Christmas) and Steve’s brother Noel, Rachel & Taylan for breakfast. Ad did a great job with the cooking and Nero & Charlie chilled out together drooling at the spread.
Next stop was the Smith family lunch. Ava & Tate very happy to see Olivia, Josh & Indy there to play with and run around the backyard with their new toys. Baby Lila’s first Christmas as well so lots of cuddles and photos – she is such a smiley, talkative little character. The big roast lunch & plum pudding washed down with wine and chocolates. The heavens opened after lunch and our departure was a bit crazy with umbrellas held over our heads and racing to the car before we all got drenched. Home for Tate to kip and Ad set up Ava’s new keyboard which she loved. #1 on her Santa list so she was so excited to finally be sitting at it.
Tate was woken by the thunder & lightening and again we had to time leaving the house to get to the cars without looking like we’d all jumped in the shower fully clothed. Such a massive storm with big hailstones which Ad & Ava ran out to collect. Off to the Collins’ family dinner which is always a full house, big spread of food and lots of kids to play with. “Santa” arrived just after 6pm to give the grandkids some last minute presents – whilst Ava was onto who Santa’s helper was this year (Fuzzy) the little kids were in awe and it was priceless to see their little faces light up with yet another gift to unwrap.
Marjie was surrounded by all her great grandchildren and it was a very special night to have her there after a fortnight stint in hospital with pneumonia.
The highlight of the night was definitely the grandkids dance party. With a new Christmas kids favourites CD on they all were busting a move and had everyone in absolute hysterics of laughter. So cute to see them all loving each others company and the beautiful memories together. Ava is the oldest and was a bit more conservative with her dance moves but Tate Man let it all hang out and was literally burning up the dancefloor. Who knew a 2 year old could bust a move like he can! At one point he found a santa oven mit, put it on and bopped around like there was no tomorrow. So funny.
A perfect ending to a lovely Christmas day. Thanks to everyone for their presents and presence that made it all so special. xx
Where has the year gone?! As I write this post, Ava will be meeting her Grade 1 teacher and spending an hour with her new classmates for 2012. It’s an exciting day. She’s had a fantastic year at school and goes into the summer holidays with a passion for learning, an inquisitive mind and a love of school. We couldn’t be happier with her progress.
On December 6th, Ava did her Ju-jitsu grading and went up to the orange belt level in her Pee Wee grade. We are very proud of her.
A few days later, Ad & I had a “kid free” weekend and headed up to Moama on the Victoria/NSW border for my cousins wedding. It was weird to not have our mum and dad hats on but a lovely break and we had a great night with all the Collins’ family kicking up our heels on the dancefloor. Congratulations to Garth & Jess once again!
And of course we’ve done the Santa circuit with the obligatory Myer windows and 2011 Santa photo.
Ava was overwhelmed seeing the big guy in red and, when asked what she wanted for Xmas, repeated her last year’s wish of a “zhu zhu pet” as I think she was stuck for words. Tate on the other hand was loving himself on the train ride out the front of the photo booth but wouldn’t have a bar of Santa when it came to photo time. He was happy to knock on the door but once it opened and he saw Santa on his seat he waved goodbye and kept asking Ad to take him out the exit. Needless to say all 4 of us ended up in the photo this year, the tradition continues that it is a family shot, maybe next year he’ll sit on Santa’s lap without a barrier in between.
Merry Christmas everybody. xx
Tate gets it.
Over the last month or so he has started to really change and talk. Cup weekend at Torquay he had everyone around the table (Arnie, Penny, Will, Ava, Rocky, Gran, Mum and I) throwing words or sayings at him and he was mimicking like a complying cockatoo. He had us in stitches. Taking center stage he knew he was entertaining the crowd with what he said. He has also taken to running up and down the hallway after his nightly bath. A bit of a nude streak with his mum chasing him around. He also has a fierce lions roar that he does that can scare the lights out of anyone.
Its not all giggles though. Yesterday we were shopping for the final items for his 2nd birthday party today and 3 times he cracked it and did his best louie the fly impersonation, rolling around on the floor throwing a tantrum. We let him ride out the tanty and then took him on to the next place. He cracks it but it doesn’t take too long to get him over it.
His favorite saying at the moment is “Noooooooo” and will often put his wagging finger up to another child to make them aware that he means business. I can’t recall Ava’s terrible two’s but I reckon I might remember Tates’s in years to come. Also when he wants something for himself he as been pointing to his chest and saying “Tate…Tate”. Our baby is becoming a little man.
Like I said. It was his 2nd birthday today. And he gets it. Up until now, as a little guy both birthday’s and Xmas have not meant anything to him. Well today it was clear that it did. Over the last few weeks we had told him it was his birthday coming up and he was having a party. We would put up 5 waving fingers as an imaginary candle for him to blow out and we sang happy birthday to him yesterday and he knew what we were doing. It is exciting for us to see that he understands that this is for him.
Sat night we had Sienna sleep over so along with Ava the girls did there best to stay up as late as they could. Jumping from one bed to another and finally falling to sleep around 10pm, top to tail in Ava’s bed. That didn’t stop them climbing out of bed at 5:20am this morning. I’m certain when they are 16, getting up before 6am will be foreign to them. At least getting up that early meant Marnie had a couple of helpers packing lolly bags for the party.
Tate woke up at 7 and we gave him is presents. He already received a new digger from his cousin Arielle (and Nic and Steve) yesterday and we had a John Deer digger for him to unwrap too. Needless to say this man loves his diggers. Every time we go for a drive we are on a constant look out for diggers and fork lifts…and there are plenty around.
We also got him a Mr. Potato Head.
Opening the presents, it was obvious that he was aware that they were for him and his excitement at receiving both presents was a joy. He was off playing with the potato head with the girls and digger straight away.
An excited birthday boy
Time flys when your having fun…or getting ready for a 2 year olds birthday party and we had a cake to finish (after burning the first effort last night) and two excited kids to bundle into the car by 10:30. We had previously arranged to have his party in the gardens in Yarraville but due to the downpour yesterday we shifted to a play center. The weather today was ripe for outdoors fun but the ground underfoot would have been wet. Too wet for kids to run around in.
Tate digger cake
At the play center we got shuffled off to a party room that was themed for a princess??? Surprising seeing the pirate room was not occupied. So we setup in that room. When another group of people arrived half an hour later with a little girl dressed as a princess it was clear a mix up had occurred and we had been given the wrong room. We were quickly shuffled to the pirate bay, not that the kids knew as they were all running around enjoying themselves on the cars and slides.
Tate on dad’s shoulders
Thank goodness for the invention of the play center. In my day, as a 2 year old, either the parties were on a smaller scale (not 23 invites) or every weekend there were houses getting trashed all around the land.
The kids enjoyed themselves. The usual fest of jelly, cup cakes, biscuits and prima’s. Tate loved his digger cake and blowing out the candles, for real this time. The first present he opened had some clothes in it. Again his astonishment at receiving some clothes was nice to see.
Tate opening his pressies
Caleb checks out the bear
Later in the party the big bear came to visit. A few of the younger kids were not keen. Tate was definitely not keen. Happy from a distance to wave and at one point he puckered his lips towards the bear and I took that as him wanting to give him a kiss. I moved towards the bear but Tate shook with terror so I had to back tail it out of there. Given this reaction to the big cuddly bear I’m thinking 2011 is not going to be the year that Tate takes an old dude in a red suit and a long white beard and the slight hint of whiskey on his breath (aka Santa) into his inner circle. Maybe next year.
Family photo
Ava and Alannah scooting
Home after the party. We opened the remainder of his presents. Seriously, I’m not sure what Tate will expect in January when at the end of the previous two months he had been bestowed with a showing of what Toys’R'us and Santa have to offer. I’m sure he will learn to deal with it over time. He had been given, books, a toy golf set, some tools and many more wonder presents. A lucky boy.
No sleep for this little until later in the afternoon. He had his Nan and Pa, aunty and great, great grand mother (with sponge) came for dinner. “Dean” also came with a box full of cup cakes. We were so busy at the play center that we had not played pass the parcel. Ava instituted the game after desert and controlling the music worked in her favour as she ended up with the present. A chuckle for everyone.
Home time and Ava went to bed after very little sleep and a long day. Marn and I spent the last half hour of Tate’s day in the lounge, reading some books to him and reminiscing about the day with T Man. I am already looking forward to Xmas day. It is such a nice time of the year when the kids….get it……
Tate’s favourite party trick. Some like to caterpillar…Tate does this move!!!