Anna & Claudia's Birthday Party

Anna and Claudia had a joint birthday party yesterday with all the pals from their class. Claudia's mom made the big mushroom cake. 
 
  

Anna's 6th Birthday

She got a load of great presents: a giant super-soft horse from Granny & Grandad in Limerick; Disco Baby Born from Alan; a polka dot dress from Gail; a cookery book and fairy backpack from Louise & Declan; a bedside locker from Maeve & Sean; tops from Fionnuala & Kevin; more clothes from Granny & Grandad in Clondrohid and a Baby Born bath from Mammy & Daddy. 
 
 
  

To the Guillotine...and Beyond!

Poor old Buzz...John held him high above his head and flung him with all his might into the ground. With the visor up, Buzz didn't stand a chance.
  

John's 2nd Birthday

We got him a cheap cake (he really has no meas at all in cake) but splurged on a really cool chocolate crocadile, thereby nicely combining his two current obsessions. Check out the expectant little look on his face as it's being unwrapped.

He got some great toys from everyone in Ireland. There was a Postman Pat van from Auntie Gail:

...a big yellow Tonka truck from Granny Brenda:

...some cars from Auntie Louise & Uncle Declan:

...and, the current favourite, a huge Buzz Lightyear from Auntie Maeve & Uncle Sean:
  

Cold Morning in Perth

It being Wednesday, Ger was off today. And Anna is on school holidays. So they all had a lie-in (until 7:00 AM!) and then got cosy with the doonas until the reverse cycle kicked in! Don't you love Anna's Russian Doll impression in the last photo?
 
 
 
  

Dave's 35th Birthday

Ger made a really delicious chocolate cake which was iced by Anna.
 
 
 
  

Wait...there's more!

Ger wanted me to blog this one too!
  

John's Playgroup Birthday Party

Just like Regina Australis herself, Johnny has two birthdays. Today was the official one for all his little pals in the playgroup. His actual birthday then is on the 18th. Anna took a few hours off school to attend (Padbury Catholic encourages time off to participate in family events like birthdays).
 
 
 
  

Bell's Rapids

I went for a drive over to the Swan Valley today during John's nap and ended up at Bell's Rapids (here ) in the Perth Hills. It's a beautiful spot, though the river is very low after an unusually dry June. The ants out there are monstrous btw!