Our new 'Old Town Saranac' Canoe

Yesterday we bought a family canoe, there are so many waterways around here we thought it would be great to have a canoe and explore them.  So this morning we took it for its first trip launching from Fishpen in Merimbula.  It was a bit windy this morning, but it was lovely paddling out.

A few days in Canberra

We just had a great few days in Canberra with the Rices.  Jackson and Josie thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with their cousins.  We managed to pack our days full with mountain bike rides for everyone (including a first time night ride for Jem and I), trips to the BMX track, Rich and Andrew competed in a 3 hour mountain bike race at Stromlo, the shops, scootering and a trip to the zoo.  The few days we were there also came with a couple of dramas, poor Jacob broke his arm in two places and for the second drama - see the last photo.

Thanks Rices, see you again in 2 weeks for the Scott 24 hour.... argh!!

 The support crew waiting patiently to see their Daddy's going past in their race

 And here they come

Trip to the BMX track...

Trip to the zoo...

Richard and Andrew went mountain biking to the Kowen Forest on Sunday afternoon, and owing to the fact that Richard put the car keys in a pocket that had a hole in it, the car keys are now lost forever.  As our spare set was 3 hours away in Tura Beach, the car had to be towed and a replacement key had to be ordered and cut at much expense.  Thankfully our top of the range breakdown cover will reimburse us for most of it.  Note to selves, take a spare car key when going away and check all pockets for holes before trusting car keys with them!

Picking flowers with Josie

Teepees

Went to a beach just north of Tathra today and found a heap of Teepees made from driftwood.  Jack and Josie loved exploring the 'stick cubby houses'.

Beach play

Went down to Tura Beach this afternoon just as the sun was setting.

Air time on the jumping pillow

If you can't beat 'em...

We have been spending lots and lots of time here recently....

Jack and Josie both love it, and Jackson in particular can't seem to get enough of it....

And even I have been getting back into mountain biking.  I have done the 'Mandeni loop' a few times now, and I must say, its a lot of fun.  I've even managed to cut quite a bit of time off my original loop, partly owing to the fact I'm not getting lost as much now!!  Tathra are having a mountain bike festival in a few weekends time, which of course we are going to, and I may even enter a race.... maybe....

Mini Golf

Jackson was very keen to have a go at mini golf this weekend, so as Magic Mountain has now re-opened after a winter break we made our way there.  After his initial couple of whacks sending the ball half way across the park and worrying the people in front of us that they were going to hit with a golf ball, he got the hang of it and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Although he did admit to having to 'put' a couple of the balls into the hole as it was taking too long.  Josie on the other hand lasted about 2 holes before she was bored, and was keen to get back to the toy toddler cars.  She loves those toddler cars.

Spring!

It was the 5th day of Spring yesterday and the temperatures are feeling warmer.  So we put on some shorts and headed to the beach. We had a great time splashing around, playing ball, building sandcastles and tunnels, making sand-cakes, and chasing seagulls.  Looking forward to lots more beach-play this summer!

Fathers Day

I think its fair to say Rich enjoyed his Fathers Day.  Started with Jack and Josie giving him their handmade cards, then he popped out for a quick surf, then to Mandeni for some mountain biking on the Log Skills Track with Jack and Josie.

Day trip to Bermagui

We decided to go for a short day trip to Bermagui, which is about an hour north of us.  Stopped at Cuttagee beach on the way up, so Rich could have a surf and Jack, Josie and I could add to our expanding shell collection.  Then onto Bermagui for a ride near the beach, hot chocolates at a cafe and fish and chips at the Wharf. Lovely morning

 Josie was giggling as the ant on her hand was tickling her!