Yanchep National Park

On the morning of Richard's birthday we went to Yanchep National Park. Jackson loved seeing the koalas and kangaroos. If you ask him what a kangaroo does he will hop up and down, although every now and again he gets confused and says 'whoof' (...'no Jackson, thats what the dogs do'!)

Making Daddy's Birthday present

It was Richard's Birthday on the weekend, so last week Jackson and I got out the painting stuff and decided to create a masterpiece for Rich to proudly display in his office.

Chilling out

It has been hot lately, so Jackson has found a great spot under the air con to chill out.

The Zoo

Went to the Zoo yesterday, we bought a yearly pass so didn't need to spend hours there as we will come back many times, so this time we explored the African Savannah.

Final stop - Stirling Ranges

We finished our road trip in the Stirling Ranges, spending 2 nights camping in a bush camp site with a vista of the mountains. Once again we packed our time there - climbing some of Bluff Knoll (Jackson fell asleep and I got tired - hmmm, must work on my fitness!), went to Mount Barker town, had lunch in a cute tea house, and did a walk in the Porongurups - all of that on our 3rd year wedding anniversary! We returned to Perth, tired, sick of the car, with 5 loads of washing and lots of happy memories.

Helping Daddy set up the tent

Our campsite (you can just about see the tent and car in the bushes to the right)

Climbing Bluff Knoll (... well some of it!)

The Porongurps

Next stop - Esperance

We left Kalgoorlie and headed south to the lovely town of Esperance. I must say, it takes a lot to impress Rich and I when it comes to beaches - the main reason being we have seen quite a lot around the world and we live close to some pretty amazing ones in Perth, but Esperance beaches truly impressed us. Beautiful turquoise water, sand that feels like talcum powder and no-one around. We were particularly impressed with Cape Le Grand beach in Cape Le Grand National Park - just stunning. In Esperance we began what, no doubt, will be something we will do as a family for many many more holidays to come - we camped!

At the top of Frenchman Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park

Surfing!

Almost standing!

Show off.

Our road trip - 1st stop, Kalgoorlie

At the end of December we packed the car and went on a 10 day road trip, taking in central and south west of WA. First stop was Kalgoorlie, where we stayed with Selby, Em, Ethan and Owen. We spent our time seeing the Kalgoorlie sights - the Two-up Tent, the Super Pit, Hannan Street, as well as a trip out to the Broad Arrow pub - along with avoiding the 40oc temperatures in Selby and Em's lovely garden.

The cousins having dinner together

Checking out the Two-Up tent

The Super Pit

Swimming and splashing at the local pool

Christmas Day!

We all enjoyed Christmas 2008. Jackson didn't understand the whole present opening thing, but he enjoyed his presents and all the lovely food.

Stretching after a big Christmas lunch

Checking out his new tent

Watching his new Wiggles DVD on his new sofa

Landsdale Animal Farm

We went to Landsdale Animal Farm again on Sunday, as per usual Jackson loved seeing the animals!

It's a tough life!

Woke up this morning to beautiful warm temperatures so decided to walk down the beach for a quick swim...

The great Perth toy run

The toy run is an annual motorbike event where about 7000 bikes ride part of the freeway to deliver soft toys to charity. I was invited by a parent at the school and we got children to donate which meant we had plenty of toys to decorate our bikes, it was a fun morning.

Jackson meets Santa

Santa came to Scarborough community hall on Friday, so Jackson and I went to see him. Jackson was not that excited about meeting him, he was way more interested in the big ball and the bouncy castle.

Walking!

Photographic evidence, taken today, of Jackson walking...

A few random photos

Making a mess in his room....

Helping Daddy with his school reports...

Jackson is already a big fan of the Wiggles, here is a photo of him watching a Wiggles DVD - check out his crossed legs!!

In the last week Jackson has begun walking everywhere, he looks like he has just got off a horse - so cute!! Will post photographic evidence soon.

Paddling pool fun

We bought Jackson a paddling pool with some of his birthday money, and he LOVES it! Think Rich and I will also appreciate it on those hot summer days.

Jackson's 1st Birthday!

On 31st October Jackson turned 1, we had a small family lunch for him on the Saturday. Below are a few pictures from the day. Jackson's birthday 'trick', much to the delight of everyone present, was to walk four steps unaided. No photographic evidence yet, will keep you posted.