Sydney with the Aubury's

We took advantage of the term break to visit Simon, Marine, Nicholas and baby Elise in Sydney. And what a visit it was! Simon was mid-way through constructing 'the deck to end all decks' and Tor simply couldn't believe the enticing array of powertools available for 'use'. He selected a Bob-the-builder drill and busied himself with deck construction for the afternoon. When a change of scene was needed there was a lawn to mow! And so began our city slicker's education on nature-strips ("Where's the footpath mummy?") and Hills Hoists ("Oh...can I swing on THAT!?!!").

We rendevoued in the city with Marine, Nicho and Elise to give the boys their fix of Zoe's House. When you're 3 the House is a construction wonderland where you can cut loose in every form of play you wish you were allowed to do at real building sites. For parents its 2 hours to ponder why you forgot to pack your book.

The boys take the house extremely seriously. Observe the photos below taken during snack time. In the first, Nicho and Tor watch the other children at play.

But wait!...that kid's just made off with OUR load cart!!!!

Marine welcomed us warmly for three days, little knowing that Tor had brought with him a violent vomiting bug that was about to lay-waste her family!!! We think you deserve a special hospitality award for your unwavering ability to be a wonderful hostess despite the devastation that ensued. We promise not to bring anything exotic from Melbourne next time we visit...no really...we really really promise this time :-)

Thanks again for a wonderful stay. Nicho "Buzz Lightyear" Aubury dazzled us with his button activated stunts and Elise still has a killer smile. See you again soon!

Gallery of visitors

September was visitor month at Blog Bettanin house...and what a line-up:



Five wonderful days of Grandad - biking, playing in playgrounds and playing up in music class ...funny how it only happens when Grandad comes to watch??!?



One single yet quality day with Grandma - afternoon tea, cupcakes and jam sessions.



Three cuddly days with Nonno and Nonna - stories about rabbits, being spoon-fed from their laps and generally being spoilt while Alison and Anthony attended the CFV conference. Thanks for caring for him so well!



Capped off by three play-filled days with Susie and Zane - bike swapping, train tooting, car brumming and popcorn making merriment.



It was quite the fortnight. Tor enjoyed each visitor immensely, although we suspect he doesn't quite understand why they had to return to their own homes. He suggests that everyone he knows and loves simply move in permanently. And why not? The more the merrier!!!

This is how I cruze

This is my 'hood and this is how I cruze...up St Kilda road and 'round the pathways and sculptures of the Queen Victoria Gardens. There are always funny looking things to sit on and interesting people to meet.

Today I met a group of emo-s. About 20 of them were emo-ing under a tree. I rode over, introduced myself and showed them my bike. Of course they were impressed.



I thought maybe we could hang-out together. Dad thought maybe we could run mummy over instead...the lure proved to great...



Mum prefers me riding on the (nice and predictable?) footpaths. Here's a clip of me showing off. Very unusual I know, but its hard to be modest when you've got such a cool set of wheels...thanks Aunty Julie! xo

Stay chill - Tor

The blockade...

How to stop mummy from going out for the evening.

Hello Emma!

Blog Bettanin congratulates Carol and Nathan on the birth of thier first child Emma. She is beautiful and healthy and arrived just in time for Father's Day. Carol should be given some kind of societal reward for bearing a child that insisted on keeping its hand next to its head and made things 'extra tricky' by wrapping its cord around its neck.