Phillip Island - Sep 08 School Holidays

As we've done every April and September school holidays since 2004, Charlene and I took the kids down to Phillip Island for 4 days. Charlene's uncle owns a holiday house in Silverleaves (the posh part of Cowes) and we are so fortunate to be able to stay there. It's in such a gorgeous, quiet, bushy street right opposite the beach and we absolutely love it there. It wasn't exactly beach weather; I think the warmest day topped 20 degrees, but that didn't stop the kids wanting to splash around in the water at the beach. We had fun playing mini golf, spotlighting, picnicing at the park, walking along the beach, walking to the corner store for icy poles, shopping in Cowes and even had Jo, Richard and Michael (friends from school) come and visit for a night. The mums love it once the kids are in bed. Out comes the wine, the magazines and one night even the Scrabble!

Ellie and Chelsea being girly girls and wishing they were sisters.

Luke collecting cuttlefish. He was fine about wearing the headband to keep his earplugs in while splashing in the water at the beach...(much to my surprise! I was waiting for a big-time carry on)

Ellie and Zac playing on Zac's Wahu surfmat

A scruffy little dog who ran on three legs was hanging around the neighbourhood, visiting all the houses. He played with our kids all morning and they fell in love with him. They named him "Brooke"......!!! Some ladies at the beach later told us that his name was actually "Oscar" and that he spends his life roaming the streets visiting people, then goes home at night. I guess that's okay in a sleepy seaside suburb? Lucky he was a friendly little doggy. When we drove off to head home, Luke burst into tears because he was going to miss Oscar :(

We took the kids spotlighting on the last night. Unfortunately we didn't see / find anything lurking in the trees or bushes but just walking along the lanes of Silverleaves in the dark was thrilling enough for the kids. Poor stresshead Ellie was terrified and clung to me the whole way!

Crashed out after a busy day & night. So sweet & innocent when they're asleep!

On the way home we passed thousands of motorbikes heading down to the island for the Grand Prix. This is my attempt to take a photo to show Eddie (whilst driving, tut tut)

Kids dressed up for Emily's party

One nice pic and the regulation crazy shot of the kids dressed nicely for their cousin Emily's 5th birthday on Sunday 28th September

"Just for Kicks" dance performance at the Doveton Show

Luke's first ever fairy floss experience

Ellie and Katie

Go Greased Lightning - Matthew in front

Ellie, Jordan and Bailey tapping "Greased Lightning"

On Sunday "Just for Kicks" Dance academy were asked to perform at the Doveton Show at Myuna Farm. It was with a mixture of disappointment and relief that the adult beginner "Tap Baabs" were dropped from the program, but the kids and some of the seniors performed on a ridiculously small stage...(which had Lana stressing muchly!!!) Ellie was very nervous and said she was shaking but she performed really well and had a big smile on her face. Grandma and Pa were especially proud having 5 grandchildren involved. We then enjoyed an afternoon looking around the farm / show which was a fantastic value for money day out. A gold coin donation for entry and $1 rides for the kids- you can't beat that!!

Footy Day at Kinder

Apparently Luke now barracks for Geelong. Earlier this year he was going for Essendon which made me happy; he then changed to Collingwood after his cousin Matthew's influence and now all of a sudden it's all Geelong - CATS!!! I'm refusing to buy him any gear while he's being so fickle with his teams...it looks like I already wasted money on Essendon footy socks a few months ago!! So we borrowed a Geelong jumper from the Urban family for the occasion. Here he is with his best buddies Jayden and Blake.

Luke's Hospital Adventure

Luke's nose has been blocked his entire life and he is constantly congested. He also had fluid in his ears every time they were checked and he didn't do so well in two hearing tests. So we decided to add his name to the waiting list for surgery to have his adenoids removed and grommets (ear tubes) inserted in the hope that this may clear things up for him.
We had to ditch the first date offered as Luke was unwell with tonsilitis and suspected (but never confirmed) hand, foot and mouth disease!! Finally on Friday the 12th of September Luke and I headed into the Angliss hospital at 7.30am for Lukes Big Hospital Adventure.
He was so excited to have a hospital bed all to himself (especially with the sides up like a cot) and the special wrist and ankle bands were a hit. Luke was wheeled into surgery at apprx 9.30am and was out by 10.30. I was allowed into theatre while they put him to sleep and he fell asleep with his eyes wide open - freaky!! I was then led out (teary eyed) and had to sit and wait while I tried to concentrate on reading the mags I'd treated myself to.
Luke woke briefly in recovery, then slept for another two hours. When he woke he was as good as gold. Gobbled up an icy pole, a vegemite sandwich and several savoy biscuits. We could hear a boy crying and crying and Luke asked what was wrong with him. I said "He probably doesn't like being in hospital" to which Luke responded "Well I do...I love hospital". And when I told Luke we'd be able to go home soon he was quite disappointed and said he wanted to stay. I think the day was just one big game of doctors and nurses for him (with an operation under general anasthetic thrown in for good measure!!!)
He was back to his old self almost immediately, playing, eating, being cheeky. Time will tell now whether the operation has had the desired outcome. So far he's been happy to wear the ear plugs in the bath / shower but when we explained to him that he'd have to wear a head band or swimming cap when he goes in the pool - he was not impressed. So we'll see what happens with that!!