My favourite way to photograph people is using natural light and smooth even backgrounds. This keeps the focus on you. However, if you want your photographs taken on location at the beach, in the park or at home in your garden, I would be happy to oblige. Your satisfaction is all that counts.
I have two young children of my own, and I simply love photographing children, especially when they are having fun. I try to make my sessions interesting and fun for the kids, and often this makes for far more natural and relaxed expressions and atmosphere.
Whilst I don't often shoot weddings, I have been second camera at quite a few, and really love the romantic and priceless memories that can be created at such a special occasion. The fact that everyone is happy and excited makes for fantastic photo opportunities.

Slideshow

Galleries

WA Camera Club Winners 2011 :

WA Camera Club Winners 2011

Updated: May 29, 2012 3:32am PST

WA Camera Club Winners 2010 :

WA Camera Club Winners 2010

Updated: May 23, 2012 3:27am PST

WA Camera Club Winners 2009 : These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and members of the WA Camera Club in 2009.

WA Camera Club Winners 2009

These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and m ...

Updated: Feb 24, 2012 2:17am PST

WA Camera Club Winners 2008 : These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and members of the WA Camera Club in 2008.

WA Camera Club Winners 2008

These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and m ...

Updated: Feb 08, 2009 4:58am PST

WA Camera Club Winners 2007 : These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and members of the WA Camera Club in 2007.

WA Camera Club Winners 2007

These images were judged as best in their sections by the judges and m ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2008 4:18am PST

WA Camera Club Winners 2006 : After we moved house I changed to a camera club geographically closer - WA Camera Club. This gallery shows those pictures that have done well as mounted prints here.

WA Camera Club Winners 2006

After we moved house I changed to a camera club geographically closer ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2008 6:47am PST

Worth1000 2012 Winners : These are winning entries from 2012.

Worth1000 2012 Winners

These are winning entries from 2012.

Updated: May 14, 2012 3:27am PST

Worth1000 2011 Winners : These are winning entries from 2011.

Worth1000 2011 Winners

These are winning entries from 2011.

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 11:39pm PST

Worth1000 2010 Winners : These were winners in 2010.

Worth1000 2010 Winners

These were winners in 2010.

Updated: Apr 08, 2011 6:54am PST

Worth1000 2009 Winners : These were winners at Worth1000 in 2009.

Worth1000 2009 Winners

These were winners at Worth1000 in 2009.

Updated: May 22, 2010 3:02am PST

Worth1000 2008 Winners : These have been winners in internet competitions at Worth1000.com.

Worth1000 2008 Winners

These have been winners in internet competitions at Worth1000.com.

Updated: Feb 08, 2009 5:43am PST

Worth1000 2007 Winners : And the third year. Getting better now...

Worth1000 2007 Winners

And the third year. Getting better now...

Updated: Sep 14, 2008 7:01am PST

Worth1000 2006 Winners : My second year playing at the Worth site.

Worth1000 2006 Winners

My second year playing at the Worth site.

Updated: Aug 01, 2008 8:14pm PST

Worth1000 2005 Winners : Worth - The Early Days

Worth1000 2005 Winners

Worth - The Early Days

Updated: Aug 01, 2008 8:11pm PST

My Munchkins by Anni and Eurydice : So, I was twice nominated as a Juror of the month at Worth1000.com, and won some prizes. In August 2008, Anni nominated to write me two lovely poems, one about each of my precious children, and in October 2008, Eurydice nominated to do me an illustration, which, very generously of her, turned into two, when the children couldn't decide on a shared theme. So, both prizes were combined together into the most fantastic Christmas gift I could have wished for! And this generosity and loveliness from two people I have never even met, but who are generous to a fault through the wonderful online community that is Worth1000!! Thank you both so very much! K.

My Munchkins by Anni and Eurydice

So, I was twice nominated as a Juror of the month at Worth1000.com, an ...

Updated: Dec 09, 2008 4:03am PST

201108 5-Area Challenge - Flight : In this challenge contestants had to produce five entries from all five Worth genres with the theme of 'Flight'. The written story can be seen here.

201108 5-Area Challenge - Flight

In this challenge contestants had to produce five entries from all fiv ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2011 6:45am PST

201009 - 5-Area Challenge - Pride : In this challenge contestants had to produce five entries from all five Worth genres with the theme of 'Pride'. The written story can be seen here and the reading of it is here.

201009 - 5-Area Challenge - Pride

In this challenge contestants had to produce five entries from all fiv ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2011 7:08am PST

200902 - 4-Genre Challenge - Jack's Back : In this challenge, contestants had to create four entries, one from each genre, to represent the theme, Jack. Here are my three pictorial entries, and there was a story to go along with it, that you can see here.

200902 - 4-Genre Challenge - Jack's Back

In this challenge, contestants had to create four entries, one from ea ...

Updated: May 18, 2009 2:08am PST

2012 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : This year I managed to last long enough to get into the fourth round, but was then expelled by Fishcat, who has twice won the tournament before.

2012 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

This year I managed to last long enough to get into the fourth round, ...

Updated: Apr 27, 2012 3:16pm PST

2011 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : Unfortunately I only managed to do two rounds before I was royally trounced out of the tournament this year.

2011 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

Unfortunately I only managed to do two rounds before I was royally tro ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2011 7:22am PST

2010 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : The Worth1000 Head to Head tournament was run over five rounds with the last round being a battle of the four last standing. Overall, I ended up winning the whole tournament with my shot of Jason as Oliver!

2010 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

The Worth1000 Head to Head tournament was run over five rounds with th ...

Updated: May 23, 2012 3:02am PST

2009 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : I only managed to make it to round 3 of this tournament, but it was fun anyway!

2009 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

I only managed to make it to round 3 of this tournament, but it was fu ...

Updated: May 22, 2010 7:31pm PST

2007 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : In this tournament I only managed to make it through four rounds, before the competition proved too stiff.

2007 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

In this tournament I only managed to make it through four rounds, befo ...

Updated: May 22, 2010 7:39pm PST

2012 London Street Photography Contest : The London Street Photography Festival defines Street Photography as: “candid, photography which captures, explores or questions contemporary society and the relationships between individuals and their surroundings." Street photography is perhaps more easily defined as a method than a genre. The results can fit into documentary, portraiture and other genres, but the key elements of spontaneity, careful observation and an open mind ready to capture whatever appears in the viewfinder are essential. I love it when a casually photographed scene reveals a quirky or ironic twist that lends an element of humour to the final result. These are what I found amongst these shots.

2012 London Street Photography Contest

2006 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament : This was my first Head to Head Tournament. I made it to the fourth round before being knocked out.

2006 Head to Head (H2H) Tournament

This was my first Head to Head Tournament. I made it to the fourth ro ...

Updated: May 23, 2010 4:46am PST

The 2011 Moran Prizes : These images were entered into the 2011 Moran Awards competition to depict contemporary Australian life, and one was designated as a semi-finalist.

The 2011 Moran Prizes

These images were entered into the 2011 Moran Awards competition to de ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2011 5:31pm PST

Australian Digital Picture of the Day (POTD) : These pictures were awarded Australian Digital Photo of the Day at www.potd.com.au.

Australian Digital Picture of the Day (POTD)

These pictures were awarded Australian Digital Photo of the Day at www ...

Updated: Jul 24, 2008 6:55am PST

20100724 - Worldwide Photo Walk in Perth : This was my second Worldwide Photo Walk, and again, lots of fun. Thanks very much to Ric for organising it again.

20100724 - Worldwide Photo Walk in Perth

This was my second Worldwide Photo Walk, and again, lots of fun. Thank ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2010 6:19am PST

20090718 - Worldwide Photo Walk in Perth : These pictures were taken while on the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk in Perth. It was great fun to be out walking in the city with a whole bunch of other photographers, and these were my best ones from the day. Others from other Perth photographers can be seen on the Western Australian Flickr group (including Perth and Bridgetown), and the Worldwide Flickr group has all the other cities joined into it too.

20090718 - Worldwide Photo Walk in Perth

These pictures were taken while on the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Wal ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 11:41pm PST

WAPF Interclub Acceptances : These photos have been accepted in the Western Australian Photographic Federation Interclub competition.

WAPF Interclub Acceptances

These photos have been accepted in the Western Australian Photographic ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2008 5:45am PST

Public Competitions : If and when I enter public competitions and anything does well, I will put them in here.

Public Competitions

If and when I enter public competitions and anything does well, I will ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2007 6:37am PST

Gem Camera Club Print Competition Winners : These shots were winners when I was a member of Gem Camera Club in Kalamunda from 2003-2005.

Gem Camera Club Print Competition Winners

These shots were winners when I was a member of Gem Camera Club in Kal ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2008 5:40am PST

Pixel Addiction 2008 Winners : These are pictures that have done well on the Pixel Addiction site at www.pixeladdiction.com. You can see my stats at http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/member.php?u=4630.

Pixel Addiction 2008 Winners

These are pictures that have done well on the Pixel Addiction site at ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2008 5:22pm PST

Pixel Addiction 2007 Winners : These did well at PixelAddiction in 2007.

Pixel Addiction 2007 Winners

These did well at PixelAddiction in 2007.

Updated: Aug 01, 2008 8:27pm PST

Worth1000 201209 30-Day Challenge - Postcards from Australia : This gallery is part of a challenge to take a picture every day for a month. Since we are currently travelling around Australia in our camper trailer, I thought that the easiest thing for me to showcase daily would be the beautiful places and things we are seeing in Australia. We have been on the road since Perth for a month, and travelled all up the coast, through the central Pilbara and are now in the northern Kimberley, heading for the Northern Territory (when the challenge started). You can use the 'Map This' button to see where all these places are. Good luck to everyone else in the challenge, and many thanks to any who stop by and especially to those who are kind enough to take the time to leave some feedback!

Worth1000 201209 30-Day Challenge - Postcards from Australia

This gallery is part of a challenge to take a picture every day for a ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2012 3:14am PST

Worth1000 201201 31-Day Challenge - Painting with Light : This challenge I will be trying to shoot each day using a moving and movable light source to light my subject or scene, in the mode of painting with light. I haven't done much of this before, so I am sure there will be much trial and error. Good luck to all the others who are doing a 31-day challenge this month and thanks to all who stop by to look!

Worth1000 201201 31-Day Challenge - Painting with Light

This challenge I will be trying to shoot each day using a moving and m ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2012 10:04am PST

Worth1000 201201 31-Day Theme Challenge - At the Beach : A second crazy challenge, just in case the first isn't hard enough to finish! (If you use 'Map This' on this gallery, you can see where all the pictures have been taken.) I'm afraid to say that Day 24 got the better of me! Drat! And I even took a picture, but it was high tide, and I figured there'd be better shells to be found at low tide, and then completely forgot to go back at low tide! My aunt and uncle had arrived from South Africa, and in the middle of all that, I complete forgot to post anything at all! I'm going to continue anyway, just to finish the poster the way that I envisioned, but at least I won't have the deadline time to post by, which might give me some breathing space on my other challenge!

Worth1000 201201 31-Day Theme Challenge - At the Beach

A second crazy challenge, just in case the first isn't hard enough to ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2012 8:53pm PST

Worth1000 201108 30-Day Challenge - 50mm at f/1.4 : This will be more of a challenge than usual as I am in the middle of organising to move house. So, I know I am not going to have the same amount of time to dedicate to this as I usually like to do, and I also needed to find a simple theme I could shoot on the fly each day. So, I will be using my trusty 50mm lens, and try to stick to having it opened at f/1.4. I am also going to force myself to compose in camera and not do any rotation or cropping in post, as I don't have the time to fiddle around with image sizes before creating my poster, so they are all as composed in camera. I do allow myself some curves, quick spot corrections and a bit of selective dodging and burning, but if it's gonna take too long, it's not gonna happen! And right up front, I would like to apologise to everyone because I know I will also not be able to comment on everyone's work as much as I would like to and as much as I usually do. Just know that I will be looking each day to see the wonderful work that I know you will all produce! Good luck to everyone who is embarking on this madness! Well, I got all the way to Day 26, and then had a mad packing day and forgot to do a shot! Life is just too busy! :(

Worth1000 201108 30-Day Challenge - 50mm at f/1.4

This will be more of a challenge than usual as I am in the middle of o ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2011 8:20am PST

Worth1000 201101 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge : This is a challenge to shoot a self-portrait every day for 30 days. There are a bunch of us from Worth1000 who participated. Sometimes there are some alternatives I struggled to pick from. During the 30 days I must shoot at least 10 of the following: #Elegant Black and White, #Single light source, #Single metallic prop, #Silhouette, #Looking away, #Facing completely away from the camera, #Face fills the frame, #Showcasing clothing, #A Splash of Colour, #Full body, #Lying down, #Using Cover, #Seated, out-doors, #Action Shot, #Candid Shot, #Emotions, #Newspaper Ad, #Hands / Feet / Mouth / Hair (Either, not and), #Dual Portrait (with someone else), #Group Portrait (with two or more other people), #"A dream come true", #"My darkest desire", #Unlucky, #"Once upon a time, there lived...", #"One day, all this will be yours...", #"And then, suddenly..."

Worth1000 201101 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge

This is a challenge to shoot a self-portrait every day for 30 days. T ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2011 5:03am PST

Worth1000 201101 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives : These are alternatives that I was undecided upon for my main challenge submissions.

Worth1000 201101 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives

These are alternatives that I was undecided upon for my main challenge ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2011 12:24am PST

Worth1000 2010 30-Day Challenge - Sidelighting at 50mm : I've decided to try using my 50mm lens all month to capture and explore the textures and shapes of subjects using sidelighting. I might have to turn my lens around from time to time and go mega-macro, but I want to try and stick to the same lens. And sometimes if I can't decide which image to post, I might have some alternatives posted.

Worth1000 2010 30-Day Challenge - Sidelighting at 50mm

I've decided to try using my 50mm lens all month to capture and explor ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2010 5:46am PST

Worth100 30-Day Challenge 2010 - Sidelighting at 50mm Alternatives : This is a gallery of alternatives when I am torn about what to choose for this gallery.

Worth100 30-Day Challenge 2010 - Sidelighting at 50mm Alternatives

This is a gallery of alternatives when I am torn about what to choose ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2010 11:56pm PST

Worth1000 2010 30-Day Challenge - My Family and Other Animals : Last year I did an extra sideline challenge to photograph my family, since I never take decent photos of them usually. I enjoyed what I created so much, that I have decided to do it again. I know it will get a bit boring for many, and for that I apologise, but I aim to use the same toning and mood I did last time, although would like to try some more high key shots.

Worth1000 2010 30-Day Challenge - My Family and Other Animals

Last year I did an extra sideline challenge to photograph my family, s ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2010 5:17pm PST

30-Day Challenge - Repeating Shapes and Patterns : A bunch of brave souls at Worth1000 are getting together to try and do a shot a day for 30 days, and all shots to a chosen theme to create a portfolio of a cohesive group of images by the end of the month. My theme is going to be to fill my whole frame with Repeating Shapes and Patterns found in the world around me. I will post any alternatives in my alternatives gallery when I am undecided about which might have been best. I will also attempt a second challenge, to document the birdlife around our local little lake where I walk my dog most mornings. However, if I miss any on that challenge, then so be it, because somedays it's hard to get out of bed to stay walking! Or the birds just don't play ball! Good luck to everyone and thank you all for your kind comments!

30-Day Challenge - Repeating Shapes and Patterns

A bunch of brave souls at Worth1000 are getting together to try and do ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2010 9:15pm PST

2010 Repeating Shapes and Patterns Alternatives : These are alternatives to the main challenge submissions where I couldn't make up my mind about what to submit.

2010 Repeating Shapes and Patterns Alternatives

These are alternatives to the main challenge submissions where I could ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2010 2:08am PST

Ashley's Challenge : So, my nine-year-old AsherBasher has decided to give this a go. She missed the first day, but has put a picture there in lieu of day one. She may not be able to finish every day, since it is school holidays and there are many distractions, but she will try. She wants to find interesting things in the kitchen... Thanks to anyone who can spare the time to provide some constructive criticism.

Ashley's Challenge

So, my nine-year-old AsherBasher has decided to give this a go. She m ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2010 2:10am PST

2010 Worth1000 30-Day Challenge - Local Lake Birdlife : This is a second challenge I will endeavour to complete while in parallel with the Repeating Patterns and Shapes Challenge - to document some of the birdlife around our local lake. I take my dog out for a walk most mornings, and have decided to tote my camera and although it will slow me down, and prevent me doing my customary arm exercises, I am hoping I will get a few pics of some of the birds that live on the lakes and in the bush around us. I will have to put on my long lens in the mornings, methinks! I doubt I will manage this one every day, but I will give it a try...

2010 Worth1000 30-Day Challenge - Local Lake Birdlife

This is a second challenge I will endeavour to complete while in paral ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2010 6:37pm PST

Worth1000 31-Day Theme Challenge - Songs using Liquids and Glass : This is a Worth1000 challenge to take and post one image every day with a set theme. I will be trying to shoot a month of images involving both liquids and glass. However, I reserve the right to switch to just one or the other if circumstances dictate it so... The big cop-out must be stated, of course. In situations when I am spoiled for choice, or just plain can't decide, I will post alternatives to the posted images, in my alternatives gallery. I'm also conducting a bit of a sidebar challenge to capture some ideas I have had for photographing my family. There are a lot of us participating in this challenge, and at the end, those who have faithfully posted every day will be eligible to compete in a grandiose final competition to mark the end of the challenge. Good luck to all those involved who are: secretatlantis; MrNelson; Craigr1976; Kookaburra; whalelight; WorthyNick; Isabella2006; ClickChick; SigloV; nofue77; thephrog; cridley; rhiannonsmommy; Andromeda5000; celticfrog; ICEBUNNY; essjaynz; lmorrow57; Regoch; Xaromir; MrAverage; Suedre; marier1978. My word, it's a cast of many this year! Best wishes to all! And while these guys didn't make all 30 days, they were in the game anyway... tombaretto; Capriccio; Pr4ctic; mennufer; MasterGnu; hickchick33; cshutt; mmc9496 (marella); BerlinBear; suziecuchon; JuzzyDee; learn2swim96; Kreative. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Everyone who is still looking and especially everyone who is still commenting. As ever, much appreciated! K.

Worth1000 31-Day Theme Challenge - Songs using Liquids and Glass

This is a Worth1000 challenge to take and post one image every day wit ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2009 10:05pm PST

Worth1000 31-Day Theme Challenge Alternatives - Liquids and Glass : This gallery will house all the alternatives that didn't make the grade into the theme posting gallery and certainly don't belong in the family gallery...

Worth1000 31-Day Theme Challenge Alternatives - Liquids and Glass

This gallery will house all the alternatives that didn't make the grad ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2009 10:00pm PST

2009 30-Day Theme Challenge - Family Portraits : I have taken a leaf from Chortler's challenge from last time, and decided to do a 30 day challenge that includes portraits of members of my family. Like Chortler, I seldom take time to concentrate my photography on producing more than snapshot images of my nearest and dearest, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to work on that. We have a big month coming up with family affairs, namely a wedding (which I will be photographing), a birthday for someone who will be 101, and another birthday too for the mother of the bride! Lots of family opportunity, I suspect! I have had some ideas brewing for some time, and not had time or inclination to put them to the test, so this will be my chance. I would have chosen this as my primary theme, but I thought the odds of getting familial cooperation every day for 30 days on the trot was unlikely, so decided to do this as a sidebar theme, as and when I can. Songs using Liquids and Glass and their alternative shots will be much easier to beat into submission without alienating myself from them.

2009 30-Day Theme Challenge - Family Portraits

I have taken a leaf from Chortler's challenge from last time, and deci ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2009 8:59pm PST

Alphabet Macros of Fruit and Vegetables : This is a challenge to take a picture every day with all images following a similar theme. The theme I have chosen is Alphabet Macros and I have this gallery of all fruits and vegetables, as well as another of Mystery Bonus shots. There's an alternatives gallery for the overflow of shots when I didn't know which ones to pick. The challenge thread is on the Worth1000 website where you can see all the other images that have been posted by other challenge participants. Good luck to everyone who is Suziecuchon - 30 days of Yoshi; Andromeda5000 - 30 days of Blue Jellybeans; YMSYMS - 30 Days of Photos; MasterGnu - My Countryside; thephrog - whatever strikes my fancy at the time; capriccio - Churches in My Area; Suedre - A Day in the Life of a Fine-Feathered Friend; Phildo - Random Experiences; Kookaburra - My Garden through the Summer; Buffmufin; MrAverage - Mostly Macro; Whalelight - 30 Days of Crayon Colours; UnicornBabe - Black and White Portraits; mmc9496 - Pinhole Photography; Rhiannonsmommy; egonlindon - Thumper's Adventure; secretatlantis - Patchwork; Dollyllama;arttrainer - 30 Days of the Alphabet; Fanatic - Building a Rocket; MyShutterBug - 30 Daze in the Hole; MeLummy - The Dirty 30. And sadly, we seem to have lost: BerlinBear - Utter Randomness; BoC - Macro Close-ups; johnnytitan - 30 Days of JT (Lensbaby) - who got called away to active duty. Stay SAFE!; ICEBUNNY - 30 Days of Stuff; Anmatta - I Heart...; Kreative, who joined on day 12; chortler - Me and Mine; mennufer - Non-human Portraiture; craigr1978 - Strong Lines and Colour; flyingcowpat - 30 Day Challenge, bevissimo - the Puppy Days of Summer; ziaphra - Kids in Action; Hanswors - Cape Town; learn2swim96 - 31 Day Photo Challenge; HickChick33 - Triptychs; madame_ava - My Feet; Mr X - playing anonymously; loremipsum - Month-Long Day; Ausgixxer - 30 days of Gixxer (in Sydney); IdleMonkey - Animals; ercolano - Each Day in the Garden; allaboutme Most of all, thank you everyone for your kind comments and wonderful support! I couldn't have finished this without you. I never want to shop for fresh produce again! I am OVER asking shop assistants for fruit and vegetables with funny names that are not in season! And am OVER driving all around town looking for the particular vegetables I need on the day. That's it, I am done!

Alphabet Macros of Fruit and Vegetables

This is a challenge to take a picture every day with all images follow ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2008 7:59am PST

Alphabet Macros - The Alternatives : These are alternatives or outtakes to the ones submitted for the Worth1000 30-Day Theme Challenge. When I couldn't figure out which one to pick!

Alphabet Macros - The Alternatives

These are alternatives or outtakes to the ones submitted for the Worth ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2008 7:45am PST

2008 Official and Unofficial Finals Shots : At the end of the 30-day challenge, there was an official contest for all those who completed a photograph and a posting everyday. This could be in our own theme or style, or in that of any of the other participants. Mine didn't do too well here, but congrats to secretatlantis, who took the gold in this... There was also a smaller field who competed in the unofficial contest to mimic or try out any of the other participants' styles, but not our own. I was very flattered that the winning entry on this one was an extremely well done takeoff of my own 30-day theme. Congrats to MasterGnu!

2008 Official and Unofficial Finals Shots

At the end of the 30-day challenge, there was an official contest for ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2008 7:09am PST

Alphabet Macros - Mystery Bonuses : This is a gallery of alternative images for the Alphabet Macros in the Worth1000 challenge. The images in here will be bonus ones when I can't decide what subject to actually use. I'll try and make these images abstract and a bit of fun to guess what they are...

Alphabet Macros - Mystery Bonuses

This is a gallery of alternative images for the Alphabet Macros in the ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2008 7:54am PST

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge : This is a chellenge at Worth1000, to post a self-portrait taken and processed each day. I have an alternatives gallery where I have posted alternatives that caused me anguish over which to submit. Other challenge members' work can be seen at http://www.worth1000.com/stories/thread.asp?cid=19&eid=403270. An additional challenge is to include at least five of the following during the 30 days: # "And then, suddenly..." # At night, not sleeping # Blast from the past # Cross dressing # Elegant Black and White # Facing completely away from the camera # From above # Full body # Impersonation # Looking away # Lying down # Seated, out-doors # Showcasing clothing # Silhouette # Single Colour # Single light source # Splash of Colour # Using Cover If anyone misses a day, they are out, so it's a question of who can last the longest! Good luck everyone who is: Anmatta blurmore boote67 egonlinden hickchick33 LCStarEyes13 Mablung Meggie Philyra revvassago Scuzem SigloV Suziecuchon thatkellychic

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge

This is a chellenge at Worth1000, to post a self-portrait taken and pr ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2007 8:51pm PST

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives : These are the alternatives that were considered for posting in the Self-Portrait Challenge gallery, but didn't quite make the grade in the end...

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives

These are the alternatives that were considered for posting in the Sel ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2007 1:32am PST

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Theme Challenge - My Digital Life : This is a challenge to take a picture every day with all images following a similar theme. The theme I have chosen is My Digital Life. We are affected by technology in so many ways and it is all around us, to both help us and frustrate us. The challenge thread is on the Worth1000 website and you can see all the other images that have been posted by other challenge participants. Now I just have to come up with 30 different daily ideas...! Alternatives can be found at http://kimbomac.smugmug.com/gallery/2688284.

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Theme Challenge - My Digital Life

This is a challenge to take a picture every day with all images follow ...

Updated: May 07, 2007 5:00am PST

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Theme Challenge Alternatives - My Digital Life : These are alternative versions of images I finally decided to post at the 30-day Challenge gallery at http://kimbomac.smugmug.com/gallery/2681432.

Worth1000 2007 30-Day Theme Challenge Alternatives - My Digital Life

These are alternative versions of images I finally decided to post at ...

Updated: May 07, 2007 4:46am PST

Worth1000 2006 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge : A challenge to see who can last the longest, and keep shooting one self-portrait every day for 30 days. Hmm, how will we all stand up to the challenge?!?!? The rules and pictures and gallery links for other contenders can be found at http://www.worth1000.com/stories/thread.asp?cid=19&eid=315908&page=1. I have put my alternative shots where I found it hard to make a decision, at http://kimbomac.smugmug.com/gallery/1905461. P.S. You should know that I crazily started this right when we were busy moving to our new house. So there's a consistent theme running through them.

Worth1000 2006 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge

A challenge to see who can last the longest, and keep shooting one sel ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2006 12:00am PST

Worth1000 2006 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives : These were the ones I couldn't decide between. Often different crops of the same pic, sometimes different. What do you think?

Worth1000 2006 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge Alternatives

These were the ones I couldn't decide between. Often different crops o ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2006 11:59pm PST

20121224 - 12 Hours of Christmas Eve : So, after yesterday's failure, I decided to try this again today. It's going to be a busy day, so I have no idea how successful this round will be!

20121224 - 12 Hours of Christmas Eve

So, after yesterday's failure, I decided to try this again today. It' ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2012 9:23pm PST

20121223 - 12 Hours in the Weekend : I gave it a go to take 12 pictures today, starting at 6:25am, but it was all a fail on the third one anyway, as we were driving to pick up a chest of drawers that we were buying from a friend. I carried on shooting through the day, but there are some noticeable gaps. I'll have to give it a go again tomorrow when we will be home for most of the day.

20121223 - 12 Hours in the Weekend

I gave it a go to take 12 pictures today, starting at 6:25am, but it w ...

Updated: Dec 23, 2012 4:38am PST

20111226 - 12 Hours of Boxing Day :

20111226 - 12 Hours of Boxing Day

Updated: Dec 26, 2011 3:04am PST

Paintings and Art : Would these...? Could these be paintings?

Paintings and Art

Would these...? Could these be paintings?

Updated: May 22, 2009 4:00am PST

20111224 - 12 Hours of Christmas Eve :

20111224 - 12 Hours of Christmas Eve

Updated: Dec 24, 2011 4:42pm PST

20111224 - Ashley's 12 Hours of Christmas Eve : Ashley decided to join me in shooting 12 hours of Christmas Eve, and although they weren't all evenly and hourly spaced, she DID at least shoot a good deal more than 12 shots.

20111224 - Ashley's 12 Hours of Christmas Eve

Ashley decided to join me in shooting 12 hours of Christmas Eve, and a ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2011 2:34pm PST

20100814 - A Day in the Life of : I started with really good intentions of shooting every hour on the hour starting from 7:25am, but unfortunately things fell apart a bit as early as the third shot (details on it).

20100814 - A Day in the Life of

I started with really good intentions of shooting every hour on the ho ...

Updated: Aug 14, 2010 4:45am PST

20100815 - A Day in the Life of #2 : I wasn't happy with how dull the colours were on my images for yesterday, so decided to try it again today, since we had a more interesting day out cycling that I could shoot.

20100815 - A Day in the Life of #2

I wasn't happy with how dull the colours were on my images for yesterd ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2010 3:46pm PST

20091226 - 12 Hours of Christmas Challenge (on Boxing Day) : This is a Worth1000 challenge to take a picture every hour for a twelve-hour period across the Christmas weekend to try to find the beauty in the everyday world around us. I tried to take a picture every hour at a quarter past the hour, for no reason than that 7:15am was the first one I took. Unfortunately, as you can see by the times, they didn't all pan out at exactly that time... Good luck to everyone participating and Merry Christmas.

20091226 - 12 Hours of Christmas Challenge (on Boxing Day)

This is a Worth1000 challenge to take a picture every hour for a twel ...

Updated: Dec 26, 2009 6:28am PST

20081227 - A Day in the Life Of... Challenge : For Christmas I got a reversing ring for my 50mm f1.4 lens, and I figured today was as good a day as any to start practising using it. The very shallow DOF is extremely difficult to control, so this will take some serious practise! There are some alternatives and outtakes in the alternatives gallery. I found this a very challenging series to take. Trying to find subjects that work in such a shallow DOF area, and which provide interest, despite their size, was very hard. And the fact that the lens focussing ring is useless when it is the other way round, means that the tripod and subject movement has to be pretty finicky in order to set focus. I think I have had enough of that game for one day. It's a fabulous outcome with the right subject, but I think can be overdone if overused (like in this gallery). I think I shall reserve my reversing ring for particular subjects that really do call for it... The day after this, I decided to do an easier challenge, and try with the lens on the right way round. Much easier!

20081227 - A Day in the Life Of... Challenge

For Christmas I got a reversing ring for my 50mm f1.4 lens, and I figu ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2008 6:32am PST

20081227 - A Day in the Life Of... Challenge Alternatives : This is a gallery of outtakes or not-quite favourites from the 2008 Day in the Life of... Challenge.

20081227 - A Day in the Life Of... Challenge Alternatives

This is a gallery of outtakes or not-quite favourites from the 2008 Da ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2008 6:27am PST

20081228 - A Day in the Life of... Challenge (the Second) : OK, I couldn't resist doing this again today, but with an easier brief. That crazy reversing ring challenge I gave myself yesterday was just waaaay too hard, and ended up not being as relaxing as I had hoped. So, today I used the same lens, but on the camera the right way round. It's a 50mm f1.4 and a beaut, but it belongs on my old film camera, so I can't get the digital camera to make it stop down. Anyone any ideas? I had forgotten this important fact when I decided to work on composition and frame everything vertically, and not crop anything. Just so I had to think about it all in-camera. It turned out that I still had the shallow DOF issues of yesterday, but they are easier to deal with when you have sweet auto-focus and use of the focussing ring! Hoorah! Anyway, here are today's, which were much easier and more relaxing to do... I took a leaf from some of the other challengers of yesterday, and matted these all the same way. I like the outcome. I also used some of my precious people, at their own suggestions. There was one hour where I missed taking a picture and I don't know how, cos I was sure that as the day went on, I took one during every hour. I wasn't as uptight about getting them as close to an hour apart as yesterday... That's probably how come I missed one. Anyway, I pinched an extra I had taken from the previous hour and put it in there instead. I'd be surprised if anyone would spot it unless I had said all this...

20081228 - A Day in the Life of... Challenge (the Second)

OK, I couldn't resist doing this again today, but with an easier brief ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2008 4:27am PST

20071201 A Day in the Life of... Challenge : This challenge is between members of Worth1000 who will document each hour of their day for 20071201. Other participants can be seen at http://www.worth1000.com/stories/thread.asp?cid=19&eid=421053. I have challenged myself to use only my 50mm F1.4 lens set wide open, and to post my pictures with no post-processing except a border. That is, no spot correction, cloning, rotating, cropping or otherwise. I am only to adjust the colours and contrast using RawShooter Essentials, as far as possible, although may allow myself the luxury of curves in PS if I have to. I want to see what sort of results could come if I was under pressure to get it right first time, and save time and effort in post. All pictures are taken at approximately 15 mins past each hour, starting from 9:15am. I had meant to start earlier, but last night was a late night, and I never quite got it together earlier in the morning...

20071201 A Day in the Life of... Challenge

This challenge is between members of Worth1000 who will document each ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2007 6:16am PST

Abstracts : Stuff that doesn't look like itself, necessarily.

Abstracts

Stuff that doesn't look like itself, necessarily.

Updated: Feb 09, 2012 12:59am PST

Smoke : Ethereal smoky images...

Smoke

Ethereal smoky images...

Updated: Jun 18, 2006 6:14am PST

Money : What's the colour of it?

Money

What's the colour of it?

Updated: Apr 15, 2006 7:58am PST

Wet Stuff : Playing with water.

Wet Stuff

Playing with water.

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 3:16am PST

Books and Stationery : From the office, library and desk.

Books and Stationery

From the office, library and desk.

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 2:01am PST

Fire and Fireworks : Fiery infernos...

Fire and Fireworks

Fiery infernos...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 2:52am PST

Love and Romance : All the mushy lovey dovey stuff I can muster.

Love and Romance

All the mushy lovey dovey stuff I can muster.

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 3:14am PST

Macros : All the Little Details of Life.

Macros

All the Little Details of Life.

Updated: Apr 17, 2009 8:02pm PST

Toys : All the things the little ones love!

Toys

All the things the little ones love!

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 5:46am PST

Metallica : All things metallic and shiny!

Metallica

All things metallic and shiny!

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 3:22am PST

Miscellaneous : Stuff that doesn't really fit anywhere else...??

Miscellaneous

Stuff that doesn't really fit anywhere else...??

Updated: Jul 21, 2010 6:02am PST

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : Things that make you go 'Aaaaaaarrmmmmm'.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Things that make you go 'Aaaaaaarrmmmmm'.

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 2:05am PST

Model Building : These pictures were created for a competition to photograph a Faux Landscape. Nothing was supposed to be 'real', so to speak, so it called for a spot of model building. These were my poor attempts...

Model Building

These pictures were created for a competition to photograph a Faux Lan ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 2:21am PST

Statues, Ornaments and Figurines : Statuary, models, ornaments and other things non-moving and in the likeness of something else.

Statues, Ornaments and Figurines

Statuary, models, ornaments and other things non-moving and in the lik ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 3:24am PST

Clothing and Fashion : Fashionable garb and beautiful designs...

Clothing and Fashion

Fashionable garb and beautiful designs...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 3:15am PST

Babies :

Babies

Updated: Feb 07, 2012 12:26am PST

Children : Portraits of Kids

Children

Portraits of Kids

Updated: Jan 18, 2012 12:06am PST

Portraits : Portraits of interesting folk.

Portraits

Portraits of interesting folk.

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 5:40am PST

Candids : People idly and innocently going about their business, but snapped forever on camera...

Candids

People idly and innocently going about their business, but snapped for ...

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 5:59am PST

Eyes : Ashley's Beautiful Eyes (so far). When I find another willing and suitable model, I will add to these...

Eyes

Ashley's Beautiful Eyes (so far). When I find another willing and sui ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 2:51am PST

Hands : Hands tell such a story...

Hands

Hands tell such a story...

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 8:04am PST

Body Bits : Close-up investigation of human beans...

Body Bits

Close-up investigation of human beans...

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 5:45am PST

Pets : Our Newfoundland, Zeus, and Birman cat, Mochacino (Cino for short) and other people's pets.

Pets

Our Newfoundland, Zeus, and Birman cat, Mochacino (Cino for short) and ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 2:56am PST

Self-Portraits : Me, Myself, I

Self-Portraits

Me, Myself, I

Updated: Feb 07, 2012 12:46am PST

Mammals : Some of the warm-blooded, fuzzy-wuzzy, (mostly) friendly and easy-to-relate-to friends on the planet (mostly taken in a zoo due to the general inaccessibility of these guys in most households).

Mammals

Some of the warm-blooded, fuzzy-wuzzy, (mostly) friendly and easy-to-r ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 6:02am PST

Birds : Aaah, Birdie Num-Num...

Birds

Aaah, Birdie Num-Num...

Updated: Dec 29, 2010 5:43am PST

Creepy Crawlies : Space for all the creepy crawly critters that most people love to hate. Pretty much anything with more legs than makes most two-legged beasts comfortable...

Creepy Crawlies

Space for all the creepy crawly critters that most people love to hate ...

Updated: Oct 19, 2008 4:44am PST

Amphibians : For the scaley and slimey chaps I have run across in my travels...

Amphibians

For the scaley and slimey chaps I have run across in my travels...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 4:50am PST

Reptiles :

Reptiles

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 5:56am PST

Sea Creatures : Wet and wild, and mostly taken at the aquarium.

Sea Creatures

Wet and wild, and mostly taken at the aquarium.

Updated: Apr 04, 2009 9:11pm PST

Landscapes : Landscape images from our travels.

Landscapes

Landscape images from our travels.

Updated: Oct 16, 2008 7:16am PST

Waterscapes : Watery wetlands, lakes, swamps, rivers and the like. If it's wet and not on the seashore, it's in here.

Waterscapes

Watery wetlands, lakes, swamps, rivers and the like. If it's wet and ...

Updated: May 29, 2008 6:19am PST

Seascapes : Images of beaches...

Seascapes

Images of beaches...

Updated: Mar 24, 2008 7:14am PST

Beach Art : Small details of things seen at the beach.

Beach Art

Small details of things seen at the beach.

Updated: Jan 08, 2007 4:25am PST

Skyscapes and Cloudscapes : Looking up, I saw a wondrous sight...

Skyscapes and Cloudscapes

Looking up, I saw a wondrous sight...

Updated: Mar 28, 2010 5:58am PST

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Smoky Sunset

Updated: Jun 11, 2006 6:01am PST

Urban Landscapes : Things that you will only find in and around town...

Urban Landscapes

Things that you will only find in and around town...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 2:55am PST

Cityscapes and Buildings : Pretty cities and buildings that caught my eye at some stage...

Cityscapes and Buildings

Interiors : Bits and pieces from inside.

Interiors

Doors : I just love pictures of doors. European cities have the MOST adorable doors...

Doors

Windows : Windows show the character and soul of a building...

Windows

Architectural Details : Odds and sods on buildings...

Architectural Details

Bridges : Balconies, overpasses and other above ground-level traversings.

Bridges

Outdoor Furniture : When you need a room outside, this is where it is.

Outdoor Furniture

Flowers : All the pretty things in life...

Flowers

All the pretty things in life...

Updated: Aug 12, 2008 7:24am PST

Plants : Leaves and other bits of Plants...

Plants

Leaves and other bits of Plants...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 8:16am PST

Fruit and Vegetables : Fruit and Vegetable bits and pieces...

Fruit and Vegetables

Meat, Fish and Poultry : All things protein...

Meat, Fish and Poultry

Sweets and other Desserts : La Dolce vita

Sweets and other Desserts

Other Food : Carbohydrates and other yummy things.

Other Food

Drinks and Liquids : Thirsty, anyone?

Drinks and Liquids

Cars and Buses : All the lovely bits and pieces of the lovelier cars...

Cars and Buses

All the lovely bits and pieces of the lovelier cars...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 8:17am PST

Aeroplanes : Trains, Planes and Automobiles and any other way to get there!

Aeroplanes

Trains, Planes and Automobiles and any other way to get there!

Updated: Apr 09, 2008 6:31am PST

Trams and Trains : Trams, trains and other vehicles that run on tracks.

Trams and Trains

Trams, trains and other vehicles that run on tracks.

Updated: May 29, 2008 6:20am PST

Boats and Sails : Fluttering in the wind, the colours of a multitude of sails look like a party!

Boats and Sails

Fluttering in the wind, the colours of a multitude of sails look like ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 2:06am PST

Other forms of transport : All the other ways we get to where we want to go!

Other forms of transport

All the other ways we get to where we want to go!

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 5:38am PST

Musical Instruments : All things musical and of making music...

Musical Instruments

All things musical and of making music...

Updated: Feb 15, 2007 5:40am PST

Sports Action : Sporting Action

Sports Action

Sporting Action

Updated: Mar 22, 2009 6:36am PST

Sports Equipment : The gear we use for sports.

Sports Equipment

The gear we use for sports.

Updated: Jan 15, 2012 1:28am PST

History : All things historical. Mostly pics taken at museums and other such places where old stuff is on display or widely used...

History

All things historical. Mostly pics taken at museums and other such pl ...

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 2:57pm PST

Demotivational Posters : Posters that have the opposite of that gee-up effect.

Demotivational Posters

Posters that have the opposite of that gee-up effect.

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 7:40pm PST

Composites : This gallery is for images that are all themed or related and made into a composite single image.

Composites

This gallery is for images that are all themed or related and made int ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 3:36am PST

Trickery and Witchcraft : Picture editing for fun. Trying to improve my Digital Darkroom wizardry skills. It's a slow and very painful process!

Trickery and Witchcraft

Picture editing for fun. Trying to improve my Digital Darkroom wizard ...

Updated: May 14, 2012 3:32am PST

Photo Aging : Picture editing for fun. Trying to improve my Digital Darkroom wizardry skills. It's a slow and very painful process!

Photo Aging

Picture editing for fun. Trying to improve my Digital Darkroom wizard ...

Updated: Apr 06, 2012 10:52pm PST

Toy Story : These are life-size scenes, turned miniature with some selective use of blur.

Toy Story

These are life-size scenes, turned miniature with some selective use o ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2008 7:14am PST

Polaramas : Little tiny planets in faraway places!

Polaramas

Little tiny planets in faraway places!

Updated: Apr 06, 2012 2:14am PST

Advertisements : Advertisements for fictitious goods.

Advertisements

Advertisements for fictitious goods.

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 7:49pm PST

CD Album Covers : These were created for online contests (Worth1000 and PixelAddiction) that require photography with a practical application, usually with the requirement for added text and with a specific brief for a target audience.

CD Album Covers

These were created for online contests (Worth1000 and PixelAddiction) ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 7:35pm PST

Magazine Covers : These are cover designs for fictitious magazines.

Magazine Covers

These are cover designs for fictitious magazines.

Updated: Jun 26, 2011 3:27am PST

Calendars : Calendar pages (mostly for spring months)

Calendars

Calendar pages (mostly for spring months)

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 3:53am PST

Tourism Postcards : Postcards to illustrate an area or region with a tourist focus.

Tourism Postcards

Postcards to illustrate an area or region with a tourist focus.

Updated: Jun 26, 2011 3:15am PST

Greetings Cards : Images used in the design of greetings cards.

Greetings Cards

Images used in the design of greetings cards.

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 7:47pm PST

Posters : Poster and campaign layouts.

Posters

Poster and campaign layouts.

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 3:55am PST

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20120217 - Nathan in Hats

Some of these are not as sharp as I would have liked because of all th ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 3:29pm PST

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The Hicking Family

Updated: Dec 10, 2011 12:01am PST

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20111009 - Thea and Grace

Updated: Dec 10, 2011 12:31pm PST

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20111210 - The Finals

Please let me know if these are OK like this, and if so, I can give yo ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2011 2:00am PST

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Mel and Chris

Please could you leave a comment on the images you would like me to wo ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2009 2:37am PST

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20090730 - Portraits Lying Down

These are all straight out of the camera. I put the ones where I did ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2009 6:18am PST

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20090626 - Some Work I have Done

I have done each of these pictures of the kids in colour, black and wh ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:45am PST

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20090626 - The De Ruyter Kids

Updated: Jun 26, 2009 9:52pm PST

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20090626 - To Be Printed

Please let me know if these are the ones you wanted printed. I have d ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2009 7:43am PST

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20070304 - Painted Faces

Painting the kids faces for a competition shot turned out rather a lot ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:34am PST

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20061208 - Michael's 4th Birthday Party

Updated: Dec 07, 2006 9:06pm PST

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20081231 - New Year Maia

Let me know if there are any of these your particularly fancy and woul ...

Updated: Feb 14, 2009 6:37pm PST

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20080704 - Some Work Done

Updated: Jan 02, 2011 7:39pm PST

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20080704 - Baby Maia

Please mark which ones you like with a comment and I can look at what ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:26am PST

20080704 - The Dogs : These also have had no work done to them. Let me know if you want me to do anything...

20080704 - The Dogs

These also have had no work done to them. Let me know if you want me ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 12:17am PST

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20080502 - Some Work I Have Done

These are some that I did some work on quickly, to give you an idea of ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2009 5:28am PST

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20080502 - The Ones I liked Best

These are all straight from the camera with nothing done except what y ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 3:57am PST

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20080502 - The Rest

Let me know whether you like any of these, and want me to do any furth ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 4:30am PST

20100905 - Father's Day with Nana :

20100905 - Father's Day with Nana

Updated: Sep 05, 2010 7:04am PST

20100624 - With Granny and Grampa :

20100624 - With Granny and Grampa

Updated: Jul 05, 2010 3:38pm PST

20100516 - Baby Charlotte :

20100516 - Baby Charlotte

Updated: May 19, 2010 6:38am PST

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20090523 - Anika and Felix

Updated: May 23, 2009 3:23am PST

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20090523 - Some Work Done

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:23am PST

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20090510 - Anika on Mother's Day

Updated: May 23, 2009 2:50am PST

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20090503 - Some More Work Done

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:19am PST

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20090503 - Anika and Family

Updated: May 03, 2009 3:33am PST

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20090503 - Baby Anika

Updated: May 03, 2009 4:42am PST

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20090503 - McAvoy Family at Nana's

Updated: May 03, 2009 4:19am PST

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20090427 - Baby Anika

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20090427 - Some Work Done

Updated: Apr 27, 2009 3:58am PST

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20080116 - Family Portraits

All the family together for the first time in 12 years.

Updated: Jan 27, 2008 2:50am PST

20090731 - Loki Pup : The first seven are the ones I liked best, but let me know if there are any others you want me to do anything with. Direct camera flash is the worst thing in the world so I am really not happy with them for the most part. Only one made me feel I could do anything with it, and that was the first one.

20090731 - Loki Pup

The first seven are the ones I liked best, but let me know if there ar ...

Updated: Aug 05, 2009 7:09am PST

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20090706 - Backbends in the Park

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 6:35am PST

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20090302 - Family Pics of Kids - Work Done

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:37am PST

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20090302 - Family Pics of Kids

Updated: Mar 10, 2009 4:38am PST

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20090130 - Kids Having Fun

Updated: Jan 31, 2009 4:31am PST

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20080717 - Ryan

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 12:48am PST

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20080717 - Kate

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 12:45am PST

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20071115 - Billie and the Kids Edited

I think I have got the montage as good as it's going to be now. I man ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:39am PST

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20071115 - Billie and the Kids - The Originals

These are as they came from the camera...

Updated: May 02, 2008 3:37am PST

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20070511 - Emma and Kate

Took a couple of pics of the kids while they were here yesterday and I ...

Updated: May 11, 2007 5:38pm PST

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20070209 - Ryan, Kate and Emma in the Pool

The first three are the ones I like best, but it's a shame about Ryan' ...

Updated: Feb 09, 2007 4:04pm PST

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20090911 - Girls at the Zoo

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 10:44pm PST

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20091017 - Some Work Done

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:52am PST

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20091017 - In the Garden

Updated: Oct 17, 2009 5:10am PST

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20061008 - Emma's Fairy Party

Updated: Oct 20, 2006 8:50am PST

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20101212 - Family Portrait

Please let me know which ones you like and whether you would like any ...

Updated: Dec 13, 2010 5:20am PST

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20081019 - Timmy's 7th Birthday Party

We had a lovely relaxing morning and lunch at the Wanneroo Rotary Park ...

Updated: Oct 19, 2008 8:14am PST

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20070128 - Allan's Racing

We went to watch Allan racing his car at Belmont. He did good times, ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2007 8:12pm PST

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20061008 - Allan's 40th Birthday

Great lunch, cake and fun was had by all...

Updated: Oct 08, 2006 7:06am PST

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20060813 - Ross' Naming Ceremony

Updated: Aug 13, 2006 6:26am PST

20100822 - Some Work Done : This is the gallery where I will put all the ones that I quite fancy and have done some work on. If there are any that you would like me to do more on, something like what you see in here, please leave comments on the images and I will try to do something that might be to your liking. The originals as they came straight out of the camera are here. Thanks so much for all your time and patience with the club, ladies, and Joseph!

20100822 - Some Work Done

This is the gallery where I will put all the ones that I quite fancy a ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2010 5:42am PST

20100822 - Bev :

20100822 - Bev

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 6:42am PST

20100822 - Joseph :

20100822 - Joseph

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 7:31am PST

20100822 - Maria :

20100822 - Maria

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 6:26am PST

20100822 - Tanya :

20100822 - Tanya

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 6:17am PST

20100822 - Tessa :

20100822 - Tessa

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 6:06am PST

20100822 - Partnerships :

20100822 - Partnerships

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 7:21am PST

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20090801 - Maddie and Will - With Post Work Done

It's probably obvious, but these are the ones I have done some work to ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:49am PST

20090801 - Maddie : These are straight out of the camera, with no additional work done to them. Many have quite a bit of potential, but I would rather work on the ones I know you like best than pick them myself.

20090801 - Maddie

These are straight out of the camera, with no additional work done to ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2009 7:53am PST

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20101206 - Some Work Done

20090801 - Will : These are also straight out of the camera, with no additional work done to them. Many have quite a bit of potential, but I would rather work on the ones I know you like best than pick them myself.

20090801 - Will

These are also straight out of the camera, with no additional work don ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2009 7:57am PST

20090801 - Maddie and Will : These are also straight out of the camera, with no additional work done to them. Many have quite a bit of potential, but I would rather work on the ones I know you like best than pick them myself.

20090801 - Maddie and Will

These are also straight out of the camera, with no additional work don ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2009 8:00am PST

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20101206 - Baby Alicia

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20090405 - Some Post-Processing Done

These are some of my favourite shots, with some work done to jazz them ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:30am PST

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20090405 - Straight from the Camera

These are the pictures straight out of the camera, with no additional ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2009 5:51am PST

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20071122 - Baby Matthew

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20100510 - Some Work Done

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20100510 - Baby Kate

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20100321 - Some Work I have Done

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20100321 - Layla

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20100321 - Kian

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20100321 - Mika

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20100321 - All the Kids

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20091017 - Some Work Done

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20091017 - The Best Ones

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20100517 - Aiden and Xavier Work Done

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20100517 - Aiden and Xavier

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20080509 - Xavier Work Done

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20080509 - Baby Xavier

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20010108 - Some Work Done (Ruby)

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20111208 - Baby Ruby

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20091128 - Some Work Done (Jakob)

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20091128 - Baby Jakob

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20091128 - Thomas

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20080215 - Some Work Done (Thomas)

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20080215 - The Best Ones

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20080215 - Second Grade

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20080215 - Third Grade

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20080215 - And the Rest

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20070610 - Hayley's Baptism

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20070511 - Hayley

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20070304 - Czerw Family

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20111002 - Some Work Done

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20111002 - Girls Getting Ready

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20111002 - Bridesmaids

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20111002 - Portraits of Candice

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20111002 - For the Makeup Artist

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20090811 - Tony and Lynda - Some Work Done

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20111002 - The Ceremony

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20111002 - Signing the Register

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20111002 - Congratulations

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20090811 - At the Villa

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20111002 - Family Groups

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20111002 - In the Vineyard

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20111002 - At the Shed

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20090811 - Before the Ceremony

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20090811 - The Ceremony

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20090811 - After the Ceremony

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20090811 - On the Beach

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20090811 - At the Dinner Table

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20090811 - The Fish Grill

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20090314 - The Ceremony

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20090314 - After the Ceremony

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20090314 - At Perry Lakes

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20090314 - The Reception

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20090124 - Some Work I Have Done

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20090124 - Girls Getting Ready

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20090124 - Boys Getting Ready

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20090124 - Before the Ceremony

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20090124 - The Ceremony

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20090124 - Signing the Register

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20090124 - After the Ceremony

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20090124 - Formal Family Photos

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20090124 - Bridal Party

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20090124 - The Reception

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20081214 - Before the Ceremony

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20081214 - The Ceremony

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20081214 - Signing the Register

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20081214 - After the Ceremony

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20081214 - Before the Reception

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20081214 - The Reception

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20081214 - The Speeches

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20081214 - Cutting the Cake

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20081214 - Dancing

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20081214 - Saying Goodbye

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20081214 - After they Left

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20081214 - With some Post-Processing

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20080503 - Some I have Worked on

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20080503 - Before the Ceremony

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20080503 - The Ceremony

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2080503 - The Car

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20080503 - After the Ceremony

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20080503 - The Guests

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20080503 - In the Church

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20080503 - At the Park

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20061111 - At the House

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20061111 - Before the Ceremony

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20061111 - The Ceremony

2010 Random Insanity :

2010 Random Insanity

Updated: Oct 31, 2010 5:40am PST

2009 Random Insanity : Just stuff that doesn't have any other place...

2009 Random Insanity

Just stuff that doesn't have any other place...

Updated: Apr 27, 2009 4:08am PST

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20061111 - After the Ceremony

2008 Random Insanity : Just stuff...

2008 Random Insanity

Just stuff...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 12:32am PST

2007 Random Insanity : Just stuff...

2007 Random Insanity

Just stuff...

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 12:38am PST

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20061111 - Bush Pictures

2006 Random Insanity : Madness and Insanity from our children in our day-to-day lives...

2006 Random Insanity

Madness and Insanity from our children in our day-to-day lives...

Updated: Feb 20, 2009 8:03pm PST

20130101 - New Year Pups : Ace had to stay home since he hasn't had his required jabs yet, but Pippin went for a well-loved walk to the local soccer grounds where we found a tennis ball that he loved to run with! He LOVES to run fast! Ace, not so much, yet. He loves to sleep on the cold laundry floor.

20130101 - New Year Pups

Ace had to stay home since he hasn't had his required jabs yet, but Pi ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2013 4:58pm PST

20130102 - Pippin at the Beach :

20130102 - Pippin at the Beach

Updated: Jan 15, 2013 5:32pm PST

Ashley Growing up : Our big girl gets bigger and bigger by the day...

Ashley Growing up

Our big girl gets bigger and bigger by the day...

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 8:45am PST

20101024 - Ashley's 10th Rollerblading Birthday : Ashley's birthday party was held at Rollerways Roller Rink, and she and her friends had great fun. There weren't many at the party because hers clashed with another in her class, and some couldn't come, but it was enough to make fun. She got new rollerblades for her birthday and so really enjoyed using them for the first time. Jason got her the shiny front wheel for each of them, which was a hit too. She looked pretty glam out on the floor, particularly when the lights were low...

20101024 - Ashley's 10th Rollerblading Birthday

Ashley's birthday party was held at Rollerways Roller Rink, and she an ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2010 7:50am PST

20091024 - Ashley's 9th Birthday Party : Ashley's birthday party was an intimate but bumper affair. She had only three friends, plus her family for movies (G-Force in 3D), an hour at Timezone and dinner at Sizzler's. And then afterwards, the girls stayed over for a sleepover. Talk about milking it! She was spoiled and had a ball! As it should be when it's your birthday.

20091024 - Ashley's 9th Birthday Party

Ashley's birthday party was an intimate but bumper affair. She had on ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2009 5:15am PST

Ashley's 8th Birthday Party : Ashley had another Movie/Sleepover party with five of her best friends. Only two slept over, but with the games, dancing, music, giggling, loads of sugar and a walking Scavenger Hunt, there was much noise and merriment, and everyone seemed to have lots of fun. Happy Birthday, Ashley.

Ashley's 8th Birthday Party

Ashley had another Movie/Sleepover party with five of her best friends ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2008 5:59pm PST

Ashley's 7th Birthday Party : Ashley's 7th birthday party was a swimming party. Unfortunately, it rained, but the children still swam anyway, because fortunately it wasn't stormy. They had great fun, although it was a bit cold when they all got out. Ashley loved all the fuss, and is very happy to have had all her friends around tp share her birthday celebration. Thanks to all of you for coming.

Ashley's 7th Birthday Party

Ashley's 7th birthday party was a swimming party. Unfortunately, it r ...

Updated: Oct 27, 2007 6:25pm PST

20061027 - Ashley's 6th Birthday Party : Ashley had a movie/sleepover birthday party with four friends. Rebecca and Lucy slept over and all the girls had a great time. They watched Curious George and countless My Little Pony episodes before going to bed rather late for little ones.

20061027 - Ashley's 6th Birthday Party

Ashley had a movie/sleepover birthday party with four friends. Rebecc ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2006 2:25am PST

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Ashley's Sixth Month

Updated: Oct 28, 2006 2:35am PST

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Ashley's Fifth Month

Ashley's fifth Month (24th February - 23rd March) She starts eating s ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2006 5:53am PST

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Ashley's Fourth Month

Ashley's Fourth Month (24th January - 23rd February) She figures out ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2006 5:14am PST

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Ashley till three months

Ashley's first days till three months.

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 7:53am PST

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Pregnancy and Ultrasounds

The very early days...

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 7:05am PST

Ashley's Art :

Ashley's Art

Updated: Jun 07, 2009 4:45pm PST

20060620 - Tony's Pics of the Kids : These photographs were all taken by Tony Hopkins who was in the WA Camera Club with me. He took these while we were on a camera club outing to the Kalamunda History Village. Thanks very much Tony, they are charming!

20060620 - Tony's Pics of the Kids

These photographs were all taken by Tony Hopkins who was in the WA Cam ...

Updated: Jun 20, 2006 8:24am PST

Jason Growing Up : Our little boy growing up...

Jason Growing Up

Our little boy growing up...

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 8:55am PST

20080706 - Jason's 7th Birthday Party : Jason's party was at Timezone, a video game arcade. All the kids had great fun and seemed to really lap it all up. Most of them knew how to play all the games and scored points to use afterwards to buy some junk loot. Afterwards we went down to the park and the boys kicked the ball around till their parents fetched them. We were extremely lucky to have good weather, which is never guaranteed at this time of the year.

20080706 - Jason's 7th Birthday Party

Jason's party was at Timezone, a video game arcade. All the kids had ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 5:10am PST

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20080706 - Jason's 6th Birthday Party

Jason had his party at Jungle Gym and had a ball with his friends. It ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2008 5:57am PST

20070706 - Jason's 5th Birthday Party : Jason's party was held at The Beach House, an indoor playground in our local area. He and Ashley had loads of fun and were thoroughly exhausted afterwards. Jason was also totaly spoiled by everyone, and now has more cars than he can wave a stick at. He's very pleased about that, of course!

20070706 - Jason's 5th Birthday Party

Jason's party was held at The Beach House, an indoor playground in our ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2007 5:49am PST

Jason's 4th Birthday Party : Jason had his birthday party at Vital Gymnastics, where he goes to lessons. He loves it there and everyone had great fun. Thanks to everyone for coming and for the wonderful gifts... I loved having you there.

Jason's 4th Birthday Party

Jason had his birthday party at Vital Gymnastics, where he goes to les ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2006 6:50am PST

Jason's 2nd Birthday Party : For Jason's 2nd birthday, we made an eggless, milkless, butterless cake, and it turned out rather well.

Jason's 2nd Birthday Party

For Jason's 2nd birthday, we made an eggless, milkless, butterless cak ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2006 7:16am PST

Jason's 1st Birthday Party :

Jason's 1st Birthday Party

Updated: Jul 09, 2006 7:01am PST

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Jason's Fourth and Fifth Months

Updated: Apr 20, 2006 6:58am PST

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Jason's Third Month

Updated: Apr 20, 2006 7:43am PST

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Jason till Two Months

Updated: Apr 11, 2006 7:40am PST

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Pregnancy and Ultrasounds

The very, very early days.

Updated: Apr 11, 2006 6:53am PST

20121229 - Pippin and his New Brother Ace : Pippin's loving his new live-in friend and brother. They play together all the time until they are exhausted and Pippin retreats to his bed, while Ace sleeps in the laundry.

20121229 - Pippin and his New Brother Ace

Pippin's loving his new live-in friend and brother. They play together ...

Updated: Dec 29, 2012 12:08am PST

20121224 - Christmas Eve :

20121224 - Christmas Eve

Updated: Dec 28, 2012 11:18pm PST

2012120 - Pippin's First Beach Visit :

2012120 - Pippin's First Beach Visit

Updated: Dec 22, 2012 9:50pm PST

20121212 - Pippin's First Walk : Today we took Pippin for his first walk outside the house. He's been all over in the car, but this is the first time in the road in our neighbourhood. Although he wasn't sure whether he really liked the leash at first, it wasn't long before he ignored it and just went crazy! It was all so fun and exciting!

20121212 - Pippin's First Walk

Today we took Pippin for his first walk outside the house. He's been ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 12:48am PST

20121211 - Pippin's Tricks (Videos) : Our little guy is turning out to be soooo clever. He learns very quickly, and already has a few tricks up his sleeve!

20121211 - Pippin's Tricks (Videos)

Our little guy is turning out to be soooo clever. He learns very quic ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 3:25am PST

20121209 - Pippin Gets Wet : Today Pippin went walking with Ashley inside the pool area, and tried to walk across from the deep end. After a surprised start, he swam the whole length of the pool to clamber out at the shallow end. He didn't particularly like it, but raced around like a lunatic afterwards to get dry. He looked like a total drowned rat, and of course, much skinnier than usual. We decided to try and let him swim with the kids in the pool, which he didn't particularly appreciate. We'll have to work on that. Once he got too cold, we took him out and gave him a warm bath, which also wasn't his favourite thing, so we shall have to work on that too. After he dried off and got a brush (also not much on his top list of Things to Do Today), he looked so cute and fluffy and clean all over again!

20121209 - Pippin Gets Wet

Today Pippin went walking with Ashley inside the pool area, and tried ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 1:21am PST

20121120 - Pippin Comes to Our House : Today we got our new puppy, a 10-week old Cavoodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mum and a black Toy Poodle dad. He's very cute, and now we need a name for him. We are trying to decide what sort of guy he looks like. Names we have discarded include Fudge, Coffee, Toffee, Button.

20121120 - Pippin Comes to Our House

Today we got our new puppy, a 10-week old Cavoodle with a Cavalier Kin ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2012 6:59pm PST

20121229 - Ace is Settling in : Ace and Pippin absolutely adore each other, and play together all the time, until both are exhausted, whereupon Ace retreats to the cold floor of the laundry, or the cold silver feet of the kitchen bar stools to sleep!

20121229 - Ace is Settling in

Ace and Pippin absolutely adore each other, and play together all the ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2012 11:30pm PST

20121224 - Ace by the Pool : Christmas eve was a really hot day so we ended up in the pool in the late afternoon. Ace loves lying in the wet (he keeps tipping over his water bowl), so he thought it was marvellous sleeping out by the pool!

20121224 - Ace by the Pool

Christmas eve was a really hot day so we ended up in the pool in the l ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2012 11:25pm PST

20121223 - Fetching Ace : We were going to call the puppy Nanuk (Inuit or Eskimo for Polar Bear), but Jason has decided he doesn't like the name and prefers Ace. We all quite like that too, so now have to get used to a whole different name, after him having one night as Nanuk! He's very cute and slept very well for his first night with us.

20121223 - Fetching Ace

We were going to call the puppy Nanuk (Inuit or Eskimo for Polar Bear) ...

Updated: Dec 23, 2012 5:13am PST

20121209 - Samoyed Pups at 5.5 Weeks : Our little guy will be one of these little bundles of joy...

20121209 - Samoyed Pups at 5.5 Weeks

Our little guy will be one of these little bundles of joy...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 4:13am PST

20121125 - Samoyed Pups at 3.5 Weeks : The lady who bred the puppies is sending us updates on their progress, and this is the litter at three and a half weeks. We don't know yet which will be ours.

20121125 - Samoyed Pups at 3.5 Weeks

The lady who bred the puppies is sending us updates on their progress, ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 2:24am PST

20121117 - Samoyed Pups at 2 Weeks : Today we took a drive down to Mandurah to look at a littler of Samoyed puppies that Jason and John want to get for Jason for Christmas. They all looked like little helpless polar bears. Their mum, dad and brother from a previous litter were all there, and they were gorgeous. The dogs didn't seem to totally adversely affect Jason's sinuses, although both kids were slightly sniffy on the way home.

20121117 - Samoyed Pups at 2 Weeks

Today we took a drive down to Mandurah to look at a littler of Samoyed ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 2:22am PST

Cino growing up : Our Pretty Birman Kitty growing up.

Cino growing up

Our Pretty Birman Kitty growing up.

Updated: Feb 04, 2008 11:54pm PST

Cino, Prince Juan :

Cino, Prince Juan

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 12:52am PST

20110915 - A New Home for Zeus : Today I had to take our big fluffy boy to his new home in Bullsbrook. He will be living with Joan, a lovely lady who recently lost her old dog, a companion of 14 years, and who would love another dog to keep her company. Zeus is an older dog who she will be able to cope with, and I hope he gives her as much love and joy as he did for us. We will visit him when we return from New Zealand, but in the meantime, I am sure he will LOVE his new home. He is with Joan in her house on the corner of a much larger property where there are two other newfies, and horses. Joan's friend, Pat was the lady who bred Zeus in the first place, and who still owns Zeus' brother, Phoenix. Pat and Phoenix were there to welcome Zeus to his new home, and they got on very well right from the start. Zeus found a few bones to chew on and went for a big adventuring walk around the garden. There is plenty to do and see and lots of space, so I am sure he will be in his element. It was very sad to say goodbye to him, but I know he is in good hands, and I am sure he will enjoy his new life in a bigger garden with a new friend! Much love to Zeus. And to Joan - many thanks for providing our big boy with a new home!

20110915 - A New Home for Zeus

Today I had to take our big fluffy boy to his new home in Bullsbrook. ...

Updated: Sep 15, 2011 3:59am PST

20120730 - A Visit to Zeus :

20120730 - A Visit to Zeus

Updated: Sep 17, 2012 5:12am PST

Zeus, Our Big Boy :

Zeus, Our Big Boy

Updated: Dec 12, 2012 2:14am PST

Self-Portraits : Self-Portraits for Fun.

Self-Portraits

Self-Portraits for Fun.

Updated: Nov 17, 2011 5:27pm PST

20100117 - Nana's 102nd Birthday : Nana's 102nd birthday party was held at David's house and Nana was brought out of her nursing home to take part. It was a very hot day, so we mostly sheltered inside, but the kids did play in the pool.

20100117 - Nana's 102nd Birthday

Nana's 102nd birthday party was held at David's house and Nana was bro ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2012 12:52am PST

20090120 - Nana's 101st Birthday : And now she's even 101!

20090120 - Nana's 101st Birthday

And now she's even 101!

Updated: Mar 14, 2009 7:43pm PST

20090101 - Visit to Nana for New Year :

20090101 - Visit to Nana for New Year

Updated: Jan 15, 2012 1:07am PST

20080120 - Nana's 100th Birthday Party : So, Nana is 100! We had a party at David's house (John's cousin, who's dad is also David and John's mom's brother). There was a big buffet lunch and then afterwards al lot of the kids went into the beautiful big pool. It was a lovely day and the weather was good to us (not too incredibly hot).

20080120 - Nana's 100th Birthday Party

So, Nana is 100! We had a party at David's house (John's cousin, who' ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2008 4:18pm PST

Living Area : The big open-plan family room, kitchen and dining room makes for a very cosy evening family atmosphere. We got a nice big plasma screen and decent couch for the family room, and now just need a decent dining room set...

Living Area

The big open-plan family room, kitchen and dining room makes for a ver ...

Updated: Feb 02, 2007 5:16am PST

Theatre Room : John's Dream has finally come true and we have a dedicated movie theatre room with big screen, surround sound, a projector and recliners. Can a boy be any happier? This room also doubles as the formal lounge with fireplace. (And from what I see, it's a cat's life around THIS house!)

Theatre Room

John's Dream has finally come true and we have a dedicated movie theat ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2008 5:52pm PST

20061225 - Pool Water Feature : So, because we were so very lucky and managed to get our paving before Christmas (I am still so happy about that, I could just BUST!), we have been working very hard to get our water feature, statue and accompanying 'tropical' garden organised near the pool. It's still a bit juvenile and the plants still need to grow A LOT, but we are quite pleased with the progress. It is so nice out by the pool now, and the added umbrella really helps to make it more pleasant!

20061225 - Pool Water Feature

So, because we were so very lucky and managed to get our paving before ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2006 3:52am PST

20061219 - Paving Near the Pool : Today we got our paving in. With expectations that we may spend Christmas in a complete disastrous mess of a backyard, we had a lucky score when the pavers needed to fill in with a smallish job, which ours was, for their last day of work before Christmas! It's like a dream come true and the best Christmas present we could have had!

20061219 - Paving Near the Pool

Today we got our paving in. With expectations that we may spend Chris ...

Updated: Dec 19, 2006 6:00am PST

0061122 & 24 - Front Garden Plants :

0061122 & 24 - Front Garden Plants

Updated: Nov 24, 2006 8:00pm PST

20061104 - Driveway Crossover Installed : 'Jimmy' the sub-contractor from the council, came to put our driveway crossover in. We had it done in cream to match our driveway so we hope it actually comes out that colour when it dries! (Atually it has, and almost matches exactly!)

20061104 - Driveway Crossover Installed

'Jimmy' the sub-contractor from the council, came to put our driveway ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2006 7:29am PST

20061126 - More Curtains :

20061126 - More Curtains

Updated: Nov 26, 2006 4:44am PST

20061102 - Paving and Shed :

20061102 - Paving and Shed

Updated: Nov 02, 2006 2:21am PST

20060915 - Installing the Pool Shell : They brought the pool in through the rear fence where there is luckily still an empty block to maneouvre on. They had to lower it a couple of times before it was positioned correctly.

20060915 - Installing the Pool Shell

They brought the pool in through the rear fence where there is luckily ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2006 4:43pm PST

20060913 - Digging the Hole for the Pool : Half the fence had to come down to bring a Bobcat in the back yard to dig the hole. Jason and Mom watched avidly.

20060913 - Digging the Hole for the Pool

Half the fence had to come down to bring a Bobcat in the back yard to ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2006 4:27pm PST

20061007 - Settling In : We finally feel there are parts of the inside of the house that are getting straighter and more pleasant, but outside is still a mess, so there will be no further pictures of that just yet...

20061007 - Settling In

We finally feel there are parts of the inside of the house that are ge ...

Updated: Oct 07, 2006 2:30am PST

20060913 - Building the Front Wall : We have had a low wall built around the front garden just to give us some level yard out front.

20060913 - Building the Front Wall

We have had a low wall built around the front garden just to give us s ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2006 4:41pm PST

20060831 - Moved in Mess : FINALLY! We move in!

20060831 - Moved in Mess

FINALLY! We move in!

Updated: Aug 31, 2006 6:54am PST

20060825 - Carpets and Skirtings in Progress :

20060825 - Carpets and Skirtings in Progress

Updated: Aug 31, 2006 6:49am PST

20060823 - Wood Floors in Progress :

20060823 - Wood Floors in Progress

Updated: Aug 23, 2006 8:15am PST

20060713 - Wood Stain Done :

20060713 - Wood Stain Done

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 9:43pm PST

20060712 - Lights in and Painting Started :

20060712 - Lights in and Painting Started

Updated: Aug 12, 2006 3:25am PST

20060706 - Tiling and Counters :

20060706 - Tiling and Counters

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 9:43pm PST

20060413 - Ceilings and White Plaster :

20060413 - Ceilings and White Plaster

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 9:38pm PST

20060203 - Roof Trusses Going Up :

20060203 - Roof Trusses Going Up

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:54pm PST

20060425 - Ceiling Plaster :

20060425 - Ceiling Plaster

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 9:42pm PST

20060401 - Chimney Covering and Grey Plaster :

20060401 - Chimney Covering and Grey Plaster

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 9:37pm PST

20060121 - Internal Walls :

20060121 - Internal Walls

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:53pm PST

20060104 - Walls in Front :

20060104 - Walls in Front

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:47pm PST

20060311 - Roof Completed :

20060311 - Roof Completed

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:56pm PST

20060107 - Almost All Outside :

20060107 - Almost All Outside

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:49pm PST

20060304 - Putting the Roof On :

20060304 - Putting the Roof On

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:56pm PST

20051230 - Side Bathroom Wall :

20051230 - Side Bathroom Wall

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:35pm PST

20060218 - Rafters Nearly Done :

20060218 - Rafters Nearly Done

Updated: Aug 11, 2006 6:55pm PST

20051228 - Rear Bedroom Walls :

20051228 - Rear Bedroom Walls

Updated: Aug 10, 2006 8:57am PST

20051124 - The Slab Cures and 20051211 Bricks Arrive :

20051124 - The Slab Cures and 20051211 Bricks Arrive

Updated: Aug 10, 2006 8:55am PST

20051118 - Slab Lay :

20051118 - Slab Lay

Updated: Aug 10, 2006 8:59am PST

200510 - Empty lot and then stuff happens! :

200510 - Empty lot and then stuff happens!

Updated: Aug 10, 2006 8:54am PST

Watch it Grow : This is a front view of it from the nothing plot it started as, to what it is eventually becoming.

Watch it Grow

This is a front view of it from the nothing plot it started as, to wha ...

Updated: May 24, 2006 7:25am PST

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Our Old House Outside

The garden and outside of our old house

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 8:33am PST

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Our Old House Upstairs

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 8:30am PST

2011 Random Insanity :

2011 Random Insanity

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 3:52pm PST

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Our Old House Downstairs

Our 'Big House' in Gooseberry Hill Downstairs.

Updated: Apr 10, 2006 8:24am PST

McAvoy Family Pictures :

McAvoy Family Pictures

Updated: May 22, 2009 9:55pm PST

201110 - Our New Zealand Home : This is our home in Red Beach, New Zealand. My sister's place is two doors down the road, and my folks live on her property too. All very familial and cosy. You can use 'Map This' to see exactly where we are.

201110 - Our New Zealand Home

This is our home in Red Beach, New Zealand. My sister's place is two ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2011 1:29am PST

20111015 - One Tree Hill and Stardome Observatory and Planetarium : Last time we were in New Zealand, we tried to go to the Observatory and Planetarium (Stardome), but it was closed for renovations, so we decided to give it another try today. It's a very small observatory, but the show was informative and interesting. Afterwards we went for a drive up One Tree Hill, but it was pretty cold and windy, so we didn't stay up there very long!

20111015 - One Tree Hill and Stardome Observatory and Planetarium

Last time we were in New Zealand, we tried to go to the Observatory an ...

Updated: Oct 15, 2011 2:35pm PST

20111023 - Puhoi and Matakana : We took a drive out to Puhoi and then on to Matakana, with the intention of going to the Matakana Markets. Unfortunately it was a Sunday, and the markets are only open on Saturdays. We had a nice lunch at the pub where there was a sheep shearing competition going on, and took a walk up to the lookout above Puhoi, which was a good bit of exercise and had great views. All in all, a good day out with all four of the kids. Unfortunately, Ashley left her camera hanging on the playground equipment at Puhoi, and by the time we got back there from Matakana, it was gone, so that wasn't a great end to the day. She also bashed her face on the playground bar, and then burned her finger when we came home, while baking caramel cakes for dessert! Poor little thing!

20111023 - Puhoi and Matakana

We took a drive out to Puhoi and then on to Matakana, with the intenti ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2011 2:51pm PST

20111024 - Tree Adventures : It was a public holiday in New Zealand today, as well as the last day of the school holidays, and Ashley's birthday. We decided to treat the whole family to an afternoon out in the forest doing some Tree Adventuring. It's like the High Ropes Course at Hilary's Boat Harbour in Perth, but they have 9 courses to choose from, and you get to do four for a single price. We did courses 3-6 so they were suitable for small people who can't reach too high, but still a bit challenging for us big people. It was an exhausting, but fun afternoon out, and the forest is really pretty so it was very mellow. Ash had great fun. I can't believe she is 11 already! Seems like just yesterday that she came into the world!

20111024 - Tree Adventures

It was a public holiday in New Zealand today, as well as the last day ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2011 12:54am PST

20111030 - National Judo Championships : On this Sunday morning we went to watch Cameron compete in the National Judo Championships. He fought two bouts in his weight category and two bouts in the open category. Unfortunately he lost his fights, but his last bout gave the other guys a run for his money. It was a great opportunity for Jason to see how a competition like this is run.

20111030 - National Judo Championships

On this Sunday morning we went to watch Cameron compete in the Nationa ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2011 1:58am PST

20111105 -Guy Fawks Fireworks : Unlike in Perth, fireworks haven't been banned in Auckland, so Guy Fawks is still alive and well, and celebrated in great style. We went down to the local town where there was a reasonable fireworks show to be seen, but there were also many fireworks going off from gardens around our house. The one in town was probably not extremely impressive, but it was nice enough to make for a colourful show for us. Getting home through the traffic wasn't a lot of fun though!

20111105 -Guy Fawks Fireworks

Unlike in Perth, fireworks haven't been banned in Auckland, so Guy Faw ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2011 1:27am PST

20111120 - Walk at Arkles Bay : It was really windy and cold all weekend and we spent most of Saturday in the houe having a very lazy day. By Sunday we were a bit cabin-feverish, so decided to take a short drive to Arkles Bay on the other side of the peninsular, and go for a bit of a walk around the cliffs. It was a great way to shake out some of the sillies!

20111120 - Walk at Arkles Bay

It was really windy and cold all weekend and we spent most of Saturday ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2011 1:22am PST

20111106 - Tree Adventures (again) : Today was Tracy's birthday and her family nominated to go to Tree Adventures for a bit of climbing fun, so we joined them again. I didn't climb this time, but John and the kids did, so I was left to take pictures. It was a great day climbing and John and Ashley were able to do two courses that were higher than the ones we did last time, and this time included a lot more flying fox runs.

20111106 - Tree Adventures (again)

Today was Tracy's birthday and her family nominated to go to Tree Adve ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2011 11:13pm PST

20111127 - Muriwai Gannet Colony : This was my birthday and I decided I wanted to get out to Muriwai to see the gannets, before their spring chicks grew too big. We have been there before, a few years ago, and the babies were already quite sizeable, with their adolescent feathers already appearing, and I was hoping for tinier, fluffier babies. Well, they WERE a little younger, but not as young as I would have liked. Should have made the effort a few weeks ago already! Ah, well. We saw some paragliders there, who seemed to be taking their lives into their own hands by flying very close to the cliffs. The wind was mostly steady, but occsional gusts made it seem a bit dangerous to us! We watched for a while until it became a bit of a worry that we might see something that was not child-appropriate for real life, and then headed off to see the birds. There were a lot of little Tui's (small native birds) in the flax plants, which made for interesting photography. And we failed to see the fabulous Blowhole at work because the tide was too low. On the way home we stopped at the historic Riverhead Tavern for a quick milkshake with the kids, and then headed home to get back in time for an evening Flippaball game and the family around for a curry dinner at our house. They all surprised me with a birthday cake too, which was great All in all a very enjoyable day for me, although I think the family just tolerated the nature outing on my account. Thanks to them!

20111127 - Muriwai Gannet Colony

This was my birthday and I decided I wanted to get out to Muriwai to s ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2011 12:42am PST

20111204 - Walk Around Red Beach Rocks : As part of Jason's school Homelink Challenges, he had the option of taking a low tide walk around the Red Beach cliffs from Red Beach to Orewa Beach with the family. We left at about 9:30am, right on low tide, and it was a very pleasant walk. It began raining as we were on the way home through the suburbs (the cliffs get blocked as the tide comes in), and then it rained for the rest of the day, so we were lucky to get out when we did.

20111204 - Walk Around Red Beach Rocks

As part of Jason's school Homelink Challenges, he had the option of ta ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2011 2:30pm PST

20111210 - Walk at Wenderholm : Today we had intended on taking a walk at Shakespeare Park, but it was very windy and unpleasant, so Tim suggested Wenderholm as an alternative, where there is a sheltered walk in the forest down to a sheltered beach. All in all it was a very pleasant morning.

20111210 - Walk at Wenderholm

Today we had intended on taking a walk at Shakespeare Park, but it was ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2011 12:00am PST

20111211 - Water Polo Fun : We've been down at the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre every Sunday night for the term, as the kids have been playing Flippaball. Tonight was the end of the children's Flippaball term, and afterwards they had a 'for-fun' adults water polo game. There were A LOT more parents in the pool than they had anticipated, but it was just as well so that we had lots of subs to give us all a chance to breathe. It was great fun, but many of us found it to be a lot more tiring than we'd imagined. I thought it only fair that I give it a go, since I have been 'coaching' the kids all term and yelling at them from the side of the pool. Hopefully next year we will get a proper coach for the team who actually knows what they are talking about! (Photos courtesy of one of the other parents - Hannah Blair.)

20111211 - Water Polo Fun

We've been down at the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre every Sunday night ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2011 12:02am PST

20111214 - Ashley's School Graduation : NZ kids start school in year 1 a year earlier than the Australian year 1, and then finish primary school in year 6 before going on to Intermediate school. Ashley went from year 5 in Aus, to year 6 in NZ, and has now graduated from primary school. Next year she will move on to the Intermediate school, which is for years 7 and 8 at the high school, but separated from the older high school year groups. Terribly confusing.

20111214 - Ashley's School Graduation

NZ kids start school in year 1 a year earlier than the Australian year ...

Updated: Dec 14, 2011 9:08pm PST

20111216 - Dead on Time Murder Mystery : For my birthday, the kids gave me a murder mystery game where a murder has been committed on a Trans-Siberian Russian train. We had a dinner party for the family and Jo and Dave and it was great fun, the best parts being the terribly inconsistent attempts at various accents that invariably resulted in hysterics. Thanks all for helping make it a great evening.

20111216 - Dead on Time Murder Mystery

For my birthday, the kids gave me a murder mystery game where a murder ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2011 1:28pm PST

20111217 - Walk on Red Beach with Granny and Grampa : The weather had been a bit grubby, so when it cleared for a while, we went for a walk down to the nearby Red Beach with my mom and dad.

20111217 - Walk on Red Beach with Granny and Grampa

The weather had been a bit grubby, so when it cleared for a while, we ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2012 10:08pm PST

20111221 - One Tree Hill with Helen : Helen just got out from Perth for Christmas with her family and we met up with them at Helen's mum's place for a great lunch and a walk up One Tree Hill. Thanks, Helen for a great day.

20111221 - One Tree Hill with Helen

Helen just got out from Perth for Christmas with her family and we met ...

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 10:31pm PST

20111225 - Christmas Day at the Beach : The day before Christmas, John hurt his back trying to fix my computer, so he was flat on his back for a few days. In the morning we walked to Tim and Tracy's to open presents, and then he couldn't get back there for lunch, so we brought him lunch to our house. After lunch, the kids went down to the beach with their new boogie boards, wetsuits and the new boat that Santa brought for Amy and Cameron. The wetsuits mean they were able to stay in the water much longer than usual, and had an absolute ball!

20111225 - Christmas Day at the Beach

The day before Christmas, John hurt his back trying to fix my computer ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2012 10:25pm PST

20111226 - Boxing Day at the Estuary and some Kiting : On Boxing Day we took the kids and the dogs down to the Orewa Estuary to have a run on the low tide mud flats. Bali was such a little guy and didn't seem happy by being wet and cold. But he survived and then flaked out afterwards. Chilli seemed happy enough. Ashley tried her hand at paddleboarding and did pretty well. Then we went home for lunch, and afterwards went down to Red Beach for some swimming and Tim helped the kids learn how to control a training kite, since they say they want to learn to kitesurf.

20111226 - Boxing Day at the Estuary and some Kiting

On Boxing Day we took the kids and the dogs down to the Orewa Estuary ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2012 10:40pm PST

20111231 - New Year's Eve : We went to Tim and Tracy's for New Year's eve. The kids made a fire and some damper bread and then we did sparklers for them when it was kids' midnight. The adults played some pool (Killer) and also Cam's new Christmas board game. We also all managed to make it to midnight, which was a major breakthrough.

20111231 - New Year's Eve

We went to Tim and Tracy's for New Year's eve. The kids made a fire a ...

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 10:44pm PST

20120102 - Auckland Museum : Today we went to the museum to solve a murder mystery. It was great fun and we followed the clues through various rooms, reading information about a lot of animals, plants and other poisonous creatures. The whole day was very interesting, and we also had a light lunch in the cafeteria before walking through the Sensory Garden near where our car was parked.

20120102 - Auckland Museum

Today we went to the museum to solve a murder mystery. It was great f ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 8:32pm PST

20120103 - Lunch at Long Bay : Today was our fourteenth wedding anniversary, and John and I took the kids for lunch at Long Bay. We had a very pleasant walk on the beach around the cliffs, and then lunch at the cafe on the front of the beach. We had great weather for it too. While we were eating the wind came up and blew one of the umbrellas off the table and onto a car below the cafe balcony. The seagulls who were all trying to scavenge off the tables got a really big fright! All in all a lovely day out.

20120103 - Lunch at Long Bay

Today was our fourteenth wedding anniversary, and John and I took the ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 10:25pm PST

20120105 - Skate Park and Wharf Jumping : Today we took the boys down to the Skate Park at the Orewa Estuary, and Bali went for his first foray in the estuary mud and water. He got very wet and cold and generally quite miserable. Everyone else had fun, though! Later, at high tide, we went down to the estuary bridge to do some wharf jumping. Even I got myself rigged in a wetsuit and jumped in too! Then we all got into the rubber ducky and floated down to the river mouth by sunset. (Wharf jumping and river floating pictures of me are courtesy of John and Tracy.)

20120105 - Skate Park and Wharf Jumping

Today we took the boys down to the Skate Park at the Orewa Estuary, an ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2012 3:11pm PST

20120106 - At the Dog Beach : We took the kids and dogs down to the beach during the holidays to encourage Bali to get used to the water and to give them all a run out. It was a fun and relaxing morning out.

20120106 - At the Dog Beach

We took the kids and dogs down to the beach during the holidays to enc ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2012 3:31pm PST

20120109 - Tim Kitesurfing and Kids Boogieboarding : Today I took the kids for a walk to the beach, and we coincidentally saw Tim doing some kitesurfing out there. After he got home, he took the kids to the beach for a bit of a boogieboard.

20120109 - Tim Kitesurfing and Kids Boogieboarding

Today I took the kids for a walk to the beach, and we coincidentally s ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2012 1:10am PST

20120111 - The Dog Beach Again : Down to the beach again today to try and get Bali used to it. But it's all just too cold and wet for this young pup!

20120111 - The Dog Beach Again

Down to the beach again today to try and get Bali used to it. But it' ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2012 4:30pm PST

20120114 - Dogs at Lynda and Tony's Place : We went out to Tony and Linda's place for a BBQ and they have a lovely property where all their dogs can really run wild!

20120114 - Dogs at Lynda and Tony's Place

We went out to Tony and Linda's place for a BBQ and they have a lovely ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2012 5:03pm PST

20120115 - Sunset Walk on Red Beach : In the late evening we went for a daylight savings walk on the low tide beach at sunset. Bali is getting more confident in the cold near the water now, and the kids do love walking with us on the beach.

20120115 - Sunset Walk on Red Beach

In the late evening we went for a daylight savings walk on the low tid ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2012 5:06pm PST

20120116 - Visit from Helen and Kids : Helen has been visiting in New Zealand from Perth and it was great to catch up with familiar faces from home. She and the kids came out to the Snow Planet to do some skiing for the day. It's right near our place, so they dropped by afterwards for some afternoon tea and a walk down to the beach. It was lovely to see them again!

20120116 - Visit from Helen and Kids

Helen has been visiting in New Zealand from Perth and it was great to ...

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 9:28pm PST

20120119 - Walk at Waiwera : On Wed 18th, I took the kids for a low tide walk around Mahurangi Island at Waiwera. Unfortunately we had got there just a touch late, and the water was coming back in and would be too deep to walk all that way. So we tried it again on Thurs 19th and had more luck. We walked out on the outgoing tide, and then came back with it as it turned. We saw lots of oyster catchers out by the island, and many were nesting and/or had young. The divebombed us and shouted at us as we walked near. They were definitely not very happy with us being so close to their babies! On the way home, the boys dug a big hole in the mud.

20120119 - Walk at Waiwera

On Wed 18th, I took the kids for a low tide walk around Mahurangi Isla ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2012 12:07am PST

20120120 - Auckland Zoo : During the school holidays, I took the kids to the zoo. It was a lovely day out, and to keep the kids interested and paying attention, they had a few clues to follow and answers to find. The prize at the end was an ice block (the Australian Icy Pole). Even so, by the end of the day, everyone was a bit fractious as we all got tired and hot. There were lots of gorgeous animals to be seen, and the enclosures were all very attractive.

20120120 - Auckland Zoo

During the school holidays, I took the kids to the zoo. It was a love ...

Updated: Jan 29, 2012 12:02pm PST

20120125 - Takeaways with Ali and Eard : Aunty Ali and Uncle Eard arrived from South Africa yesterday and so we had a big family takeaway dinner at Tracy's place to celebrate and say hello. Bali and Chilli were invited too, of course.

20120125 - Takeaways with Ali and Eard

Aunty Ali and Uncle Eard arrived from South Africa yesterday and so we ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 7:22pm PST

20120128 - Portraits of Bean : Lynda and Tony brought Bean to Tracy's for the BBQ and she's very photogenic.

20120128 - Portraits of Bean

Lynda and Tony brought Bean to Tracy's for the BBQ and she's very phot ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 6:52pm PST

20120128 - BBQ at Tracy's : Tony and Lynda wanted to repeat the BBQ that was cut short last time at their house, so this time we did it at Tracy's place.

20120128 - BBQ at Tracy's

Tony and Lynda wanted to repeat the BBQ that was cut short last time a ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 7:01pm PST

20120129 - Wenderholm Walk : Since it was a windy day, we decided to go to Wenderholm for a walk and a picnic lunch. Aunty Ali and Uncle Eard came with us for the walk and then went adventuring while we picnicked. The kids even went into the river water. Brrr, it was cold!

20120129 - Wenderholm Walk

Since it was a windy day, we decided to go to Wenderholm for a walk an ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 6:51pm PST

20120130 - The Orewa Big Dig : The Orewa Big Dig is an annual event where the kids pay to dig on the beach to find tickets and win prizes. Eveyrone who finds a ticket, wins a small prize, with a maximum of three per child. The girls never found any, but Cam found one, and Ashley found two. All tickets go into a draw to win bigger prizes, and Cam's ticket won him a cricket set, while one of Jason's won him some video vouchers, a big hat, a bike carrybag, some toiletries and free coffees. He wasn't impressed there was nothing exciting for him. It was a fun but hot and sandy morning out.

20120130 - The Orewa Big Dig

The Orewa Big Dig is an annual event where the kids pay to dig on the ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2012 12:06pm PST

20120131 - Boys and Dogs at the Park : Since the girls have gone back to school and the boys are still home on holidays, we took them for a walk with the dogs to the park. They did some pretty dangerous jumping off of moving swings while we were there, but seemed to have fun. Bali made friends with some new dogs too, although Chilli stil barked at them as if he owned the whole park!

20120131 - Boys and Dogs at the Park

Since the girls have gone back to school and the boys are still home o ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2012 2:31am PST

20120218 - Lake Rotarua in the Morning : After a longer-than-expected journey to Rotarua on Friday night, we spent the night at the Cedarwood Resort, in Holden's Bay, right next to the Rotarua Lake. Saturday morning dawned bright, clear and warm and it was a gorgeous morning down by the lake. I went for a walk with Aunty Ali and Uncle Eard, but there were no fish to be caught.

20120218 - Lake Rotarua in the Morning

After a longer-than-expected journey to Rotarua on Friday night, we sp ...

Updated: Feb 19, 2012 12:32am PST

20120218 - Orakei Korako Thermal Park : After breakfast we took a (longer-than-expected) drive to see the Artist's Palette at Orakei Korako. It's a geothermal park just south of Rotarua, and you can only get to it on a small boat that takes you there to stay for as long as you want to be there. It was a very pleasant walk up the valley to see all the bubbling mud and coloured algae growing in the warm waters. And it wasn't even all that smelly!

20120218 - Orakei Korako Thermal Park

After breakfast we took a (longer-than-expected) drive to see the Arti ...

Updated: Feb 19, 2012 1:50am PST

20120219 - Rotarua Redwood Forest : First thing in the morning there were a lot of seagulls on the jetty on the lake. The stillness of the air was simply beautiful. After breakfast we headed to the Redwood Grove just outside of Rotarua. The walk through the trees was beautiful. They are wonderfully majestic and very large trees. Afterwards we said goodbye to mom, dad, Ali and Eard, and headed off for our own day up the gondola mountain.

20120219 - Rotarua Redwood Forest

First thing in the morning there were a lot of seagulls on the jetty o ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2012 2:45am PST

20120219 - Gondola and Luge : We took a ride up the gondola and went for two rides down the mountain on the luges. The kids had great fun.

20120219 - Gondola and Luge

We took a ride up the gondola and went for two rides down the mountain ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2012 12:45am PST

20120219 - Riding the Zorb : The kids were so excited to give the Zorb a try, so we indulged them, despite the price. It did look rather fun, but over so quickly... They both went into the Zorb together with a puddle of water to slosh around in, so they didn't have to be strapped into a harness. They both came out wanting to go straight back up and do it again. After the Zorb ride, we hit the road for the 3-hour long drive back to Red Beach.

20120219 - Riding the Zorb

The kids were so excited to give the Zorb a try, so we indulged them, ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2012 2:09am PST

20120205 - Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium : Today we took a trip to Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in Auckland. It prides itself on its great collection of penguins and has a lot of information about the Antarctic and the various expeditions that have gone there. The penguins were very cute, and we had to view them from inside a snow van. It's too cold to have tourists walking among them...! There were a lot of sharks too, and we could view them from within a perspex tunnel - the first of its kind in the world - where we travelled on a conveyor belt to pass through the tank. All in all a great day out.

20120205 - Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Today we took a trip to Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in Auckland. It prid ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2012 11:49pm PST

20120211 - Walk at Shakespear Park : We took a drive out to Shakespear Park and walked up the hill to the lookout. The views of the gulf are beautiful from up there and the solitude and peace feels beautiful. Grazing sheep and rolling meadows are a great recipe for a relaxing walk.

20120211 - Walk at Shakespear Park

We took a drive out to Shakespear Park and walked up the hill to the l ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2012 12:28pm PST

20120212 - Rainbow's End : We took a trip to Rainbow's End which is an adventure theme park sort of like Adventure World in Perth, but without the wet slides. This is all rollercoasters and adrenaline! The kids loved it, and the park wasn't crowded as the morning had started with a very light rain. As such, we got to ride on whatever we wanted with very little queueing. Some things got a real good running over by the kids as they went many times without having to wait! A very rewarding and fun day for all, and we were glad we went when the weather was cool and the place was near-empty!

20120212 - Rainbow's End

We took a trip to Rainbow's End which is an adventure theme park sort ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2012 12:35am PST

20120221 - Orewa College Swimming Carnival : Ashley swam in four events at the swimming carnival. 25m and 100m in freestyle and breaststroke. She got into the finals for all four. She came 4th in the 25m breaststroke, 6th in the 25m freestyle, and was unfortunately disqualified from the 50m breaststroke for an incorrect turn. Yes, things are pretty strict now she is in college, compared to primary school! We're not sure how she did in the 50m freestyle, since they didn't announce things very well.

20120221 - Orewa College Swimming Carnival

Ashley swam in four events at the swimming carnival. 25m and 100m in f ...

Updated: Feb 26, 2012 10:33am PST

20120225 - Visit to Sheepworld : Emma Hicking got us some free tickets to go to Sheepworld. Actually she won them, but they were unable to use them before they expired, so she gave them to us. It is probably not somewhere we would have thought to go, but it was such an interesting and fun afternoon, we were very glad that we went! The dogs were so well trained and very obedient and expert at their work. The farmer who worked them was very entertaining in his presentation. Afterwards the kids were allowed to feed the kid goats, which was a real treat.

20120225 - Visit to Sheepworld

Emma Hicking got us some free tickets to go to Sheepworld. Actually s ...

Updated: May 02, 2012 2:16am PST

20120226 - Cameron's Birthday at Parakai Pools : For Cameron's birthday, we all went to the Parakai Pools to do some warm water swimming and playing on the water slides. There was also a pond with big zorb balls in it that the kids each took a turn in. All in all a fun day out!

20120226 - Cameron's Birthday at Parakai Pools

For Cameron's birthday, we all went to the Parakai Pools to do some wa ...

Updated: May 06, 2012 6:34pm PST

20120228 - Auckland Botanic Gardens : Today I enjoyed a completely self-indulgent day all alone at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, with no-one to move me on from my photo-taking. Although solitary, it was very therapeutic and cathartic. The weather was mostly on my side (with very slight drizzle from time to time), and the gardens were very beautiful. A very lovely day out, for sure!

20120228 - Auckland Botanic Gardens

Today I enjoyed a completely self-indulgent day all alone at the Auckl ...

Updated: May 12, 2012 8:46pm PST

20120304 - Walk in Devonport : John and I got a chance to have a date-ish day out. We drove into Devonport, had a walk around, and a slow coffee, and then walked up the hill to North Head where the gun emplacements are from the Second World War. In the town the architecture of the houses is very colonial and quaint. It was a lovely day out and the weather really made it worthwhile.

20120304 - Walk in Devonport

John and I got a chance to have a date-ish day out. We drove into Dev ...

Updated: May 06, 2012 6:58pm PST

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20120307 - Red Beach Swimming Carnival

Jason's school Swimming Carnival was a huge success for him, as he won ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2012 10:32am PST

20120308 - Muriwai with Uncle Eard and Aunty Ali : I took Uncle Eard and Aunty Ali out to Muriwai to show them the gannet colony. Unfortunately it wasn't as well populated as it would have been earlier in the year or was late last year. There were a few chicks left with their parents, and they appeared to be the ones that were late learning to fly. They were rather large, but still grey. We took a walk over to the blowhole and then drove up the road to see the views from the top of the cliffs. On the way back from Muriwai we stopped in at the Riverhead Pub for lunch, and walked down the jetty stairs to the river. I slipped on the wooden stairs and managed to get a wonderfully blue backside and leg. Ouch.

20120308 - Muriwai with Uncle Eard and Aunty Ali

I took Uncle Eard and Aunty Ali out to Muriwai to show them the gannet ...

Updated: May 09, 2012 3:01am PST

20120309 - Jason Surfing and Bali at the Beach : The boys did a spot of surfing with Tim and everyone else took a walk down to the beach to take a look. It was the last day that Aunty Ali and Uncle Eard were with us, and they left a short time later for their long flight home.

20120309 - Jason Surfing and Bali at the Beach

The boys did a spot of surfing with Tim and everyone else took a walk ...

Updated: May 12, 2012 9:26pm PST

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20120313 - Goat Island Snorkelling with Year 5

Jason's class had their year 5 outing to go snorkelling at Goat Island ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2012 12:51am PST

2120317 - Boogieboarding and Wave Jumping : Tim took the kids down to Red Beach for a paddle and jump in the waves. It was bitterly cold and windy for those of us on the beach, but in wetsuits, they all seemed to be having fun.

2120317 - Boogieboarding and Wave Jumping

Tim took the kids down to Red Beach for a paddle and jump in the waves ...

Updated: May 13, 2012 3:05am PST

20120318 - North Head Bank Sliding : We took the kids to North Head to show them the tunnels and gun emplacements from the Second World War. They had great fun with their torches, exploring the caves and tunnels. We were coincidentally there on the same day as the Ocean Sailing Race competitors were coming into the harbour (or going out?!?), so the whole of the North Head Reserve was blocked off and we had to walk all the way up. There were a lot of people who had turned out to watch the sailing. Afterwards we continued our walk around North Head and found some cardboard box bits to slide down the long and steep green hills on. That turned out to be the surprise highlight of the whole day. Altogether great fun...

20120318 - North Head Bank Sliding

We took the kids to North Head to show them the tunnels and gun emplac ...

Updated: May 13, 2012 3:40pm PST

20120322 - Dogs at the Beach : We took Bali and Chilli down to the beach for a playdate with Jess. Bali was hesitant of the water, as usual, but did feel much better about getting his feet wet by the end of the wild play session. He and Jess had great fun, and have since become firm friends. Chilli just cowered under Tracy's legs. It was all far too wild and crazy for him!

20120322 - Dogs at the Beach

We took Bali and Chilli down to the beach for a playdate with Jess. B ...

Updated: May 13, 2012 8:46pm PST

20120324 - Soapbox Derby Day : The Whangaparaoa Soapbox Derby Day is an annual occasion with a fair and market stalls attached. Many of the surrounding schools race their soapbox cars down the steep hill, and the whole road is closed off for it. Mom and dad had a stall at the market and we stopped in to see them and watch the races. The dogs came too, and it was a very mellow affair.

20120324 - Soapbox Derby Day

The Whangaparaoa Soapbox Derby Day is an annual occasion with a fair a ...

Updated: May 14, 2012 3:03am PST

20120325 - The Wintergarden, Fernery and Jazz at the Auckland Domain : We found out about a free jazz concert at the Auckland Domain so we took a drive into the city to see what it was all about. Coincidentally at the scene, we discovered The Wintergarden and Fernery, a pair of conservatory botanic gardens with huge and varied vegetables and tropical plants to feast the eyes on. The cool house had many flowers, vegetables, and especially many chillies. The hothouse contained tropical and very damp-looking plants, especially large water lillies and pitcher plants. It was very humid in that place. On the other side of the courtyard between the two conservatories was a shadecloth covered area that was the fernery, and this was very beautiful and peaceful to walk through. The jazz was by a local saxophonist, Nathan Haines, who was very pleasant to listen to in the bright warm sunshine while the kids played in a nearby very huge fig tree. All in all a very pleasant day out.

20120325 - The Wintergarden, Fernery and Jazz at the Auckland Domain

We found out about a free jazz concert at the Auckland Domain so we to ...

Updated: May 19, 2012 3:13am PST

20101205 - Jason's Ju Jitsu Kata Contest : Jason went into his first Ju Jitsu Kata competittion today, and we thought he did very wel. He and his partner are the smallest of the blue belts and they both acquitted themselves well. His best friend Jacob, who is an orange belt (one below blue) won the junior section overall as he did such a very neat presentation of all his techniques! Well done, Jacob!

20101205 - Jason's Ju Jitsu Kata Contest

Jason went into his first Ju Jitsu Kata competittion today, and we tho ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2010 11:33pm PST

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20120328 - Red Beach School Olympics

It was the Red Beach School Olympics day today. Everyone had fun in t ...

Updated: May 20, 2012 2:11am PST

20120401 - Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) : The year 7's at Orewa College have four days of Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) where they have to do activities that challenge them, and that many may not have done before. Parents were requested to come with to help, and I was originally scheduled to be on hand for all four days. The first day for Ashley's class involved a morning of cooking on a gas stove. The kids had to plan and organise what they were to eat and bring it in and cook it themselves. Some of the results were surprisingly good, and others were just, well, surprising. in the afternoon we went to Wenderholm for a walk up and over the peninsular and saw the great views from the top of the cliffs. The second day was spent at the beach, and because the weather was not good, the teachers didn't think many would swim, so the parents weren't needed. In the end, they all swam, but I didn't have to be there. On the third day they went out to the Woodvale Forest for some mountain biking and Tree Adventure climbing. My mountain biking skills were tested, as were Ashley's and she actually fell off in the woods, but bravely got back on and finished the ride. The tree climbing was great fun, as expected, since we had already done that twice before last year. The last day outside the classroom was to Goat Island, but unfortunately the weather was too bad, and the water was too rough, so the guides wouldn't let us go out snorkelling. We did go to the little aquarium and for a talk on the conservation of the fish at Goat Island. In the afternoon we went to the Reptile Park nearby where they had many chameleons and crocodiles. All in all it was a fun but quite challenging and exhausting week.

20120401 - Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

The year 7's at Orewa College have four days of Education Outside The ...

Updated: May 27, 2012 2:21am PST

20120329 - Jason's Interschool Swimming : Jason got to represent Red Beach at the interschool swimming carnival. He swam in all the events, and was surprised that he had to do heats and then finals of all of them, so it was rather a big day. He ended up coming fourth in the medley, first in the breaststroke, second in freestyle, third in backstroke and fourth in butterfly. He swam like a star and we were very proud of him.

20120329 - Jason's Interschool Swimming

Jason got to represent Red Beach at the interschool swimming carnival. ...

Updated: May 20, 2012 2:09am PST

20120520 - Jason's Judo Competition : Today Jason went in his first (and probably only) Judo competition. He fought in the 28-32kg weight division for Under 11 white belts. There were only five of them in his section, so they each fought all the others. Jason's first fight against Kobe was a long one. They were tied after the 2 minutes allowed, and then had an extra minute, when Jason finally managed to throw Kobe down for an Ippon. His second fight was quite short and easy and so was the third. The last one was against a girl, which had Jason a little concerned. He certainly didn't want to lose against her! It was also quite a long fight, but he finally managed to throw her down for an Ippon win too. He won all four of his fights very well and was very pleased to get the gold medal. Afterwards we went for a celebratory sushi lunch at the shopping mall, which is always popular.

20120520 - Jason's Judo Competition

Today Jason went in his first (and probably only) Judo competition. H ...

Updated: May 29, 2012 12:26pm PST

20111217 - Baby Bali Arrives :

20111217 - Baby Bali Arrives

Updated: Jan 02, 2012 1:56am PST

20111224 - Bali and Chilli :

20111224 - Bali and Chilli

Updated: Jan 02, 2012 1:57am PST

20120330 - Walk at Red Beach : Today Jason had the day off school because we went to the hospital to have him challenge-tested for baked milk. The challenge was a success so he can now eat foods with baked dairy products in it. When we came home, we took granny and the dogs for a walk down to the beach. Bali is still getting used to the water, although we did manage to get him to chase a stick/log into the water.

20120330 - Walk at Red Beach

Today Jason had the day off school because we went to the hospital to ...

Updated: May 20, 2012 2:13am PST

20111226 - Bali at just over 7 Weeks : He was taken to the estuary mud for the first time. He got a bit cold, but managed to survive with a bit of shivering!

20111226 - Bali at just over 7 Weeks

He was taken to the estuary mud for the first time. He got a bit cold ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2012 2:15am PST

20110828 - Ju Jitsu Contest : Today the kids went to a freestyle ju jitsu contest and both acquitted themselves very well. Ashley got the most points by far, and won the junior beginner section (out of six kids), and Jason was only just behind the leader to get second place of the junior advanced group (out of three blue belts). I was very proud of them both!

20110828 - Ju Jitsu Contest

Today the kids went to a freestyle ju jitsu contest and both acquitted ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2011 11:12pm PST

20111231 - Bali at just over 8 weeks :

20111231 - Bali at just over 8 weeks

Updated: Jan 02, 2012 2:17am PST

201201 - Bali and Chilli :

201201 - Bali and Chilli

Updated: Apr 20, 2012 12:25am PST

201203 - Bali and Chilli :

201203 - Bali and Chilli

Updated: Jan 30, 2012 12:39am PST

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201108 - Basketball

Updated: Aug 13, 2011 4:24am PST

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201204 - Bali and Chilli

Updated: Jan 30, 2012 12:25am PST

20110630 - Ju Jitsu Grading : Today was the last day of Ju Jitsu for the term and was a grading day too. Ashley got a stripe on her white belt, making her a second grade white belt. Jason got his third stripe on his blue belt, so we are very proud of both of them.

20110630 - Ju Jitsu Grading

Today was the last day of Ju Jitsu for the term and was a grading day ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2011 7:30am PST

20110412 - Interschool Swimming Carnival : The interschool carnival was a big success. Both our champion girls from the faction carnival got to win their breaststroke races, and the school came third out of 8 on handicap, and fourth overall. A very pleasing day!

20110412 - Interschool Swimming Carnival

The interschool carnival was a big success. Both our champion girls f ...

Updated: Apr 12, 2011 7:06am PST

20110318 - School Faction Swimming Carnival : Ashley's school faction carnival was great fun, and she did extremely well. There were three races that contributed towards year group champioinship points, and she and Emma ended up sharing the championship honours for the Year 5 girls. Ashley won the Freestyle 50m in great style, Breaststroke 50m (her favourite) with the best time of two heats, and then came fourth in the Backstroke 25m (her least favourite). Emma came second behind her in Freestyle and Breaststroke, and then won the backstroke, so their overall points were even in the end, and they had to share the honour. We are very proud of our little swimmer!

20110318 - School Faction Swimming Carnival

Ashley's school faction carnival was great fun, and she did extremely ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 4:43pm PST

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20101202 - Ashley's Piano Christmas Concert

The piano children from each class had to play a Christmas song togeth ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2010 6:56am PST

20110529 - Soccer at Churchlands : Thanks to Gen for organising a great get-together again. And well done to the Black Team on their 4-2 victory over the White Team.

20110529 - Soccer at Churchlands

Thanks to Gen for organising a great get-together again. And well d ...

Updated: May 29, 2011 5:32am PST

20101030 - Martin and Mel's Birthdays : Many thanks to Martin and Trish for hosting a great party, and to Martin and Mel for putting on a great spread for us all. It was a lovely surprise not to have to play karaoke ALL evening, and to be visited by the fabulous Blues Empire that Trish organised as a surprise for Martin. They did a great job setting up in the garden and entertaining us all evening!

20101030 - Martin and Mel's Birthdays

Many thanks to Martin and Trish for hosting a great party, and to Mart ...

Updated: Oct 30, 2010 11:59pm PST

20101107 - Soccer at Churchlands : Thanks to Simon for organising a great morning out, and fun for kids, dogs and boys alike! Well done to Team White for their 3-0 victory.

20101107 - Soccer at Churchlands

Thanks to Simon for organising a great morning out, and fun for kids, ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2010 3:15am PST

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20100918 - Ashley's Piano School Concert

Updated: Sep 18, 2010 4:34pm PST

20091101 - Soccer : Phoenix vs. RWWA. And the game drew 2-2 with an equaliser let in by John Mc that he had kicked himself to ricochete off of Sami's butt.

20091101 - Soccer

Phoenix vs. RWWA. And the game drew 2-2 with an equaliser let in by J ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 3:22pm PST

20091101 - The Spectators : So, this was everyone looking on and having fun. Great day out for us all, if a bit windy.

20091101 - The Spectators

So, this was everyone looking on and having fun. Great day out for us ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 3:40pm PST

20100904 - Scarborough Sharks Basketball :

20100904 - Scarborough Sharks Basketball

Updated: Sep 08, 2010 3:06pm PST

20100829 - City to Surf 12km Start :

20100829 - City to Surf 12km Start

Updated: Sep 06, 2010 8:07am PST

20091101 - Kirra and Rogue :

20091101 - Kirra and Rogue

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 3:45pm PST

20100808 - The Avon Descent : Ashley and I met Jacqui, Michael and Matthew at the Avon Descent in Brigadoon. It was a beautiful day out and very relaxing to watch the canoeists. Ashley and Matthew's exploring nearly had us missing the last shuttle bus back to the carpark, bur fortunately for them it was a narrowly-averted disaster.

20100808 - The Avon Descent

Ashley and I met Jacqui, Michael and Matthew at the Avon Descent in Br ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2010 5:44am PST

20100108 - Swimming at City Beach : Today we met up with Alison, Ryan, Kate and Emma at City Beach, and the wonderfully big waves were great fun, but made the mums a bit nervous.

20100108 - Swimming at City Beach

Today we met up with Alison, Ryan, Kate and Emma at City Beach, and th ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2010 5:37am PST

20100322 - Hailstorm : This afternoon, Jason and I were very lucky to pull into the garage just seconds before the hail started coming down. It was heavy and the stones were huge! And loud on the roof! John's car is now all dented as it was parked outside at work! Luckily it was not both cards, and also lucky we weren't on the road at the time. Phew.

20100322 - Hailstorm

This afternoon, Jason and I were very lucky to pull into the garage ju ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2010 1:50am PST

20091128 - Kim's 40th Birthday Party : The theme was Heroes and Heroines, and everyone made a fantastic effort to dress up. Thank you all for that! And thanks for all the generous gifts, and for coming along to make the whole evening so much fun!

20091128 - Kim's 40th Birthday Party

The theme was Heroes and Heroines, and everyone made a fantastic effor ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2010 6:21am PST

20091115 - Ashley's Gymnastics Competition : Ashley had her first gymnastics competition today and did very well. She was tied for third on the Vault, got a fourth for Bars, and tied fifth on Beam and Floor. She was thrilled with her results, and is now very excited to have been promoted to level 2. It was a very proud moment as a parent to watch!

20091115 - Ashley's Gymnastics Competition

Ashley had her first gymnastics competition today and did very well. ...

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 1:44am PST

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20130417 - Interschool Swimming Carnival

These are low resolution pictures. If you would like any to print, pl ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2013 4:56pm PST

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20110831 - Room 2 Has Talent Assembly

Many thanks to Year 5, Room 2 for a wonderfully talented assembly and ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2011 6:30am PST

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20110823 - Easter Hat Parade

This year's event was combined with an international feast of fantasti ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2011 5:13am PST

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20110819 - P&C Quiz Night

Congratulations to the P&C for organising a very well-run and excellen ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2011 5:44pm PST

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20110325 - Underwater Swimming Training

Updated: Mar 25, 2011 3:19am PST

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20110412 - School Swimming Team

Team Photos before departing for Challenge Stadium

Updated: Apr 12, 2011 6:48am PST

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20110315 - Interschool Swimming Training

Updated: Mar 15, 2011 7:24am PST

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20101205 - Carols by Candlelight

Updated: Dec 05, 2010 5:32pm PST

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20100922 - Interschool Athletics Carnival

Ashley ran in the interschool carnival in the Year 4 girls B grade and ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2010 6:51am PST

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20100902 - School Faction Carnival

Ashley did really well at the carnival so that she will be going to th ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2010 5:24pm PST

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20100331 - Easter Hat Parade

Updated: Apr 01, 2010 3:57am PST

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20100319 - Faction Swimming Carnival

I tried to include as many of the children at the carnival as I could, ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2010 11:10pm PST

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20100316 - Interschool Swimming Time Trials

(This gallery contains pictures of the year 4 children only.) Soon it ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2010 7:21am PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Freestyle

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 8:22am PST

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20100219 - School Meet and Greet

The school meet and greet was great fun, with a water slide and bouncy ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2010 5:06am PST

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20090917 - Interschool Athletics

The Interschool Athletics Carnival was also met with great lucky weath ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 11:34pm PST

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20090827 - School Athletics

The school athletics carnival went off well and we were lucky with the ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2009 9:17pm PST

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20090220 - School P&C Meet and Greet

The school P&C organised a Meet and Greet so that parents, families an ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2009 5:21pm PST

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20061108 - Pre-Primary Assembley

Updated: Nov 09, 2006 10:57pm PST

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20110412 - Interschool Swimming and Winners

Swimming and Podium Shots

Updated: Apr 12, 2011 6:26am PST

20091031 - Martin's Birthday Party : Thanks very much to Martin and Trish for a great evening and a fun night out! Great hospitality enjoyed by all. And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

20091031 - Martin's Birthday Party

Thanks very much to Martin and Trish for a great evening and a fun nig ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 3:51pm PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Breaststroke

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 8:35am PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Backstroke

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 8:47am PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Butterfly

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 3:34pm PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Novelties

This includes the teacher and parent races...

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 6:45am PST

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20110318 - Faction Swimming Relays and Medals

The mixed year group relays and the medal prizegiving.

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 6:43am PST

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20100401 - Backstroke

Updated: Apr 02, 2010 11:26pm PST

20090912 - Scout Trekabout : Ashley and Kim walked around the Perth bridges, from the Mends Street Jetty, across The Narrows Bridge, down the Perth foreshore and past the Barrack Street Jetty, across the Causeway Bridges, and back along the South Perth Foreshore. Ashley had grand plans of doing it twice, but after a third of the way around, decided it was probably not going to happen.

20090912 - Scout Trekabout

Ashley and Kim walked around the Perth bridges, from the Mends Street ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 11:30pm PST

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20100401 - Breaststroke

Updated: Apr 03, 2010 5:55am PST

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20101115 - Edited Work

These are the ones you requested for me to do some work on. Most are ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2011 7:52am PST

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20090911 - Year One at the Zoo

A day at the zoo for Year 1 and we had mostly lucky weather, except fo ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 10:41pm PST

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20101115 - School Scenes

Most of these images, except the first two are straight out of the cam ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2010 6:35am PST

20090516-17 - Gingin Observatory and British Car Show : We took the kids out to Gingin for the weekend to the Gravity Discovery Centre, the Observatory for a night tour and the British Car Show the next day. It was pretty hot and a long, packed and busy weekend, but it was fun too.

20090516-17 - Gingin Observatory and British Car Show

We took the kids out to Gingin for the weekend to the Gravity Discover ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:13am PST

2009 - Basketball :

2009 - Basketball

Updated: Jun 07, 2009 10:21pm PST

20090413 - Easter Weekend at Martin's Place :

20090413 - Easter Weekend at Martin's Place

Updated: Apr 23, 2009 5:36am PST

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20090408 - School Easter Hat Parade

The last assembley day of Term 1 was the school Easter Hat Parade. Ev ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2009 4:54am PST

20090329 - Festival of Joondalup : The City of Joondalup closed their whole central street area, and had the whole thing open to pedestrians. No cars and plenty to do. It was great fun, and the highlight was the Chinese Acrobatic troop that we saw almost as soon as we got there. Talk about bendy people! We stayed for a pub dinner, and then got the kids home and to bed. Great afternoon.

20090329 - Festival of Joondalup

The City of Joondalup closed their whole central street area, and had ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2009 7:07am PST

20090221 - Rock Climbing :

20090221 - Rock Climbing

Updated: Feb 21, 2009 12:25am PST

20090201 - Point Walter Water Games :

20090201 - Point Walter Water Games

Updated: Feb 01, 2009 7:02am PST

20090126 - Australia Day : Our Workplace organised a place for us to sit down on the foreshore where we had a great view and access to some entertainment rides for the kids too. Great fun was had by all!

20090126 - Australia Day

Our Workplace organised a place for us to sit down on the foreshore wh ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2009 4:14pm PST

20090109 - Rock Climbing : For the school holidays, I took the kids to The Rock, which is an indoor climbing wall place. They had a ball and really want to go back again.

20090109 - Rock Climbing

For the school holidays, I took the kids to The Rock, which is an indo ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2009 6:52am PST

20090326 - Driving 101 - The ones I liked : These are the best of the rather unspectacular bunch of photos, in my opinion. Dunno how you guys feel.

20090326 - Driving 101 - The ones I liked

These are the best of the rather unspectacular bunch of photos, in my ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2009 4:35pm PST

20090326 - Driving 101 - All the Rest : This gallery has everything in it. You guys might find something interesting it, but to me they all look like they are too much at rest. If I look carefully, I can see cars leaning one way or another for a turn, and I have used some panning, but erred towards keeping the cars sharp. Maybe you can get some joy out of seeing yourselves and your cars...

20090326 - Driving 101 - All the Rest

This gallery has everything in it. You guys might find something inter ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2009 4:10am PST

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20081228 - Dylan's Sleepover Bubble Blowing

Jason's friend Dylan had some friends over for a sleepover for his bir ...

Updated: Dec 30, 2008 3:07am PST

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20081207 - Jacob and Dylan's Gymbus Party

Updated: Dec 07, 2008 12:24am PST

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20081130 - Kate's 6th Birthday Party

Kate had her birthday party at the local gymnasium, and all the kids h ...

Updated: Nov 29, 2008 10:16pm PST

20071124 - Dylan and Jacob's Birthday Party :

20071124 - Dylan and Jacob's Birthday Party

Updated: Nov 26, 2007 3:29am PST

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Jume

This was just a start I made on some of them. I worked on the full-si ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2010 7:34am PST

20060511 - Munchie at the Park : Playing with the ball in the park...

20060511 - Munchie at the Park

Playing with the ball in the park...

Updated: May 11, 2006 6:23am PST

20110105 - Empty Bonser House :

20110105 - Empty Bonser House

Updated: Jan 10, 2011 12:20am PST

20081225 - Christmas Day at Home : We had Christmas at our house this year, and it was very mellow and pleasant. The children were spilt rotten, although they may disagree, since they never got the motorbike and scooter (moped type girlie motorbike) that they asked for from Santa. However, that was probably on account of the fact that I wrote a PS on their Santa letter explaining that their parents didn't believe that children should have motorised toys, and that if they did get any, they wouldn't be allowed to use them. So apparently Santa (or his elves) took note of that, and the motorised toys never materialised. But they did get Jumping Jaxx boots, a coin collecting book, wheels for their shoes, a cupcake maker, velcro darts shooting game, mask, snorkel, goggles, other pool game stuff, new boogie board, clothing, a tie dye maker and clothes to tie-dye. It seemed never-ending. I got to try out my new flash, which I still totally love (got it a few weeks ago), and also got a reversing ring for my lens so that I can now take VERY closeup macro shots. Dying to try that out in earnest. John got heaps of books and some clothes. We had a big lunch in the middle of the afternoon, and Lesley and Sarah and Paul came to join us, since Iris and John had stayed overnight the night before. All in all it was a lovely day and for the first time that I can remember, Christmas in Perth wasn't a total stinking hot day! Awesome!

20081225 - Christmas Day at Home

We had Christmas at our house this year, and it was very mellow and pl ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2008 4:53am PST

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20081217 - Pre-Primary End-of-Year Party

Jason's end-of-year class party was a great success. The children san ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2008 2:33am PST

20081206 - Osborne Park Show : John is in Sydney at the moment, being Best Man to Robbie, who was our Best Man too. I will follow next week for the wedding, but last night, Ashley, Jason and myself went to the Osborne Park Show, a local agricultural show that puts on a great fireworks! Ashley and Jason went on the swing ride for the first time, and both loved it! Jason had to watch Ashley and hear her rave about it before he got on himself. Which is why his swings are in the dark.

20081206 - Osborne Park Show

John is in Sydney at the moment, being Best Man to Robbie, who was our ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2008 1:34am PST

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20081105 - Jason's Fishy Assembley

Thanks to Mis Pugh for organising us great costumes and a wonderful pr ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2008 4:04am PST

20080929 - Day at The Maze : We took a family day trip out to The Maze, which has quite a few different types of mazes to baffle the brain, as well as kangaroos, koalas, emus, and plenty of peacocks. It was a fun day out, and the children really enjoyed it.

20080929 - Day at The Maze

We took a family day trip out to The Maze, which has quite a few diffe ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2008 5:34pm PST

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20080904 - Faction Sports Carnival

Primary school faction sports carnival. The kids had a ball, and Ashl ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2008 7:55am PST

20080824 - Camera Club Outing to King's Park : An early-morning outing to King's Park with the WA Camera Club for sunrise shots over the city. Great to be out!

20080824 - Camera Club Outing to King's Park

An early-morning outing to King's Park with the WA Camera Club for sun ...

Updated: Aug 28, 2008 8:12am PST

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20080620 - Peewee Basketball

Jason got to play a very short Peewee basketball game during the halft ...

Updated: Jun 21, 2008 1:32am PST

20080531 - Heavy Rains : We had the mother of all thunderstorms yesterday and our whole back garden got flooded out. So did the park, so I took the kids and dog down there for a bit of a run...

20080531 - Heavy Rains

We had the mother of all thunderstorms yesterday and our whole back ga ...

Updated: Jun 01, 2008 2:44am PST

20080424 - Swimming Girls' Morning Tea : Our once-a-term holiday catchup at Matilda Bay. My, aren't the kids growing up so fast?!?!

20080424 - Swimming Girls' Morning Tea

Our once-a-term holiday catchup at Matilda Bay. My, aren't the kids g ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2008 10:32pm PST

20080415 - Ashley Rides with Two Wheels : So, John took the day off yesterday for holiday babysitting and took the kids back to the school to get Ashley riding without training wheels. She totally loved it, and I had to take them (and camera) back again today for more practice. She's still a bit slow in pulling off, but her balance is confident and she can stop in an emergency. It's all good, really!

20080415 - Ashley Rides with Two Wheels

So, John took the day off yesterday for holiday babysitting and took t ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2008 4:04am PST

20080413 - Jason Rides with Two Wheels : Ashley went out to a birthday party this afternoon, so we took Jason down to the school basketball courts to try riding his bike by himself without trainer wheels. It went very well and he considers himself an expert after one small fall when trying to stop, and twice crashing gently into the verandah poles. So no bad shakes, and supreme over-confidence rules! He wanted to go right back out there when we said it was time to stop. We were glad we didn't have two to watch all the time. Next time it will be Ashley's turn to learn...

20080413 - Jason Rides with Two Wheels

Ashley went out to a birthday party this afternoon, so we took Jason d ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2008 1:07am PST

20080323 - Easter Egg Hunting : The Easter Bunny left a note on the front doorstep to say how many eggs he had hidden. It took us a while to find them all as they were in pretty tricky places. The kids had fun though.

20080323 - Easter Egg Hunting

The Easter Bunny left a note on the front doorstep to say how many egg ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2008 8:57pm PST

20081231 - New Year Kids' Afternoon Party : The afternoon didn't thankfully start as early as we had anticipated, since we weren't ready to receive guests too early on. But once it got going, the hot weather and swimming pool combination were well worthwhile. It seems the kids had a ball, so we didn't even have to organise any games for them, as they amused themselves in the pool.

20081231 - New Year Kids' Afternoon Party

The afternoon didn't thankfully start as early as we had anticipated, ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2009 3:50am PST

20081231 - 8pm - New Zealand New Year - A Pinjata to Celebrate : At 8pm, we got out the 'traditional' New Year Pinjata and each of the children had one hit at it to see whether they could dislodge the whole thing to get the lollies inside. Thankfully it was a pretty strong one, and although it came off its hanger pretty quickly, it didn't break open until quite a while later...

20081231 - 8pm - New Zealand New Year - A Pinjata to Celebrate

At 8pm, we got out the 'traditional' New Year Pinjata and each of the ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2008 9:50pm PST

20081231 - 9pm - Sparklers for Kids' New Year : At 9pm, we did a sparkler New Year for the littlies and then sent them inside to watch a movie. They all had heaps of fun with the sparklers, and many thanks to Gordon and Dwight, Alison and Lee for organising the whole sparkler thing. Very successful!

20081231 - 9pm - Sparklers for Kids' New Year

At 9pm, we did a sparkler New Year for the littlies and then sent them ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2008 10:31pm PST

20081231 - New Year's Eve Late Crowd : And once quiet had descended on the party and the movie had started, it was time for the adults to enjoy some peace...

20081231 - New Year's Eve Late Crowd

And once quiet had descended on the party and the movie had started, i ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2009 2:53pm PST

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20080918 - Pre-Primary Trip to the Zoo

Updated: Sep 20, 2008 2:22am PST

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20080918 - Pre-Primary Kids at the Zoo

Updated: Sep 20, 2008 5:51am PST

20080624 - Ashley and Jason :

20080624 - Ashley and Jason

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 4:06am PST

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20080624 - Dylan

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 4:37am PST

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20080624 - Kate, Emma and Ryan

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 4:34am PST

20070112 - AQWA with Nycky : Nycky and her mom, Jacqui, were off to the aquarium, so we decided to tag along. We all had great fun and saw the seals going through their health checks, as well as some divers in with the sharks and turtle.

20070112 - AQWA with Nycky

Nycky and her mom, Jacqui, were off to the aquarium, so we decided to ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 4:45am PST

20070117 - The McNaught Comet : These are straight out of the camera on a pretty high ISO, so they unfortunately look a bit muddy. I haven't done any post-processing on them, so they may be able to be improved somewhat yet.

20070117 - The McNaught Comet

These are straight out of the camera on a pretty high ISO, so they unf ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2007 6:58am PST

20070123 - Comet McNaught Fading : So the comet is fading in the sky. These pictures actually show the tail almost better than it was visible on the night. The surrounding ambient light made my eyes (and a lot of other people around) unable to see it too clearly, so the camera, which didn't keep getting blinded by headlights, actually got a better view than we did. Most are just as they came out of the camera, but there are some, as marked, where I played in PS by softening and changing colours. Bit more effective, but not really what I am normally fond of doing too much of..

20070123 - Comet McNaught Fading

So the comet is fading in the sky. These pictures actually show the t ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2007 3:22pm PST

20070224 - City Beach Water Polo vs Dolphins : The first page is the stuff I really like and have done a bit of work on, but let me know if there are any others you would like cropped or otherwise altered...

20070224 - City Beach Water Polo vs Dolphins

The first page is the stuff I really like and have done a bit of work ...

Updated: Feb 24, 2007 4:29pm PST

20070128 - Other Racers : These were some of the other cars racing there. Of course, the little yellow Lotus was the most fun to photograph... Most of the pics are not really winners though. I need a lot more practice with panning...

20070128 - Other Racers

These were some of the other cars racing there. Of course, the little ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2007 9:32pm PST

20070128 - Electrical Storm : We had a pretty spectacular electrical storm here tonight. I fired a lot of shots off (about 350 or so, I would guess), and these came out best. Actually, these were the ones that came out at all. Most were just like the plain sky one below, with nothing to see. I am pretty pleased with the first one, although it was definitely not the first one I took. I got pretty good at predicting the flashes were coming (you can feel a wind blow through first), but still struggled to pinpoint the exact moment it would fire... So these are mostly the result of a lot of frustration, alternating with patience and persistent doggedness, and with a dash of luck thrown in for good measure.

20070128 - Electrical Storm

We had a pretty spectacular electrical storm here tonight. I fired a ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2007 6:28am PST

20070210 - Picnic at Matilda Bay : We went for an evening dinner picnic at Matilda Bay with Kirsty and David, and Chantel and Gerard. Kids had a ball and we ended up late and exhausted home to bed.

20070210 - Picnic at Matilda Bay

We went for an evening dinner picnic at Matilda Bay with Kirsty and Da ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2012 4:15am PST

20070325 - Lunch at the Duckstein : Lunch with Ray and Wendy and family at the Duckstein German beer garden in the Swan Valley. A very relaxing and pleasant afternoon. Thanks everyone!

20070325 - Lunch at the Duckstein

Lunch with Ray and Wendy and family at the Duckstein German beer garde ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2007 8:23am PST

20070630 - Simon's Bonfire : Thanks to Simon and Sally for a lovely relaxing evening in the bush near a fire. It's been a while since we did that. The kids had fun but were very tired afterwards...

20070630 - Simon's Bonfire

Thanks to Simon and Sally for a lovely relaxing evening in the bush ne ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2007 8:31am PST

20070712 - Trip to the Zoo with Alison : It's school holidays so we took a trip to the zoo with Alison and kids. We were lucky with the weather, and had great fun colouring in Numbat masks for ourselves, as well as door tags to keep strangers out! ;-)

20070712 - Trip to the Zoo with Alison

It's school holidays so we took a trip to the zoo with Alison and kids ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2007 5:48am PST

20071005 - Perth Royal Show : We went to the Royal Show with Jacqui, Aaron, Matthew and Michael and had loads of fun. It was a very long and tiring day though.

20071005 - Perth Royal Show

We went to the Royal Show with Jacqui, Aaron, Matthew and Michael and ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2007 6:02am PST

20071019 - Jason and Dylan at the Parklands : Dylan and Jason had great fun at the Synergy Parklands. And they were both very well behaved too.

20071019 - Jason and Dylan at the Parklands

Dylan and Jason had great fun at the Synergy Parklands. And they were ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2007 2:39pm PST

20071028 - Model Railway Visit : We visited the Northern Districts Model Engineering Society's Miniature Railway that we discovered is just up the road from us. If only we had discovered it long ago, cos the kids have just about grown out of stuff like this now... Anyway, we had great fun and it was a very relaxing way to have a picnic lunch. The steam train enthusiast guys were very friendly.

20071028 - Model Railway Visit

We visited the Northern Districts Model Engineering Society's Miniatur ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2007 12:39am PST

1987 - Old School Photos and Memorabilia : This is all the stuff I could scrounge from my scrap book. It's really like a radical shot into the past!

1987 - Old School Photos and Memorabilia

This is all the stuff I could scrounge from my scrap book. It's reall ...

Updated: Aug 20, 2007 3:29am PST

20071125 - Cuddly Animal Farm :

20071125 - Cuddly Animal Farm

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 5:54am PST

20070922 - Hillcrest High School Reunion Night : Thanks to Luke, Kari, Michael and all others involved in organising a great evening get-together. Much appreciated by all, I am sure.

20070922 - Hillcrest High School Reunion Night

Thanks to Luke, Kari, Michael and all others involved in organising a ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2007 12:38am PST

20070923 - Post-Reunion Morning Brunch : Carla and I arrived rather late at the brunch (apologies to everyone), but it was good to have one more chance to catch up with some. Thanks everyone.

20070923 - Post-Reunion Morning Brunch

Carla and I arrived rather late at the brunch (apologies to everyone), ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2007 2:02am PST

20061230 - Matilda Bay with the New Blue Canoe : John and I bought ourselves and each other a surf ski for Christmas. This was the day we got it and the first day trying it... Ashley really enjoyed it, although Jason was a bit nervous to go too deep so we kept him along the edge of the river. It's also my first day using my polarising filter and it makes all the blues and colours brighter. Nice stuff for a sunny place.

20061230 - Matilda Bay with the New Blue Canoe

John and I bought ourselves and each other a surf ski for Christmas. ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2007 9:12pm PST

20061225 - Christmas Day Opening Presents : We had a great Christmas, with, thank goodness, the paving in our backyard completed so that we had some semblance of cleanliness round the place for the day. You can see the pics of that at http://kimbomac.smugmug.com/gallery/2272901. That was a very exciting addition to our house. John's family came for the day and we had a huge slap-up meal, some swimming in the pool and then some watched a movie, some snoozed, and some just sat there! Very nice day for sure!

20061225 - Christmas Day Opening Presents

We had a great Christmas, with, thank goodness, the paving in our back ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2006 4:45am PST

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20061126 - Grey Company Training

WA Camera Club visit to watch and photograph the Grey Company training ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2006 5:38am PST

20061028 - Down at Marmion Bay Beach : Took the kids down to Marmion Bay and to our horror, found some Dugite snakes amongst the rocks and dunes near the beach. Much to the delight of tourists and beachgoers, but the caution of the Beach Patrol guy kept us all at bay. Jason actually nearly walked right over one of them as he was walking out in front of me. He said, "Hey, there's a snake," and I never believed him. I thought he was imagining things. Once I saw it, I nearly had a heart attack and we stepped back away with speed! I was glad I had my camera and long lens out that day, since it was nice and bright and the snakes actually posed!

20061028 - Down at Marmion Bay Beach

Took the kids down to Marmion Bay and to our horror, found some Dugite ...

Updated: Nov 04, 2006 3:59pm PST

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20061008 - A Fairy Birthday Party

This took place at the Fairy Shop in Fremantle. Everyone had a ball.

Updated: Oct 28, 2006 1:49am PST

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20060906 - Junior Athletics

The Pre-Primary Banksia team doing all the tabloid sports before the s ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2006 7:51am PST

20060713 - Visit to the Zoo : School holiday visit to the zoo with the Morris family.

20060713 - Visit to the Zoo

School holiday visit to the zoo with the Morris family.

Updated: Apr 24, 2012 4:12am PST

20060630 - Gymnastics Certificate Day : Jason just received his Kindy Level II certificate. He's doing very well and absolutely loves it.

20060630 - Gymnastics Certificate Day

Jason just received his Kindy Level II certificate. He's doing very w ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2006 3:13am PST

20061231 - Party People : The kids and people at the New Year Party and David and Kirsty's place.

20061231 - Party People

The kids and people at the New Year Party and David and Kirsty's place ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2006 7:10pm PST

20061231 - Sparklers : The kids loved the sparklers we did for an early New Year at about 10pm.

20061231 - Sparklers

The kids loved the sparklers we did for an early New Year at about 10p ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2006 7:03pm PST

20061231 - Baby Sammy : I took a whole bunch of pictures of baby Sammy, so if you aren't friends or family of his, you may not want to look in here...

20061231 - Baby Sammy

I took a whole bunch of pictures of baby Sammy, so if you aren't frien ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2006 6:38pm PST

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20060721 - Zoo Kids

Woodlands Pre-Primary 2006 visit to the Perth Zoo.

Updated: Jan 14, 2007 3:39am PST

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20060721 - Zoo Animals

These were the plants and animals we saw at the zoo with the Woodlands ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2006 6:02pm PST

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20060629 - Ashley's Dancing

Ashley and her dance partner, Blake, doing the jive and other twisty t ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2006 7:12am PST

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20060629 - Classmates

The kids danced beautifully with a little prompting from their instruc ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2006 7:32am PST

20060624 - Footy at the Oval : The kids went to kick the football and soccer ball down at the oval with Ben, Elise and Chantel.

20060624 - Footy at the Oval

The kids went to kick the football and soccer ball down at the oval wi ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2006 6:44am PST

20060624 - Flying High : Everyone was exhausted afterwards, including Ben, who had to throw everyone up in the air, one after the other!

20060624 - Flying High

Everyone was exhausted afterwards, including Ben, who had to throw eve ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2006 6:50am PST

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20060622 - AQWA - The Children

Woodlands Pre-Primary children had a fantastic day out at AQWA, the Aq ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2006 8:09am PST

20060622 - AQWA - The Creatures : We saw lots of great stuff there. Exciting and dangerous creatures and fish with wonderful colours.

20060622 - AQWA - The Creatures

We saw lots of great stuff there. Exciting and dangerous creatures an ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 4:24am PST

20060507 - Snaps around Whiteman Park : Just walking and talking...

20060507 - Snaps around Whiteman Park

Just walking and talking...

Updated: May 08, 2006 6:52am PST

20060507 - Whiteman Park Raptors : The Birds of Prey

20060507 - Whiteman Park Raptors

The Birds of Prey

Updated: May 08, 2006 7:12am PST

20070714 - The Good, the Bad and the Guilty : June 19,1881 My Dearest Friends, In my tireless attempts to rid the town of Roadkill of the villainous scum that is corrupting our citizens, I take pride in announcing the capture of the Malevolent Seven - a dastardly conspiracy of criminals that has secretly victimised our fair territory for far too may years. To celebrate this landmark moment in law enforcement, I have erected eight gallows on Main Street: seven for the execution of this thieving, murderous band, and one for good luck. The execution will take place at midnight on the second of July, to 'kick off' festivities for the Fourth of July weekend. As a crowd is expected, I've reserved prime seating for you, my most honoured guests and dear friends. You shall be served a sumptuous meal in my home prior to our thrilling main event, which will begin with the hanging of the mysterious masked horseman who masterminded the Seven's unsavoury crimes. So, leave your affairs in order, and come join me in this triumphant celebration. The honour of your presence is required. Sincerely, Waylon Payne.

20070714 - The Good, the Bad and the Guilty

June 19,1881 My Dearest Friends, In my tireless attempts to rid th ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2007 11:04pm PST

20110916 - Arriving in Kuala Lumpur : We left Perth very early on Friday morning and arrived just after lunch after a delayed take-off. The airport was surprisingly far from the city, and by the time we got to the hotel, it was after 3:30pm. It poured with rain on the way to the hotel, and we were later to discover this would be a pattern of every day. It doesn't just rain, either, but it POURS! Our hotel is attached to a very large mall, and we went out for a walk and to get something to eat as an early meal on our first night there. Early to bed, since we were pretty tired after that!

20110916 - Arriving in Kuala Lumpur

We left Perth very early on Friday morning and arrived just after lunc ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2011 6:44pm PST

200407 - The Tragical Mystery Tour : Dear Chicks and Dudes After finding new dimensions of consciousness writing my enlightening songs, I've decided to share this summer of love with my closest friends and invite you all on a week-long trip on board my infamous psychedelic peace bus. I will be performing at Beefstock and you are all invited to be part of my consipracy of love, spreading peace and sugar-cubes laced with sunshine along the way. Can you dig it? We will embark on our historic journey after sharing the communal human experience of watching the first man set foot on the moon. Please join me. It'll be your best trip ever. Peace and Love, Hedda Leiss. You are invited to groove with rock superstar Hedda Leiss on a cross-country psychedelic bus trip to the long-awaited Beefstock Concert. We'll all be meeting at Hedda's Pad right next to the Burpley Campus no later than moonrise on July 20, 1969.

200407 - The Tragical Mystery Tour

Dear Chicks and Dudes After finding new dimensions of consciousnes ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2007 6:29pm PST

20110917 - Day at the Mall and Hotel : After a well-needed late sleep-in, we had a hotel breakfast and then headed out to the mall to find out when the movies were on. It was hot, so spent some time at the pool, and caught a glimpse down into the dirty river nearby, of a very large lizard-y creature. Only use of my long lens and a massive close crop actually revealed it to be some sort of monitor lizard. There were at least three that we saw, all living in the horribly dirty river in the middle of the city! Late in the afternoon we went out to see The Smurfs movie in 3D and had dinner at an Indian restaurant. Afterwards, we walked across to the Midvalley Megamall to take Jason to the doctor clinic, as his tummy wasn't feeling too well (something he brought with him from Perth, since he had it before we left). We had a doctor's consultation and were issued with three different types of prescriptions, and all for RM40! Which is the equivalent of about $13AUD! Incredible. The doctor was very kind and thoughtful and said Jason should feel fine soon (two days later, he was almost good as gold!).

20110917 - Day at the Mall and Hotel

After a well-needed late sleep-in, we had a hotel breakfast and then h ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2011 7:35pm PST

20030726 - Christmas in July : Winter Christmas in July.

20030726 - Christmas in July

Winter Christmas in July.

Updated: Jul 13, 2007 6:39pm PST

20110918 - Day of the Towers : Unfortunately we discovered that the Petronas Towers Observation Deck is closed for renovations, so there is no option to go up there for views of the city. Instead we caught an early taxi to the KL Tower, which is the fourth highest tower in the world. The view from up there is really breathtaking, although KL is pretty smoggy, so didn't make for great pictures. We did get a good idea of how big and spread out the city is, and also how unplanned and higgledy piggledy it looks. There are a LOT of tall buildings in it though. Afterwards we took a short walk through the 'traditional village' although it was really just a series of display rooms showing the style and origins of the different kinds of traditional houses. We were a bit early so there was much preparation going on for what looked like being a massive food festival of some kind, probably for lunch. Our entry ticket allowed us to go into the small animal farm they have near the tower, and there was quite an interesting and comprehensive display of reptiles and spiders from all over the world, as well as parrots, some monkeys, and some interesting birds. We took a walk down through the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, which turned out now to be such a good idea, since Ashley, Jason and I were absolutely feasted on by mosquitos, although they didn't seem to like John, who escaped unscathed. There was much itching and scratching afterwards but the shuttle organiser man found us some antiseptic cream, which helped a bit. Then we took a taxi with Mr Singh to the Petronas Towers. However, both kids were a bit miserable about the mosquito bites, so we never walked all the way around the towers. Instead we went into the mall below the towers (another impressively modern mall!) to find a chemist for anti-itch medication - After-Bite, according to the locals. While in the mall, the rain started down on us, in a massive way! It REALLY rained. The kids had fun being in the rain when it wasn't cold, since the humidity and heat make getting wet quite fun! After that, it was on to Times Square mall, to the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, where the kids had fun on some pretty hairy rides, including a wild loop-the-loop which Jason was not allowed to go on, since he wasn't tall enough. After all that wound up, we were all pretty exhausted and headed to the hotel before a dinner at a Taiwanese restaurant in the mall.

20110918 - Day of the Towers

Unfortunately we discovered that the Petronas Towers Observation Deck ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2011 11:56pm PST

20110919 - Day in the Hotel Room : Ashley woke this morning with a terrible stomach ache, and not feeling very well, so we decided to cancel our plans and stay in the hotel room. It was probably just as well, since it absolutely poured with rain for most of the morning, and our plans had been outdoor ones! It cleared in the afternoon and became a beautiful sunny day with crisp clear air, something we hadn't seen since we arrived. Jason and I went down to the pool for a while.

20110919 - Day in the Hotel Room

Ashley woke this morning with a terrible stomach ache, and not feeling ...

Updated: Sep 19, 2011 1:56am PST

20110920 - Batu Caves, Butterflies and Birds : Ashley felt better this morning, so we phoned Mr Singh, the taxi driver we met two days before, and he came to be our personal driver for the day. He took us to the Batu Caves, which is just a little north of the centre of KL and is the most popular Hindu shrine outside of India, and dedicated to Lord Murugan, who stands as a huge golden statue at the base of the stair climb up to the caves. Afterwards Mr Singh insisted on taking us to the National Monument on the way to the Butterfly park. It was a mellow, but dry-subject walk down a hill and through some attractive gardens filled with interesting sculptural art works. Then it was off to the butterfly park in the city's Lake Gardens. It wasn't a sunny day, so the butterflies were not particularly active, but we did see quite a few, and some were huge! We were told there are not many mosquitos in the butterfly garden, because there are also many dragonflies, so the mossie population is kept to a minumum. After lunch at a small Chinese restaurant recommended by Mr Singh, we headed for the Royal Palace for some mandatory pictures with the guards and horses there, and then on to the very large and impressive bird park. The mosquito situation here was not as fortunate as at the butterfly park, so we were a little bitten up by the end, although nothing could compare to the jungle walk of two days before! It was an exhausting day, and we came home at about 4pm for a quick swim and a rest before going to the nearby Megamall food hall for dinner.

20110920 - Batu Caves, Butterflies and Birds

Ashley felt better this morning, so we phoned Mr Singh, the taxi drive ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2011 7:01am PST

20110921 - Cyberview Hotel and Karaoke : We checked out of our KL hotel and headed for the Cyberview Lodge and Spa Resort in Cyberjaya, which is next to Putrajaya, between KL and the aiport. The resort is awesome, and very relaxing, with palm trees, lawns, pathways and an inclusive spa, which is very appealing. In the evening, we hired the padded and soundproofed Oasis Karaoke Lounge where we all sang our hearts out all evening without subjecting anyone else to the pain of it all! It took the technician some time to figure out how to turn the karaoke machine to English, so something suggested to us that we were the first non-Japanese guests who had used it in a looooong time! Great fun was had by all singing our favourite songs and the kids had a VERY late night!

20110921 - Cyberview Hotel and Karaoke

We checked out of our KL hotel and headed for the Cyberview Lodge and ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2011 10:40pm PST

20110922 - Putrajaya : Putrajaya is a 'planned' city just outside of Kuala Lumpur, and designed as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia and the seat of government (much like Canberra, I am told, although I haven't been to Canberra). It is very neat and tidy and organised, and there is a lot of very impressive architecture to be seen. There is also quite a large shopping centre there called Alamanda, where we went for a bit of a stroll first thing in the morning before getting a taxi to the main tourist area. We went on a boat trip down the river, and saw fabulous big buildings, bridges, the mosque, some viewing towers, and other impressive architecture. The kids also went on the water in big plastic bubbles which was quite a hit for them! We did a bit of a sightseeing trip into the big mosque and a devout Muslim lady told us all about the Koran for quite some time, so that we missed the shuttle back to the hotel, and ended up spending quite a bit of time in the heat trying to find a taxi, of which there were very few. Eventually we got back to our hotel for a bit of R&R in the afternoon.

20110922 - Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a 'planned' city just outside of Kuala Lumpur, and design ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2011 8:23pm PST

20110923 - Last Day in the Cyberjaya Hotel : On our last full day in the resort, we decided to just chill out and take it easy. The kids went to the playroom where they did some jumping and basketball dunking practice. We also played some pool in the games room, and the kids had a go for the first time. I had a mum's massage and spa, and John went with the kids to the pool. Generally a very quiet and easy day. The following day, the Saturday, we had to check out by midday, which was right after John had his dad's massage and spa. In the afternoon we went back to the Putrajaya Mall to try and see a movie, but it was sold out, so we had coffee in the mall and came back to chill out in the bar at the hotel. The kids swam again, but I wasn't feeling so well by then, so by the time we got to the airport late that night, we were all definitely ready to get home! It was a long overnight flight, and we got back to Perth by 6:30am, when we all crashed and slept till 9am. An interesting, but not terribly exciting holiday overall. It was nice to get away for a whole week from all the busy work that had to be done at home for our departure to New Zealand.

20110923 - Last Day in the Cyberjaya Hotel

On our last full day in the resort, we decided to just chill out and t ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2011 12:25pm PST

20110713-14 - Broome Chinatown : We left Perth in the late afternoon and flew up to Broome through the sunset hour, which made for very pretty views out of both sides of the plane. Our first night was spent at the Broome Caravan Park, but our accommodation was not sumptuous and John and I did not sleep too well. The first day out, we wandered into town to take a look at Broome and see what it had to offer. A trip to the oldest outdoor movie theatre in Australia, as well as Chinatown and some of the central town memorials and plaques made for an interesting but somewhat dry afternoon. Lunch at the cheap and cheerful Chinese restaurant and a walk down Streeter's Jetty to see the crabs, made for some levity to the day. Later in the afternoon, we went back to the caravan park so the kids could have a swim.

20110713-14 - Broome Chinatown

We left Perth in the late afternoon and flew up to Broome through the ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 6:53pm PST

20110715 - Heading for Cygnet Bay : We got a rental 4x4 as soon as we could in the morning and started the drive up the Dampier Peninsular towards Cygnet Bay. The first stop was to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, which is a short distance away from Broome. It's not a real working farm, but a display farm that gives tours about the pearl farming industry and shows people how it all works. We didn't do a tour but took a walk around and had a drink. Then it was off up the long road for what felt like forever. Our car broke down along the way, apparently because of a dirty fuel filter that the mechanic had forgotten to replace! We had to stop and let it cool off all the way up to Cygnet Bay, every 20mins or so. It took us a lot longer to get up there than we had planned! But it was well worth the drive. The farm was beautiful and peaceful and quiet! We took a walk down to the beach for sunset, and it was perfectly still and low tide, so the rock pools were gorgeous. Fantastic place!

20110715 - Heading for Cygnet Bay

We got a rental 4x4 as soon as we could in the morning and started the ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 7:03pm PST

201107 - Pearl Farm Accommodation : Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has great accommodation! We stayed in the Divers' Quarters, which sleeps six in the main cottage area, and has another two rooms for two people each, and the shared bathroom, shower and toilet room out the back. It was very spacious and comfortable, and had wonderful little green tree frogs to keep us company each evening in the bathroom. The kids were very taken with them!

201107 - Pearl Farm Accommodation

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has great accommodation! We stayed in the Diver ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 6:56pm PST

20110716 - Pearl Farm Tour : First thing in the morning, we went for an early morning walk down to the beach for the children to try their hand at fishing. The tide was really low at first, but came rushing in really quickly to cover the rocks where we started out. There did not seem to be anything that wanted to be caught, unfortunately. After lunch, we went for a tour of the Pearl Farm, on their amphibious craft, the Sealegs. It started off on the land, with big wheels guiding us to the water. The boat part then came into play, and the big rubber wheels were lifted so that we were soon floating free. We went all the way across Cygnet Bay, and saw the working boats, bouy lines, and went out to the Seeding Shed too, although we didn't stop to get off there. On the way back we saw an Osprey on her nest, and she put in a beautiful flight display for us. After we got back, we played a spot of beach volleyball, but there was quite a lot of loose rocky bits in the sand, so it wasn't too comfortable. At the end of the day, we had dinner in the farmhand mess hall again, which is always a good spread!

20110716 - Pearl Farm Tour

First thing in the morning, we went for an early morning walk down to ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 7:09pm PST

20110717 - Cape Leveque : First thing in the morning, Ashley and I went out for a walk into the bush area, and found a Bower Bird, who had a beautifully ornate and complex nest that she was looking after. She wasn't happy when we walked past her, and made such a racket, that she actually alerted us to her presence! We would't have known she was there if she hadn't made such a fuss. After our walk, we went for a drive up to One Arm Point and Cape Leveque. At One Arm Point, we went to the shellfish hatchery where they are cultivating shellfish to replenish the reefs. They had many tanks of small fish and some barramundi that sucked food out of the kids fingers, much to their great fright. At Cape Leveque, the most northern point of the peninsular, the kids went for a swim on the beach, and we took a walk down near the Pindan cliffs on the beach. It was beautiful in the sunset.

20110717 - Cape Leveque

First thing in the morning, Ashley and I went out for a walk into the ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 7:12pm PST

20110718 - Travelling back to Broome : We had to leave the pearl farm by 10am so mom and Kim got up early to take a sunrise walk down to the beach. It was beautifully peaceful down there. Then we headed off back to One Arm Point town for petrol before heading to the bakery at Beagle Bay that is supposedly renowned for great bread, but unfortunately we were misinformed because it has long-since closed down. We did stop at the little chapel in Beagle Bay where everything is made from pearl oyster shells. It was very interesting. When we got back to Broome, we checked into our hotel and had a cool-off swim before heading down to the Town Beach for the moonrise which showed the fabulous Staircase to the Moon reflections on the mudflats.

20110718 - Travelling back to Broome

We had to leave the pearl farm by 10am so mom and Kim got up early to ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 7:16pm PST

20110719 - Cable Beach :

20110719 - Cable Beach

Updated: Jul 25, 2011 7:12am PST

20110720 - Broome Town and Camel Sunset :

20110720 - Broome Town and Camel Sunset

Updated: Jul 26, 2011 7:22am PST

20110721 - Gantheaume Point, Camel Ride and Redell's Beach : We got up really early in the morning to head down to Gantheaume Point where there are dinosaur footprints that can only be seen at very low tide. The low tide wasn't low enough to see all the footprints, but we did see two. It took a while to find them, but once we did, they were quite obvious. After we had finished at the point, we went to Buddha's Sanctuary which is a meditation and yoga centre with an enormous crystal Buddha. There were a lot of hawks of some sort soaring over the sanctuary. Just before sunset, we went down to Cable Beach to see our camels arrive for the pre-sunset ride we were to go on. It was great fun and the camel guide took some pictures for us on the camels too. At sunset, mom and I took a trip down to Redell's Beach to see the Bingle Bingles and the fantastic sunet over the red sands. It was superbly beautiful and peaceful.

20110721 - Gantheaume Point, Camel Ride and Redell's Beach

We got up really early in the morning to head down to Gantheaume Point ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2011 3:06pm PST

20100423-26 Bunbury : The Anzac weekend was a great opportunity to get away, and Amanda and Allan organised for us all to go away together. It was great fun, and Allan even led us on our first real 4WD trip, which was great fun, but a little nerve-wracking for the youngest member in our car...

20100423-26 Bunbury

The Anzac weekend was a great opportunity to get away, and Amanda and ...

Updated: May 02, 2010 4:57pm PST

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20110722 - Last Day

Updated: Jul 23, 2011 8:45pm PST

20100305-08 Yanchep : We took the children out of school on Monday so that we could have three nights away to Yanchep. It's only an hour's drive away and a very pleasant place to go to. It was perhaps not as close to the beach as we would have liked, but the huge sand dune there kept us entertained for a while. We also took a trip to Yanchep National Park to see the Koalas and Crystal Cave, and then played some sports at the campsite, including a swim, Patonque, tennis, cricket and Jason rode his Ripstick a fair bit. Generally a very relaxing weekend.

20100305-08 Yanchep

We took the children out of school on Monday so that we could have thr ...

Updated: Mar 13, 2010 6:27pm PST

20100123-26 - Busselton : On the long Australia Day weekend in January 2010, we went for three nights in the camper down to Busselton, about there hours south of Perth, and stayed in a great caravan park quite near the beach. There was plenty for the kids to do there, but it was rather crowded, since it was a long weekend. (Unfortunately we suffered spot of bad luck just before getting to Busselton. Three of the four bikes fell off the back of the trailer. Two were thereafter unusable, so we dragged them all the way there for nothing.)

20100123-26 - Busselton

On the long Australia Day weekend in January 2010, we went for three n ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2010 12:00am PST

200305 - Pasta, Passion and Pistols : A diabolical plot unfolds as a grieving Italian family gather for dinner...

200305 - Pasta, Passion and Pistols

A diabolical plot unfolds as a grieving Italian family gather for dinn ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2007 8:06pm PST

20091227-31 - Mandurah : Between Christmas and New Year of 2009, we went on our first camping trip in our new camper trailer. We didn't go very far - just down to Mandurah, which is about an hour's drive south of Perth. We wanted to get a feel for it and make sure that we were near civilisation in case we never had everything we needed. As it turns out, there were a few little things, but mostly it was very comfortable, and we had loads of fun. The campsite itself was a bit boring for the children, as it only had one pair of swings, but we took them out and about, and we had fun anyway. It was great to be away together.

20091227-31 - Mandurah

Between Christmas and New Year of 2009, we went on our first camping t ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2010 11:15pm PST

Our Camper Trailer : This is an idea of what our camper trailer is like. How we put it up and down, and how we live in it. It's our lovely little home from home!

Our Camper Trailer

This is an idea of what our camper trailer is like. How we put it up ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2010 8:01pm PST

20100619 - First Day with Granny and Grampa : On our first day we arrived early, had a swim in our hotel pool and then headed off to meet up with Granny and Grampa at their hotel. Granny had no idea we were coming!

20100619 - First Day with Granny and Grampa

On our first day we arrived early, had a swim in our hotel pool and th ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 8:07am PST

20100620 - Day at Waterbom Park : On Sunday we took the kids to Waterbom Park. Unfortunately, the camera seems to have corrupted the pictures from this day, so as soon as they are recovered (if I manage to recover them), I will put them up!

20100620 - Day at Waterbom Park

On Sunday we took the kids to Waterbom Park. Unfortunately, the camer ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2010 6:53pm PST

empty gallery

201104 - Yallingup

Updated: Jun 02, 2011 6:04am PST

20100620 - Melasti Balinese Dancing : After sunset and dinner at Granny and Grampa's hotel, there was a traditional Balinese dancing show. Whilst the dancing was very interesting and pretty, and the music was... different..., each dance of the show went on for rather a long time. We had to get the kids to bed, so we had to leave a bit earlier than the end.

20100620 - Melasti Balinese Dancing

After sunset and dinner at Granny and Grampa's hotel, there was a trad ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2010 7:07pm PST

20100621 - Boat Trip to Lembongan Island : On Monday we took a boat trip out to Lembongan Island. It's a small island just west of Bali and apparently has no source of income apart from the seaweed farming. Everything has to be brought to the island, including fresh water, although there is a small underground supply there, but it doesn't service the needs of the whole island. As a result, anything bought there is 3-4 times more expensive than elsewhere in Bali. We went for a tour of the village of Jungutbatu, which is the northern village of the two on the island. While we were moored to our boat's leisure platform, Grampa had a bit of a fall and bruised his ribcage rather badly, so the day ended with a trip for Granny and Grampa to the hospital, and an overnight stay there for Grampa!

20100621 - Boat Trip to Lembongan Island

On Monday we took a boat trip out to Lembongan Island. It's a small i ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 8:22am PST

20100622 - Quiet Day Near the Hotel : Since Grampa was in the hospital, we had to stay close to the hotel for the day, to wait for the call to go and fetch him. The kids were ready for a quiet day anyway, and had some money to spend. We went shopping and then to rest our weary feet, had a fish massage. The 'Doctor Fish' nibble away all the dead and dry skin and leave the feet feeling beautifully fresh, smooth and rejuvenated. That evening we had dinner at Blue Skyz, where the juggling barman gave us a bit of a bartender's show, and did some magic card tricks.

20100622 - Quiet Day Near the Hotel

Since Grampa was in the hospital, we had to stay close to the hotel fo ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2010 8:07pm PST

20100623 - Day with Granny and Grampa : Wednesday was Grampa's first full day back from the hospital, so we had to take it easy round their hotel pool. We had lunch served at the pool side.

20100623 - Day with Granny and Grampa

Wednesday was Grampa's first full day back from the hospital, so we ha ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2010 9:15pm PST

20100624 - Bali Safari and Marine Park :

20100624 - Bali Safari and Marine Park

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 7:33am PST

20100624 - Safari Park Animals : There was an impressive array of unusual and notable animals at the park, as well as a freshwater aquarium. Some were only visible from a bus we went on as a Safari, so the photography is not the best.

20100624 - Safari Park Animals

There was an impressive array of unusual and notable animals at the pa ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 7:18am PST

20100626 - Returning Home : Friday was our last day, and we just did a bit of shopping and had some beauty treatments (full body massages, nail painting for the girls, and a fish massage for Jason) in the afternoon, so there really wasn't much of interest to photograph. And Saturday morning we were up early to get to the airport and fly home. All in all a very enjoyable and relaxing break away from the cold of Perth, which was a bit of a shock to come home to after all this sunshine!

20100626 - Returning Home

Friday was our last day, and we just did a bit of shopping and had som ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 8:12am PST

20100926-27 - Driving to Denham and a Day at Little Lagoon : We left home at about 7am on Sunday, which was a little later than intended (and the story of our lives), and drove up the Great Northern Highway, onto the North-West Coast Highway and then to Shark Bay and the town of Denham. Shark Bay is a World Heritage listed site and very beautiful. It's also home to Monkey Mia, where the dolphins come in to shore each morning to ogle and admire the tourists. We stayed in the Blue Dolphin Caravan Park in Denham. The park did not have much to offer for the kids, but was close to the beach, and most places here work on the assumption that there is so much to do around and about the place, that it's unlikely anyone would want to stay in the park anyway. On our first full day there, we took a trip out to nearby Little Lagoon, which was formed when a nearby birrida (a flat ex-water salt-pan had a waterway break through to it from the sea. The lagoon now forms a permanent watering hole for tourists like us. You can drive up the beach, and although there were a few people there, we were able to be far enough away from them to feel like we were alone.

20100926-27 - Driving to Denham and a Day at Little Lagoon

We left home at about 7am on Sunday, which was a little later than int ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2010 6:47pm PST

20100928 - Ocean Park Aquarium : On Tuesday, we took a trip down to the Ocean Park Aquarium. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeab, and we got to see them feeding sharks, although it was probably not as exciting as it sounds. They can only let them eat a bit at a time, or they get too fat and lazy and then they can't release them after they have finished their stint in the aquarium. There were lots of fish to see there, and all of them caught locally in Shark Bay. All in all a very interesting outing. It was pretty hot so afterwards we went back to the campsite for a bit of a relax and bookreading, and then cycled down the beachfront to the other side of town for a swim.

20100928 - Ocean Park Aquarium

On Tuesday, we took a trip down to the Ocean Park Aquarium. The staff ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2010 7:01am PST

20100929 - Drive to Shell Beach : On Wednesday it was time to visit Shell Beach. It's a bit of a drive down the peninsular, with a few spectacular viewpoints to stop at along the way. Generally it was a very relaxing day.

20100929 - Drive to Shell Beach

On Wednesday it was time to visit Shell Beach. It's a bit of a drive ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2010 9:09pm PST

20030322 - The Watersdown Affair :

20030322 - The Watersdown Affair

Updated: Jul 13, 2007 7:51pm PST

20100930 - Francois Peron National Park : On Thursday, we took a drive up into the Francois Peron National Park. It was rather a long drive, with quite repetitive scenery, but John enjoyed the four-wheel-driving on very soft sand and bouncy roads. We had to deflate our tyres a bit to go onto the soft sand. After such a long trip, we were very grateful that the view at the end was very well worth it! When we got home, we went out for dinner at a little restaurant. The most westerly restaurant in Australia, and the only one made entirely of shells! Lovely food and friendly service too!

20100930 - Francois Peron National Park

On Thursday, we took a drive up into the Francois Peron National Park. ...

Updated: Oct 13, 2010 6:46pm PST

20101001 - Monkey Mia : On Friday we got up extra early to head to Monkey Mia to see the dolphins come into the bay. They do the first feeding at 8am, and then two more later in the morning if the dolphins come in to shore, but never any later than noon. They need to make sure the dolphins spend enough time out in the open water to feed babies, hone their hunting skills, and teach babies to hunt. At 10:30am we went on a sailing trip on the Aristocat2, a catamaran that took us out to where the Dugongs hang out.

20101001 - Monkey Mia

On Friday we got up extra early to head to Monkey Mia to see the dolph ...

Updated: Oct 15, 2010 7:25am PST

20101003 - Hamelin Pool Stromatolites and Driving to Exmouth : On Saturday, we had a quiet relaxing day around the campsite, reading and playing games, and partly packing up the stuff to leave on Sunday. We got moving as early on Sunday as we could, and headed for Exmouth. On the way, we stopped at Hamelin Pool to see the stromatolites, which are the oldest known forms of life that still survive today. They make fantastical rock formations near the shore in the very salty waters of the bay.

20101003 - Hamelin Pool Stromatolites and Driving to Exmouth

On Saturday, we had a quiet relaxing day around the campsite, reading ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2010 4:00pm PST

20101005 - Trip to the Gorges : We took a trip to the Charles Knife Gorge and to Shothole Canyon which are just south of Exmouth. On the way we stopped at the Kailis Bros big prawn, and then cycled down to the beach for sunset.

20101005 - Trip to the Gorges

We took a trip to the Charles Knife Gorge and to Shothole Canyon which ...

Updated: May 22, 2011 7:11am PST

20101006 - Trip to Yardie Creek : On our third day on holiday, we took a drive down to Yardie Creek and went on a boat trip up the creek. There was a lot of wildlife to be seen, and it was a very interesting trip. On the way back from Yardie Creek, we stopped at Oyster Stacks to check out conditions for snorkelling.

20101006 - Trip to Yardie Creek

On our third day on holiday, we took a drive down to Yardie Creek and ...

Updated: May 23, 2011 4:43am PST

20101007 - Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks : Someone told us that Oyster Stacks was a great place to snorkel because there wasn't as much of an outgoing rip as there is at Turquoise Bay. It was great. There were a lot of rocks and coral with very specific types of fish that hung out there. There was heaps to see, and although the kids got a bit cold, they had great fun. We just hopped in at the rocky end of the beach, and the slight current washed us down to the big white beach at the end, where we got out and did the whole thing again! Great fun! On the way back to our campsite we decided to stop in at Turquoise Bay just to see what it was like, and it was absolutely beautiful, so we decided to go back there for some snorkelling the next day.

20101007 - Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks

Someone told us that Oyster Stacks was a great place to snorkel becaus ...

Updated: May 23, 2011 7:47am PST

20101008 - Jurabi Beach and Turquoise Bay Snorkelling : On the way to Turquoise Bay for more snorkelling, we stopped at Jurabi Beach to play on the dunes. We managed to see some great fish and corals at Turquoise Bay, and the underwater world there was quite different to what it had been at Oyster Stacks. Very interesting. That evening, for our last night in Exmouth, we went to the Novotel for drinks and dinner. We ended up having to wait for ages for dinner, because they had forgotten about us, by which stage, we were starving!

20101008 - Jurabi Beach and Turquoise Bay Snorkelling

On the way to Turquoise Bay for more snorkelling, we stopped at Jurabi ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2011 4:53am PST

20101009 - Driving Home : We left Exmouth as soon as we could pack up camp in the morning (about 7:30am) and drove all day till about 5:30pm, when we arrived at Geraldton for an early dinner. After that it was a straight drive back to Perth to arrive at about 1030pm. A very long day's drive, but the kids were very well behaved, and we got to sleep in our own beds that night to wake up at home for a day's rest. What a fabulous holiday!

20101009 - Driving Home

We left Exmouth as soon as we could pack up camp in the morning (about ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2011 6:10am PST

20101004 - Bundegi Beach and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse : On our first day in Exmouth, we took a bit of a drive around the neighbourhood. We took a swim at Bundegi Beach, had a look at the Mildura Wreck, and then took a drive out to the Vlaimingh Head Lighthouse for sunset.

20101004 - Bundegi Beach and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

On our first day in Exmouth, we took a bit of a drive around the neigh ...

Updated: May 22, 2011 6:59am PST

20081211 - Kim's Flight to Sydney : The flight was pretty uneventful and smooth, and I sat next to a chatty man from the timber industry. Very pleasant. John fetched me from the airport and we stayed over at Robbie's for the night, so I got to meet Mish, the bride-to-be, in the morning and to see Robbie for a short while.

20081211 - Kim's Flight to Sydney

The flight was pretty uneventful and smooth, and I sat next to a chatt ...

Updated: Dec 14, 2008 3:08am PST

200712 - Rainy Day in the City : Our first day in the city was pouring with rain, and very windy. I had wanted to do a Harbour Cruise and/or a Bridge Climb, but neither were on the cards as the weather was just awful! We ended up at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe, and ate far too much rich stuff for our own good! Then we went back to our hotel on the harbourside. From outside the front of the hotel we could see the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Luna Park - all iconic Sydney landmarks. Later on in the evening, there were even some fireworks that I ran back downstairs to photograph!

200712 - Rainy Day in the City

Our first day in the city was pouring with rain, and very windy. I ha ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2008 4:48am PST

20081213 - Drive Down to Wollongong with Bob : So Bob came and picked us up from the hotel to take us for a drive down to his place in Wollongong. It was a lovely day out and we stopped for lunch at a cafe and then had afternoon tea at his place. We also had his lovely little Sophie in the car with us, and she was a treasure. Thanks, Bob, for a great day out!

20081213 - Drive Down to Wollongong with Bob

So Bob came and picked us up from the hotel to take us for a drive dow ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2008 6:51am PST

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20081213 - Little Sophie

Sophie in the car on the way to Wollongong.

Updated: Dec 14, 2008 3:57am PST

20081213 - Harbour Bridge and Opera House at Sunset : Once we were back from Wollongong, John went off to Robbie's house to do the Best Man thing. As I got near to our hotel, a huge passenger ship was just leaving the harbour and there was a steady stream of people turning out to see it off, so I got on the bandwagon and shot a few of that too. I decided to take a ferry trip across to Circular Quay, which is the very touristy area around the Sydney Opera House and with views to the main city area, and back across the bay to the Harbour Bridge. I left while it was still snny and daylight, but caught a fabulous sunset and had a curry dinner on the quayside while I waited for darkness.

20081213 - Harbour Bridge and Opera House at Sunset

Once we were back from Wollongong, John went off to Robbie's house to ...

Updated: May 31, 2009 1:17am PST

20081213 - Harbour Bridge and Opera House at Night : Our hotel apartment could be seen from the Opera House, from the opposite direction to those shots taken on Friday night. At about 9:30pm there was a sudden shout that there were fireworks going on. I couldn't get all the way round the opera house (it's huge), but I did get a glimpse of them around the side... Just as I was leaving a huge almost-full orange moon rose right behind the Main Attraction, and it was a fitting time to go...

20081213 - Harbour Bridge and Opera House at Night

Our hotel apartment could be seen from the Opera House, from the oppos ...

Updated: May 31, 2009 1:14am PST

200908 - Daily Tabletop Challenge : I've set myself a challenge to take a picture every day with the camera placed on a table top, and using my wide angle lens. We are eating or drinking somewhere new most days, so it doesn't seem to me it will be too arduous... Let's see. (I will be shooting them every day, but probably won't be able to process and post every day. Will try to stay as current as possible.)

200908 - Daily Tabletop Challenge

I've set myself a challenge to take a picture every day with the camer ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 6:41am PST

20090807 - Arriving in Bali : These are some starting pictures of our flight over, and arrival in Bali. There are some general pictures of the beautiful villa we stayed in too. For those who asked about bugs and creepy crawlies, there are mosquitoes that come out at sundown, but the mosquito nets around the big king-size four-poster beds help with those, as well as ceiling fans.

20090807 - Arriving in Bali

These are some starting pictures of our flight over, and arrival in Ba ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2009 6:13pm PST

20090808 - Morning Walk to the Beach : The jetlag meant that the NZ crew woke up early so we all went down to the beach for an early morning walk.

20090808 - Morning Walk to the Beach

The jetlag meant that the NZ crew woke up early so we all went down to ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 7:01pm PST

20090808 - Lunch in Ubud : Ubud is a fabulous arts centre, and we stopped there to shop and look around. We had lunch upstairs in a little restaurant that was a welcome cool escape from the heat. We all wished we had looked further because there were many more very pleasant-looking restaurants further down the street too. Definitely a place to go back to.

20090808 - Lunch in Ubud

Ubud is a fabulous arts centre, and we stopped there to shop and look ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 7:27pm PST

20090808 - Monkey Forest : The sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud was an interesting experience. The monkeys are quite scarily aggressive, and unafraid, and we had heard many tales of horror that they bite and attack. However, we later found out that the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest are fed and therefore far less aggressive than those at Uluwatu and (another place that I can't remember the name of). We were respectfully distant from them, but one still chased Jason, another stole his whole bunch of bananas, and Amy had three grooming her in a rather possessive manner. John managed to get them to climb from her to him, and then a fourth joined them all. Quite nerve-wracking, but all were unharmed in the end, thank goodness.

20090808 - Monkey Forest

The sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud was an interesting experience. The m ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 7:31pm PST

20090809 - Lunch and Play at Canggu Beach : Today we looked after Amy and Cameron, as well as Ashley and Jason, and took them for lunch down at the Beach House on Canggu Beach (pronounced Changoo). They also had a chance to do some jumping in the waves. Canggu Beach has very black sand since it is quite volcanic, and the waves are good for surfers, so not so good for little kids to play in. But they had fun in the shallows anyway.

20090809 - Lunch and Play at Canggu Beach

Today we looked after Amy and Cameron, as well as Ashley and Jason, an ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 7:40pm PST

20090810 - Day at Waterbom Park : Waterbom Park is a great waterslide and fun park and we all had a great day in the water. Good exercise running up and down the stairs too. The Boomerang was probably the most scary slide, as it was like a slingshot up a vertical wall, and down backwards again. Pretty hair-raising.

20090810 - Day at Waterbom Park

Waterbom Park is a great waterslide and fun park and we all had a grea ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2009 5:29am PST

20090810 - Lunch at the Boardwalk and Kuta Markets : During our day at Waterbom Park, we decided to take some time out and walk down to Kuta Beach for lunch and then to the markets. We found a great restaurant called the Boardwalk at one of the hotels, and there was a pool there that we could avail ourselves of too. The kids loved it, of course!

20090810 - Lunch at the Boardwalk and Kuta Markets

During our day at Waterbom Park, we decided to take some time out and ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 4:47am PST

20090815 - A Day out in Kuta : The rest of the family kindly offered to look after Ashley and Jason so that John and I could go do a bit of shopping and looking around Kuta and the markets on our own. We had lunch at a hotel restaurant, and a bit of a sit by the pool and a swim, and then strolled the streets for local paraphernalia and bargains...

20090815 - A Day out in Kuta

The rest of the family kindly offered to look after Ashley and Jason s ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2009 10:36pm PST

20090811 - Massages and Tony and Linda's Commitment Ceremony : First thing in the morning, we had some masseurs come to the villa to give us all a one hour massage. Even the kids got 15mins each. And after lunch, we headed off to Nusa Dua for Tony and Linda's Commitment Ceremony (aka wedding) on the beach, followed by dinner in the restaurant right nearby. A lovely afternoon and a great evening.

20090811 - Massages and Tony and Linda's Commitment Ceremony

First thing in the morning, we had some masseurs come to the villa to ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2009 6:36pm PST

20090817 - Whitewater Rafting : We went for a day trip out to the Ayung River for some very tame whitewater rafting. We all agreed it was great to see a part of Bali that didn't include lots of cars. The jungle that we went through was lovely and peaceful.

20090817 - Whitewater Rafting

We went for a day trip out to the Ayung River for some very tame white ...

Updated: Aug 20, 2009 6:59am PST

20090818 - Elephant Safari Park and Show : We went out to the Elephant Safari Park and saw the elephants in their own little show. They are so cute and so agile, considering their size. Each has their own mahut (trainer), and many have been with the same trainer for many years. Most came from Sumatra about 7 years ago, and have had the same trainer since then.

20090818 - Elephant Safari Park and Show

We went out to the Elephant Safari Park and saw the elephants in their ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2009 11:02pm PST

20090812 - Vist to Pura Tanah Lot : We spent most of the day relaxing round the house, but nearer to sunset we decided to take a trip out to Pura (Temple) Tanah Lot, which is THE place to be for fantastic sunsets. As it happens, the sunset was a bit of a disappointment on the night we decided to go, of course, but it was a lovely visit anyway. There were plenty of markets to tempt us too.

20090812 - Vist to Pura Tanah Lot

We spent most of the day relaxing round the house, but nearer to sunse ...

Updated: Jun 10, 2011 10:28pm PST

20090813 - Day in Sanur : We took a trip into Sanur with just our two kids for a mellow day on the beach and lunch at a local hotel. The weather was fantastic and the whole mood very relaxing. Nothing as decadent as Pina Coladas and a manicure and pedicure on the beach! ;-)

20090813 - Day in Sanur

We took a trip into Sanur with just our two kids for a mellow day on t ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2009 7:58pm PST

20090818 - Petting and Riding Elephants : It was really good to get up-close and personal with the elephants which seemed to have such wonderful natures. I couldn't help feeling just a little sad for them though...

20090818 - Petting and Riding Elephants

It was really good to get up-close and personal with the elephants whi ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:52am PST

20090814 - Back to Waterbom Park : Since we had bought a two-day pass to Waterbom Park, we took this day to go there again. Unfortunately Jason wasn't feeling too great, and then Cameron got suntan lotion in his eyes at lunchtime, so both went home with their dads after lunch. This time we discovered the young kids' playpark with all kinds of squirting and pouring water games. Great fun had by all. The weather was great, and we also managed to get some shopping done.

20090814 - Back to Waterbom Park

Since we had bought a two-day pass to Waterbom Park, we took this day ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2009 9:32pm PST

20090819 - Luwak Coffee : Luwaks are small raccoon-like creatures (called civets in English, but not like civet cats) that eat coffee berries. The berry kernels, or coffee beans don't digest in their digestive tract, and so they excrete them whole. The colour of the beans is then quite different, and they brew up into a quite different sort of coffee. We tried some, and it wasn't bad (quite strong), but it was about $60USD for 150g or so. Pretty expensive stuff and so we didn't buy any. The views from the sides of the mountain where they grow the beans and keep the luwaks was fantastic though!

20090819 - Luwak Coffee

Luwaks are small raccoon-like creatures (called civets in English, but ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:36am PST

20090819 - Mountain Biking : We went for a trip to the top of the volcanic mountains to drive all the way back down again to the end of the track. The trip was 32km overall, and mostly downhill. We were very proud of how the children handled it, but we were all pretty tired afterwards and definitely ready for lunch after a delayed start...

20090819 - Mountain Biking

We went for a trip to the top of the volcanic mountains to drive all t ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 3:51am PST

20090814 - Waterbom Bungee : At Waterbom Park there is a Bungee centre that all the kids wanted to try. Poor Jason wasn't feeling so good, so he didn't go on it. Turns out he had a bit of a bad tum and head cold, and after that, it went through a few more of us at the villa. Cameron, Jason and Ashley all paid for their own rides with their holiday money and loved it. All adrenalin junkies!

20090814 - Waterbom Bungee

At Waterbom Park there is a Bungee centre that all the kids wanted to ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2009 8:49pm PST

20090820 - Denpasar, Massages and Sunset : John and I had to go into Denpasar to the bank to retrieve a lost card, so we took the opportunity to go to the markets. In the afternoon Kim and the kids got a massage each, and then we went down to Canggu Beach for a sunset dinner with the whole family before the NZ crew left to go home. It was very sad to say goodbye...

20090820 - Denpasar, Massages and Sunset

John and I had to go into Denpasar to the bank to retrieve a lost card ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 6:02am PST

20090821 - Parasailing : For our last day we took a drive to Nusa Dua and did some parasailing, snorkelling and took a trip out to Turtle Island. The parasailing was a hit, although a very short affair.

20090821 - Parasailing

For our last day we took a drive to Nusa Dua and did some parasailing, ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 6:07am PST

20090821 - Turtle Island and Nusa Dua Lunch :

20090821 - Turtle Island and Nusa Dua Lunch

Updated: Aug 27, 2009 5:09pm PST

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200908 - Postcards from Bali

These are what I thought were my best shots from Bali that weren't of ...

Updated: Sep 19, 2009 7:19am PST

20070409 - Kids in the Pool : All four kids spent a lot of time in the pool. What great fun with all the fabulous big pool toys Amy and Cameron brought with...

20070409 - Kids in the Pool

All four kids spent a lot of time in the pool. What great fun with al ...

Updated: May 11, 2007 6:53pm PST

20070409 - At the Dog Beach : We took Zeus down to the dog beach to let off some steam and get himself clean.

20070409 - At the Dog Beach

We took Zeus down to the dog beach to let off some steam and get himse ...

Updated: Jun 02, 2007 10:49pm PST

20070409 - Jumping Boys : Cameron and Jason on the trampoline. Exercise is good for you...!

20070409 - Jumping Boys

Cameron and Jason on the trampoline. Exercise is good for you...!

Updated: Jun 03, 2007 12:54am PST

20070412 - Caversham Wildlife Park : A great day at the wildlife park, where we were able to touch kangaroos (they are incredibly soft), koalas and a wombat. The kids had a ball.

20070412 - Caversham Wildlife Park

A great day at the wildlife park, where we were able to touch kangaroo ...

Updated: May 11, 2007 7:06pm PST

20070413 - At Marmion Bay Beach : Building sand castles at Marmion Bay Beach at the end of Kalamunda Road..

20070413 - At Marmion Bay Beach

Building sand castles at Marmion Bay Beach at the end of Kalamunda Roa ...

Updated: May 11, 2007 6:59pm PST

20070415 - Family at Matilda Bay : We all went for a pleasant lunch and paddle at Matilda Bay...

20070415 - Family at Matilda Bay

We all went for a pleasant lunch and paddle at Matilda Bay...

Updated: Jun 02, 2007 11:00pm PST

20070428 - Swan River Boat Cruise : We went for a cruise on the river with granny and grampa, down to Fremantle and back. Lovely weather for it, although a bit windy out on the river.

20070428 - Swan River Boat Cruise

We went for a cruise on the river with granny and grampa, down to Frem ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2007 12:09am PST

20070401 - Regan's Ford : We stopped for lunch at Regan's Ford on the way to Cervantes. It was a long trip and we were happy to have a break to stretch legs.

20070401 - Regan's Ford

We stopped for lunch at Regan's Ford on the way to Cervantes. It was ...

Updated: May 02, 2007 5:33am PST

20070402 - Cervantes Beach : Down at the beach building sand-castles.

20070402 - Cervantes Beach

Down at the beach building sand-castles.

Updated: May 02, 2007 5:51am PST

20070402 - Late Evening at Cervantes Beach : Tim went down to the beach to do some kitesurfing and we all watched from the cold and windy edge. The beach was beautiful and deserted.

20070402 - Late Evening at Cervantes Beach

Tim went down to the beach to do some kitesurfing and we all watched f ...

Updated: May 02, 2007 6:52am PST

20070403 - Pinnacles : We took a quick drive to the Pinnacles Park at night, and found it was further away than we thought. Had to turn back to make sure that dinner didn't burn, so only managed to see the very first part of the park. The next morning John and I went to the park for sunrise. The moon was still up too and it was fantastically pretty.

20070403 - Pinnacles

We took a quick drive to the Pinnacles Park at night, and found it was ...

Updated: May 02, 2007 7:33am PST

20070403 - Geraldton Cathedral :

20070403 - Geraldton Cathedral

Updated: May 02, 2007 8:13am PST

20070404 - Kalbarri Foreshore : We spent the day by the Kalbarri estuary on the foreshore. It was very pleasant although a little hot.

20070404 - Kalbarri Foreshore

We spent the day by the Kalbarri estuary on the foreshore. It was ver ...

Updated: May 02, 2007 8:31am PST

20070404 - Kalbarri Shore : These are the views from the cliffs above the Kalbarri river mouth where mom, dad and Tim did a spot of fishing.

20070404 - Kalbarri Shore

These are the views from the cliffs above the Kalbarri river mouth whe ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 6:14am PST

20070404 - Kalbarri Seagulls :

20070404 - Kalbarri Seagulls

Updated: May 03, 2007 6:43am PST

20070404 - Kalbarri Cliff Sunset : Mom, Tim and Kim went for a drive down the coastal cliff road and the sunset was absolutely stunning. The cliffs and sea are constant rivals and I think the sea will ultimately win...

20070404 - Kalbarri Cliff Sunset

Mom, Tim and Kim went for a drive down the coastal cliff road and the ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 6:52am PST

20070405 - Kalbarri Gorges : John and Kim went to the Kalbarri Gorges. It was hot as heck and there were plenty of flies, but it was quite stunning. A better time of day would have made for much better light, but we were there when we were there...

20070405 - Kalbarri Gorges

John and Kim went to the Kalbarri Gorges. It was hot as heck and ther ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 7:53am PST

20070405 - Feeding Pelicans : Every morning at 8am, there are some pelicans that come up the shore to be gawked at and fed by the tourists. We all enjoyed the show immenseley. Apparently these were very young ones and haven't learned to catche well yet. By the end of the season, before they go away to breed, they become quite adept at it...

20070405 - Feeding Pelicans

Every morning at 8am, there are some pelicans that come up the shore t ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 7:16am PST

20070405 - Kalbarri Camels : We went down to the camel farm to have a ride on the camels, but unfortunately the whole place was closed up. We did get to pat them and chat to them, but they didn't seem impressed. They don't ever seem impressed by anything!

20070405 - Kalbarri Camels

We went down to the camel farm to have a ride on the camels, but unfor ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 7:26am PST

20070405 - Sunset Scenes : There's a solar power station (or something) just behind the cabin we stayed in, and a house with a rather large satellite dish on top. They looked kinda funky at sunset. After sunset we had two rather large kangaroos come round the garden to visit. He really wanted a piece of me for taking a picture of him...

20070405 - Sunset Scenes

There's a solar power station (or something) just behind the cabin we ...

Updated: May 03, 2007 8:10am PST

20070405 - Driving Home :

20070405 - Driving Home

Updated: May 03, 2007 8:16am PST

20070923 - Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserve : Scott drove Carla, James and I up to Zululand and Aunty Allie and Uncle Eard took us to the game reserve(s). We saw everything we could have wished for, except leopard (impossible to see at the best of times) and cheetah. Four of the Big Five were there for us; elephant, lion, buffalo and rhino (though not great pictures of the latter). Thanks for a great day in the park and for all the patience with us photographers.

20070923 - Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Scott drove Carla, James and I up to Zululand and Aunty Allie and Uncl ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 12:47pm PST

20070924 - uShaka Aquarium and Dangerous Creatures : Carla, James and I went to the uShaka Aquarium which was fantastically arranged within a replica sunken ship atmosphere. Rusted shipware everywhere, and tanks with sunken boats and treasure. Very interesting and extremely well done. They also have a Dangerous Creatures exhibit. That was quite interesting, though rather crowded with about two or three school outings going through at the same time.

20070924 - uShaka Aquarium and Dangerous Creatures

Carla, James and I went to the uShaka Aquarium which was fantastically ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 1:25pm PST

20070925 - uShaka Dolphin Show : I couldn't believe that Gambit was still working there. He started in 1974 and used to be the big star we used to go watch when I was a kid. He's still the main star, and all the dolphins performing, bar one, are his offspring or grandchildren. Amazing!

20070925 - uShaka Dolphin Show

I couldn't believe that Gambit was still working there. He started in ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2007 8:31am PST

20070925 - Visit to Derek and Debbie's : Carla, James and I went to catch up with Derek, Debbie, Kevin and Garth. It was a wonderfully reminiscent evening, and great to see them all again after so many years! Thanks for being our wonderful hosts, Derek and Debbie.

20070925 - Visit to Derek and Debbie's

Carla, James and I went to catch up with Derek, Debbie, Kevin and Gart ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2007 10:14am PST

200709 - Aunty Allie and Uncle Eard's Verandah : The wonderfully large decked verandah at Aunty Allie and Uncle Eard's.

200709 - Aunty Allie and Uncle Eard's Verandah

The wonderfully large decked verandah at Aunty Allie and Uncle Eard's.

Updated: Oct 14, 2007 7:59am PST

20071213 - Flight and First Day : We left at midnight on the night of the 12th December and arrived in Auckland just after lunch the next day. The flight was quite uneventful, except that we had a real rush at Sydney airport to change planes. It meant we never had to wait around much, but the race through the airport was frantic, to say the least. We arrived to good weather though, and the next morning, after the first day of general recovery, went for a walk down to the beach straight away...

20071213 - Flight and First Day

We left at midnight on the night of the 12th December and arrived in A ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 8:54pm PST

20071214 - Flying Fox Play : We took the kids up to the nearby Red Beach Reserve, where there's a Flying Fox that they kids loved to ride on. Great fun was had by all.

20071214 - Flying Fox Play

We took the kids up to the nearby Red Beach Reserve, where there's a F ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 9:09pm PST

20071224 - Riding the Luge : We took the kids for a ride on the luge racing cars. There's a conveyor belt to take you and the luge car to the top of the hill and then concrete roads to drive down on. They go rather fast and are great fun. The kids had a ball. It was hard to take pictures on the way down though, considering I was in a car and trying to drive!

20071224 - Riding the Luge

We took the kids for a ride on the luge racing cars. There's a convey ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2008 9:39pm PST

20071225 - Christmas : Christmas day was a bit cloudy and then rainy, but it wasn't cold, so the children ended up covered in soap and playing on a long piece of plastic in the garden, as a slip and slide. There was also a spirited game of Twister on the go later in the afternoon. The two boys had mohawks in their hair too, so they looked really different all day. Amy's bunny was now officially hers, since Santa had brought him early and we tried to hide it, but it was very difficult. In the end she had seen him two days prior.

20071225 - Christmas

Christmas day was a bit cloudy and then rainy, but it wasn't cold, so ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2008 12:53am PST

20071226 - Tim, Kitesurfing at Shakespear Park : We went to the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsular to Shakespear Park where Tim did some kitesurfing. It was very windy and not particularly pleasant on the beach, but it was great to see Tim in action.

20071226 - Tim, Kitesurfing at Shakespear Park

We went to the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsular to Shakespear Park w ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2008 12:30pm PST

20071227 - Walk at the Beach : We actually went for two walks today - one to the dog beach, and one at low tide around the rock cliffs and almost back to the dog beach again from the other side... The kids loved it of course, and all got wet, as expected.

20071227 - Walk at the Beach

We actually went for two walks today - one to the dog beach, and one a ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2008 8:27pm PST

20071228 - Auckland Sky Tower : Today we took the kids into Auckland to go up the Sky Tower and then to One Tree Hill. We were going to go to the Observatory too, but we had some behaviour issues, so came home before we got there. We did have a great time at Sky City though, and made it up One Tree Hill to the lookout point.

20071228 - Auckland Sky Tower

Today we took the kids into Auckland to go up the Sky Tower and then t ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2008 7:24pm PST

20071230 - Walk at Wenderholm : We went for a forest walk at the Wenderholm Reserve after a picnic lunch under the big trees near the main gate. It was a steep walk down and a stiff climb back, but there was a beautiful secluded beach at the end of it. Very pretty to boot too.

20071230 - Walk at Wenderholm

We went for a forest walk at the Wenderholm Reserve after a picnic lun ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2008 8:01pm PST

20071231 - Jason Learns Boogieboarding : Tim and I took the boys down to the beach to do some boogieboarding and it was the first time Jason had tried it. He loved it instantly and the weather and waves were perfect for learning it. Now we have an addict...

20071231 - Jason Learns Boogieboarding

Tim and I took the boys down to the beach to do some boogieboarding an ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2008 9:44pm PST

20080101 - New Year : Most of the New Year's day we spent quietly at home and down at the nearby Red Beach. The kids did get up the energy for some tug-of-war with an old hosepipe.

20080101 - New Year

Most of the New Year's day we spent quietly at home and down at the ne ...

Updated: Jan 13, 2008 2:34am PST

20080102 - Afternoon at Arkles Bay : Today we took a lunch picnic to a beautiful bay called Arkles Bay. The town is really tiny and contained within a steep side valley - so it's unlikely to get much bigger. The weather was very good to us too

20080102 - Afternoon at Arkles Bay

Today we took a lunch picnic to a beautiful bay called Arkles Bay. Th ...

Updated: Jan 13, 2008 8:03pm PST

20080103 - Auckland Botanic Gardens : So, it's our tenth anniversary and Tracy offered to look after the kids so we could get a day out by ourselves. She and mom took them to the Bumper Boats. We went to the Botanic Gardens, and were going to go out to dinner in the city afterwards, but John's shoulder was out and very painful so we went home afterwards instead. It was a lovely day with great weather though, and very relaxing to just do our own thing. There was a sculpture exhibition on too, and it was great having the sculptures to look at all through the gardens. It's a beautiful place and this gallery show just some of the lovely plants and sculptures there.

20080103 - Auckland Botanic Gardens

So, it's our tenth anniversary and Tracy offered to look after the kid ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2008 1:44am PST

20080104 - Browns Bay : Today we had intended on taking the children to Chipmunks, an indoor playground, but it was closed so we took them to the big playground at Browns Bay and did a bit of shopping in the South African shop there.

20080104 - Browns Bay

Today we had intended on taking the children to Chipmunks, an indoor p ...

Updated: Jan 18, 2008 4:46pm PST

20080105 - Whangaparaoa Railroad : We took Ashley and Jason for a ride on the Whangaparaoa Railroad which is a mini steamtrain that's run by a steam enthusiast and which was started by his father. They have a small petting zoo and some pedal cars there too, so the kids had loads of fun.

20080105 - Whangaparaoa Railroad

We took Ashley and Jason for a ride on the Whangaparaoa Railroad which ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2008 8:10pm PST

20080107 - Auckland Harbour and Museum : We tried to take Ashley and Jason to the Observatory but found it was closed for renovations so ended up playing at the great playground there, going down to the Viaduct Harbour for lunch and a walk, and then to the Auckland Domain where we stumbled upon the Auckland Museum. Ashley and I took a browse around while Jason and John went to climb a tree (well, Jason climbed and John drank coffee).

20080107 - Auckland Harbour and Museum

We tried to take Ashley and Jason to the Observatory but found it was ...

Updated: Jan 19, 2008 3:59am PST

20080108 - Drive to Waitomo Caves and Rotorua : We drove to Rotorua at about mid-morning and went to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for the afternoon. It was not permitted to take photographs in the caves, but we did get one of us coming out of the cave, and I have also included some postcards of what we saw... The glowworms are gorgeous.

20080108 - Drive to Waitomo Caves and Rotorua

We drove to Rotorua at about mid-morning and went to the Waitomo Gloww ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2008 6:09pm PST

20080109 - Kuirau Park Geothermal Pools : We wanted to find a way to show the kids how the geothermal activitiy at Rotorua looks, and found a public park that had pool after muddy boiling pool all in plain view and without an entry fee. Miracles never cease! It was quite fascinating, although Jason didn't like the steam and the smell (which wasn't very strong), and just plain didn't want to walk there.

20080109 - Kuirau Park Geothermal Pools

We wanted to find a way to show the kids how the geothermal activitiy ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2008 5:37pm PST

20080109 - Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides : We went up the Skyline Gondola and got tickets for three luge rides each too. It was a great fun day out and the children loved the luge.

20080109 - Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides

We went up the Skyline Gondola and got tickets for three luge rides ea ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2008 6:24pm PST

20080109 - Polynesian Spa : At the end of a very busy day, we all went to the Polynesian Spa to cool off and have a b it of a play in the water. The kids had loads of fun in the large family pool, and John and I went into the hot spas in the family area. It wasn't nearly as romantic (or expensive) as the adult area, nor as pretty. The adult area looked straight out over Lake Rotorua.

20080109 - Polynesian Spa

At the end of a very busy day, we all went to the Polynesian Spa to co ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2008 8:10pm PST

20080110 - Waitakere Railroad and Dam : Today we joined forces with Tim's family to pay for a ride in a tiny little steam train up into the hills at the Waitakere Dam to see where they made a dam wall in the early 1900s. The narrow guage railroad is still there, and is the only access to the dam for maintenance. It was a very pleasant and interesting day and a lovely walk on the dam wall. The scenery in the area is quite spectacular.

20080110 - Waitakere Railroad and Dam

Today we joined forces with Tim's family to pay for a ride in a tiny l ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2008 8:38pm PST

20080112 - Puhoi Pub and Chopping Contest : The whole family took a drive out to Puhoi to the fabulous old pub where there was a chopping contest on between two or more Woodsman clubs. Those guys get through those logs pretty quickly. Afterwards we walked round the antique shop and old put and then to the markets.

20080112 - Puhoi Pub and Chopping Contest

The whole family took a drive out to Puhoi to the fabulous old pub whe ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2008 9:56pm PST

20080112 - Tawharanui Bay and Martin's Bay : After we had been to the markets, Tim had arranged to take us to a remote beach called Tawharanui Bay, which was a very beautiful bay with rock pools, great surf for the kids' boogie boarding, and caves to explore. We never had time to see it all, because we then moved on to Martin's Bay for Tim to do some scallop fishing. We ended up with rather a good haul that we later cooked and ate on the way home, just past Snell's Bay, where we also got fish and chips for dinner.

20080112 - Tawharanui Bay and Martin's Bay

After we had been to the markets, Tim had arranged to take us to a rem ...

Updated: Jan 29, 2008 3:14am PST

20080113 - Fishing off the Boat from Hatfields Beach : Today John, Tim and I went out fishing with Tim's brother, Richard in his boat, Krusty Krab. We left Hatfields Beach early in the morning and got back at lunch time and although I got lots of pictures, we didn't get a lot of fish. Only one correctly-sized snapper to bring home and a lot of small throw-aways. But it was gorgeous weather and a lovely day out, so thanks to Richard for that. Much appreciated. And also to Tracy for looking after all the kids for the morning. We did get to see some great looking islands, penguins in the water and seagulls putting on a show.

20080113 - Fishing off the Boat from Hatfields Beach

Today John, Tim and I went out fishing with Tim's brother, Richard in ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2008 3:09pm PST

20080116 - Muriwai Beach Blowhole and Gannet Colony : On our last day, we took a drive out to the West coast of the north island, to Muriwai beach, where there is a blowhole in the rocks, and a gannet colony. The coastline is much more rugged and the waves rougher. The sand is very black since all the rock is volcanic and crushed to fine grains. The gannet colony is thriving, and although it started on an island quite far into the sea, that became overcrowded, and the birds moved to a rock outcrop quite close to shore. Since that is now full, the birds have spread their nests onto the mainland and are starting to move up the slopes too. At this time of the year, the chicks are quite large and already nearly ready to learn to fly, at which time they will depart for Australia. First maiden voyage and they are off overseas!

20080116 - Muriwai Beach Blowhole and Gannet Colony

On our last day, we took a drive out to the West coast of the north is ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2008 4:19pm PST

Bun-Bun Pesky Wabbit Thumper : Santa brought Amy a Mini Lop rabbit for Christmas and he is so cute. His name is Thumper and they hope to train him to be housebroken and more like a cat than a rabbit. He hops all over, and even weed on my laptop. Twice. Tim calls him Pesky Wabbit, and I like Bun-Bun. He is very mellow and so cute...

Bun-Bun Pesky Wabbit Thumper

Santa brought Amy a Mini Lop rabbit for Christmas and he is so cute. H ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2008 11:15pm PST

20080117 - New Zealand Airport and Trip Home : We woke at 4am to get ot the airport at 5:30am for a 7:30am flight, only to find it had been delayed till 11:30am! We waited in the airport lounge and had vouchers for food, at least, and there was a little sparrow there keeping us company. We missed our connecting flight from Melbourne, of course, so were rushed onto the next flight available, which meant we had to race through the airport. Then that flight was delayed in boarding, and we were split up, which meant I got a window seat while John sat near the front with the kids in the middle. They wouldn't leave me alone, of course, so eventually I had to find a seat near the family to prevent them walking up and down the aisle and disturbing everyone. Neither of the children slept on the first leg of the flight, nor most of the second, till Ash got about an hour before we landed, and Jason fell asleep as we started to descend, so got about half an hour before disembarking. And when we arrived in Perth it was 39C! Both children melted right before my eyes and went to pieces for sure. By the time we got home and somewhat unpacked, it was well and truly their bedtime, and with the time difference and travelling, they had effectively been awake most of the time since 11pm the night before, Perth time! Mostly they were very brave and good through the flight, except the nightmare rush through Perth airport... Great holiday had by all, but it was wonderful to be back home in our own beds.

20080117 - New Zealand Airport and Trip Home

We woke at 4am to get ot the airport at 5:30am for a 7:30am flight, on ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2008 5:08pm PST

20071216 - Bay of Islands - Round the Motel Area : We went for a five-night stay in the Bay of Islands, a bit north of Auckland. We stayed in a motel just outside of Waitangi, which is a tiny 'town' just a bit further than the bigger bustling metropolis of Paihia. Nearby was a beautiful golf course and wonderful beaches and rocks for fishing from.

20071216 - Bay of Islands - Round the Motel Area

We went for a five-night stay in the Bay of Islands, a bit north of Au ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 9:55pm PST

20071217 - Haruru Falls and picnic at Wairoa Bay : We drove to the Haruru Falls to try and find a good picnic spot, but it was all private property so we had to return to Wairoa Bay that we had scouted the day before, for a picnic lunch.

20071217 - Haruru Falls and picnic at Wairoa Bay

We drove to the Haruru Falls to try and find a good picnic spot, but i ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 11:05pm PST

20071217 - Tim's Kitesurfing : In the afternoon, Tim went for a kitesurf and we all went to watch. The children collected shells on the beach.

20071217 - Tim's Kitesurfing

In the afternoon, Tim went for a kitesurf and we all went to watch. T ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 2:58am PST

20071218 - Fishing in the Boat and Motu Maire Island : Amy, Cameron and Jason went with Tim and Kim out on the boat to do some fishing. We caught nothing, of course, but we did stop off at Motu Maire Island for a bit of a leg-stretch.

20071218 - Fishing in the Boat and Motu Maire Island

Amy, Cameron and Jason went with Tim and Kim out on the boat to do som ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 1:26pm PST

20071218 - Picnic at Kerikeri : For lunch we drove out to Kerikeri for a picnic. We stopped at the reserve opposite the Stone Store and Mission house, which are the oldest inhabited buildings in New Zealand. After lunch, dad, John and I walked up the nearby Maori pa (fortification built on top of a high hill).

20071218 - Picnic at Kerikeri

For lunch we drove out to Kerikeri for a picnic. We stopped at the res ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 12:29am PST

20071218 - Visit to the Kaleidoscope Centre : Just outside Kerikeri we found the kaleidoscope centre which was very interesting and revealed some really beautiful patterns and images in all sorts of ways. This was a surprising jewel of a find to the day.

20071218 - Visit to the Kaleidoscope Centre

Just outside Kerikeri we found the kaleidoscope centre which was very ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 12:51am PST

20071218 - Kids messing at the Hotel : Sometimes we just spent some time chilling at the motel.

20071218 - Kids messing at the Hotel

Sometimes we just spent some time chilling at the motel.

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 1:01am PST

20071219 - Speed Boat Trip to Hole in the Rock : The McAvoy family went out for a trip on a speed boat to see the Hole in the Rock at the other end of the Bay of Islands. It was a great trip and we got totally wet through. Thank goodness for the waterproof overalls we had to wear! The speed over the waves was something like a roller coaster. We went through the Hole in the Rock, and also into a cave that will become another hole in about 75,000 years time. The divers can get through it under the water, but the boat could just go in and then reverse out again.

20071219 - Speed Boat Trip to Hole in the Rock

The McAvoy family went out for a trip on a speed boat to see the Hole ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 1:33am PST

20071219 - Sunset Drive : John and I went for a drive at sunset and caught a real fiery one. It was very peaceful and beautiful out at that time of night... Even the cows thought so.

20071219 - Sunset Drive

John and I went for a drive at sunset and caught a real fiery one. It ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 1:53am PST

20071220 - Early Morning Rock Fishing : Tim and I took the kids rock fishing first thing one morning. They each caught a fish (fortunately for us, or we would never have got home for breakfast - not that the tiny throw-back fish were on the menu), and were most thrilled at that. Thanks Tim for his patience in doing the baiting, casting and rebaiting and recasting. And for all the hooks he lost on the rocks. We caught New Zealand quite a bit.

20071220 - Early Morning Rock Fishing

Tim and I took the kids rock fishing first thing one morning. They ea ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 2:07am PST

20071220 - Ferry Trip to Russell : We went on the car ferry from Opua to Russell and took a walk round the town before going to Long Beach for a swim. Nice day out, but pretty hot.

20071220 - Ferry Trip to Russell

We went on the car ferry from Opua to Russell and took a walk round th ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 8:41pm PST

20071221 - Boardwalk in the Rain : John and I took the girls for a walk through the mangroves on the boardwalk and up the side of the cliffs overlooking the bay. Halfway through the walk, it started to rain and we had to run for cover.

20071221 - Boardwalk in the Rain

John and I took the girls for a walk through the mangroves on the boar ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 10:17pm PST

20071221 - Kids Playing on the Beach : After we had finished our walk in the mangroves, we met the rest of the crowd at Te Ti Bay Beach where the boys had made a 'pirate ship' down on the beach. The weather was dark and cloudy... Later in the day I took the kids down to the river for a marching walk, and we explored the walkway of the closed restaurant.

20071221 - Kids Playing on the Beach

After we had finished our walk in the mangroves, we met the rest of th ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2008 4:21pm PST

20071222 - Driving Home : Some views we spotted on our way home.

20071222 - Driving Home

Some views we spotted on our way home.

Updated: Jan 05, 2008 4:24pm PST

20050901 - Arriving in Melbourne : We arrived in Melbourne in the late afternoon and after checking into our hotel, went for a walk along the waterfront near the casino. The lights and fountains were great!

20050901 - Arriving in Melbourne

We arrived in Melbourne in the late afternoon and after checking into ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 8:24pm PST

20050903 - Melbourne Botanic Gardens : On Saturday, Kim to the kids to the Botanic Gardens while the boys went to watch a Footie match (Melbourne vs. Geelong). Afterwards we met at the hotel and went for another walk on the foreshore at night.

20050903 - Melbourne Botanic Gardens

On Saturday, Kim to the kids to the Botanic Gardens while the boys wen ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 8:40pm PST

20050904 - Michael and Jacquie's Wedding : On Sunday it was Michael and Jacquie's wedding and the kids' first wedding. They had a ball, all dressed up smartly. Ashley danced till rather late for one so young.

20050904 - Michael and Jacquie's Wedding

On Sunday it was Michael and Jacquie's wedding and the kids' first wed ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 8:53pm PST

20050906 and 7 - Penguin Parade and Seal Rocks : The day after the wedding we picked up our campervan and headed out into Victoria. The first night we went to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. The next day we went past Seal Rocks and on to stay at Healesville Camping park where there was a beautiful dam.

20050906 and 7 - Penguin Parade and Seal Rocks

The day after the wedding we picked up our campervan and headed out in ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 9:05pm PST

empty gallery

20050908 - Healesville Animal Sanctuary

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 10:20pm PST

20060421 - Boat Rowing : On Saturday, we rented a rowing boat to take it out on Loch McNess at Yanchep National Park. Kids loved it and we even had rain sprinkle on us whilst out there.

20060421 - Boat Rowing

On Saturday, we rented a rowing boat to take it out on Loch McNess at ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2006 5:56pm PST

20060421 - Landscapes : Landscapes and Countryside around Yanchep.

20060421 - Landscapes

Landscapes and Countryside around Yanchep.

Updated: Jun 11, 2006 5:53am PST

20060422 - Yanchep Lagoon : On Sunday we went for lunch at the cafe at Yanchep Lagoon.

20060422 - Yanchep Lagoon

On Sunday we went for lunch at the cafe at Yanchep Lagoon.

Updated: Apr 25, 2006 4:51pm PST

password protected gallery

20060421 - Yanchep Art

Artsy fartsy details from all around and about where we visited.

Updated: Apr 27, 2006 6:21am PST

20060421 - Our Cabin : The little cabin we stayed in at Club Capricorn, Yanchep. Definitely the best situated one there!

20060421 - Our Cabin

The little cabin we stayed in at Club Capricorn, Yanchep. Definitely ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2006 6:51pm PST

20060421 - Family Snaps : We had a wonderful time together as a family and the kids loved it.

20060421 - Family Snaps

We had a wonderful time together as a family and the kids loved it.

Updated: Apr 27, 2006 6:21am PST

20060422 - Dune Races : Ashley and Jason just loved climbing up and then racing down the sand dunes! Great fun but very tiring! They did this on Fri afternoon and Sat at about sunset when we were down on the beach again.

20060422 - Dune Races

Ashley and Jason just loved climbing up and then racing down the sand ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2006 9:00am PST

20060422 - Camel Riding : On Sunday on the way home, we stopped at Outback Camels to have a ride on a camel. It was only a short 15min walk, but great fun!

20060422 - Camel Riding

On Sunday on the way home, we stopped at Outback Camels to have a ride ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2006 8:00am PST

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20060422 - Yanchep National Park

We visited the Koala Board walk and saw some kangaroos as well as went ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2006 5:27pm PST

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20060422 - Beaches and Sunsets

The beach and sunsets that could be seen from our cabin.

Updated: Apr 24, 2006 7:57pm PST

199505 - 199508 - The Afro-Australian Trans-Continental American Exploration : From May 1995 to August 1995, we travelled around the continental US and these are some scans of the best landmark shots from the trip. While they are not really representative of the trip as a whole, they do mark important milestones along the way.

199505 - 199508 - The Afro-Australian Trans-Continental American Exploration

From May 1995 to August 1995, we travelled around the continental US a ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2009 7:30pm PST

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For Carla

Updated: May 29, 2012 4:01pm PST

199310 - London and the UK : Maybe one day I will eventually get round to putting more of my English shots in here! But they were from so long ago, I just can't work up the enthusiasm...

199310 - London and the UK

Maybe one day I will eventually get round to putting more of my Englis ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2009 6:23am PST

Photo Slicing : Photos that have been sliced up and reassembled!

Photo Slicing

Photos that have been sliced up and reassembled!

Updated: Jun 26, 2011 3:19am PST

Poem Illustrations : Illustrations of poems.

Poem Illustrations

Illustrations of poems.

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 4:11am PST

Self-Made Stamps : Fictitious postage stamps made with my own pictures!

Self-Made Stamps

Fictitious postage stamps made with my own pictures!

Updated: Jul 10, 2010 4:09am PST

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20110328 - Baby Sahara

Numbers and Text : It shall be written...

Numbers and Text

It shall be written...

Updated: Feb 09, 2012 12:08am PST

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20110520 - Play, Library and Japanese

Updated: May 24, 2011 5:05pm PST

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Fish

Updated: Feb 07, 2012 12:32am PST

Shadows : In the absence of light, there is shadow.

Shadows

In the absence of light, there is shadow.

Updated: Feb 09, 2012 12:15am PST

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20120217 - Carnival Girl

As with the shots of Nathan, I shoulda been concentrating more on less ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 3:11pm PST

2012 Calendar Series : The 2012 Calendar Series is to shoot a picture once a month for the whole year to illustrate the pages of a calendar. As per the rules: There will be one contest each month, with the goal of depicting that specific time of ...year in your area. This could be done by depicting the nature and scenery, specific holidays or something else that you associate with the month. You could even try to depict the month abstractly. Bear in mind that seasons and traditions vary around the globe so it could be a good idea to explain your choice of subject in the author comments. I was busy with a 30-day challenge when this calendar challenge started, and didn't pay good enough attention to planning this. I ended up submitting in a hurry with a photo that I had taken during January, that represents the summer flowers of New Zealand, and now I am stuck with shooting plants and flowers for the rest of the year. Not my favourite subject, but I suppose I am going to have to get used to it.

2012 Calendar Series

The 2012 Calendar Series is to shoot a picture once a month for the wh ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2012 2:26am PST

Impersonation Games : These games ask us to impersonate the work of other Worth photographers and to try to fool each other as to who shot what. It's a fun way to get to know each other's styles.

Impersonation Games

These games ask us to impersonate the work of other Worth photographer ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2012 3:29am PST

20120605 - Arriving in Fiji : We had to get up at 3:15am to get to the airport parking by 5am for a 7:30am international flight. It was quite the feat to achieve, but we did it. The flight was delayed due to ‘technical issues’ by about 45mins but was otherwise easy and uneventful, and we arrived in Nadi (pronounced Nandi) in once piece at just before lunch time. We were welcomed by the South Sea Cruises crowd who gave us each a shell necklace, which was very quaint. We had an hour to kill till the bus to the harbour at Port Denerau, so we had some lunch while we waited. The trip to Denerau was quite short, but showed quite a bit of the way of life in the town of Nadi. It’s slightly run down, and yet refreshingly clean and tidy. Port Denerau is a string of resorts on the island, and very clean and touristy. The little harbour town had boutique shops for tourists, which we walked through after finding somewhere to change into our summer gear. Our NZ travelling gear was far too inappropriate to the much warmer Fijian weather. The ferry trip to Treasure Island was mostly uneventful, but very pretty and blue, and the kids had fun on the front of the boat, playing in the wind. At Treasure Island we were greeted by a group of singers and a guitar player, which is the way all guests are brought ashore. Very pleasant, to be sure. We were directed to the bar for welcome fruit juices and a briefing before being taken to our bure (the local name for our room/cabin). It’s set amongst palm and fig trees strung with hammocks, on the sandy side of the island, which is also the sunset side. Very pleasant. We arrived in time to unpack and then get back for dinner once we had unwound and looked around a bit. The sunset was gorgeous at the end of a beautiful blue day! Given how long our day had been, we all hit the sack early after dinner. It’s fab in paradise!

20120605 - Arriving in Fiji

We had to get up at 3:15am to get to the airport parking by 5am for a ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2012 4:08am PST

20120605 - Our Bure : Welcome to our island paradise. Bure number 55 was on the sandy (but busier) side of the island, so we got to see whenever a new boatload of people arrived, and hear whenever anyone was sung goodbye as they left. The canoes and sand were not far away, and there were hammocks strung randomly about in the trees. Definitely a wonderful holiday place!

20120605 - Our Bure

Welcome to our island paradise. Bure number 55 was on the sandy (but b ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2012 3:12am PST

2120606 - A Day in Paradise : First thing in the morning I got up for a walk around the central part of the island, and ended up on the side opposite our bure. I followed a hunting heron down the beach, and although he was eventually successful, he was so quick, I only got a brief shot of him with the crab in his mouth. There is a pond of green turtles in the centre of the island where they are breeding them for release when they are old enough not to be too vulnerable to prey in the wild. They are also breeding Fiji Crested Iguanas, which, although not native to Treasure Island, are endangered in Fiji generally, and they will release them when they are older. There are also a lot of Banded Brail birds, which are flightless and like quails, although a little bigger. They are also endangered, and endemic to Fiji, so Treasure Island is an important sanctuary for them. John didn’t feel too great as he had come down with a cough and cold and spent most of the day in bed. The kids and I took him some lunch from the restaurant to help perk him up. He surfaced for a while for coffee in the early afternoon and I went to watch a demonstration of flambé cooking. It was very yummy flambé prawns and chicken on salad. In the late afternoon, we borrowed some snorkelling gear and the kids and I went out for a half an hour. The visibility was beautiful and although a lot of the coral is broken and dead, there are a lot of different varieties of very beautiful fish. Every evening there is a torchlighting ceremony with traditional Fijian dress and one of these days I will be sure to get a good shot of it! Sunset was pretty again, although the wind came up towards the end of the day. The kids went to Kids’ Club in the evening and caught hermit crabs that they auctioned to guests that night after dinner. The crabs were all put in a race, and the winning crabs’ ‘owners’ from the three races, got to take home a portion of the auction proceeds. It was a very fun evening although a late night to bed for the kids.

2120606 - A Day in Paradise

First thing in the morning I got up for a walk around the central part ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2012 6:11pm PST

20120607 - Day 2 in a Fab Place : John woke up feeling rubbish again today, so spent the day in bed again, in the hopes that looking after himself would make him better faster. I went for an early morning walk around the outside of the island. It’s not very big, and I discovered the little chapel that is apparently quite popular for weddings. It is very cute and very white and spacious and airy, despite its small size. In front of the chapel was a school of millions of tiny fish that shoal together in the shallows. Later in the morning, Ashley and I went to a demonstration of how the Fijian men make their baskets for gathering shellfish. It was fascinating and you have to wonder how the technique develops! In the evening the kids went to Kids’ Club again and after the adults’ dinner, they did a fashion show for all of us, to display the clothing that is available in the boutique. Although Jason had said he didn’t want to do it, he did quite a good job of his parade. Ashley was in her element, of course! After the fashion show, some Polynesian dancers and a Fire dancing guy came in and gave us a pretty impressive and fun demonstration. Another late night to bed, although John seemed to be on the mend, so here’s hoping...

20120607 - Day 2 in a Fab Place

John woke up feeling rubbish again today, so spent the day in bed agai ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2012 4:08pm PST

20120608 - Snorkelling and Other Stuff : John felt better today so we took the kids out for a joint family snorkelling trip in the morning, and I got the underwater camera housing happening. The photos were not fantastic, but they will have to do for now. After lunch, the kids went to the Kids' Club for a Banana Boat ride, which is much cheaper for them to do through Kids' Club than the usual cost. They loved it. I went for a demonstration of how to cook fish curry, and we even got to sample some. It was very yummy. In the evening we had the usual sundowner Happy Hour drinks, and after dinner the staff sang the usual welcome song for new guests, and the goodbye song for departing guests.

20120608 - Snorkelling and Other Stuff

John felt better today so we took the kids out for a joint family snor ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2012 4:17pm PST

20120609 - Hats, SCUBA and Fijian Dancers : Ashley skipped Kids' Club this morning to have her hair braided, and after all the late nights, Jason and John stayed at the Bure and read their books. I went to watch a demonstration of Fijian basketmaking, which was a fascinating and mellow way to pass the morning! In the afternoon, the kids had a SCUBA lesson in the hotel pool (the dive instruction pool was a little cloudy). They were given enough instruction to gain their PADI Bubbleblowers certificates. These were presented to them after dinner in front of all the other guests. The evening Kids' Club had them all getting dressed up Fijian style, and coming out to give us a singing and dancing demonstration. It was very cute seeing all the kids performing and we parents were amazed at what the staff got the kids to learn in such a short time! It was the last night on the island for Sharon and Macolm, and their kids, whom we had met when we got there. They got to be up on the dancefloor for their goodbye song to be sung for them. We also played a game for married couples where the husbands had to feel all the ladies' legs to determine which lady was their own. The one guy who had been married 42 years, was the only one who got it wrong!

20120609 - Hats, SCUBA and Fijian Dancers

Ashley skipped Kids' Club this morning to have her hair braided, and a ...

Updated: Jun 11, 2012 7:46pm PST

20120610 - More Snorkelling : First thing in the morning, we took a trip out on the hotel's glass-bottomed boat to feed the fish and look at the coral. It wasn't terribly exciting, although there were a lot of zebra fish that came up to the boat to see what we were doing, and they seem to lie in wait for the tourist boat every day. Ashley went to Kids' Club to have her fingernails painted, but Jason abstained and decided not to have the massage that the boys were offered. I went to a talk on Fijian Herbal Medicine, which was interesting, although I am not sure whether entirely useful to me, since much of it is herbs I wouldn't try! In the afternoon, when the tide was high, we went out snorkelling again, and this time, Jason saw a shark, which I just managed to get a shot of before it disappeared into the distance. It was only a small reef shark, but definitely put the spook in him, for sure! In the evening, we retired to bed early, as there was a wedding going on in the resort, and we had had plenty of late nights to deal with!

20120610 - More Snorkelling

First thing in the morning, we took a trip out on the hotel's glass-bo ...

Updated: Jun 11, 2012 7:52pm PST

20120611 - Canoeing to Beachcomber Island : Early in the morning, I took another walk around the island, and then after breakfast, we rented some canoes to take the kids across to Beachcomber Isand. It's a completely different atmosphere on Beachcomber than it is on Treasure, as it's a backpackers' party island, with bunk-style hostel living and they really do pack them in there! The bush and trees were much more dense and jungle-like than on Treasure, and the atmosphere more vervy. There was a crew of jetskiing people there who were on a jetski safari from the mainland, and they all roared away while we were taking our walk round the island. The kids had a swim while we were there, but it was a bit concerning to find whole and broken beer bottles on the beach, so it didn't fill us with confidence that things were safe. We quickly made our way back to Treasure, which definitey felt more family-friendly! When we got back, the tide was still perfect for snorkelling. John had had enough, but the kids and I went in for another snorkel. Ashley's mask kept leaking, so she retired early, and Jason and I headed for the seaweeded part of the bay, away from the coral. We saw one new fish we hadn't seen before, and then just as we were going to get out, Jason foudn us in the middle of a school of tiny Trevalli. He spent quite some time (and I took a LOT of photos), playing in the fish school and trying to chase them like the bigger fish do, to get them to jump out of the water. He didn't have much luck, but he had fun trying! In the afternoon, we went to watch while Henry and one of the other staff members pounded the Kava root in preparation for the Kava ceremony that night. The ceremony was interesting, and John, Jason and I all tried some Kava. It's like an instant numbing sensation in the mouth. Henry said, 'It's not alcoholic, but it is slightly narcotic. But yes, it's OK for the kids to try it.'! Well, Jason did have a little try of it, but we wouldn't let him have more than that. Later in the night, the staff put on a traditional Fijian dance and singing show for us, with traditional costumes and everything. It was great fun.

20120611 - Canoeing to Beachcomber Island

Early in the morning, I took another walk around the island, and then ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2012 3:56am PST

20120716-28 - North Island Scenic Highlights :