King's Beach

The big Ekka was going on in Queensland a couple of weeks ago and the government makes one day during the two week affair a holiday so everyone can go to Ekka.  (Ekka is Queensland largest livestock show and carnival....the equivalent to the HLSR)  We were told that it would be a total zoo on the holiday so we opted to take the girls to a nearby beach called King's Beach.  It was a beautiful day, but we didn't go in the water as the Winter season is just now winding down.  I stuck my feet in and it was freezing!!!  Adalyn had a blast playing in the sand, Emi wouldn't get off of the picnic blanket (kept saying "no like the sand"), and Brandon and I just enjoyed watching the girls play while taking in some nice breezes and sunshine.  

Snapshots....

The girls are starting to play with each other more and it's so fun watching them and interacting with them!  Emi adores her big sister and Adalyn adores Emi.  (most times)  There are times when we hear the "EMI DON'T DO THAT" and of course Emi is now in the "mine" stage.  Here's a few shots from the past few weeks of the girls....

 My First Pigtails (I was SO proud!)

 Let's Play Dress Up!

 Selfie from Mom's phone!

Enjoying an early Spring day!

One of the many important jobs of being a big sister....teaching little sis how to dunk homemade cookies in milk! 

This is from the zoo....I love this picture!  They remind me of the cows after eating all day...not a care in the world! :)

Mary MacKillop

Two weeks ago Adalyn's class gave a small presentation on Australia's first saint.  Her name was Mary MacKillop.  Adalyn played a nonspeaking role of one of Mary's sisters in the play. Of course Brandon and I thought she did a great job, AND she took her role as a Sister very seriously.  Here are a few snapshots from the play.

Australia Zoo

This past weekend we took a trip to the famous Australia Zoo that Steve Irwin is so well known for.  It is a beautiful place and the scenery on the drive there was absolutely stunning!  The zoo itself is only about an hour drive from Brisbane...I can see us making several trips there during our stay here!  We all enjoyed it!  The best part, in my opinion, was the main attraction where they showed how aggresive and strong the crocs can be.  These animals are truly amazing especially after hearing how they have been saved and how they are the last living link to the dinosaurs.

Wait!!

These are the Ibis birds.  They are scavengers and are everywhere!

This is one of the many crocodiles (crocs) that Steve Irwin rescued.  There were several at the zoo and some were rather large!  Not sure how the men who "rescue" these animals get up the courage to do so!

Adalyn next to an owl.  

Cuddly Kolas....which we have been told can become very aggressive if provoked!

Girls being silly!

Here's another shot from the show.  The trainer was exhibiting the strength of the crocs.  He stated that if you are out and about to not walk too close to the edge of the waters here or even hang around in trees over the water.  Reason being is shown here...they can jump rather high (in this shot the croc is only half way out...he was still coming up as I snapped the photo)  using their tail to balance!  The trainer was holding up a treat and the croc actually jumped up to where his hand is to eat it!  

Catching Up

 I guess we'll start where we left off 2 years ago!  Adalyn and Brandon celebrated their 6th and 39th birthdays this year!  We did our usual at home celebration with dinner, cake and gifts and then Adalyn her party at a great local venue where they do ALL the work!  (no clean-up for us!)  One of Emi's favorite gifts (at the time) her big sis received were some high heel dress up shoes.  She loved wearing "high shoes" around the apartment!  It's hard to believe 6 years has passed and our Adalyn is growing up too fast!  She loves her horses, playing with friends, reading books, drawing and being outdoors!  Emi is 22 months old and is talking/singing all the time.  There is never a dull moment in our house with these 2 around and we wouldn't change it for anything! 

Posing at the birthday party

Happy Birthday!

My "High Shoes"

Happy 6th Birthday!  It was a Princess Fairy kind of day! :)

It's been 2 years....

Okay....2 years has gone by without ONE update!  Sorry....things have been a little hectic!  We had Emi in September of 2011, moved from Argentina to Texas, stayed in Texas for almost a year and a half, and have moved to the place we NEVER thought we'd get the opportunity to visit much less live!  Brandon, the girls and I packed up our things the week after Easter (2013) and moved to Brisbane, Australia.  We have been here a little over 2 months now, LOVE the people, the atmosphere, and the crazy wildlife, but still miss the little comforts of the quietness of our country life back in good ole Hallettsville.  We know its still there and will always be, but we needed/wanted to explore a bit more and let the girls see a little of the world live and in color besides pictures in a book.  I promise to update with pictures as soon as I find the camera cable in the few boxes we have left to unpack!  We are slowly,but surely getting settled and once all of the boxes are unpacked and things are tucked away, we can't wait to see what Australia has to offer!  Hope everyone is doing well and we'll see you all soon!  xoxo

4

We celebrated the BIG 4 with a bang!  Daddy and I were treated to breakfast complete with decorations and gifts, lunch at my favorite place after church, and homemade strawberry cake to top off the day! We had a birthday party with some of my friends the following weekend with a good time being had by all who attended!  I love being 4!  (I even told mom that since I am 4, I can do everything grown-ups can do now)