Work Party for Kids

And a jolly good time was had by all in Centennial Park today.

Christmas Party at Ann's

Jon

Catherine &David

Silent Night

Holy Night

All is calm

All is bright

Christmas Concert

This week was Nick's Chistmas Concert. Kindergarten have their own concert and it is held over two days. Nick was in the choir on the first day then one of the Donkeys at the second concert. The theme for the concert was Christmas and its celebration in many different countries around the world. Santa Claus and Mrs Santa Claus were travelling from country to country with Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer complete with a flashing red nose. We went to Germany, Italy, Mexico and Hawaii as well as to Australia. Each stop on the way had it's own song.

And here is a video pic of kindergarten singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas and it doesn't get much better than that!

Bush Care

Hi,
it's going to be Twenty Ten next year - yes the 21st Century has finally got off to a flying start. Lots of things have happened this year, Climate Change is big news, there has been more funding for infrastructure put into State Education by the Federal Government, I have three kids at school, I am finally a teacher with 3 yrs experience, we didn't lose a tree this year, ok there is still time for this to happen but I'm keeping my fingers crossed..........renewable energy is topical, we could gradually see the end of petrol driven cars in favour of electronic, or solar.
And here is my pic that has been picked for the Bush Care calendar,

Ten things about being Ten

It's four weeks and less to go to Alex's Birthday. He will be 10. This means we will have reached a total of 27 years of parenting if you combine all the ages of our kids! Not that we are any wiser for it. Here are 10 things I like about Alex:
1. The maths brain
2. He likes to play chess
3. Prefers one on one sports to team sports - like Tae Kwon Do and Fencing
4. Wants to have a go at Ice Hockey because he loves skating fast
5. Always has a calm temperament (well mostly)
6. Finds a way to handle being middle brother
7. The school homework is too easy so he leaves it till he has to do it
8. Enjoys my cooking
9. Wants to be a successful and financial wizz when he grows up
10. Is a good guy
Happy Birthday Alex (in four weeks)

Al the thinker.

New York

Travelling to New York in 1994 I was struck by the enormous energy that the City inspires. Even from the air the lights of the buildings and streets by night dazzle with their brightness and illumination. When I was there I was working outside New York and travelled in by train from New Haven Connecticut to spend weekend days visiting museums and art galleries and eating at restaurants and cafes. I visited the Empire State Building and the World Trade Centre to watch New York from above and see the ice floes in the Hudson River. The Chagalls at the Guggenheim were particularly memorable as was the Temple of Dendur and the Cloisters at the Metroplolitan Musem of Art. Walking down 5th Ave, and window shopping in Barneys. Taking a carriage ride in the wintry snow of Central Park. I will return one day.
In the meantime we have Jay Z and Alicia Keys singing "Empire State of Mind". The track is gritty and written by Jay Z as an anthem to his past and future. He doesn't necessarily share everyone's culture and social mileu but he sings it real. Alicia Key's chorus lifts the song and gives it an upbeat feel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=OSjuXo916I8

Roseville Garden

Sometimes you come across a garden that has been built over decades and allows it's gardener to apreciate and experience it as a fuller flowering of plants and layers.
The photos here are of such a garden. Roslyn's Garden.