Running out of time!

We are half way thru' August already, only 3 weeks left in Darwin! Where did the last 8 months go? Madly trying to jam everything into these last few days so life is a little hectic, but with Caz - what's new?!! Ha ha. Feeling a little sad, but also very excited to be hitting the road again. Love waking up in our beautiful big blue bus with Chris and the kids, wondering where we will go and what will we see that day. It really is a fantastic life on the road, you should all try it.



So what's news?



Had Caz's "baby shower/girl's get together" in the Casino at the Sandbar. We got our own little secluded area to enjoy our high tea and cocktails, it was very swish.
Our cocktails came in these little tea pots, they were sooo cute!

Here are the boozers: Janelle, Deb, Shelly, Caz, Krystal and Surrinder. Missing are Caz's mum Meryl and her friend Cathy who nipped off to the markets for a stroll.
Janelle and I sharing our pot of "tea". Check out the lovely orchid in my hair!



Kids have both had sleepovers this month for birthday parties. Both came home with their eyes hanging out of their heads but had lots of fun! They have made some wonderful friends, we have been really happy with their time here at Wanguri school.



Another day the family went and had a look at the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, held on Mindil Beach. As you can see the boats really are made from beer cans and some were much more sea worthy than others.

The Bunning's boat was one of the more professional looking fit-outs, but didn't get to see it actually in the water.
The race is on...

Last night we went to the rodeo. It was the first time for Chris and the kids and they really enjoyed it...except for the cattle roping part where they threw the calves on the ground to rope their legs and Laura called out that it was awful and they were hurting them! Oh my special girl, what a greenie she will be!!! There was barrel racing, cattle roping, bull riding and the bucking broncos. Unfortunately we didn't get the camera going until the bulls had finished but we did get some of the bucking broncos. Forgive the shaky camera work,that's Stevo and he hasn't even had a drink...

Yeeeee har, ride 'em cowboy!

Tonight we are off for tea with Shelly and Craig at the seafood place on the wharf, should be lovely. Then tomorrow I start a run of 12 shifts in 14 days, including 4 nightshifts...couldn't get much yuckier than that! Luckily I will have 3 months off afterwards to recover, so I might just survive...

July - here one minute, gone the next!

Well Grandma and Grandpa stayed with us for about 3 weeks. It was cosy here at Caz's but we all managed and it was a wonderful relief for Chris and I who both had to work at times over the holidays and weren't sure what we were going to do about child care. They were also a great help with minor repairs around the house, which I know Caz really appreciated, and the front tap has never looked so good!! They went with Chris and the kids to the wave pool and up next you can watch the little video of them in the water. They also went to the beach, East Point and the water gardens in Rapid Creek. The kids really loved having someone to play with and Grandma and Grandpa hardly ever turned them down, no matter how exhausted they must have been at times!
We have been here twice now, it's lots of fun and the pattern of waves keeps changing so you don't get bored. Will is in the blue tube and Chris is beside him with the cap on. Laura is on the board with the pink and yellow rashie vest, to the right of the screen.
Here are the kids with Grandpa playing french cricket at the Rapid Creek Water Gardens. It was a lovely relaxing day...well for Grandma and I anyway!
Laura and Will having fun with Grandpa.
Stevo and Don went fishing at East Arm and came home with these lovely Golden Trevally. Made for a delicious tea!
We decided to see a few more of the sights before it's time to pack up and leave beautiful Darwin, so we took the kids to see the Fannie Bay Gaol.

They had a special area put aside for naughty kids, and look who found it!
We sure did work up an appetite looking at the Gaol, so we stopped at the Cool Spot for lunch and a "little" treat!! Mmmmm, yummy!
Couldn't miss the Royal Darwin Show which was on last weekend, well I could have but the kids wouldn't let me! They did jobs over the holidays to earn some pocket money to spend at the show and Grandma and Grandpa also helped them out a little, so they had a great time. As you can see in the photo they really enjoyed the fairy floss and the show bags. They had fun going on a few rides, although the ferris wheel took a little getting used to!

Then of course there were those of us who have to work to make a living...yes, I mean ME! I had a terrible 4 nights working with Susan, Claire and Maggie, terrible because I lost the Masterchef Nightshift Cookoff, boo hoo! Claire won with a stunning mexican dip, lamb and feta meatballs with a yoghurt dipping sauce and chocolate brownies for dessert...impossible to beat really. But we all tried hard and althought the real work was a little constant we made plenty of time for nibbles. THANKS GIRLS for a great time!
Would you let these people look after you? I think NOT!!
From left to right...Mags, Deb, Susan, Mel (the ring-in) and Claire..."The A Team"

Well I have to work again this afternoon soI'd better hop to it and get organised. Kids are back at school and Stevo has been relieved of his job as a builders labourer because they employed an apprentice so he's busily doing jobs around the house here for Caz instead. Cheers xxx

A busy month in June

This is a brief look at some of the excitement we had in June... Went to Nightcliff jetty to watch the sunset one night with Michelle and her sister. Very relaxing!
Had a weekend away at South Alligator river with a couple of my friends from the hospital, out in Kakadu National Park. Left the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa (who had just arrived the day before). It was either take the kids or the esky because we couldn't fit both in Jimny...no real thought involved I must say...just had to organise a babysitter. The weather was good, the fishing was great and the company was wonderful. We had Susan and her hubby Marty (who organised the trip) and another friend Lauren (who was on her first camping trip EVER), and of course Stevo and I. Chris got his second barra in as many months and we ate it for tea, yummo! Didn't see one croc which was a bonus as we had to walk across the river a couple of times.
Here are some shots of us relaxing around the camp fire and having a dip in the morning to cool off before heading home.



Towards the end of June we took the bus for a spin and went down to Katherine. I must say, it felt good to be back on the road. We stayed at Janelle's place so we could celebrate "Territory Day" on the 1st of July with Caz's family. We had a big bonfire and got to let off loads of fire crackers and we all had a ball. I will admit I was a little stressed when I saw Will helping Janelle to light a few fuses but of course like any good mother I just tried not to look and had another bourbon! As a result I didn't get one photo of the crackers but they were very impressive, and most importantly noone was injured!
We took all the kids out for a look at Cutta Cutta caves while we were down there. There are some amazing formations and they are really sparkly and pretty.


This next photo is Caz and Wickett trying to catch a barra in the Ferguson river, just out of Katherine. We had a lovely, leisurely day beside the river and all found something to occupy our time...the kids - eating and exploring, Deb - doing a crossword, Caz and Chris - fishing, and Craig - taking photos.

Will relaxing at Janelle's with her dog "Chilli"

Laura having a little "ride" on Janelle's horse.

On the day we got back to Darwin one of Caz's chooks was hatching out the last of the eggs she has been sitting on. Here are the kids with 3 of those 4. They seem to spend more time in the kids hands than they do under their mother but so far they are surviving! Two of them were attacked by ginger ants and have problems with their legs now but we are trying to help them along as best we can. We have warned Laura that only 2 might live and she was very teary last night that the mother chook would be sad if 2 of her babies died. If love can get them thru then Laura will get them there!

Well after 7 days off I am back to work this arvo, and not that keen I must say. Poor Don and Bett have been busy all morning trying to fix a broken pipe in Caz's front yard and have just succeeded so thankfully we have water again. Call me posh but I really have trouble surviving without water on tap! Chris is at work and so is Caz and the kids are at the kitchen table making something with the beados. All in all another lovely day in paradise! Cheers to you all xxx

FINALLY, A FISH!

This is Shelly and I at the Pine Creek Races, enjoying a cool beverage and waiting for the racing to begin.

Lynne came to stay for 3 weeks in May/June. Here are Laura and Lynne cooling off in the backyard bath.

One night we went to watch the sunset from the Dripstone cliffs with Susan (a friend from work) and her hubby Marty. Here is the beautiful view we were enjoying!

We went for a second try at Douglas Daly Tourist Park while Lynne was up, it was much better with no rain and a lovely time had by all. Craig, Nate and Surrinder all came. Shelly was supposed to be there but wasn't well and couldn't make it. Unfortunately for Shelly we were also celebrating her birthday and had to eat the cake without her, mmmm, yummy! We had a swim both mornings in the hot springs and it was so relaxing you really did not want to get out. The food was scrumptious and after the roast lamb and vegies Caz cooked in the camp oven we will definately be buying one of those when we get home.

What a picture of domestic bliss, food and warmth all in one!

Here are our beautiful girls Laura and Micaelia.
Caz tried her hand at catching a barra, but no luck. I didn't put in the one where Caz is up to her knees in the murky water!
But STEVO GOT ONE!!! Craig brought his boat up and he, Chris and the two boys went out on the Daly river for the day. This was the only one they got to keep but I was impressed. At last! It's in the freezer at the moment, waiting for Don and Bett to come up and help us eat it.

So that has been our exciting life for the last month or so. Only 2 days left until school finishes for a month of holidays, boy I can hardly wait. Good news is Bett and Don are coming up for 2 or 3 weeks and will help out a little while Chris and I have to work, how nice is that!! They just sent a text message to say they are leaving Port Augusta now, so won't be all that far away. Kids are very excited and miss Grandma and Grandpa a lot. Hope they travel safely, and to anyone else out there on the road also, have fun and be safe xxx

Last month's post

May is here and we thought the wet season had finally finished for this year. We've been enjoying a few cooler days and the dragon flies have been flitting about, a sure sign the dry has arrived, but as I type this blog the rain is belting down on the roof of the bus! What The?!! It is very unseasonal and don't let it fool you, while it rains it will be hot and muggy, no relief like you might think.



So what's news?



Mum and Dad came up for a flying visit a couple of weeks ago...woke me up after a night shift, stayed 2 nights and then hit the road again and haven't been heard from since. They were heading to Kakadu/Jabiru/Katherine way, then over to W.A. and then back down south. Hope they enjoy their travels. It was Mum's 60th on the weekend after she left but unfortunately as I hadn't been expecting to see them I had nothing organised and OK, lets be honest...I forgot! Hope she had a good one.



Went to the Pine Creek Races a couple of weeks ago with my mate Michelle, it was a blast! Stevo decided to stay home with the kiddies and missed a great time, but I'm sure he didn't miss the hangover I was sporting the next day! I took my camera and took one whole photo, so when I get some from Shelly I will post them.


Got back to a message that some fellow travellers were in Darwin so we went to visit with Helen and Barry and caught up on all their news. They have been down the west coast already so we got some tips and had a very relaxing night.



What else is happening? Janelle is up here for a course and staying for 4 nights. Lynne is due to arrive for a 3 week holiday on Saturday and Craig, Nate and Michaelia will also be here for the weekend so the house will be full to bursting! Caz is getting bigger every day and says little "junior" is kicking all the time, she looks great. Chris has been getting 3 or 4 days a week in his new job as a builders labourer and seems to be enjoying it, except maybe the jackhammering! I started an orthopaedic course last week which was lots of fun, still a bit to do so I'm off to the library now to get some books. Kids are due to knock off school and it's still raining so they will get drenched, ha, what a surprise!!



Hope family and friends are all well and can't wait to see you all at Chrissy time! Love and kisses from the Stevos xxx

Photos, as promised.

Right, first of all here are some photos from the mini golf and archery range where we took Will as part of his 10th birthday present. We had a fun time and please note: Deb was the only one to get A HOLE IN ONE!!
Ready, aim, FIRE!!

Gave the kids a day off school and spent the morning at Crocodylus Park with the Billing family. We have been there before but it was good to go again. Had a BBQ tea with them and enjoyed some yummy croc burgers and snags for tea.

BEWARE: A man eating crocodile Will found at Crocodylus Park.

Next photos are of the lovely day we had at Litchfield Park with Caz and the Billing family. There was lots of walking, a delicious picnic lunch, a swim in this gorgeous water hole to cool off, some interesting sight seeing (like this massive termite mound), and on the way home we stopped for a cool beverage at the Batchelor pub. Couldn't ask for a better day!

Now to present day and the wonderful trip we just had to Douglas Daly Tourist Park. OK "wonderful" may be stretching the truth just a little...let me explain...

Friday was my birthday (happy birthday to me!). Had to work in the morning but Caz and I got an early mark. Chris and the kids had Craig's 4WD packed and pretty much ready to go so we hooked up the trailer and off we went. Got there about 6pm and set up the tents and made the beds...so far so good I bet you're thinking. Got out the party food and poured a drink to start the celebrations. Got the first drink down but now things start going pear shaped! Felt a little rain... then it got a little heavier...started throwing stuff we didn't want to get wet into the car...by the time we were finished we were all drenched thru'. Sat in the car for about half an hour having a laugh until the downpour stopped, then got out to survey the damage. All the tents and bedding were soaked!! Aaarrrgh! What is it with us and camping and getting wet?!! Ended up having a hot cross bun for tea and squeezing into the back of the 4WD to try to get some sleep. Caz decided to brave the wet mattress and try to get some sleep in the tent. I don't think she did much better than us, except she had room to stretch out her legs. Let's just say we were all glad that there were spare cabins to hire at the park for the Saturday night, because we refused to quit and go home. We were told they had 40mm of rain overnight.
This is our camp in the morning with all our bedding hung out to dry.

But don't worry, come the morning we all put on a happy face and got on with enjoying the rest of our trip. I think it helps that some of us cracked a can for breakfast!!
Laura is standing beside a part of the springs that is usually a tiny trickle.
Shelly drove down for the Saturday and spent the night in the cabin with us. We went for a drive to Oolloo Crossing and had a sit by the river relaxing while Stevo tried to catch a fish.
Stevo on the right of this picture having a cast.
Saturday night we had late birthday celebrations and it also happened to be Chris and my 11th wedding anniversary, so it was extra special. We ate, drank and were very merry, especially knowing we all had nice dry beds to curl up in that night! Zzzzzzzzzzz!

Deb and Chris enjoying a romantic moment.

WHERE DO I BEGIN?!!

Well so much has been going on this last week or so, I don't know where to start. I'll have to add the photos in the next entry because a lot are on Caz's camera and I don't have a copy yet. At the moment she's down in Katherine for the Easter break so I will get them and post them when she gets back, promise! Want the biggest news of the decade first? Well of course you do...Caz is pregnant!!! OMG, it's true...scarey, but true. In truth we have known for 8 weeks or so and I have been keeping it all a big, fat secret until she was far enough along to start telling friends and the general public, so now it's out (the secret that is, not the baby! That's due to come out in September). So much for all the boozing and partying we had planned, now we have to sit home knitting booties every night. Nah just kidding, it's all hugely exciting and I'm thrilled that I can be up here at this time, although my mean old hubby is going to drag me away from Darwin only a few weeks before Caz is due! What is he thinking?

OK, moving on from that thrilling news we have had Mark, Sam, Tom and Biddie Billing up here for a wonderful week of fun and excitement. Went to Litchfield Park for a long walk and a beautiful swim, to the water park in Leanyer, to the wharf for a yummy fish & chip lunch and had a few barbies on the quiet nights in between. All in all it was a great week and went waaay too fast.

Kids are now officially on school holidays for a week. Thursday was their last day and we went to see them compete in their school swimming carnival . They both went really well. Got a few second, third and fourth ribbons which I was most impressed with (although Chris is convinced they were ripped off a place on a couple of races. Remember kids it's all about the FUN!!) Next weekend we have planned a camping trip to the Douglas Daly Tourist Park, weather permitting of course. Caz is coming and Shelly might get there too we hope. Will fill you in on that at a later date.

On Tuesday night Caz gave me an early birthday pressie. We went out for tea, then she took me to see "Rockwiz" performing here in Darwin, you know the ABC music quiz show? They are on a national tour and put on three shows up here. It was fantastic, very funny and lots of fun. Angry Anderson was one of the celebrity guests and another was a girl called "Megan Washington" who is from Geelong and has an amazing voice and another girl is in a band also from Geelong, but I can't remember her name...maybe Anthea, or something like that. Boy we have some great talents in Victoria. Only downer was coming home at 10.30pm when it had finished and both of us yawning all the way home and realising that we are officially getting OLD! Boo hoo.

Between all this fun and frivolity I am squeezing in work now and then and, more importantly we have to keep an eye out for the easter bunny tomorrow so he doesn't miss us! Really looking forward to that.

So that's all my good news, just one more thing before I sign off tho'...unfortunately not good news this time. Beautiful Rory, Caz's cat who she's had for many, many years (maybe 17 or so i think) had to be put to sleep this week. A couple of mongrel dogs roaming the street came into our front yard and roughed him up and he was in a bad way, poor old fella. He should have been able to just die in his sleep from old age. Pet owners need to be more responsible and keep their bloody dogs in their own yards! Can you tell it makes me wild?!! I'm off, see you next time.