Summer Hols

As those who live here know only too well, Sydney can be very, very wet. Approximately One Bajillion litres of rain fell over a three consecutive days in early January. The boys couldn't go outside.

The situation had them climbing the walls.

Graham has only recently started climbing walls.

He's been trying to copy Craig for years.

Finally, his legs are long enough!

Some of the local birdlife know that when their natural food is all wet they can come to a certain balcony for food.

The first day after the big wet, the boys went for a walk.

They had no trouble finding puddles to play in.

There was also a walk to Middle Creek Reserve beside Narrabeen Lagoon, a few days later. It was 8 km and Graham walked all the way there and back without being carried. :)

One day, when the wind blew hot from the west and the temperature climbed to the high 30s, the boys cooled off at Collaroy beach.

It was right on high tide and the rock platform beside the pool was covered in waves.

The boys didn't mind. They had plenty of fun on the sand.

When the water retreated a little the boys went exploring out on the rock platform.

They found lots of sea snails.

Graham can be quite bossy when there is work to be done.

The next day the boys went to Rocket Park in Warriewood.

The boys haven't been here often.

There's plenty to do.

The bottom part of this slide was scalding hot but the kids were moving fast by the time they got there.

It was all fun in the sun.

Well, except for the bits that have shade cover.

Graham didn't want to slide down the steel slide. He came down the rough rubber bit at the side. No wonder his shorts always wear out in the bum.

The boys stayed long enough that they needed a snack so they would have enough energy to keep playing.

Then, the next day boys got on their bicycles for a ride to Narrabeen Lagoon.

Once again, when out riding it is impossible to take photos of Craig because he speeds away far ahead while Graham proceeds at a much slower pace.


They had a picnic lunch.

Graham really likes to play with Craig's new watch.

Then it was time to ride home, at a stately speed.


He sped up a little when going downhill but refuses to go fast.

New Year's Day

The weather was perfect on New Year's Day, warm and sunny with a gentle cool breeze. Craig and Graham didn't go far, just to the little park downstairs from home. Graham spent most of the time with one of the Christmas presents.

Craig stuck with an old favourite.

The boys were happy to stay downstairs in the park as long as there were Smarties to eat. Fortunately, Dad had a big bag! Craig had to hit seven balls a required distance to get two Smarties. He was happy with the deal and kept playing for more than an hour.


Graham's task was to run around in circles with the soccer ball at his feet until the string reached either the top or the bottom of this toy. His reward was two Smarties each time.

And he was happy, too.



Not pictured is Dad sitting in a folding lounge chair in the shade, reading a book and dispensing Smarties.As you do.