Feelin' Blue...

Darian was feeling a little blue...  If you've seen recent pics, you'll know that this has washed out... but for those far away, it might be fun to see these... 

What can I say?

Have you ever tried to take a picture of D?

It's not an easy task.  He's got impressive timing.

Trying again.

A good shot of the hair colour at least.

Strike three?

Yet antoher face... but a good shot of the blue hair.

(it was easier to adjust to the blue than the bleached blonde)

 

Already washing out a bit.

Personally, I like the two tone look... would have worked well for my old high school, as it does with the U of M shirt he's wearing.  

(notice the netball games going on in the back ground... good Aussie pastime!)

Never thought I'd have a blue haired child... but hey, guess I lost my vote a long time ago.  ;-)  And I'm slowly realizing that's a good thing.  :-) 

Gypsy Girl

Last week for school, B had a 'Medieval Day' and got to dress the part.  She's made a great 'Gypsy Girl'.

Here's a couple shots.  :-)

Close up.

Such a beautiful smile.

Lovin' all those colors.  

... and the layers too

Posing with a bit of flair.

Love this girl!

And, she wore this outfit to the shops twice!  So fun!  :-)

On a cold, wintry day

It happened last Monday, on a cold, wintry, rainy day.  A day where you'd like to stay inside curled up by a fire with a good book and a warm tea. 

But those weren't the plans we had for last Monday.  Instead, after a nice sleep in (it was the Queen's birthday after all), we headed off to the beach.  Now, that might sound like a great idea for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, but June is not summer here, it's winter!  And it was sure feeling winter-like that day.  Brrr...

Don't fret though, there was a pretty good reason to head off to a deserted beach on a cold, wintry day.  Brenna wanted to be baptized, and she wanted to do it in a place that was special to her.  :-)  It was a beautiful sentiment and I love that she put so much thought into this step in her journey.

Heading into the water... 

Thankfully, where we were, the rain had stopped.

It may not look deep, 

but  when the waves came in it was much higher.

She also wanted just a few people there.  To her, it was not about the show or the attention, but about taking a step in her faith journey.  A beautiful, powerful step after the events of the past year plus. 

 A loving hug that adds some warmth.

 Drying feet and bodies.

After some time in the water and a bit of drying off and wrapping up, we headed back up towards the pool area and locked bathrooms to find some sheltered space to get out of wet clothes.  :-)    

 

 Brenna after the event.

If you look closely, you might see the rainbow that showed up over the water.

It's directly above the silver handrail over the water.

The small group

 

 a sweet look from a loving brother

 definitely a daddy and daughter moment

a photo op with and added 'get warm' snuggle.

We also enjoyed some lovely visits, cool breezes, and lots of hugs and smiles. (and creative ways of staying warm, but that's a picture for another time)  The girls ran off to play on the sand hills full of laughter and joy.  After, we all gathered back together for some hugs and special words or blessings with Brenna. 

It was beautiful and heartwarming, on a cold, wintry Monday.

B's New Sport

B's having a go at a new sport.  A sport unknown to the vast majority of Americans, but loved by those in Commonwealth nations...  Netball!

There are seven positions on the court.  Of those seven, B's played four. (I think).  She's learned the game quickly and ROCKS at the defensive positions she's played but prefers the attack positions.  She's not too into shooting...  I think it might have to do with the lack of a backboard and a totally different style to shooting than basketball.

Here are some shots of recent games.  

Getting positions and a pep-talk from the coach.

Each positions has certain parts of the court they're allowed in and restricted from, so they have to wear 'bibs' that identify their position.  B's wearing "WA" here which stands for 'Wing Attack"

Getting a pass, or intercepting one.

The passes are often thrown high.

She's got the ball...

and can only move one foot, the foot she didn't land on

and can't dribble (wrong sport)

and only has three seconds to pass

Looking to pass again...

The girls to the right of the line can't cross it,

so they'll help with a pass if needed, but otherwise just wait.

a different position... Goal Defense

B's the one with the "GD" on her back

a similarity to basketball...

throwing the ball in :-)

Now she's playing "GK" or Goal Keeper

and she's trying to block the shot,

but has to set her feet three feet away before she defends.

There you have it... a brief look at B's newest hobby.  :-)   It's fun to play even if it does take a while to learn the rules.  

A Championship Season

I've had this requested on a couple different fronts... so here's some pics of D and his NSW state champion football (gridiron for Aussies) team.

.

Wollongong Brumbies

2011 NSW Champions

.

 

Pre-game huddle... firing up the team

"Who are we?"

"BRUMBIES!"

 Cheering on the team

Brumbies' fans...

Yes, B and I made signs and a little pom-pom for the game!

I didn't get any game pics, 'cuz I was too busy cheering.

(read yelling loudly and jumping around)

 D listening to the trophy presentation.

 D and two of his fans.

The 'non-Griffith' guy is a friend from school...

gotta love that a friend wanted to drive up to Sydney with us to watch the game.  :-)

 Shawn and D

Love the photo... and their laughter in it.

 Me and my little boy...

uh... he used to be little. 

(it was a cold night!)

This season B moved from reading through the games to cheering along with me.

Another thing to love! ;-)

I'll try to add couple shots from earlier in the season in another post...  

(when I wasn't so distracted... or stressed)

Back in Uniform

The kids have started back to school for the new school year.  They're both entering a new phase of schooling as well.  D is beginning his 'higher' school years (11 & 12) which will end in a big test.  B is starting high school at a new school.  So far, it's going well.  New adventures for both of them.  (and more letting go for me... hmmm...)

 

 First day of school

full uniform... well, except the hat.

 a closer shot

so far, favourite class = French!

 First day

thankfully, still humouring mum. ;-)

 getting closer

he might be laughing at me...

 They make me one proud Momma! 

Catching Up (Part 3) - Finishing Strong

D with his newly awarded School Certificate!  :-)

He had to keep up grades in all 'key learning areas' and then pass exams on each subject... which included Australian History and Australian Geography.  An impressive task for being in the school system for less than three semesters!!

 Me and my little boy!

Yes, I made him 'shrink' for the photo... 

but I don't think I'm foolin' anybody.

 B with her awards...

an Appreciation award for serving in the library

and...

'Student of the Year' :-)

She made the most of her final year of primary school.

Well done, B!!

my baby girl and I

Though I didn't have to make any adjustments to this pic, it won't be long before she passes me up... as she often lets me know. ;-)

Catching Up (Part 2) - Formals & Farewells

Sometimes, it just hits me.  I know it shouldn't be a shock, but sometimes, it just is.  

My kids are growing up.  

They're not little, cuddly ones anymore.  They're needing much less these days.  All good things, I know, but sometimes, it just doesn't seem right.

The last bit of 2010 had two big moments for the kids.

Darian had his Year 10 Formal.  Over here, Year 10 is a big year that ends with a big test.  It used to be the end of formal schooling for those who wanted to go into a technical trade.  (now things have changed a bit) So, amidst studying and before the big tests, Darian had a formal.  He went stag w/ some friends.  I only got pics before he left. 

the boys before they left

Shawn jumping into the pic.

The finish of primary school is celebrated with a Year 6 Farewell.  This is a less-formal formal, but still a big celebration that includes a 'bush dance'.  Brenna, as School Captain, spoke at the Farewell this year. 

before the event

suffering through some sibling pics before the dinner

(wish I would have had B pose w/ D his his fancy clothes)

the parents getting in on the action.

(again, should have done this w/ D, but he likely would have just made faces)

I wish I could have been there during both events to take pics and share the memories, but I guess that's slowly being worked out of my job description.

Caught in the Act...

Well, actually, before the act.

This is Bren and one of her friends before a 'recent'  drumming performance. 

 

I tried to take some pics inside during their drumming (which was absolutely fabulous!), but it was too dark and I was too far away.  It was a great performance.  She's loved her experience drumming this year.   

I'm thankful for all the opportunities she's had at school, and outside school, this year.  She found some new interests and had some wonderful experiences.  :-)