By the way...

I forgot to post the final score of the Lion's game. They beat Geelong Cats 108 to 65. Go Lions!

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

It only took about one and a half years but Stace and I finally made it to our first AFL (Aussi-rules Football League) game, or as the Aussies call it: Footy! Our friends Nigel and Felicity are members at the Brisbane Lions club (what we would call season holders). They were gracious enough to offer us tickets and join us at the game. I thought it was great! It's too bad it has taken us this long to go; it really is a fun sport to watch. Basically, the teams are trying to kick the ball through a set of four goal posts, positioned at either end of the field. The key is to if the ball travels through the inner two posts untouched by the opposing team then it is considered a goal. One goal is worth six points. If the ball is touched by the opposing team before it goes through the inner posts or if the ball goes between the inner and outer points it is considered a "behind" and one point is awarded. Another signature move in AFL is a "mark". A mark is when one player kicks a pass, a distance greater than 50 meters, to a teammate. If the pass is caught it is considered a mark and a free kick is awarded. Some marks can be quite exciting because players will use teammates to propel themselves high into the air make the catch.

Brisbane was playing Geelong. Geelong was undefeated until the previous week. Brisbane is doing decent as well (upper middle of the league).

The Cats taking the field. The one thing I loved when the teams take the field is that each club has there own song. They play it while they run onto the field and all the fans sing along to their team's anthem. It is really fun to listen to. It seems to build even more pride in ones club.

The Lions taking the field. Another thing that was fun is that each team runs through a tissue paper banner at the beginning of each match.

The match is on! Go Brisbane!

They try to keep the play going, which is really nice. If the play stops then they immediately have a throw in or a jump ball or a free kick to resume the play as quickly as possible. I think the reason I liked it some much is that it reminds me of ultimate frisbee, which I played a lot of in Halifax. The plays unfold in a similar way so I found it really easy to read the play. All and all very enjoyable!

Another great tradition the Lions have is that after every game the fans rush onto the field and start kicking balls to each other while a live band plays in the back ground. What I love about it is the accessibility for the fans.

I can't wait to go to our next game!

....adding to Darryl's post!!...

Shamus and I attended another Brisbane sporting event!

On Sunday afternoon Shamus and I went to the Brisbane soccer game. Free tickets compliments of Qantas. And great seats.

Hmmm, Shamus was the most excited about our transportation to and from the game! It seems to be a common thing here where there is no parking at the stadiums and no parking on the streets. You walk or take the bus. I thought it was weird at first but it's actually great! The city completely caters to the fans and there are buses after buses to take you to and from the game. And it's free! So, Shamus LOVED the bus experience.

Shamus and I waiting for the bus!

I won't bore you with pics of the game but I wanted to show a couple of pics of the players getting ready. Above - lots of bagpipes which I loved! Brisbane played Glasgow, Scotland. I thought this was strange but apparently they are in the same league?? Lots of flying involved! And the leagues really involve the kids which I also really liked.

And great entertainment at half time!!

And it's much cheaper to attend sporting events here than at home. You can actually afford to go to a game!

I'm a lucky girl...

Ahhh, good times. I'm very thankful. I really am. As my Dad reminded me a couple of weeks ago..."Be thankful that you have your health." And I am always thankful for my health. I still think of all the things that happened when we had Breagha. And this always makes me THANKFUL!

I'm thankful that my family is healthy.

I'm thankful for the beautiful weather in Brisbane! Wow, it was an amazing day today! I really can't complain. And I love getting mail!! Especially nowadays! Over the last couple of weeks I've received 2 parcels...for me! And there is one more parcel that my Mom mailed to us and it should be arriving any day now. Canadian Books! Very excited about that. Shamus and Breagha really enjoy their Canadian books so I ordered a few more.

Yes, me opening up my package from China! My first time shopping online! And loved it! (I think Darryl may be concerned!! :) It arrived quite quickly too.

No, I can't show you what was inside but I can tell you that I bought 2 dresses. And I'm pretty happy with the results. They were dirt cheap! Really dirt cheap. I didn't know what the quality was going to be like but I was impressed! Now I just need to find a reason to where them!

This package came from Korea! A huge thanks to Debra. You Rock! Deb went to the US Military base and bought me some goodies from Bath And BodyWorks. It's an US store and they don't ship to Australia. She bought me tons of stuff and mailed it off! It was really exciting to open!

So, this make me think...I'm pretty lucky. I've got it pretty good. No complaints at all.

And to top it all off...I didn't work today! Can't go wrong there, right?

Darryl and I took today off to celebrate our anniversary. We dropped the kids off at daycare and then headed off to a spa near our house. Damn, I wish I was rich and could treat myself like this all the time!! We really, really enjoyed it. It had a great set up for couples. And then after lunch we went to the movies. Finally saw The Hangover. Really loved that too! And then we squeezed in some shopping at a book store before picking up the kiddies!

We had such a wonderful time together. And another reason to be thankful.

Happy Anniversary Baby!!!

It was 9 years ago today! Yes, nine years since Darryl and I said, "I do" in my parents backyard with all our family and friends. And I love him more today than I did on that day. Your my best friend and I'm so thankful to have you in my life. I love that you make me laugh, I love watching you with the kids, I love that you can fix things around the house! I love that you work hard and play hard. I love your sense of humour!! I love that you take care of all pieces of computer equipment, softeware thingies, plug in gadgets, downloading, burning CD's, picture downloads, skype drama...oh the technology list goes on and on and on!!! Thank God for Darryl!

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful husband and the best Dad.

Breagha is now 3 Years Old!

Oh, what a busy weekend it was. Breagha turned 3 on Saturday! She's a big girl now!

We woke up Saturday morning and I didn't want to wait until Saturday night to celebrate. We started the morning with gifts and chocolate! You really can't go wrong. And the kids agreed with me! We had a busy day planned - Breagha's gift and cupcakes when we wake up, swimming at 11am, home for lunch, Tycho's 4th birthday party at 2pm, and home around 530pm to meet up with Rej and Clo.

So, I just couldn't wait until Saturday night to give Breagha her gift. And she didn't seem to mind.

I'm 3 now!!

We love books so I picked up The Wizard Of Oz for Breagha. It was a really cute book that even came with a necklace! Breagha was quite pleased.

Hmmmm, can't seem to get it over my head Mom???

Big brother was just as excited about the day.

Oh yeah, after the book came the big gift! Breagha has really been interested in scooters for months now. So, she was very happy with her birthday gift. And we were surprised at how well she is doing on it. She can be quite clumsy but keeps her balance on the scooter. Well done.

Ohhhh yeah. Lowww riddder....

So, of course we went straight outside, in our pj's, to try out the new scooter.

I tell ya, she's pretty good on it.

And Rej and Clo bought her little pompom-tassles to put on each handle so super cute! Thanks guys.

Shamus pulled out his bike and joined in.

....back to the house for a little birthday treat!!!...

We did have a birthday party planned for Sunday but I just feel that you still need to do something at home. Lucky for the kids because they reap the junk food benefits!

Happy Birthday To You!

Ahhh, nothing like a little chocolate to get the day started.

We had Breagha's birthday party on Sunday at 10am. It was at an indoor play centre - Little Tigrrs. They have a great set up. It was the easiest birthday party we have thrown so far! Ok, so there has only been 7 so far, but this was still the easiest one!

We invited a few kids from daycare. And Mike and Mireille took the boys. And Felicity and her kiddies. We didn't even need to worry about a cake. Or loot bags. They did it all! It was wonderful.

Darryl and the kiddies. Yes, Shamus is holding onto Darryl. Lots of fun for parents too!

This is little Euan and his mommy. I love her expression! All the parents were wonderful. And some of them live in our suburb. And a couple of the kids had older siblings in Shamus' daycare class. Shamus was very happy about that.

Oh, Breagha loves pigtails or braids right now. She still won't wear any hair clips though. She's darn picky!

B and her buddy Cassie.

Canadian Jason.

Shamus and his play mates!

Love the hair Shamus!

Time for the food and cake!

Breagha had her own special chair.

Took a couple of tries to get all those candles out!

Mommy and Daddy with their big girl.

Oh, those beautiful brown eyes. She's a sweetie.

Happy Birthday Breagha. We hope you had a wonderful birthday.

We love you very much.

Rock On!!

This was very entertaining!! It's from a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post some pics. We were relaxing to some music when we started to Rock Out! I'd like to get the kids in a dance class but the only time I could get them in a class was at the same time as swimming. So, we'll have to hold off for now!

Shamus looooooves the music. Breagha likes to sing with the song, nice and soft. But Shamus is going to be a Rocker! He already tries to "break dance"!!

Too cool in the shades! I love Breagha's expression and the shakin' of the hips!

Shamus even has the artist look figured out already!

Rock On Dudes!!

And it's Friday night which means - the Weekend!!! Oh yeah!

Hope everyone had a great Canada Day!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

Happy Canada Day Everyone!

Darryl and I will drink a beer in honour of all Canadians everywhere! We hope everyone has a great holiday and have lots of fun!

So, what do we love about Canada?

Hmmm, where to start? I love the beauty, the people, the lifestyle, the countryside and the cities! I love that we are patriotic but not arrogant. (I don't believe we are:) I love that we enjoy our sports and cheer proudly! I love that we can snowboard in BC and swim in NS! I love that we can enjoy a beautiful day of hiking or just go shopping! And I love that we can get out of the city and enjoy nature. Relax with friends and family.

I will add to Stacey's wonderful tribute above: I love that we are a nation made up of nations. I love that we are peace keepers. I love that we aren't afraid to laugh at ourselves. I love the diversity in our country from Newfoundland to British Columbia. We are artists, labourers, poets and scholars. We are many, many things but best of all we are Canadians! Here's to Canada! Have a wonderful birthday.

I am very proud to be Canadian.

It will always be home regardless of where my address may be!!

Publish Post