We continue our summer fun with snapshots of birthdays, beaches, boats and best friends. I must admit to not being exactly camera close most of this holiday, so I do apologise! But, you'll have to read in between the "photos" as we had LOADS of fun!
 Toby turned 4 and Laura pulled out all the stops with this fantastic robot cake on his birthday eve.
  Everyone gets a turn at blowing out the candles.
Happy Birthday Toby! x
More cake the next day on Toby's actual birthday.
 New Years Day saw us down at Matt's boat lake for snacks, a ride and a swim.
 Waiting for the caption to arrive we eat melon...
 ...and pears.
 Leyla did her best ant impression crawling all over the boat before it was deployed - or impression of a grub by the end of the day.
" Ships Ahoy me matey!"
Set adrift, embarking on the next big adventure.
 Down the beach now for Matt's birthday....
 ...again, inspired by Louie.

There is no doubt that Nana lives on down the beach....
 Leyla in her monkey-proofed baling twine high chair.
 Back at the farm to welcome Honor and Flynn for a visit...
 ...cooling off in the wee little pool. Wee probably being the operative word!
 So happy to see these two special folks for a farm visit as well as my birthday celebrations.
 Dad's new hay shed is a destination hot spot for the kids exploring the alley's and secret lane ways it has to offer.
 Crafty La.
 Laura's pièce de résistance of cakes this season has to be her interpretation of Matt's semi for his, mine and Old Pa's birthday celebration on the 8th. Complete with hay bales, my new favourite licorice slice and Kristen constructed little sheep.


Stopping off in Echuca on the way home gave these two a chance to play some more and for us to watch Lexie do her fantastic swimming.
And lastly, dropping in on Cass and her folks in Rutherglen was a welcome distraction from the long drive home. Wonderful to stop, catch up and play!

Thanks everyone for having us, entertaining us and keeping the joy at an absolute maximum! Til next time......xxxx





Christmas 2012 brought everyone together (without Mr Sami who stayed home to work) and the occasion did not disappoint with fun and frivolity had by all...
La and Lexie ready to go to the Christmas service.
 Toby and Jack employed as Shepards for the evening...
...and the girls became happy angels as well. Note, Will the Monkey in the background.
 It's Christmas morning! Father Christmas delivered La a Barbie combi-van...
 ....and Leyla a...
 ....wagon for walking!
 Uncle Nat helping with the assembly...
 ...and we're off!
 Naturally...
Lunch.
Playing.
 Christmas Outfit.
This is what Matt and Kara do best...
Getting out the slip and slide to cool down...
More presents with all the cousins.
No one missed out - thanks for all the lovely gifts!
 The show-stopping sheds Pa built for both Jack and Will, and Toby and Beau.
Disco fever after all the kids went to bed...
 Never a dull moment when we're all lumped together!
 Dad would agree....
 
 Boxing day morning - Steve is on breakfast duty.
 It's off down the beach now for the Altus get together.
 Ready for the family snaps...
Smile!
 Cranky Erin photo bombing Lexie and Old Pa.
 The Grand and Great Grandies who were present.
Now minus a generation.
 No 2 Altus Clan
 Thanks for a wonderful festive time! x