We had a little taste of One Direction madness the other weekend! Isabella and Charlotte were lucky enough to win some tickets to one of their Sydney concerts and we were also lucky enough to spend some quality time with some old friends. Photo credits go to both Sam and Fi - thanks ladies! x

 Straight to the city from the airport to explore and take the girls on the ferry.

 Snacking and sun-screening it up for the day ahead.

 Our plans coincided with Sydney's Naval plans this particular weekend so we had event size crowds and lines to contend with. But, we must have been blessed by the good luck fairies as we hardly had to wait and we managed to cruise through the queues easily. Mind, we did hold on pretty tightly to little hands at times!

 On the ferry over to Manly...

 ...for a fish and chip lunch...

 ...and a swim!

 Coming back on the ferry watching all the naval ships and military planes pass by and overhead.

 La's ferry injury - minor but obviously requiring documentation (?!)

 The end of a long day, sitting down in the Rocks after dinner, waiting for the fireworks.

Charlotte and Isabella all dressed and ready to meet One Direction! We hope you had an amazing time and so glad we could be part of such a fun and exciting moment for you all! xxo

We had a great couple of weeks of school holidays, kicking back and having fun with friends and keeping ourselves happily occupied.

 Sienna turned 6 somewhere in the mix with a sleepover and she kindly allowed her little brother to have a friend over too.

 Morning tea picnic.

 Leyla of Many Hats.

 Playing.

 Sarah from NZ was in town briefly and we couldn't get into the city fast enough to catch up.

 So glad to see her after so many years. Hasn't changed a bit and can't wait to hear the news of when bubby arrives in Jan!

 Sienna came over for a play and to sleepover...

 ...and found a life-size doll to play with!

 Me? Yes YOU!

 I had to be the fill-in for La when she wanted to play with her friends - alone. Always the fate of the little sister!

 Mind, Leyla the life-size doll was back in fashion again when it came to being a guinea pig for makeup...

 ...and nails.

 Well, it is October already, time to look in the birthday cake book.

 La and her camera skills...

 ...papping Tayah inside...

 ...and out!

 Off to the park with friends for a play and some lunch.

And Leyla still does not like the feel of sand under foot.

I recently found a toddler backpack so we could go on some adventure walks with the girls and thought we'd try it out first close to home at the Knapsack Bridge trail.

 Sami carried Leyla on the first half and I had my turn for the way back. Fortunately for me, my half did not include the stairs up to the lookout!

 After a little bit of looking, we found the actual start of the track so we could begin.

 Knapsack Bridge.

 At Elizabeth Lookout for some snacks.

After nearly 3 hours of wandering, a little back tracking and a tiny bit of lost, we made it back to the car. It was a good trial run, figured everyone's limit was about 2 1/2 hours and now we're looking forward to and ready for the next bush walk.

The Auskick Crew came to La's school and with the added incentive (or maybe only) of a show-bag at the end, La decided to learn herself some footy!

 Sami and La both practising what they learned from playing AND watching from the sidelines.

Leyla was just as happy with the hat.