This Father's Day Sami was working for a good part of it but that didn't stop the girls from putting together some special treats.

 La made a wacky-do card at school and they both shopped at the school stall for a gift for Baba. An ornament from La and a wine cooler bag from Leyla. The supermarket rounded out the presents and after much deliberation over lollies they weren't allowed to buy for themselves they quickly decided on beer and chocolate for Baba.

 La was dead keen on making Sami his breakfast that morning. She didn't do too badly, he ate it, it went down.

Random Face Painting Photo. Leyla loves face paint!

There's always fun things to get up to on the weekend and, occasionally, we get out and about beyond the usual everyday humdrum.

 Mulgoa Primary School had there annual Market Fair so we went along to have a look and have some fun.

 The girls each had a ride to choose from - La picked what she thought was the fastest, meanest ride. It needed to be hairier she said but not bad for a little school fete.

 Leyla had to go by herself and she choose this pirate ship one. She did really well, I was surprised that she didn't freak out - well done Leyla!

 Of course you can't go past the fairy floss and not get some!

 Later on that day we we down to Leyla's playgroup play centre where they were celebrating their 5th birthday. Princess Elsa came and Leyla was beside herself with happiness (after she warmed up to her of course).

 They became best buddies hanging out and dancing at the disco.

 Waiting For Cake.

It was a great, if not loud, afternoon with friends.

 A lazy Sunday afternoon spent down on the river. Of course, even though it was cold out, the girls had to get down to their knickers.

Serpil and Ferim (not getting down to their knickers).

I don't know how it began, but Michael Jackson is a bit of an obsession around here. Not just his songs, but all the rest. His family, how he died.....that took a bit of explaining!

 La and Leyla on their MJ project...

 ...I think she did a good job - quite the likeness!

 Leyla had a run with drawing people...

 ...then it was doing the dishes...

 ...and then playing schools for a while there as well.

 Ferim took over nail painting duties while she was with us.

 Last time roller skating, this time ICE skating! Leyla spent most of it in her sneakers but I she did have a little run in the real things.

 La started out fast and did not stop the whole time - broken bones be damned!

Ferim had some experience on the ice so she was graceful from the start.

Since our weeks are busy with school for La and Ferim, we try and go and do something fun on the weekend. La chose roller skating (no surprise there) and Ferim was up for the challenge never having done it before.

 Almost a professional La.

 Baby steps for these two...

 ...but it didn't take long for them to find their feet - even Leyla made some progress!

 Biking and parking with Serpil Hala through the week.

 Cheese!

 La had another gymnastics competition recently and both Ferim and Serpil Hala were super excited to see her do her stuff.

 Super Strong La!

 La did really well and all her hard work is paying off as now she's moving up to the advance stages - well done La!

 Ferim celebrated her 19th birthday while she was here and after careful deliberation, this was the cake she wanted. Never having used fondant before I was a little daunted but, I negotiated that if her and her mum do the roses (I would have just bought them - sorry mum!) then I could manage the rest.

I think they did an amazing job! Ferim was super happy with the result and the little birthday celebration. We ate cake for weeks as a result haha!

I was lucky enough to join Mum, Dad and Louie to represent the family at Nic and Kane's wedding in magnificent Hamilton Island. With Uncle David tagging along, we set out to explore as soon as we landed.

 A spot of lunch while waiting for our apartment to be ready.

By some amazing good luck we were given a golf buggy to get around the island for whole of our stay. We were spoiled!

Water activities were also thrown in to the mix so Mum, Lou and I made the most of what was available.

Mum took out a kayak while Lou and I had a go at stand up paddle boarding. Dad and Uncle David preferred to watch from the beach.

Sista Selfie.

Touring around the island and having a look about - this is at the look out.

The first evening we caught up with the rest of the wedding guests for dinner.

Tide's out on the morning of the wedding - no water sports I'm afraid.

All dolled up and ready to go.

A shameless selfie - I just loved my dress!

Some pics while we were waiting for the ceremony to start - Aunty Cath, Tash and Sam.

It was a lovely ceremony in a perfect setting.

 

All the family photos.

Wedding Cars.

Mum made the wedding cake and managed against all odds to get it to the island undamaged. She did an amazing job, it looked perfect and even received high praise from the chef on the night.

Ash and Nic.

It was a lovely reception, eating out under the stars. Beautiful and bountiful food, great company and all the sentiments expressed on the night heartfelt, funny and apt. Thanks for inviting me along to share your special day! xx

The following day was spent exploring the island some more before we flew out.

It was easy to get used to being ferried about!

Another popular wedding venue on the island.