October through to December as usual flew past with birthdays, social events and excitement. Keian turned 2yrs old and we celebrated this in earnest at CLOWN TOWN! This turned out to be "challenging" as Keian has decided he hates clowns and was devastated when the clown entered his party room and this progressed to hysteria when the clown had the audacity to come over to him to perform his tricks for the birthday boy. Not to worry once the clown exited (quite rapidly I might add) Keian resumed being King for the day and all the 2yr olds ran themselves ragged on the indoor climbing apparatus. He was thoroughly spoilt which prompted a reorganisation of the house to accomodate the many new play things including the entire Wiggles band set - drums, piano, microphone and guitars x3 he received AHHHHH! He was also lucky enough to have Gran, Grumps and Nanny come down for his birthday and this included a trip to the Koala Park at Castlehill where he patted a Koala and fed the Kangaroos - his eyes were like saucers! Terrific day....
He is still a Wiggles groupy and loves to dance and sing at any opportunity which of course must be done in Wiggles clothing, socks, shoes and hat - is there any other way? We are off to the next Wiggles concert in May - can hardly wait sigh!
November and December saw us out more often than not and we loved every minute of it. We spent Chistmas up at Nelson Bay with family and friends which was brilliant. The weather was great, the beaches excellent and the fun with Kieren's boat was brilliant. All the cousins that could make it kept the boys entertained and they loved all the attention. The days were spent lazing on the beaches, eating, drinking and generally taking the time to relax. After a week up there which disappeared too quickly unfortunately we headed back to Sydney for one day and then flew up to the "Sunshine Coast".

We saw the New Year in amongst family, good friends and RAIN.....
Kaz, Josh and Makenzie joined us in Mooloolaba on the foreshores with prime position for the NY fireworks! Unfortunately for us but more for the organisers of the stalls and festivities the night was cancelled due to rain. So instead we went out for an early dinner and then settled back out of the rain on the verandah of Kaz's apartment and watched the revellers that braved the weather (mostly under the age of 20yrs who still thought it was cool to run out in the rain and get wet!). It was a quiet affair but nice just the same. The next few days were spent finding locations that were "rain and baby friendly" - usually shops and indoor play centres coupled with the lunches and dinners fitted around them. Although we missed out on the beaches and sunny weather we had a ball just the same. We managed to find one morning with no rain which luckily coincided with our trip to DreamWorld. Keian was in awe just as all little ones should be with the rides and the Wiggles LAND. He could not believe his luck, he went on so many rides, scored a ride in the big red car and played in the Wiggles soft play area. It was a fantastic morning and we will go back. We then met David, Lisa and Dylan (Amy-Lee had to work) for lunch. We had a ripper time catching up and we look forward to doing it again.
We eventually returned home after 10 days straight of rain to some sunnier weather where we enjoyed taking the boys to the beach and parks before Paul had to return to work. We were kept well informed that the rain lasted on a daily basis well into March as Paul's parents live there - incredible but we are not deterred and will head back up to North again during Winter.
February had us off and about again (well at least me and the boys with Jana). We waved Daddy off and we flew to Melbourne where we spent a week hosted at the Schabels and visiting both them and the Dunstan's. The weather was kind and we had hot days, swimming and lovely periods for the children to play, fight and challenge one another. Keian could not believe his luck with another set of toys and children to play with at will.
Thanks Kyles, Kari for putting the four of us up and making us feel so welcome. We reallly enjoyed seeing where you were and sharing your daily routine. Great as always to also catch up with Lucy!
Jana got to see a little of Melbourne and did not fail in finding something to buy to remember Melbourne by! Jenn, Casey and Ava kept our days busy also with another beautiful house to play in which was again full of new and exciting toys for Keian and Jaiden. Finally we met the long awaited Ava Beau and caught up with our good friend Casey who we had not seen since we all lived in Germany.
All to soon we were off on the plane again - this time destination Tasmania.
Carolyn and family were all waiting to fill our week of fun in their brand new house. They had been in but 4 days when we arrived and seriously it looked more like four months! They did a superb job of not only selecting a brilliant house and location but getting in unpacked and making us feel completely welcome and comfortable! Fantastic project management Cad. It was also a bonus as Caitlyn was there for the first few days with us. This was an added bonus for Jana as the two girls went and did tourist things and partied by night.
We filled our days all too easily but thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the Denmans, visiting the Gorge and a spot of shopping of course.
Carolyn and I managed a dinner out together which really was a treat as we cannot remember a time we were able to just sit and talk without distraction for so long.
Keian and Jaiden thrived with the attention of cousins, Aunts and Uncles naturally. One of the late afternoons we took them to a wine and food festival in City Park. There were bands playing and Keian was straight into the mosh pit - I couldn't believe it. Before we knew it a group of well intoxicated folk took a fancy to the song "Jump" so they were up and straight to the mosh pit where they started "slam dancing".  Keian was mesmerized and watching intently for a few minutes and then ran in wanting to join the fun. AHHHHH! This tiny little fellow giving it his best shot to dance in amongst the big folk, it was so gorgeous but luckily another little 2yr old girl came along and became his dance buddy and any injury was avoided. Heaven help me when he is a teenager...
All to soon it was time to come home but that had some excitement to it  as Paul was anxious to see  the boys and no doubt they were keen to see their Daddy, particularly Keian.  Suprisingly Paul was not only on time to pick us up (anyone who knows Paul and our airport track record would understand the significance of this) he was at the gate waiting! It was gorgeous to watch both Paul and Keian when they saw each other - actually bought a tear to my eye....gorgeous.
February also saw another milestone for Keian with him starting at day care 2 days a week. He coped far better with this than his Mum! I am unsure who shed more tears me or him. Within four weeks he has become quite settled and although he is still upset when I leave he recovers quickly and is always having fun when I arrive to collect him. Funny how they react though, when he comes home from school he has to go and reclaim all his toys in the playroom and will not talk to Jana for the first hour or so when he gets home - go figure! Funny little fellow.
March saw me finally start back at NETBALL yeeehaaaa! I loved every minute of it, we won our first indoor game and that was even with me playing a whole game at 'Centre'  I was pleased for the fitness I have gained in the last 8 mths at the gym -also lucky as a heart attack would have been on the cards, I had forgotten after 5 years just how demanding the game is. We are ready to start outdoor on April 5 which is an hour long so there is where the fitness will really be tested ahhhh! I no longer arrive 5 minutes before the game and run straight on cold, finish the game and run straight off to the pub! Instead I am there early, warmed up and stretched and then warm down and stretch after the game - injury is not an option for this gal especially not with two little boys to chase around! Anyway it is great fun and I am thrilled to be still playing 30yrs on.
 Easter has now been and gone. We braved the North bound traffic and headed to Nelson Bay to stay with Mum and Dad. It was a wonderful time and although the weather was not kind the company and fun was plentiful! The boys had a ball and this makes it even better for Paul and I. We now have so much chocolate in our house it is obscene - I am sure that all the weight I have finally lost could be quickly re-applied through consumption. Infact I may as well just melt it and smear it across my backside and waist - would save time as no doubt this is where it is bound for. Reminds me of that add the delivery advertisment for calories - hilarious!

The last few weeks have been consumed with Builders, architects, landscapers and engineers as we are in the final throws of locking down the house design and plans for council. Now we just need a speedy approval to allow us to get started in the building in June.

Jaiden is coming up for 12mths on May 5th and Paul and I cannot believe where the last year went! He is a superb baby, the type you would order 10 of if you could. He is calm, happy, smiling and determined (lot like his Mum I tell him!), he loves to get on the floor with you for a good rumble and delights in mimicking Keian. He is a good eater and sleeper and is working his way into walking faster than I would like. His latest discovery is the bikes and how he can get on and off them - too cute. He also finds anything or anyone he can to hang on to and walk around.
He is not a cuddly baby like Keian but lights up anyone's face that meets him.

We did not see much of a Summer this year but Autumn weather of blue skies and sunny days has been divine. For you European dwelling folk we really did miss the colour changes this year which you are spoilt with.

That's about all from us now, we have a busy couple of months with Baptisms, 70th parties, holidays, returns from overseas, building etc etc. So until next time, send us your updates through and keep the emails flowing.

Loads of Love
Paul, Keian, Jaiden and Corrine
xoxoxox