wacky warehouse

There is this place in Adelaide that is awesome. It's a place where parents can finish conversations, have a cup of coffee (and drink it while it's still hot), and wear the kids out so they sleep peacefully for hours afterwards.

It's called Wacky Warehouse. And although there are many around Melbourne too, I barely get a chance to go to them! But everytime I visit Wacky Warehouse in Adelaide, everyone has a great time.

My step-sister's youngest son Lucas and my Madison are only 6 months apart. And now they're getting to know each other which means more talk time for us!

I love Wacky Warehouse, and I'm not afraid to say it!

mum's 60th

This year, both my parents turned 60. Apart from the shock that they are really getting older, I was fortunate to be able to celebrate with both of them at the separate occasions.

Earlier in the year was my father's, and in September was my mother's. She was in bliss to see her newest grandson and spend some time with her immediate family.

My step sister is one amazing woman who makes the most amazing cupcake/chocolate/dessert delights, and she created quite the masterpiece bouquet of cupcakes for mum's birthday. To top it off, she arranged my two brothers (who both live in the U.S.A.) to write a letter to her sharing her special qualities and what she means to them. So, there were tears! My step-sister is one thoughtful and amazing person!

Time with family is time well spent.

Above: Mum with her amazing bouquet of cupcakes; Mum & Me; my step-sister Karen with her son Joshua; me & Noah; Mum, my step-dad Roger and the boys.

a little renovating

This year has been full of renovations... but not necessarily the house we live in. But we did treat our house to a little central heating, and recently some carpet for the bedrooms.

Some may wonder why we would cover beautifully polished Baltic floorboards, but alas, Melbourne is much too cold for them. At least in the bedrooms anyway. Each morning I slip into a pair of ugg boots before hitting the floor for fear of feet cramp. Ouch.

And as you can see, my darling hubby thought he'd paint the master bedroom before the carpet was put in. Nothing like a little last minute panic beforehand!

So, here is a little before and after. I don't know about you, but I love seeing the end result on film/digital. Although I miss all that timber, there is a warmth to this carpet (and that beautiful rich bergundy) that can't be replaced.