In the past couple of weeks we've been to two two year old's birthday parties (Did I stutter just then?) and we've been invited to another soon!! First up was a little pal of Dylan's called Jordan who kindly invited us to her house for the usual fun and games. Little monkeys running around all over the place! Some especially nosey ones taking a particular interest in the family's huge boxer dog (pic). Who would be a nursery teacher I don't know. Dylan had a great time as you can see from the photo's and ended up with cake all over him which, as we all know, is the whole point of kid's birthday parties.
The second bash was a joint-affair with all the kids from a weekly playgroup going to a huge party held in a local sports hall. There were bouncy castles, ride-on toys, tunnels, climbing stuff - you name it. And of course, cake.
But it's not all been for the little 'uns. Last Saturday we were invited to an evening BBQ with some of our neighbours and very nice it was too. Actually, it was a bit of a treat for Isy and I as it is fair to say we haven't had too much of a social life in the recent months. To sit around and talk rubbish over a few beers was a great escape. Poor old Dylan didn't fair too well though as he decided he was going to pick up a tea light which had only just gone out. He now fully understands "Don't touch it's hot" and hopefully he's got a long memory...
We also managed to get out of Sydney for the day a couple of weeks back and head up into the Blue Mountains! The mountains are about a two hour drive west of Sydney and are very picturesque. Blue, because they have a hazy blue mist over them all the time due to the Eucalyptus in the air. It was a nice lazy day which we spent walking around a small town called Leura and also on a short trail to a tourist spot where you can see the Three Sisters peaks. Whilst on our wanderings we came 
across a massive Koala bear which caused some amusement (and a little trepidation...)We took a trip on a cable car which Dylan just about managed to keep himself together on, but the "steepest railway in the world" had him (and a few other people) screaming all the way to the bottom. I'm sure he loved it really... :-) 
Closer to home, the house is still being kitted out and we've now made in-roads on setting up the office. We've got a great new wooden "exec" desk and a plush leather chair which makes you feel like an oil baron when you sit in it (I know why JR was always grinning now. It was the chair). Summer is coming and, slowly but surely, the garden furniture is making it's way...yup...into the garden :-)
We're also very close to purchasing the quintessential Aussie accessory! A new Barbie is on the cards soon and I imagine we'll be sending the invites out to the friends (and relations!) we've met in our time so far for a bit of a knees-up. BBQ's are somewhat of a science over here - I saw one the other day for around $1500AU with an entire spit on it!! Mr.D can eat a fair bit for a little guy, but I don't think we'll be getting anything quite that size...
And then of course, the cricket season is nearly here. The traditional Ashes sledging has started in earnest and good ol' Geoffrey Boycott seems to be batting for the Aussies off the pitch!! All good fun though and I for one can't wait. The Ashes urn is doing a tour at the moment and I might pop down to the Museum tomorrow to check it out. Apparently Shane Warne was also signing his new book in Sydney this week - with his clothes on no less!
I'm surprised people recognised him.
