Steve and I were both thrilled to discover new music thanks to the support acts. I became a DZ Deathrays groupie about 30 seconds into their first song and Steve was super impressed with another band (whose name I am unable to mention as it contains a rather naughty word).  The lead singer was very entertaining and definitely connected with the crowd on a physical level. Their music is pretty good as well.

Soundwave is the next concert on the list…..only 2 months to go!

Helen xxxxx

So the rescued piece has been on our to do list for a while. It needed some minor repairs to the drawers, a couple of new handles, a new door and some shelves. Not much I thought (as I wouldn’t be doing very much of the work!)

Well a few weeks back I snapped and decided it was time for this treasure to make its way inside. After 2.5 years it took a whole 24 hours and it was done. Seriously why did we wait so long? It came up a treat! My hubby is one very clever man

Here is the wall before (eeeewww)

and after (aaahhhh)

It is my new favourite piece of furniture in the house.

We have been busy outside as well, but will save that for another time.

Helen xxxxx

Here is a quick “photo” update of the month that was November.

Summer is getting closer and we have had a few warm days, perfect slip n’ slide weather.

Riley and his class performed the Purple People Eater at Assembly and much to my surprise he LOVED being on stage.

We headed out for an evening picnic to celebrate my dad’s birthday and here are a few of my favourite pictures (yes I actually took my camera with me).

Love this photo even if I missed a little with the focus

Declan enjoying himself.

Riley not so much but the bokeh is just perfect.

Some of the local fauna and flora.

Trying to find the time to pick up the camera again. I take so many shots on my iphone now.

And not that you need reminding but it is only 20 -something days until Christmas!

Matilda seems a little worried but I am trying to be organised this year, so far so good

We have also been busy renovating furniture (pics next post), growing and putting up with Movember Mo’s (maybe pics next post) and planning some quick outdoor makeovers to squeeze in before the festive season ( no pics yet as still planning, well maybe a before pic?).

I’ll be back,

Helen xxxxx

 There were 22,000 lightning strikes in SE Qld that night and I am happy that I got to capture a few of them.

Since returning to Melbourne we have had two big storms. One was pretty but not great for photographing lightning.  The clouds were pretty amazing though.

 and then on Sunday night, out of no where, we were hit by a short but very aggressive storm. The lightning was just huge, even I retreated inside for a few moments as  it passed overhead. In the space of 15 minutes I captured this….

 My focus was out a little but you get the idea. If only it lasted longer, was just so amazing. I really enjoy the challenge of trying to capture mother natures light show. It makes a nice change from everyday photography. Lets hope she gives me many more opportunities this summer.

Helen xxxxx

We had an action packed 12 days, visiting theme parks, waterworlds, rainforests and beaches. 

We had the opportunity to get up close with some of the wildlife.  The dolphins were a huge hit as were the kangaroos which we could feed at Dreamworld. We also had the chance to feed the stingrays, which was a mission in itself thanks to the pesky seagulls. Every park seemed to have some resident lizards wandering around and the sharks were as scary as I thought they would be.

Of course the real reason for visiting theme parks is the rides. Riley and Steve braved any ride they were allowed on, Declan was brave at first then stuck to the slower ones, Tilly was upset at all that she could not ride but loved anything she could and I gave most a go, surprising myself with what I attempted and what scared the living daylights out of me.

We also spent a few days on the iconic beach in Surfers. It really is a beautiful beach, the sand is so fine and white and clean and the water so blue. It’s a stunning place to visit day or night. We were lucky that our hotel was only 800mm from this stunning sight.

We headed up into the mountains for a change of pace. The rainforest was so peaceful, the trees so HUGE and the wildlife a little cheeky. Steve, Declan and Riley were stopped in their tracks by a 2m python and emerged from the forest a little stunned and excited by what they got to see. They were also visited by leeches, bush turkeys and a baby wallaby. Tilly and I saw 2 kookaburra’s (I was with the noisy child!).

When we did spend time at our apartment relaxing, it was spent looking at this view. It was just so nice to wake up to each morning. The scenery was always changing and we all now miss our balconies, especially during a storm!.

Tilly loved Wiggle World as we all knew she would though I must say she surprised us with her bravery, attempting any ride and water slide she could get on. She visited some numerous times when I was only brave enough to attempt them once.

We filled in another day but cruising around Surfers in the Aquaduck, a truck/boat that travels along the roads and then the canals. Each of the children had a chance to drive the Aquaduck and received their licence.  It’s a great way to see how the other half live in their mansions.

One lucky little boy even turned a year older whilst we were away. Riley had a great birthday celebrating with gifts in the morning, a full day at Movieworld, Mcdonalds for tea and then a birthday cake on the much-loved balcony.

And just incase you were wondering, yes I did actually attend this wonderful holiday and was happy to play my part as chief photographer.

There is so much more I could tell but I think this post is long enough. 
None of us were ready to come home and if Brewster was shipped up to us we may just still be there.

Helen xxxxx

I think  it took a moment to sink in that we had actually bought him an electric guitar!.

He loves it (and I am sure the neighbours hate it).

We now need to look in to lessons for him but at this stage he is happy to just make it up as he goes along.

Apparently it was the best birthday present EVER!.

Happy (early) Birthday my little rock dude x

Helen xxxxx

I can see many more visits, with both boys requesting new scooters for Christmas and making suggestions that they would like to try out their skateboards here as well.  I just love watching them have so much fun.

Helen xxxxx

Yes to all of the above.

On a positive note it DID make me pick up my camera and take a few pictures. I have lost my phojo big time and need all the help I can to get back into the groove.

 The seagulls kept us entertained.

I took a cute photo of my 3 little treasures.

and I am sure that thousands upon thousands of people have taken this exact same shot. 

It was still a wonderful day spent with friends but in future I will be sticking to the beautiful beaches a little closer to home.

Helen xxxxx

Helen xxxxx