This is for you Jill - get well soon !

Poor Jill - she and Malcolm are now back in the UK but Jill has just had quite major surgery on her foot and is having to take it very easy for sometime. We understand that Malcolm has stepped up to the position of 'chief cook and bottle washer' (go Malcolm!).

We know you read the blog and so Josh has done a little picture and some words for you Jill. Josh now finally understands that you have 2 homes, one here and one in the UK. I remember with a smile how he used to think you were going home to the UK simply to mow your lawns and do work on your house and as time went on he used to ask what was taking you so long. As much as he now understands ... he still misses you both.

Mummy and Josh drew the picture together .... but the words are all Josh's. Get well soon Jill !!

Our very special Granny Cranney

Granny Cranney came in this evening to see "her boy" (her name for Joshua - her 22nd grandchild). As they hugged one another and Granny Cranney told him how much she loved him, Josh turned to her and said "I have missed you Granny Cranney". Granny Cranney ALWAYS brings Joshua 2 lollipops - she has never missed a visit without a lollipop.

Mummy & Daddy went to a friend's birthday party whilst Granny Cranney and Josh sat down to a platter of popcorn, chippies, chocolates and fruit .... what a party !

We love you Granny Cranney and sincerely think of you as 'family'.

Mustangs 6 : West Crocodiles 8

The day started off VERY cold - it was cold enough for the Mustangs who had trouble warming up let alone the parents who simply froze on the side-line ! [Mummy must make mental note to invest in some thermals before next weekend!]

The Mustangs ran hard and fast today but sadly lost by two trys. Joshua was playing half-back today which seemed to really suit him and he certainly appreciated not having to be in the scrum and have his head jammed between players on either side !

After-match report from the Coach said ...

"Joshua Turnbull had some big straight runs today but was outstanding on defence. He was flawless at passing the ball to the first 5/8th from scrums and line outs and was a great half-back. It was on defence however that he was outstanding and he led the touch count with a mighty 10 - well done Joshua!"

Josh - back left - going in for his trade-mark touch - he runs flat-out parallel to the try line and then just cuts the opposition off so they can't score a try

Joshua going in for the kill as he yells out "touch" !

Look at the determination on Joshua's face !

Joshua has got the ball and is running for the try line - in this case he fell over in the mud about 1 metre short of the try line !

Let's not forget Huddy-bud

Yes, how could we forget our 4-legged son who is VERY much part of our family and whom we always try to include in whatever we are doing. Although Joshua takes Hudson for granted - simply because he knows nothing else - we always notice that when friends take an interest in Huddy, Josh is very quick to claim ownership !

Here are a few photos that capture the adorable playful nature of son no. 2

Hudson loves to run and greet you with 'something' in his mouth and he has quite a fettish for socks. We are all learning to make sure we put everything away but here he has Mummy's pink love heart socks in his mouth !

Hudson's favourite toy is a teddy-bear and, believe me, we have been through quite a few. This is his new teddy that Mummy and Josh bought on Saturday - let's see how long it lasts !

Daddy is here teasing Huddy with his teddy-bear - Hudson loves the game of trying to get the teddy of Daddy - and Hudson ALWAYS wins !

No showers under the hose for Hudson in winter - no way - he has a warm shower in the bathroom just like everyone else !!

Front profile - what a booooooodiful boy

Side profile is not too bad either !

Hudson loves 'changing sheets' day - the game starts with him standing at the end of the bed and we throw the sheet over him and then poke him whilst he tries to chase the finger that is poking him - and then when he has had enough he simply rolls over and over in the sheet !

A week of vistors

The guest bedroom hardly had time to go cold this week - firstly Sandy stayed for a few days before she flew out to soak up the sun in Brisbane; and then Sylvia for the rest of the week. Josh loved showing them how to play sport on the WII and then thrashed them both at cycling and 10-pin bowling. However, Sylvia came up trumps with her bouncing-ball game which was hilarious and had Joshua and his ball bouncing all over the house ! The week was a lot of fun but Mummy and Sylvia do have a habit of sitting up until the wee hours every night chatting and laughing ... need some sleep zzzzzzzz

Let's get singing

They say that a family who sings together .... stays together. Well if that is the case, then both Mummy and Huddy had better sign-up for singing lessons as Daddy has a wonderful singing voice and Josh can also hold a very good tune.

Daddy has been 'getting into' his guitar playing of late and, in fact, has been having a few jamming sessions with a friend over the past few weeks. It is so lovely to hear guitars strumming and singing voices echo through the house.

Tonight, before bed-time, Josh decided to join Daddy ... their favourite song of course was Happy Birthday - to anyone and everybody out there!

International Chidren's Day

Today is International Children's Day - a nominated day to truly cherish and celebrate our children. Some might say that every day is children's day - however today is a time to truly reflect on how special children simply are.Joshua ... you are so unique - there never was, is now, or ever will be another YOU. We love you so very very much.