Today was first day of school. Laura is heading into Senior School in Year 7 and Colin is off to Year 2.

Both were excited and nervous heading to school. Both were tired and happy when they got home.

It was a lovely day at the beach in Ocean Grove on Saturday. The kids love their boogie boards.

We went to Dandenong National Park today and fed cockatoos and took a walk through the forest bird watching.

This is one of my favorite photos of the day.

15 minutes and counting. Colin is trying to see how long he can go on a swing.

We spent time at Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art. The Art was “interesting” but the building was really cool.

One of Melbournes attractions is Luna Park. It is an amusement park just off the beach only about 10 minutes from our house.

Yesterday was a perfect day to go. It was overcast and not too hot. We went on all sorts of rides including The Great Scenic Railway.

This roller coaster is the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world. It was built in 1911 and has operated since 1912. It was bumpy!

We also do a great job of waiting in lines.

What’s a trip to the beach without digging a hole to get in?

The hole wasn’t quite as deep as the kids are making out. Colin is very good at crouching down, and Laura figured out that if she was in the background and the camera angle was low it would look deeper.

Laura finished her last of 5 days of dance camp at Australia Ballet Company Dance School.

Because it was a Saturday and traffic was clear, we got to the studio early and had a coffee/ hot chocolates before drop off.

She also was very proud of the completion certificate that she received. So much effort. Well Done Laura!

Colin has a school friend over today for a play. I left them upstairs and they got into a very loud, supportive board gaming session. So much excitement when one of them would get the roll they needed!

Then we headed to the park.

Laura was given the chance this week to do an intensive dance school at the Australian Ballet School.

It is intensive! She has 4 classes a day and is active from 9:30 to 3:30 with an hour for lunch and stretching. She has been very tired but very happy each day when I’ve arrived to pick her up.

Morning Drop off. Afternoon pick up