Citizenship Test

I successfully completed the Citizenship Test this morning. 100%.
This means that I can now start the application process and become an Australian citizen. Here are a few of the questions I was asked:
* Colours of the Aboriginal Flag?
* What happened in 1967 that was important for all Australians?
* Who can change the Australian Constitution?
* Constitutional Head of State?
* Name of the Australian anthem?
* When was the Gold Rush?
* What is the job of the Australian Parliament?
* How long have aboriginal people lived in Australia?

Weekend at Seaworld

Last Sunday, Tom and I left Murphy's Creek for the Gold Coast. We had booked a room at Seaworld Resort with Maarten (Tom's best friend)and his mum Nele and little sister Lien. The weather gods were with us, as the Gold Coast was basking in the sun and we hit the pool upon arrival. The boys had a marvellous time on the water park (Tom's latest word "awesome" was tossed around here) and in the pool. The afternoon flew by and by 5pm we had a few very tired boys. After a good - although fairly short - night, we were ready to hit the breakfast buffet. We all filled our tummies and were ready to go and discover Seaworld, but not before every one's favourite Sesame Street-character Elmo paid a visit to the hotel. After a few soft red hugs, we finally jumped on the monorail to the park. There we saw sharks, dolphins, penguins, polar bears, fish, seals, more dolphins and went on a dozen or so rides. Needless to say that the three kids fell asleep in the car on the way home...totally exhausted, but very pleased with themselves (as was I). I can definitely recommend a visit to Seaworld and the adjacent resort to anybody visiting Australia or any Australians wishing to have a short break. I know it will be an adventure that will be talked about in our house for several months to come.

Thomas and the 'Giant' Gourd

Last week, Thomas discovered a 'giant' guord (kallebas) in our garden, which we had grown from seed, but forgotten about. He fell in love with the big plant and even took it to bed with him for the first few nights. He is going to let it dry so that he can decorate it later. Today, Thomas took the guord to Kindy, where it proved to be a big hit as well; his little friends were fighting over who could hold it first.....And Tom had a great smile on his face: His guord was a hit!

Home Gym

After the devastating verdict on Alan's knee, i.e. no more running, the guys have been busy setting up a home gym in our shed. Tommy is right into boxing and spends quite a bit of time every day hitting the new punching bag.

On Request

Some photos on request from the family in Belgium

Toowoomba Show

Went to the Toowoomba Show last night. It was Tommy's first show ever. Although it rained quite heavily at first, we still had a great time: We took advantage of yet another rain shower to shelter in the circus tent and we enjoyed some old-fashion circus acts. Afterwards, we visited the animal nursery where Tom got to pet and feed a kid goat. A little train ride took us around the showgrounds and we soaked it all in (literally). Although the fireworks at the end were a bit of a let-down (too much show, not enough bang), Tom went home feeling great about his first show...and with a Batman-showbag in tow.

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing for three days last weekend at Glenlyon Dam with Emma and Kate and our Australian Belgian friends Nele and Stijn, and their children Maarten and Lien. Although the fish were not on the bite, we still managed to catch ourselves a few tasty yellow-bellies and one catfish. The girls were happy to catch a fish each (Emma's first fish ever). We also enjoyed a relaxing boat ride on the dam, saw a few turtles and lots of kangaroos. Got home tired, but happy.