Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair

Someone needs to tell me next time I mention going to a fair, not to go! To me its over priced and crowded.
My daughter really wanted to go so I took the opportunity to have  a day with just her and I. No school and no boys.

We took the train into the City. I initially forgot my camera and silly me forgot to charge it so I thought it would be easy enough to get another battery. I was wrong! I spent way too long waiting for service in the big M store. My store.. hmmm. Anyway I ended up buying a new camera from Dick Smith and promising my other one to my daughter (once charged) as I had be meaning to get a new camera anyway. Its my first Canon and its simple but works well. Easy point and shoot pictures as well as being able to program as well.

Finally we got the fair and it was very busy. We looked around and there was not much wool associated stalls so it was interesting just not as fun. The quilts on display were amazing.

Its too cold in July in Melbourne to eat icecream right? There was a beautiful looking gelati bar right near the Yarra that enticed my daughter so we indulged.  It was so quiet then there was a crowd! It was worth the money and surprising it was good and not too freezing an idea...

Love of learning

 

We had a surprise letter come in the mail saying that our daughter was nominated by her school principal and the Council had chosen her as a winner of an award. This was to be given out an award ceremony with 40 other students. We were taken aback but quite proud.  She also receives a computer, printer and internet access for a year so not bad at all!

The idea is to make knowledge through computers and net access available to all people regardless of their circumstances. Though it true we have several computers, it will be good to have another with so many people wanting to learn and play games in the house.

When I was my daughter's age (all those years ago!) I don't think I had even seen a computer up close. In grade 6 we saw a computer in our classroom (Parklands now defunct) once a week as maybe 2 students (never myself) got to touch the computer as we crowded around to play Where in the World is san Diego?

When I was in grade 10-12 it started to be necessary to use the computers for assignments. We had some access to computers but it was limited. My daughter at about the age of 4 got the first computer in our home as a gift from my brother (a computer technician), so this will be her second computer.

We have only been online for less than 4 years. It is an amazing tool. Maybe a time waster as well as a time saver. Like many things it can be great and terrible!

Anyway, our daughter was able to take only 2 people to this event so it was just us and it was lovely to just focus on her for one night. And look another photo with me in it that I didn't take! 

The mayor spoke as did some representatives of the sponsors. The students were all invited to receive their certificate and have a photo taken. Even their names were large on the screen.

It was a friendly evening with many people to talk to and plenty of refreshments.

Junior Camp

We took our daughter out to the St Johns Junior camp in Yarra Junction. It was a fair drive but we tend to enjoy our roadtrips. Unfortunately the kids were not well on the way there especially Av and J. We picked her up the next day and left the boys with their ever wonderful aunty.

I loved the scenery. It was lovely to drive through.

St Johns Ceremony

My daughter was involved in marching out for St Johns cermeony to thank and award St John volunteers.

It was held at the Governor's Mansion on a cooler morning than most this month.

My daughter is the youngest in her region. She was spoken to by the Governess who asked her where was her uniform. She doesn't wear one because she is a junior cadet.

We then had a BBQ organised by Rotary which the kids loved.

For my daughter

T's bolero/shrug/capelet
Originally uploaded by inakid

As requested by my daughter. She wanted sleeves to the elbow and something fairly simple to wear over. She is 9 but a big healthy girl wearing size 14 (sometimes the clothes are too slim) or small womens sizes.
Very simple quick and effective.
T was rapt with the result and here's hoping she gets lots of wear out of it. Crocheted from Cleckheaton 12ply wool.

Wash Ya Face

This fish washcloth came out really well. Using double stranded acrylic.



My daughter was preparing for camp when she asks for facewashers. She wanted a raindrop! Here is the attempt. Basically half a fish, that looks more like a boob.

My daughter also asked for socks….

Art school painting

My daughter finished her painting at art school last week and brang it home last night. She has started on a teddy bear painting.

Handmade bag

Request granted
Originally uploaded by inakid

I haven't sewn in about 2 years. My Mum gave me one of her machines and some fabric she was holding for me. My daughter wanted me to make something with a blue flannelette fat quarter (with a star burst print). I whipped up this bag quite quickly and she was happy. She will use it when she goes on school camp next month.

First tooth

On Friday evening I, with the boys, took my daughter to the school. She had been chosen to attend the Geelong v Western Bulldogs game at Etihad Stadium. Twelve children and 4 carers went and they had chips and sof drinks in the corporate box. How lucky! My daughter said, "I go for the game. I stay for the food." She enjoyed the experience.



The boys and I waited for my husband to pick us up after he finished work. J was laughing as he looked at me in the mei tai and I noticed something. Uh oh. No longer a gummy bear. There was a tooth just appearing. I had to lament, have a little cry, because I was in no rush for him to get teeth! I could feel the sharpness of the tooth though its hard to see. Its his bottom left. The right one is just pushing through too.

My eldest boy rang his Nanna (my Mum) and asked if he and his brother could stay the weekend! So after my daughter was picked up, we just had our eldest and youngest for the night. On Saturday we picked up the boys and a sewing machine! We went to Geelong for dinner which was great. On the way back we were all singing Magic Dirt (Geelong should be proud). "Hung" is my husband's favourite song from the "Beast" album. The kids were singing it word for word!

My daughter turns 9

My beautiful girl turned 9 on Tuesday. She wanted to have milkshakes just with Mum after school. Of course Baby came along and had his own (boobah). She also had donuts. I bought her a few things she needed. I was very happy to see people treat her with respect. (Some people seem to forget children are people too). I can see my daughter maturing and growing up so quick.



We had dinner with the boys and then birthday cake at Nan's. She enjoyed her day.

My girl is having a couple friends over on Saturday to watch a DVD, eat and talk!

This week we met with the kids' school teachers. I am quite happy with the school overall. The kids are doing well and are happy. They will be moving to the new campus later in the year. It will be state of the art (worldwide standard). Should be interesting. They wont have classes but studios - more space for group work.