Tanner Family

Not here anymore ....

2009-06-22T14:29:00.002+10:00

Hi there. We're sorry if you've come to visit our blog over the past several months and have found nothing new or no correspondence. We've decided now with Facebook allowing you to be in touch with so many friends and relatives, being able to post photos on there and chat on a much more secure service - our blog is no longer needed. We were finding it wasn't that secure anyway - with anyone in the world able to access it!

If you'd still like to keep in touch with Tanner news ... come join Facebook with us, send us an email, give us a call or send us a letter. We certainly would love to keep in contact!

Thank you for taking the time to read our news and stay in touch via the blog previously.

Loads of love
The Tanners
xxxx

We wish you a Merry Christmas ....

2008-12-23T01:54:00.000+11:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Celebration time!

2008-09-07T22:21:00.006+10:00

The last week of August and first week of September is such a time of celebration for us! We love it! Sophie's birthday on the 28th turning 2, Gary's nephew Adam on the 31st, Gary's mum Esther on the 2nd turning 80 and Kobe's on the 3rd turning 7 and of course not forgetting Father's Day today! It's such an enjoyable time watching the kids anticipated excitement leading up to their birthdays, picking the cake, opening the pressies, sharing with family and of course playing with the new toys! It's hard to believe our little girl is now 2 and our little boy is now 7! Gary's mum is amazing at 80. She continues to power on. Gary enjoyed breaky in bed this morning and was crowned "King of Farts" for the day! Yep - a definite Dad honour!!!

Below are some celebratory photos of our last 2 weeks.

Sophie turns 2!

Our present to Sophie as she loves to draw.

Our present to Kobe - a nintendo ds lite! We haven't seen him since :)

A pinata cake ... and below inside filled with treasure .. chocolate!!!

Kobe celebrating with his friends - Zane, his best friend from school and Aden, from 2 doors up.

Esther's 80th!

With her children - Gary, Ruth and David.

Father's Day

Working at Big W!

2008-07-15T13:41:00.003+10:00

It's been nearly 2 weeks now since I've started at Big W! I'm working in the evenings doing night fill. The position is casual and most nights I'm not normally home til midnight/12.30am, but I'm grateful for the job and it will help lessen the pressure of finance and allow us to still enjoy in lifes simple pleasures and especially visit family in Qld!

The worst part of the job is trying to wind down after working at night and of course - missing my evenings with Gary and the kids. As most of you know I'm not the world's greatest sleeper and it's definitely been tough trying to get enough sleep at night! But I'm sure with time I'll get used to it. Hmmmmm?!

I've decided to keep the job at the Cafe too for the time being - working on Tuesdays (during the day) and Sundays. It's ashame I have to work on the weekend, but hopefully that will change over time.

Had a hairy ...

2008-06-25T12:41:00.004+10:00

BEFORE & AFTER

I decided to banish my "housewife" look and get a hair cut. I actually feel like I could be semi attractive now :)

Queen's Birthday weekend away - Moyston (Grampians)

2008-06-12T13:36:00.005+10:00

Each year we head to Moyston in the Grampians with friends for the Queen's Birthday weekend. The company, the food, the wine, the laughter, the bon fires, the kid's playing together and the surroundings are such a treat for us. This year Gary and Kobe enjoyed a trek up the Grampian Mountains. Sophie too had a ball with the other kids and exploring everything around her! We look forward to next year.

Lucy, George & Kobe treking the Grampians

Lucy, Kobe, George & Daisy - bedtime story

1st Scottish Dance Social

2008-05-24T00:02:00.005+10:00

As I've said in a previous post - I've taken up Scottish Country Dancing. I absolutely love it! Friday night we had our first Social night - where everyone dresses up - men in kilts, ladies in dresses and we dance all the dances we've learnt over the last few months. It was so much fun!

Sophie's 1st hair cut

2008-05-09T22:43:00.006+10:00

Sophie had her first hair cut today. She was great - a little concerned - but she was such a good girl. Kobe of course had to get in on the action too! He was getting his hair cut at the same time and she was more concerned and watching his hair fall to the ground than her own!! Thankfully they didn't cut too much off - not that there's much anyway!!

Term 2 School Projects - Subject: Australia (Grade 1)

2008-05-04T16:13:00.006+10:00

This term Grade 1 are focusing on Australia. Every fortnight Kobe has to do a new project (5 altogether). Here are his projects in completion so far ...

1st Project ... a collage of an Australian animal -
FRILLED NECK LIZARD:

2nd Project ... making an Australian food to share with his class -
LAMINGTONS:

3rd Project ... create a model of an Australian landmark - Uluru/Ayers Rock:

Weekend Treat to Walhalla

2008-04-21T22:19:00.008+10:00

Us 4 Tanners love to get away, even if it's just overnight. This last weekend we decided to take a mini adventure to Walhalla in the Gippsland District only a short 1.5 hours drive from home. What a beautiful little town - full of history and buzzing with stories of yester year. We stayed overnight at a lovely little farm bungalow overlooking the most spectaculor scenery. During the day we ventured into Walhalla - past the old train lines & steam train, cottage homes, olde shoppes, a tiny stream, loads of trees (yet to change into their autumn colour), old buildings and a gold mine! Kobe's highlight! When you hear stories of yester year it really does make you grateful for the time you live in - with all its mod cons! Life really doesn't seem so hard. The next day we took a winding trip around the mountains to Thomson Dam to see how bad the drought had hit Melbourne's water supply. Bring on the rain! Even though it was just an overnighter it was great to get a bit of refreshment and fill our lungs with some clean country fresh air!

2008-03-23T17:40:00.003+11:00

H A P P Y E A S T E R everyone!

love, hugs and chocolate,
Gary, Susan, Kobe & Sophie

Susan's gone Scottish!

2008-03-18T17:28:00.004+11:00

A few years ago - whilst pregnant with Sophie - I saw a Scottish Country Dance group perform at the local Highland Gathering. I thought - wow - that looks like fun and then put it at the back of mind to get involved in once Sophie arrived. Well, I've finally joined the group nearly 2 years on!

I'm having the best time. It's a bit like Australian Aussie Bush Dancing but a bit more confusing and complicated - you can blame the Scots for that!! My fitness level is a bit frightening, but with 2 hours of non-stop dancing and barrel loads of sweat - I'm sure to get fit soon!

The sad thing is is that the average age is about 60 or so and I don't see any sweat pouring from their brows :) They are such a friendly and lovely group and as well as the dancing I'm enjoying socialising with them. It's every Friday night - rain, hail, snow and shine. They have a social every so often so I'll be sure to take some photos of the men in their kilts and the ladies in their dresses to post on here.

Boys Weekend

2008-03-04T11:23:00.009+11:00

Kobe and Gary set off last weekend to the Gold Coast and Wet n Wild. What a fun filled, jam packed, slide zipping, tired eyed, dining out weekend they had. They flew up on the Friday afternoon; spent the entire day at Wet n Wild on the Saturday and then flew home VERY early Sunday morning. Kobe was full of exciting stories on his return home! Gary and Kobe got to stay with his Uncle who lives the next exit after Wet n Wild - so we're so grateful! Maybe this will become an annual event ... Sophie and Susan are now planning their girlies weekend ... lol!

Sophie's starting to walk!

2008-02-24T18:06:00.007+11:00

Sophie has started to take steps! She was taking a couple - between 2 -5 in the last 2 weeks, but this weekend she's taken off and even turning corners! It's not a constant walk - just every now and again. Bum scooting is still quicker!! We managed to get a little bit of her walking on video (2 videos below). She'll be 18 months old this week. Yahhhhhh Sophie!

Kobe heads back to school ....

2008-02-02T16:37:00.001+11:00

Kobe headed back to school this week to start his year as a Grade 1er! His quote - "I love being a Grade 1er!" So he's very much enjoying Grade 1 so far. He has a marvellous teacher who I've been told is heaps of fun and makes learning fun and interesting - but she can also be quite strict when need be. So that's fantastic! Kobe seems to be enjoying her as a teacher. He has 4 students from his Prep class (last year) and also some kids in his class from his Kinder year. He's even had his 1st invite to a birthday party next weekend. A disco party!! Here are some photos of him just before he headed off to school for his 1st day.

Sophie the mischief maker ...

2008-02-02T16:19:00.000+11:00

So what does a 1 year old (17mth) get up to during the day .... MISCHIEF! Here are some recent photos of Sophie ....

Time with Grandma & Grandad

2008-01-07T21:59:00.001+11:00

Sophie and Kobe adored their time with Grandma and Grandad - there were sad goodbyes all around. Here are just a few snapshots of their time ...

Christmas 2007

2008-01-07T15:00:00.000+11:00

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas amongst family and friends and already 2008 is looking to be a great year for you!

We were fortunate to have Susan's parents stay with us over the Christmas/New Year festivities. Grandma and Grandad were a huge hit! Sophie adored Grandad - or Da! as she's named him and of course Grandma was asked every second to play with Kobe!

We had a quiet Christmas but enjoyable. We're looking forward to the year ahead ... hoping that it will be a healthy, happy year for us all. We don't really have any plans for this year yet - maybe a trip up north at some stage to see family but nothing concrete. Gary and Kobe are planning to have a boys weekend at some stage through the year to Wet'nWild and are keeping an eagle eye on cheap airfares to the Gold Coast.

Kobe will start Grade 1 in a couple of weeks time and is looking forward to it. Both Susan and Gary have worked extra hours over the holidays and we're both grateful to have the grandparents around to look after the kids so that we're able to work - although silly us didn't take advantage of it and go out on a date night!!

Last year turned out to be an exciting, eventful and dreams come true year for us! With a job change for Gary, Sophie's time in the brace & out!, a trip overseas to Fiji - a dream come true, a surprise visit to family in Qld, 10 years of marriage and much more. We look forward to this year being just as exciting with lots of memories to capture!

Here are a few snap shots of Kobe's last prep day, our christmas and the holiday period ...

Last day of Prep - with teacher Mrs Hall :(

All of the Preps in the school christmas concert.

Our Christmas ...

Tooth Fairy visits the Tanners!

2007-12-14T10:59:00.000+11:00

Kobe this week lost his 1st tooth! It was met with such excitement with relatives being woken via phone out of their bed early in the morning to be told! It's funny how Sophie is gaining teeth and Kobe is losing them! There are no more wobbly teeth to report ... so the tooth fairy can have a little break before she makes her next visit!

Moving ahead ...

2007-12-14T10:52:00.000+11:00

It's been only a little over 2 weeks since Sophie has had the brace off and in that time she has learnt to pull herself up! It's amazing how quickly she has adapted. We're now in the process of child proofing everything! We've had a few breakages recently as she's been able to reach things at a new height! I'm sure once her legs have strengthen enough she'll take the next challenge of walking.

Our spunky boy & scarey girl!

2007-12-02T21:12:00.000+11:00

Kobe 30.11.07

Darth Sophie...beware 2.12.07

Goodbye brace forever!

2007-11-28T10:52:00.000+11:00

We had our check up yesterday with the Orthopaedic Surgeon and I'm excited to let you know that after 7 months of wearing the brace - Sophie is BRACE FREE!

He showed me the xrays and her development from her first xray at 4 months old when it was first detected (she went into a brace at 8mths) - it was amazing to see the transition over time. Her hip is now in its proper place and the ball of the hip is developing as it should! YAH, YAH, YAH!! It is still slightly smaller than the right hip but that will develop without the aid of a brace over time.

She will need to go back to the OS when she turns 2 just so that he can monitor her hips' development after she has become mobile ie walking. So it's all super exciting! He advised that it may only take 2 weeks - 3 months to catch up to her 15mth old peers - so he's given a huge window for her to progress. She's started in the last 2 weeks to pull herself up - so once she gets some strength in her legs I'm sure she'll be off!

Last night didn't go very well - Sophie woke 4 times through the night as she had put herself into some awkard positions. The ability to move around in her cot was a bit different for her. We went cold turkey in not wearing the brace - but I think we may have to wean her off slowly...considering it's been her 2nd skin for 7mths - I suppose we shouldn't expect miracles overnight :)

We spent yesterday with grins plastered to our face - however there were lots of tears of relief and excitement as well! Sophie and I on our way home popped into our favourite Chocolate cafe and enjoyed a hot chocolate and a chocolate each as celebration! (see photo!)

THANK YOU everyone for your prayers, well wishes, thoughts and care you've shown to us since we first heard that Sophie had hip dysplasia 11 months ago. You've certainly helped us get through it.

Sophie's sleeping positions ...

2007-11-18T17:25:00.001+11:00

Sophie has always been funny how she gets herself into the weirdest positions to sleep. Even with the brace on she seems to sleep in whatever position she finds comfortable....hummmm??

Nearly CHRISTMAS!

2007-11-18T17:10:00.000+11:00

Kobe decided that today was the day to decorate! So up went the tree and he beautifully decorated it with tinsel and decorations. He did a great job! Next it was time to be Rudolf and take his little sister for a ride around the house. Little did she know that she was meant to be Santa ... ho, ho, ho!

Growing up ...

2007-11-02T15:37:00.000+11:00

Our little girl yesterday started the process of feeding herself.

Try getting the spoon off her now!!

Little Miss Independent!

Sharing a moment ....

2007-10-24T09:21:00.000+10:00

Here we are sharing a moment together.

It felt pretty special at the time.

Making cups of tea in the bath ...

2007-10-17T17:11:00.000+10:00

Kobe and Sophie love their baths. It was so cute to capture both of them making cups of tea. I don't know whether you can see Sophie nods her head when I ask her if it's yummy! We hope you enjoy the new videos and photos we've added today! Our kids are an absolute blessing!

Recent photos...October:

2007-10-17T16:35:00.000+10:00

Kobe 17.10.07

Making cups of tea in the bath!

Spikey Soph...cleaning her teeth!

Kobe, Zane & Bethany - Final drop off to school for Bethany

Going for a ride on Puffers!

Help me ... I scooted my way into this box and I can't get out!

Sibling love

2007-10-17T15:50:00.000+10:00

Facebook

2007-10-14T21:10:00.000+10:00

Both Gary & Susan have recently joined the Facebook extravaganza sweeping the world! So if you would like to chat to us, play games or keep up with current news - make us your friends on http://www.facebook.com/ it's very addictive :)

That 4 letter word ...

2007-10-05T14:05:00.000+10:00

W O R K!
Unfortunately I got the dreaded phone call from work this week that a shift had become available for me on Mondays ... so it's back to work I go! For those of you who are unaware I work as a Cafe Attendant at the local YMCA Aquatic Centre in the Cafe. For the moment it is only 2 hours a week (yep, whopppeee do!) - but in a way I'm grateful for that because it means I can start off slowly and hopefully build up more hours in weeks/months to come. It's from 10-12 but if it's busy I'll be asked to stay on til 2pm. It does mean however that for the first time ever I need to use a creche ! Sophie will attend the creche at the YMCA Centre where I work - it's literally the next room - which is wonderful and certainly gives me peace of mind. I know that she will love the socialisation with the other kids - but I did get a bit misty eyed knowing that I was giving up my little girl for that short time! I'm sure in time - I'll be grateful for the break and I know that I'm once again going to enjoy socialising with big people!

Sophie being a chatterbox!

2007-09-21T14:37:00.000+10:00

Sorry about all the videos. I've finally worked out how to put video on our blog .. yah! I had to cut this one a bit short - but Sophie was such a chatterbox whilst I was changing her yesterday - she went on for ages!

Kobe the Sandman - Fiji

2007-09-19T17:20:00.001+10:00

Sophie making waves in Fiji

2007-09-19T15:56:00.000+10:00

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

2007-09-18T12:00:00.000+10:00

We're back from our holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji with lots to share!

I think we've come to the conclusion that no matter how much planning, preparation and excitedness you can get about a holiday there are 2 things you can't control ... the weather and your health!

Gold Coast - Currumbin:

This is definitely a holiday we hope to forget! We arrived on the Saturday in anticipation of our week ahead. Full of excitement, ready to soak in the sun, enjoy the sites and work through the list of things we hoped to do!

Day 2 - Father's Day - Grandma's Birthday - it began! Kobe took the first blow and then it continued to head down the line of all of us! We all developed a seriously horrendous bout of gastro - vomiting, diarrhoea and fainting. Poor little Kobe who was all excited to spend the day at Dreamworld on his birthday was unfortunately forced to spend the day at home, as by that stage 3 out of the 5 of us were badly sick with gastro. In fact 2 nights running we required the ambulance (for Gary, then Grandma) and poor Grandma even had to stay some nights in hospital. Definitely not the holiday we had hoped for. Sophie got off lightly with the gastro - PTL - thankfully a few disgusting nappies was all we had to endure.

We did venture out a few times - just to get out of the Apartment which we grew to loathe (Gary named it: the house of vomit and faeces). The smell of disinfectant almost makes Susan heave these days!! It took til day 6 (of 7) for us to feel almost 100%!

(This is the view from our apartment, plus on the last day a Kookaburra decided to land on our balcony. It was super friendly)

We spent a few hours at the Currumbin Sanctuary (mid week) and seeing Uncle Ron at work. Kobe loved the kangaroos, and was fortunate to be asked up on the stage for the snake show. We were so excited for him that he was picked - as he needed some attention and pampering after the week we had.

Kobe @ Currumbin - Snake show

Family shot at Currumbin with a baby Croc!

Unfortunately too, the other thing we couldn't control was the weather. It rained or was overcast (like our mood!) almost everyday we were at the Gold Coast. However, we did get to go to the sanctuary and go up the top of Q1 (the world's tallest residential building) and also go to the much awaited Dreamworld!

The day before we left we decided we were up to it to go to Dreamworld. We really owed it to Kobe seeing it was something he'd been looking forward to for years. Plus he was going a bit bonkers in the apartment all week. Well, we had a fantastic time and Kobe had a ball. You can tell from his face that he was in his element and loved going on all the daredevil rides. He just shone the whole day. Sophie spent the day with Grandma & family and was such a good little girl. So it was wonderful to spend some alone time with our little 6 year old.

The much anticipated day arrived ...

The dodgems! Kobe drove the whole time!

Just hopping off the Rollercoaster. One of Kobe's favourite rides!

The next day we were off to Fiji. But first we caught up with one of Susan's friends - Brooke and her daughter, Olivia - from her mumchat (online group). We had to put it off to the very end for fear of contiminating them (lol)! It was wonderful to finally meet Brooke and Olivia and also enjoy our first decent meal from the whole week! We were also meant to meet up with some friends from the Hip Dysplasia chat group - but unfortunately they too came down with gastro!

With Brooke and Olivia at Elephant Rock, Currumbin

FIJI:

Bula! We wiped our hands clean of our holiday of doom at the Gold Coast looking forward to hopefully spending a wonderful week in Fiji. We weren't disappointed. We had a fantastic time! Despite Susan and Sophie developing a severe throat and eye infections we were determined not to let that damper us and went to the Resort Clinic and were placed on antibiotics! We didn't want sickness to flood our entire holiday!

We spent a majority of our time in the pool. The weather was warm, the company worthwhile, the sites glorious and the Fijians doing all they could to go out of their way to make your stay the best you'll ever have.

The Fijian people are just gorgeous. We stopped counting the amount of times people came up to Sophie to sniff her and touch her skin, pick her up and just play and toy with her. She was such a major flirt towards the end! Kobe too didn't miss out - the Fijians adore children. Our kids were very much spoilt and pampered.

Kobe had a great time at the Kid's club (Little Chiefs). He even managed to win a prize (a shirt) playing musical chairs on one of the games nights. He got to go on a boat trip, sugar train ride, frog and crab hunting (and racing), films, new friends and lots and lots of swimming.

Sophie began our holiday with a fear of the water and wouldn't go into the pool. By the end of our holiday you couldn't get her out. She bum shuffled around the shallows creating ripples wherever she went. She too enjoyed the sugar cane ride and waving to all the passers by and the fresh fruit - especially watermelon and pineapple.

As Sophie is still on 2 naps a day - Gary and Susan took shifts (we caught a little nap each time ourselves ;) We thoroughly enjoyed eating out each night (the food was delicious and lots of varities). Kobe discovered his love for prawns! We too enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and time in the pool and on the beach. Susan sipped on a Pinacolada as a treat and promise to a friend! We both went snorkelling which was thoroughly enjoyable. The fish actually swam around your feet in the shallows and you only needed to go out 5 metres to enjoy the reef and varying types of fish. We also enjoyed several walks, our trip through the villages on the sugar cane train, and time out as a family. We had a bit of an experience at the markets - but thankfully came out unscathed but with a few less dollars! Each day the Fijians put on a cultural show and even at breakfast we were serenaded by their beautiful voices. We totally fell in love with the Fijian people.

Here are just a few photos capturing our time in Fiji. Including the view from our room. Even Kobe and Sophie's bed toys were pampered. Housekeeping would do up the room each day and leave frangipani's in the puppies ears. The kids were thrilled!

We hope to visit again one day and have already decided to start saving! We dreamed of going last year to Fiji and we did it (well thanks to Gary changing jobs and getting a nice handy payout!), but still if you've got something to aim to and something you desire to do - you can certainly do it if you put your mind and heart to it! So our dream is to return again in 2 or 3 years! Donations welcome ;)

Here are just a few more final photos as we were given our farewell serenade, at the Nadi airport and Sophie being cheeky. Hope you enjoyed reading about our holiday....

Hip Dysplasia

2007-08-30T23:27:00.000+10:00

What is hip dysplasia?:

http://www.hip-baby.org/index.html

http://hipkidsaustralia.org/b_rc.php (about the rhino brace)

> Sophie is in a rhino brace

Sophie's birthday photos ...

2007-08-28T19:44:00.000+10:00

Opening gifts ...

Enjoying my birthday toys!

More birthday cake!

Partying hard into the night!

Enjoying cuddles with the boys ... I'm ready for bed!

Sophie's 1!

2007-08-28T13:27:00.000+10:00

Our little girl turned one today! I can't believe that a year has gone by already! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE! You've been such a blessing to us this year and we're so very proud of you!

Our gift to her was the Ball Blaster (as seen in the photo below - we were naughty and opened it earlier!). Here are just a few snap shots of her reading her cards and a book that was given to her from a friend.

Seeing we celebrated lots of birthdays last week with the Tanner family - tonight we will just have a quiet celebration and go out for dinner ($10 steak night at the local ;) to celebrate!

Regarding her hip dysplacia and appointment today with the Orthopaedic Surgeon .... we had good news and bad news! The good news is is that her hip has improved dramatically - in fact he said he's amazed how quickly it has improved and the hip socket/ball has mended well in the last 4 months since she's been wearing the brace, and the hip is almost placed properly. It was great seeing the 8 month x-rays and the 12 month x-rays to see the huge difference & improvement.

The bad news - she still has to continue wearing the brace for the same 20 hours per day each day until her next appointment. At least she's getting better - so that's good. Her next appointment is in 3 months at the end of November. God willing then - we will get the news we're longing to hear. Please continue to keep her in your prayers! He said he wouldn't be surprised that when he sees us next she'll be up and walking even with the brace! She's such a little trooper.

One more sleep!

2007-08-27T11:33:00.000+10:00

Could today be the last day of Sophie wearing the brace after 4 months? We look forward with anticipation to her checkup with Orthopaedic Surgeon tomorrow. Of course being that it's also her birthday tomorrow - the birthday present of no brace would be the best ever! She's been such an amazing girl with the brace and has adapted to everyday life as any other kid! Hopefully once the brace is off her legs will start to gain some strength in them and she'll be on the road to pulling herself up and walking around furniture etc. like all the other kids are doing at her age now! Sophie you're a champ! We love you dearly.....

Kobe's 6th Birthday Party

2007-08-26T15:21:00.000+10:00

Here are a few snap shots of Kobe's birthday party.

1. Donut game

2. Zane & Kobe eating pizza

3. Shaylee & Kobe

We had a lot of fun and because of the wonderful weather (19!) we were able to enjoy the party outside.

The kids had lots of fun - especially Kobe!

The Celebrations begin ...

2007-08-24T11:56:00.001+10:00

Last night we started the celebrating ... the last week of August and the 1st week of September (within a week) we are celebrating 4 birthdays. Sophie's (1); Adam's (23); Grandma (79) & Kobe's (6). And of course Father's day thrown in there as well! We had a lovely time last night - out for dinner than back to Grandma's to enjoy the cake and start the festivities!

He got the scooter! Kobe's wish came true and he got a scooter from Grandma! Also some transformers from Grandma & Grandad (+ Night at the Museum DVD and Cars PJs) and a Transformer from Aunty Ruth & Uncle Renzo.

Sophie seemed more impressed with the wrapping paper! But she got an Elmo, LP Bus and a Harrod's bear from Grandmas and Grandad & Aunts and Uncles.

Sophie's 1st & Kobe's 6th Birthday cake!

2007-08-21T22:03:00.000+10:00

Tonight the cakes have been completed for Kobe & Sophie's combined birthday celebration with the Tanner family this Thursday night! Sophie's is the little echidna and Kobe's is the big echidna! We've started a tradition with Kobe where he gets to choose a cake from the Women's Weekly birthday cake books each year & Sophie will do the same in years to come. Susan holds huge memories of doing the same as she was growing up and wanted to carry on the tradition to her children! For Kobe's 1st he had the #1; 2nd a train with carriages; 3rd a Shark - Bruce (Finding Nemo); 4th a Giraffe & 5th it had to be a bought one due to the birth of Sophie! We have such great fun making them.

Out of the mouth of bubs ...

2007-08-17T23:28:00.000+10:00

This week Sophie attempted to explore more in the english language. Two new words were added to her vocabulary on Wednesday - they being: BYE BYE (with hand actions) and BUTTERFLY! You can imagine our awe as she mouthed the babble of butterfly again repeating it for others at Gary's family's Thursday night dinners. At Sophie's change table and on the walls of her room are butterflies which she has continued to point to for several months now - each time we repeat butterfly! Now Sophie says butterfly - a proud moment to share.

Countdown!

2007-08-12T11:06:00.000+10:00

It seems at the moment that the Tanner household is on countdown .... countdown to Sophie's birthday, the day her brace comes off, Kobe's birthday party, Kobe's birthday, Father's Day, other family birthdays and of course our much awaited holiday! All of them exciting events which we are looking forward to with anticipation!

Well we've decided to do a birthday party for Kobe - the cake's been picked, the invitations sent out and the day approaching. Seeing that Kobe and Sophie's birthdays are only 6 days apart - we've decided on an echidna cake from the WW birthday cake book to share between them with family and for Kobe's party 21 cup cakes made into the shape of a 6 thanks to our local bakery! I figure 2 cakes in 2 days will do my head in :)

The summer clothes have come out of the closet in hopes of sunshine in a couple of weeks time on our holidays. All of us are so over this cold, wet winter ... today as gloomy as ever only asking for 13 degrees! Our heater I'm sure has been running 24/7 for 3 months now!!

To think this time last year we were pacing the tiles wondering when this new bundle of joy would arrive. Many false alarms and could this be it ... only to be induced on the 28th August! It's hard to believe that a year has passed ... way too quickly.

We hope that you've had a wonderful week and that you too are counting down to something exciting happening in your life! Thanks for taking the time to come onto our blog site.

Drawing of Kobe

2007-08-07T15:35:00.000+10:00

Emma, from my mum's chat site has just drawn a picture of Kobe from the photo of his profile.

It's brillant don't you think?! Emma, you're a champ! If you are interested in Emma drawing a sketch for you, please contact her on: emma_witten@yahoo.com.au for further information.

Recent photos - July/August 2007

2007-08-02T22:40:00.000+10:00

This is Sophie enjoying the remains of the chocolate cake! Licking the beaters is the best bit - 31.7.07!

Bathtime with Daddy - 1.8.07

Sophie enjoying a little chuckle - July '07

On the Merry-go-round in the City - July '07

Sophie is on the move and in the process destroying everything in reach!!! July '07 (almost 11 months)

Susan

2007-08-02T10:28:00.000+10:00

Susan has enjoyed staying at home with the children this year having taken maternity leave from the Casey Arc Cafe (Goodlife). She's only recently returned to work for a few hours each week. It's great to be back in the real world and have interaction with "big people". She has loved watching Sophie grow and change and be a part of her everyday life experiences and also Kobe who has grown up so much since starting school. Her day consists of drop offs and picks up from school - joining the dreaded "mad mothers" brigade! On the days that she doesn't have to work - she then spends her day working through the routine of a 1 year old and maintaining the house! When Sophie goes down for her nap she loves hopping on the computer to spend time chatting with other mums, playing on Facebook and catching up on emails. The weather has played havoc to us taking big walks this winter which has been sadly missed, but we're looking forward to spring and summer and getting outdoors.

Gary

2007-08-02T10:20:00.001+10:00

Gary has had a great year at his new job with Munn's Parks & Gardens (http://www.munnsparksandgardens.com.au). After 13 years at his previous Employer it was a bit of a risk changing jobs, but he's loved the change - especially the variety and working outdoors. He's still enjoying his bicycle riding having recently stayed up to watch the Tour de France. Even riding a section of it on his trainer in the living room through the French mountains. He's decided not to take part in Around the Bay in a Day this year having done it the last 2 years. He loves spending time with his children. Kobe and him have recently gone to see the movie "The Simpsons" with a glowing review. I think they like "Transformers" better. Sophie is the apple of his eye and is chuffed that she says dad-dad. He's looking forward to our holiday next month.

Sophie - 28/8/06

2007-08-02T10:05:00.000+10:00

Sophie is now 1! She has just started moving about - scooting around on her bottom. She's the proud owner of 8 teeth. She loves pointing and listening to you say the words of what the object is. She adores her brother dearly and is so amused by his antics. For ages mummy and daddy tried to amuse her without any reaction, whereas Kobe can do exactly the same thing and she'll giggle her head off. She's started babbling away - her favourite word still being dad-dad. I think she's forgotten how to say mum-mum (last said at 7.5mths!). She calls Kobe and our dog Ally ... AH! And when she sees our dog she goes - woof, woof. She's been in a rhino brace for her hip displaysia since she was 8 months old.

Kobe - 3/9/01

2007-08-02T09:48:00.001+10:00

I love this photo of Kobe and his expression (taken July '07). Kobe is going great at school - now in his 3rd Term. He's made some great friends - Zane & Shaylee. His interests have changed from trains and he's now more interested in playing with cars. He enjoys getting out with all the neighbours and riding their bikes in the court. He loves to draw and make up special games to play with mummy and daddy. It's great seeing his imagination at large. He's a fantastic brother to Sophie and is very thoughtful and mindful of her, although now she's on the move he's asked a few times if he can go play in his room and close the door!!! Our little boy is growing up fast and is now 6 years old!

Family Photo

2007-08-02T09:44:00.000+10:00

This photo was taken at Christmas 2006.

We'll have to get a more recent shot of us as both Sophie and Kobe have grown so much since Christmas.