Christmas 2009

As always Christmas was a big day for the girls. Santa came through again with some great presents, of note was Courtney's next trip to Accident and Emergency - otherwise known as a ripstick. The girls were also given their very first computer of their own, so perhaps there will be some arguments about whose turn it is in the future.

As with every year, the girls visited three separate Christmas trees during the day - everyone of them hiding something special for two very spoiled but very loved little ladies.

The girls were also lucky enough to be able to share their day with cousins Cameron, Mackenzie and for the first time - Xavier.

School Reports Are In

The girls received their school reports yesterday. They were both fairly good - although Dad is a little worried... Brooke ended up with an overall comment that set alarm bells off. Reading between the lines it basically said "... is coasting and applies herself mostly when it takes her interest." That might sound familiar to Grandma and Pa?

Brooke Gets Invested

Today Brooke was invested as a cub. She was obviously very proud of herself and is looking forward to all the things that lie ahead. She plans on making cooking her first badge.

Swimming Again

School Fete

Season Open

Saturday was the earliest, hottest day (if that makes sense) in Perth since records began. Courtney attended a Cub leadership camp whilst Dad and Brooke declared summer has arrived with a swim in the pool.

Needless to say, another swim in the pool was on the cards for Sunday.

Mission Accomplished

Dad is pretty happy with himself as he has managed to corrupt Cameron a little. Dad is pleased to report that Cameron now likes Nintendo and will no doubt drive his parents crazy asking for one, like the rest of the tribe have at one stage or another. Another couple of years, and Lily and Mackenzie will be square eyed and flat thumbed as well.

Also Cameron got to join in on a great cranegirls tradition - going to the pub.

The Zoo

On the second of October the cranes (Me (Courtney), Cameron, Mackenzie, Dad, Uncle Scot, and Auntie Jodie) went to the zoo. We all loved the elephants and moneys, otters, meerkats, loin’s giraffes, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and panted dogs. But best for the kids the………………PLAY GROWND! (The karather cranes left the next day.)

Wii Boxing

Dad is currently house minding and the girls now have access to a Nintendo Wii. Good to see them actually moving around for a change.

Talent Show

It has been a really big night. Courntey's talent show with her friend Brooke won the talent competition at her school. Also Courtney sang the solo part in front of the whole school choir. Photos and/or video soon.

Shep Arrives

Today Dad returned from Melbourne and the girls got to meet Shep for the very first time. Shep is Pa's new Collie (dog) - photo soon. He is obviously very cute and the girls have already fallen in love with him. Brooke is fascinated by him.

A Note To Friends

Hi Madi, Brooke and other people how look at this web site. If you don’t know who wrote this its me Cj or Courtney. I’m going to be righting more often now. If you know the

I’m in the talent show on Tuesday night and you’d like to see me do an act come to the school with a gold coin and see me be so crazy i'm not funny!

So see you at school……………boring….. Old……………………school……….so see you later!

 

Hello

Hello Courtney and Brooke.

It is so nice to be able to reply to your posts.

I am Dawn--Pa's sister.

I visited in Perth, last September and met you.

I love reading about all your adventures---and the photos are lovely.

Keep it up.

             Love Aunty Dawn

              

 

K

Pa's Puppy

Today Grandma, Pa and Dad went to have a look at a litter of puppies - one of which will be Pa's new friend. Although we don't know exactly which one Pa will end up with, this little fella is a front runner.

We think that thecranegirls will be very excited when the puppy is allowed to come home, mid August.

Brooke Goes to Bussleton

Brooke has heading off for her own special little holiday with Nana and Grandad in Busselton. We hope there are enough patches of nice weather for them to get outdoors.

\

Courtney's Karratha Capers

Hi there Crane girls fans

This is CJ’s aunty Jodie here – just thought I would fill you in on Courtney’s trip. Unfortunately Courtney herself is far too busy…..

Phew – what a busy week it has been ! We think Courtney has had a lovely time, enjoying morning teas, lunches and dinners, playdates, and even a spot of girly retail therapy with Aunty Tarita. We have been to the best parks in Karratha and Dampier, and enjoyed some fun holiday activities like the super fun day and movie excursion at the Karratha Entertainment Centre. The highlight of Courtney’s trip would have to be her weekend trip to the beach shack with the O’Briens. Courtney caught a fish and even got to drive the boat ! Today has been a nice quiet day at home with Cameron and Mackenzie – if you count decorating the house with streamers and banners, making muffins and hosting morning tea for the neighbours and doing a wide range of scientific experiments as a quiet morning ! Tomorrow we going up to Samson for 2 nights, for some yummy fish and chips and park play. We may even use the spa (if it is heated)…

Signing off on behalf of Courtney

Aunty Jodie x

Brooke's Doing Fine

While Courtney is away, Brooke is doing fine. Last night she gave Dad a long, very long, and detailed account on how to play Pokemon on the Nintendo. Today Pa took her for a ride almost all the way to Hillarys Boat Harbour and tomorrow Grandma is taking her to the cinema to watch Ice Age III.

Dad is also booked in for another Mario Kart challenge after work tomorrow.

CJ goes to the Shack

Courtney went out to the shack with some of her cousins. She was lucky enough to drive the boat and she caught her biggest fish to date - a fingerprint. It certainly sounds like she had fun playing on the beach and around the rocks. No really sure if she was very keen on the drop toilet though.

Appears Uncle Gavin has taught her the fisherman's focal length trick

At the helm - can in hand.

Courtney's big trip

Today Courtney left on her big trip to Karratha, flying there all by herself.

She is so excited and has no idea how much Brooke and Mum are going to miss her. Brooke was laying on the tightest cuddles at the airport. We thought she was going to crack a rib, not wanting to let Courtney go.

Dad's House

Today Dad's house settled.

The girls glanced around and quickly worked out that as the two spare rooms are identical, there was no point getting excited about who had what. They seemed to like running up and down the hill in the back yard more than anything else.

A Long Ride

Today the girls went on a really long ride - more than 3 kilometers.

Brooke is really getting her confidence on the bike.

Worn Shoes

Most people notice how Brooke spends most of her time on her tippy toes. The sole of her shoes proves it.

Cub Camp

Courtney has returned from her cub camp. It happened to fall a weekend where storms were predicted, storms that caused for the Rotnest ferry to be cancelled. It was a cold, windy and rainy night but it sounds like they still managed to have fun. They even went down to the beach for a sand castle building competition.

And, the cub leader has promised to make the next camp more challenging!

It appears though that the cubs got very little sleep - CJ is shattered.

Brooke had a great weekend. At her request Dad took her to The Boat for lunch and then a Nintendo session at the brewery, in the big leather lounges in front of the fireplace - perfect.

Hockey

Courtney is playing hockey for her school at the moment. She is really enjoying it. Yesterday was the carnival where they played against three other schools. Unfortunately, CJ's school lost all their games, but they had a great time.

Historical Moment

The "King of Pop", Michael Jackson dies at 50 years of age.

Courtney has heard of him during choir/music classes. Brooke has not heard of him and neither can name a Michael Jackson song. We bet that changes.

Soloist

Of late Courtney has really become interested in singing in the school choir. Last week she was rewarded for her efforts and courage and has been asked to audition as the soloist for a multi school concert that is coming up in the future.

Courtney has also started playing hockey which she is loving. She picked out a bright green mouth guard - which we all hope she will never need to trial out.

Brooke's Smile

Cold

It's been a cold weekend in Perth and the girls spent a majority of it inside playing DS and watching movies. That said, yesterday Brooke had two birthday parties to attend. One in the morning rollerskating and the one in the afternoon at Dark Light (laser game where you shoot each other).

While she was at one of the parties, Courtney and Dad had a very civilised lunch at a local cafe' - she really is growing up.

The girls still refuse to write their own blog - grrrr.

Brooke is becoming an expert at riding her bike. She really has her eyes set on racing around the BMX track down the road.

Dad thought it was time to revisit the list of favourites. Under protest (from the elder cooler child) here are the answers they gave.

Brooke:

Favourite Drink: Milk

Favourite Food: Don't have one (read Nutella on everything)

Favourite Subject at School: Maths

Least Favourite Subject at School: Writing

Favourite Game: Don't have one

Favourite Song: Don't have one

Favourite Movie/TV: Don't know

Favourite Place: Perth

What do you want to be when you grow up?: A trick rider (horse)

What are you looking forward to?: Riding my bike, Buffy.

Courtney

Favourite Drink: Fire Engines

Favourite Food: Thai

Favourite Subject at School: Music

Least Favourite Subject at School: Spelling

Favourite Game: Mario vs Donkey Kong

Favourite Song: We Go Together

Favourite Movie/TV: iCarly

Favourite Place: Adventure World

What do you want to be when you grow up?: Baby Sitter

What are you looking forward to?: Going to Karratha

Brooke Can Ride

It was a really big day for Brooke. For Christmas Santa bought her a new bike and since then it has spent a lot of time in the shed. Brooke was only comfortable riding on grass which was a lot of work for her little legs.

Today we went down the park and Brooke took to having a go on the path. This video is the third time that Brooke rode without Dad running along side, holding on to the seat.



We were all really surprised that she went so far.

Rightfully so, Brooke is very proud of herself.

Sunday

Today the girls took Dad to the Royal for lunch. They now know what a Fire Engine is. Brooke thinks they are "heaven"



After lunch we went for a little play in Kings Park.

A Little Catchup

A few weeks back Courtney played Wonder Woman at a school assembly. Mum hired her the coolest costume, complete with boot covers.

Day Light Savings

The girls are true West Australian's. On the debate for/against day light savings, they are split down the middle. CJ against, Brooke is all for it.

In other news - Brooke is thinking that when she grows up - she wants to work at the Cold Rock Ice Cream store.

Another Trip to the Pub

On Sunday, Dad and the girls went to the pub and played Uno for a while. Then we had a Mario Kart challenge on the Nintendo DS - Dad still holds the title.

The Other Crane's Visit

Cameron and Mackenzie have been in Donnybrook for the last week but on their way home to Karratha, they dropped in to see Courtney and Brooke for one more night. We all went to the five slide park and fed the ducks.

Anzac Day

Today Dad and Courtney got up early to go to the Anzac Day march. CJ marched in uniform with all the other cubs and scouts, following the service men and women. Next year we think we might go to the really big dawn service in Kings Park.

Afterwards we had McDonalds for breakfast. 

Brooke had a big sleep in - maybe next year.

Courtney Turns Ten

Believe it or no, Courtney is 10 YEARS OLD! Amazing.

She had a wonderful little party with the family, including Cameron and Mackenzie, who were down visiting from Karratha. Unfortunately, Dad was away with work - so he'll have to make it up next year.

Just Another Sunday

Adventure World

The Zoo

Donnybrook

4th Tooth and the Theatre

Today Brooke lost her 4th tooth - the other upper front one. She is now missing her two front teeth. Brooke was playing at recess and her friend Kaitlin elbowed her in the mouth accidently. No real harm done and Brooke is not holding any grudges.

Tonight Dad took the girls to see a stage show, The Nargun and the Stars. It was really good. The girls were amazed by the huge puppets as well as the story. It was great to see them really soaking it all in.

Happy Birthday Pa

Today was Pa's birthday. As a special "treat" he got to take Courtney to cubs and stayed as the parent helper. Courtney was really happy to have him come alone. We think Pa had a good time as well. Pa taught CJ how to tie a bowline (knot) and she is now roping loops to her bed head at night.