Everyone Loves a Wedding

Yesterday Courtney went to run away from home. She was headed to Isaac's house (about 20 metres up the road). Apparently one of her friends at school suggested that she leave home as a self imposed punishment for not sharing the swing.

No matter what the reason, Courtney's plan was foiled when she gave her Mum a note that said "Love Mum Love Brooke Love Dad" and she told Mum where she was going and why...

Speaking of notes written by Courtney,



This note has been stuck to Courtney's bedroom door for the last few days. She was told that she was to write nice notes (as opposed to "Isaac stay out"), it appears that she took things a bit to far...

Swimming Pool and Blood Lips

The girls had a really busy weekend. On Saturday morning, Courtney's constant "asking" paid off. Mum called Aunty Ned and the girls got to go the Leighton's house for a play. Courtney is a little smitten on Leighton at the moment. Dad took them up to Leighton's and Mum came up later. The girls spent the whole day in and out of the swimming pool and playing with all the toys. Brooke got so warn out that she was yawning in the pool.

Courtney had a very big moment when she got knocked of a floating toy in the deep end of the pool. Even though she was panicing, she kicked her legs and thrashed her arms over to the side of the pool. A bit scary for her but she was back swimming around five minutes later.

We all had a BBQ dinner and needless to say, there were some very tired children at the end of the day. A great day had by all.

Today was busy as well. The girls went to soccer in the morning. Courtney wore her Kappa outfit and no one noticed. Then the girls went and played with Dad and Chloe. The girls made a cubby house in Dad's car while he did some gardening. Unfortunately in their haste, climbing in and out of the boot, Brooke kicked Courtney in the face and she ended up with a blood lip.

Chloe (proper introduction soon) is staying at Dad's at the moment because there is a couple of baby doves in a nest in the girls backyard, the birds are learning how to just learning how to fly and Chloe (and he belly) is taking great interest in them.



Tonight the girls went for diner at Nana and Grandad's while Dad put up his Christmas lights.

Story of the week goes to Cousin James who bumped into Grandma, pushing a shopping trolley through the toy section at the shop. Grandma had a whole lot of things in her trolley that James would like to see - Guess he'll have to wait for Christmas. 27 Sleeps

School Assembly

Courtney's class at school where in charge of the assembly today. CJ had to say "Pirates wear patches on over their eyes because their eyes get hurt when they battle other pirates" and "We hope you enjoyed it"
They also got to sing a modern version of Singing in the Rain.

A simple one liner

Tonight it was very hot at the Crane Girls house so they jumped at the chance when Dad ran a nice cool bath after dinner. While splashing around, Chloe (their dog) helped herself to what was remaining on their dinner plates.

After Mum had finished dealing with the hound, she came and stood next to Dad in the bathroom doorway and gave both the girls a stern talking to (again) about leaving their plates and how many times she had already reminded them to take them to the kitchen sink after the girls had finished eating....

Seconds after Mum has left the room to go and clean up the mess, Courtney looked very sympathetically at Dad and in a similar tone said... "I think you better write that down Dad"

Somehow Courtney, we don't think it is Dad that has to remember the instructions as they were given.

Christmas and Cricket

It's official. Christmas is coming. Courtney is starting to talk more and more about it and more importantly what she wants Santa to bring. Brooke hasn't caught on yet but she seems to be sharing in her sisters excitement.
This weekend the girls got the paints out and made some decorations for the Christmas tree. Brooke insisted that the angel be painted black (because she hadn't used that colour yet) but all up there were some very pretty patterns.
Sunday also marked the first time that the girls played cricket. They seemed to enjoy themselves - it might be a long summer if it becomes the game of choice.
The girls' great Nana, "little Nan" is not very well at the moment, she is in hospital having some tests so we are all thinking of her, let's hope she is home soon.
Mum took both the girls for a haircut on Saturday. All of Brooke's curls are gone and only time will tell if they will grow back or if they were just baby hair.
Courtney is getting frustrated that her teeth won't fall out. It seems that someone she knows has had dealings with the tooth fairy - she appears keen to see what will happen when hers fall out. She is under the impression that brushing her teeth is a good thing and will make them fall out faster...

Memories - Jolly Bear

In the theme of recording important parts of the girls life, we should introduce Jolly Bear.


Jolly Bear

Jolly Bear was a gift from Aunty Tarita and Uncle Gavin when Courtney was born, he was her first ever toy and was there from day one. He was allocated his name by his manufactures. Jolly Bear's role is just like Woof Woof's (below) he is a security and sleeping companion however of late, Courtney has relied less and less upon him. Last weekend she left him behind after her sleep over and simply accepted that he wasn't available the following night.
Having said that, Jolly Bear has been (and will continue to be) by Courtney's side during most of her travels.
Being a newborns toy, he has a rattle inside him. He remains in fairly good condition all these years later however his eyes are starting to get a bit ratty of late.

All Together

It has been a really big weekend. On Firday night, Mum and the girls had a sleep over at Uncle Rob and Aunty Sue's house but that was just the begining.
All of the Crane Girls' cousins are in town at the moment and for the first time in ages all the kids got together in the one place at the same time. Now, a bunch of hopeful parents thought that they could get five kids to quietly sit for a family photo.... this is the best one Dad has seen so far. Note how James is stopping Marcus from running away.


All the kids - See photo page for larger image

Memories - Woof Woof

Dad thought it would be a good idea to start recording all those little things that the girls might want to look back on some day. Everyone, meet Woof Woof.


Woof Woof

Woof Woof belongs to Brooke, he is her bed time buddy but also gets involved in a lot of the things she does during the day. Officially, Woof Woof is a 22cm long "Beagle Silky Pup" made by Korimco but to Brooke he is just a friend. He was a gift from Grandma and Pa for Christmas 2003 and she took to him straight away. Initially he was very very soft to touch however time (and a little abuse) has caused him to become a little crusty these days, even after a wash. You can see in the photo the pink patch on his front leg, this is where Brooke "accidentally" coloured him with a texta not so long ago. Woof Woof spends most nights with Brooke as he is a part of her sleep ritual now, in addition he is also sought out when Brooke is upset or just in need of a little security. Woof Woof goes most places with Brooke, rarely left behind on any outing.

Caitlin's Christening

The girls had a really big weekend which included going to Caitlin's christening on Sunday.

Caitlin Christine

Dad was honored to be there as her god father. It was also really good to catch up with her family. We had lunch at a restaurant and then went back to Caitlin's house and both the girls had a swim in the pool. Brooke love jumping into the water, even though she knows that she can't float - Brooke is the reason why pool fences are mandatory. All up a great day.

As a side issue, attending the christening was most likely the most exposure to religion that the girls had experienced. There were lots and lots of questions which Dad did his best to field. Brooke, obviously, didn't take any of it in but she enjoyed all the singing. Courtney on the other hand tried to interpret what was going on. I think she might have been a little confused by it all - Every answer raised new questions. Still, an event worth mentioning.

Working backwards, On Saturday the girls went to yet another "new park". That must mean that they have now been to every park within 15kms of home. This one was up with the best of them - it was like the duck park (because it has duck) but it had 5 slides, two side by side so the girls could race each other - we'll be going back there soon.

SIzzler

Tonight the girls went to Sizzler with Dad. Courtney insisted that she be allowed to try "the other lettuce" - Courtney now knows that she doesn't like spinach. Brooke on the other hand snubbed her nose at all the food on offer and ate her body weight in french toast.

Hubba Bubba and Fashion

Almost forgot - In the lollie bag Courtney received at the end of her friends birthday party was a single piece of Hubba Bubba chewing gum. Dad knew it was risky should have known better, but... It was stressed to her at least ten times however, Courtney swallowed the gum within the first minute of putting it in her mouth. The worried look on her face when she said "Ummmm Dad...." was priceless.
In other news, Dad tried to buy Courtney a soccer outfit today. The only Perth Glory colours he could find were made by a company called Kappa. They have a very unique logo...
Both Mum and Dad are still deciding if she'll be wearing the shirt (and matching shorts) to soccer this weekend.

The Kappa Logo