Braces

Toady Dillon and Taylor had their braces put on. Taylor's are only on for 3-6 months to stop movement as her wisdom teeth grow and move into position and then a permanent plate placed behind her bottom front teeth until the wisdom teeth cut and fall into position. She is very upset with me as her teeth were near perfect from when she had her braces on when she was 7, but of course then the wisdom teeth had not shown or formed when x-rayed. Taylor wont let me take any photos of her (so teen).
Where as little Dilly who loves her photo taken any time is shown here. Dilly's braces start with the top until her bite is correct and then they will add the bottom set of braces to straighten and align the teeth. Once all good they will put a permanent plate like Taylor for Dillon's wisdom teeth movement. Her braces will be on for about 18 months.

Pool Renovation

Spring is a wonderful time in Sydney and days can be warm with out being unbearable like Summer. Yesterday was one of those days and after spending the morning tending to the garden Dillon and I had fun sun baking and swimming. The pool is such a great way to relax and we have started to upgrade the pool surround so it will be even more fun to spend time there. We are building flower boxes around the surround with built in seating and a daybed. we are only at stage one here as we have not booked in the carpenter to build the seating yet - but all in good time.Trudi decided to take some pics of the house as well - to show you her Christmas Tree. This year we have gone with a traditional look as Trudi collected a Christmas Tree decoration from all the places we visited while we were away.
We mentioned in a previous post that Trudi has also completed all the Holiday albums, which she took a photo of to tempt anyone who is game to come over and listen to our stories from our trip and have a beer or two with us.

Our Pets

I thought I would put a couple of pictures of some of our pets.
My favourite dog Chloe is the cutest little thing and I think the world of her. Now my kids have grown up a bit they hate it when i cuddle them but thank god I have Chloe - she never minds or complains when I give her a cuddle.
Chloe is my little cross Maltese/Shitzhu - she is mini and only weighs maybe 2 kilos - everyone always looks for where you put the batteries in her as she is like a toy.
Maddie is our big guard dog - she came from RSPC 8 years ago - she is cross Cattle dog/Labrador - she is sweet as a button as well unless you are a stranger, she scares the hell out of most people.
Oliver is our ginger cat who love people- he is always on the prowl for a cuddle. He sleeps with me every night (as well as Darren) and follows me every where when I am home. I never alone - between Oli and Chloe , they fight for my attention (as well as Darren). We have another cat which Oli brought home when he was a kitten and her name is Dutchess, she is an outside big fluffy tabby- she is beautiful.
Dillon loves Siamese Fighting fish which she tends to forget to feed, so I look after him - his name is Shark. If he was a dog he would as well follow me everywhere, as every time I come into the kitchen he goes frantic in his bowl for attention. His is blue with red fins that are spikey - not your normal Siamese fighting Fish.
We also have about 13 goldfish with names that change all the time.
Now the new love of my life (as well as Darren) is Toluse- my Red Factor Canary. He is moulting at the moment so his not singing his beautiful songs but I am sure he will soon.

Peace of Heaven in Den Helder

Darren's cousins in Den Helder have finally finished their renovations on there new house. You may have seen earlier post when we were visiting them when they were still putting in cupboards, tiles and flooring heating.
Paul Jan sent Darren some photos of the family all settled in and the place looks so Moi. They truly have done a wonderful job and the kids look so happy in their little rooms with a view. Roya - what a job you did with the colours they are so cool and the furniture sets of the rooms fantasically. I want to live their it looks and feels so cosy.
In the photos is Paul Jan and wife Roya and the kids Melarine and Ziba - the two little cuties. You will also see Darren's Uncle Jan from New York in the picture with Darren's Aunties Tini and Rietje (who we miss very much), anyone that new Albert can see the resemblance.
Darren and Taylor are looking very much to their visit to New York next July to visit Uncle Jan. Missing the family in Holland and we are planning to come there again soon (not to soon though Tini- we will let you recover from a house full of nine people during our stay.)

Roseville Regatta

Once again we were out at Penrith at The Sydney International Rowing Centre (SIRC) on a bleak morning with the girls on the bus to Penrith at 5.30am. When I arrived, to my surprise, Dilly was coming up the coarse in her first race as a rower. She looked like she was made to row, sitting in her bow seat. Dillon's crew came over the line 3rd or 4th no-one really knows yet - they have not been posted on the NSW Rowing website.
One of the girls was sick today so Taylor got a chance to row today instead of just coxing. I think her crew came 4th but once again the girls rowed beautifully.
Congratulations to MLC School 1 for winning their race. Good job!
Taylor's Senior crew which she coxes came second in the Finals - Well Done Girls.

Disneyland 2007

Previously when we were at Disneyland we had not downloaded all the photos from our camera. Here are some photos of us with some of Taylor and Dillon's favourite Disney characters.
I actually named Dillon's middle name after Marie from The Artisocats - she is no doubt our favourite character - look how cute she is.

Taylor's Win

I would like to congratulate my daughter Taylor and her crew. They have had two regattas so far this season and have won both. The Roseville Regatta their crew won by about 30 seconds, they have just recently taken the "Head of Parramatta" bringing home the cup for MLC and a medal for each crew member.
Next year in March Taylor and her crew will go to USA to row in the US Nationals in New Jersey, this will happen mid July and Darren will be going with her and they will stop off in New York to visit Darren's very dear Uncle Jan. He is looking forward to reunited not only himself but Taylor as well.

Bra Boys Movie

Recently we celebrated our good friend Michael Lawrence's 40th. I put together a 'This is your life' style slideshow to play in the background of the party. When putting it together for Michael, I want to thank Michael for all the great times we have had and all the photo shoots we have created together and laughed together - not to mention the third party in this fantastic trio - Isa.
I would also like to congratulate Michael on Producing his first feature film 'Bra Boys' and for giving me the opportunity to be part of this with him.
The photos are from the promo shoot for the movie, premier night and Michael and Diane's surprise night for us.
What a great couple- I love you both.
Trudi