We’ve done a full circle the past five days, in more ways than one.
It started with a swimming carnival where Distance Ed children battled it out with their small school counterparts….

while siblings cheered from the sidelines.
Eliza rolled on to Rocky for a Christmas function Friday night while her siblings rinsed the chlorine from their togs in preparation for the Pony Club breakup.
What better way to spend a Saturday, than bobbing up and down in the river amongst all your mates: Cool running water, dappled shade, a soft drink (or beer for Dad), sausage on bread (or steak for Dad), a visit from a Santa out of the scrub and trophy presentation to those who’ve come so far with their riding this year. 

Now the swimshirts and towels didn’t get much drying time as we sped off to a 10th birthday party on Saturday evening. The kids frolicked in a gorgeous salt water pool while the grown ups marvelled at the children’s stamina.

I know Hot Chocolate for Sunday breakfast in the local cafe buoyed the 6 cherubs I was caring for along…..
because we had to muster our smiles and energy to party on, this time a bubbly, smiley little girl’s 5th birthday celebration.
And smile we did for there was a backyard full of fun, water slides, kids, jumping castles, cake and another visit from Santa!

Sunday drew to a close and we bedded down for an early Monday start. (Again the togs and towels were quickly rinsed and dried.) Our car was packed bright and early and we travelled the 250km to Emerald for our School’s Swimming Carnival, Awards Day and Dinner.
A few in the car took the opportunity to recuperate….
Warpaint was applied in House Colours and again the little boys swam their hearts out with Dad cheering from the sidelines.

Our school has two campuses and the Awards Ceremony was a lovely way to bring the entire school together.
“Isolated but united, from the outback to the sea,
We’re the children, parents and teachers who belong to SDE”

And how does this relate to a full circle…well that is the analogy we drew as we drove home last night and at 10.30pm we crossed the Isaacs River with another 100km to go!!
No wonder Eliza fell asleep today eating her smoko and I despaired at the thread bare swimming togs hanging on the clothesline……

There are 4 comments on this article:

  • On 11/12/2012 sharon said:

    I’m knackered too after reading that, your kids must be just buggered after all of the excitement! I’ve just bought new togs for the girls, wish they made them the same for big girls as little girls – why would a 9 year old have a need for a high cut sides missing swimsuit?!

  • On 11/12/2012 Fiona said:

    I feel like Eliza after just reading about your adventures Ainsley. I honestly don’t know how you do it all! I guess just keep throwing those balls higher in the air!

  • On 12/12/2012 Ray Vella said:

    Great pics as always Ainsley!! Enjoy your time at Hamo, hopefully not too windy on the boat tomorrow!! Leah 🙂

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