Rail Museum (Again)

We went with a friend to the Thomas exhibit at the Rail Museum. I had told Max a few weeks ago that we could go again before the Thomas exhibit finished. Here are a few pics.

Koala Sanctuary

We went to the Koala Sanctuary again this morning. We had read a book about sheep shearers last night so Max wanted to go there to see the sheepdog show. Unfortunately, the shearers weren't performing today and the camera battery wasn't charged so no pics.

It is amazing to watch the sheepdogs work! Max was able to see the mama sheepdog feed her three-week-old pups and he also got to feed a bottle of formula to a baby goat. He's becoming more and more interested in the animals (but not the koalas), which is nice when we are at an animal sanctuary :-)

Popsicle Course

Max created an obstacle course ("popsicle course") in his boredom while I was on the phone with a friend. His one mishap occurred when he decided to use a ball as a means to step onto the table. Luckily there were just a few tears and a swollen lip. No blood.

Diving with Abby

Max's friend Abby is learning to dive into the water. Max is still all play. Notice that he tries to do a somersault in the water. He's become a little fish this summer. BTW, Abby is just turning three next month--she is a little swimming star!

Goggles

Max has discovered the joy of goggles!

Ready to swim! Ummm...but mean Mommy and Daddy say I have to wear a bathing suit

Bike Trip to Southbank

We went on another fantastic outing to Southbank last weekend. I bought a used bike a couple of weeks ago so now we all have bikes and can utilize the great bikeways in Brisbane together as a family. On our next outing, I will take pictures of us all on our bicycles. Max rides his balance bike part of the way and wears a headlamp on top of his helmet after dark. Very cute.

Max was promised an ice cream when we arrived at Southbank because he rode in the Chariot most of the way rather than on his balance bike. While the bikeways are nice, some people use them for training. Although Max does pretty well following the rules, his three-year-old brain often becomes distracted by the sights and sounds around him. We keep him off the narrowest bits for the safety of all users.

Anyway, Max wanted the blue ice cream. I doubt he had any idea what bubble gum flavor is. It was sweet--he liked it.

Wading in the "river"

Balancing on the rocks along the "river"

This man is a horned being that lives below the earth's crust ("not to be mistaken for the devil"). He is friendly and curious. For a gold coin donation, he will do something besides stand there (he basically touches the child's hair, shakes hands, and poses for a picture). Guess middle earth is ruled by the almighty dollar as well.

Thanks Uncle Jim, Auntie Lee and Cousin Brady

Soon after taking this video, Max discovered there is a button that makes the tools dance while the toolbox sings a song. I still don't know all of the lyrics after listening to the song for most of the day but I've enjoyed Max's dancing and attempts to sing along with the toolbox. Thank you!

The John Butler Trio Concert

A couple of friends, Steven and Haliel, are big JBT fans. When they mentioned that JBT were in town and playing at a small venue, Tim and I decided to join them. Wow! They can really put on a show! We had a great night out--good music, good friends.

The last of many "jam sessions" during the show

I love the combination of playing the standing bass and the didgeridoo simultaneously

Haliel and Steven

At the show!!!

I hadn't realized that Tim and Steven look alike but the guy selling merchandise thought they were the same guy. Steven had purchased hats for his sons. When Tim saw the hat, he decided to buy one for Max. When Tim approached the merchandise salesperson and asked for a hat, the guy said, "Another one? You were just up here, weren't you?"

I guess all Americans look alike :-) Yet, to give the guy credit, Steven and Tim are the same height, have the same hair and eye color and were both wearing dark blue t-shirts. The accent must have blinded the guy to Steven's goatee and Tim's glasses :-)

Santa on his Sleigh/Magic Carpet

It is hard for a three-year-old to let go of Christmas after the holidays. Max has asked me, every few days, if we could set out cookies for Santa again.

"No, Santa only comes on December 24th, Christmas Eve."

"Why?" (Max has definitely entered the "why" stage)

Today he wanted to play with the little baby Jesus from his nativity set (which was packed away in a trunk)--how can you say no to that?! He ALWAYS gets to play with Baby Jesus on request. He also wanted to pretend that he was Santa (i.e. I had to set out a plate of cookies for him). Fortunately, he was satisfied with pretending that some pretzels on a plate were the plate of cookies.