A crazy week!

The past few days have been busy to say the least and the next few promise to continue in the same vein so I'm grabbing 10 mins to write a few lines.
We went to the zoo last Saturday afternoon. It was by way of a bribe to the kids really as we'd had some boring running about to do in the morning so we promised a treat if they behaved well. In all the time we've been in Perth the zoo has had no dingoes after losing the old ones last year. Now the new pups have arrived and we were fortunate enough to rock up at the enclosure just at feeding time. They were truly delightful. At only 3 months old and born in captivity they appear as tame and trainable as any domestic dog and sat to wait for their food bowls, only actually eating when the keeper signalled that it was ok.

In the evening we went cycling along by the river. Well, the boys cycled to be precise, and we walked. It was a beautiful evening and we had to stop the boys in their desire to go paddling in the river (bit cold for that). I must say these are the times when I really do appreciate the beauty of where we are curently living, and the fine lifestyle for children. The riverside path is well away from the road and scattered with little mini river beaches complete with shells to collect.

The black swans in the background are very much part of the scenery and are why the river is indeed called "The Swan". 
Amazingly further along the path we saw another fabulous sight. An eagle atop one of the riverside houses, looking out for a feast of fish. They were jumping, we saw some, so I'm sure he won't have had to wait for too long for his meal. 

Not the best ever picture, but you get the idea!

He flew off just after this picture was taken, but we didn't manage to get a shot of him in flight which is a pity as he was really quite a sight.
On the way back, Brian took a picture up river to where the city lights were twinkling.

I am now finishing this post four days later while waiting for our cab to the airport. Brian has been to and from Singapore in the meantime, nearly getting stranded there when Quantas decided the volcanic ash from a Chilean volcano was too worrisome for them to fly. Singapore airlines were not quite so easily put off though and he managed to get a seat on board their flight and get home in time to pack for our family trip home to my sister-in-law's wedding.

The past few days have indeed been crazily busy. On Tuesday Alfie recieved his first merit certificate at his school assembly so I of course attended, and felt incrdibly proud. He was credited for his "great contribution to class discussions, always having something interesting to say".  That'd be right for Alfie, chatterbox that he is!! Then between normal activities like getting the kids to sports/swimming lessons I have been tidying, washing and generally trying to prepare for this trip. The culmination of this was that today I was so busy actually packing the cases that I nearly left Alfie at school. Had I not suddenly felt starving hungry, and glanced at my watch to check how late I was with my lunch, I would not have realised at all that it was now a minute past 3, and Alfie finishes school (ten mins drive away) at 3pm!!!! I grabbed Ru, no shoes or socks on his feet and literally threw him inoto the car whilst simultaneously ringing one of the other mums to try to get a message to the teacher. All was well as they were all running a little late in class, but I don't think I have ever felt such a sudden burst of panic and guilt as at nearly forgetting my little darling.

So now we're off on our next big adventure, back to see our families and friends and enjoy the big family occasion next week. Wish us luck on our flights. See some of you soon. Byeee.