The pictures say it all – Kicking back with my Dad!!
Category: Family
Desperate Times!!!
Before I was a parent I swore I would never dress food up for a child to eat it. Well…….. I have learnt that one should never say never especially when children are involved. Ben is a fussy eater and if dressing his food up works then bring it on. Desperate Times = Desperate Measures!!! Here is my vegemite train masterpiece with cheese tracks. Bon Appetite!
The Ute
The Ute. It’s a 1964 XM Ford Falcon, with Cobra Stripes. At least that’s how I will remember it.
The Ute. It’s a 1964 XM Ford Falcon, with Cobra Stripes. At least that’s how I will remember it.
We (this is the collective we, including all Lattimores) have had the Ute in the family since about 1988. Prior to that it was the workshop / panel shop runabout (I think). We took it in as a restoration project and returned it to full glory. Including minor paint and panel work, engine rebuild (all 144 cubic inches !), and upholstery/interior.
Since then the Ute has served well travelling between Chinchilla and Toowoomba, moving, dump runs, school taxi, Uni runabout and lots more.
Recently Dad (as the ‘actual’ owner or at least the custodian/bill payer) decided on a refresh. Not unreasonable given the almost 20 years service since the last round.
This time round a full re-spray, all rust removed (not too much), upholstery again, new carpets, interior surfaces painted.
Here’s the killer. NO STRIPES !
I have a sentimental attachment to the Ute including the stripes. They were part of it’s character.
For the next chapter I suggested perhaps some fancy new wheels to give the Ute something ‘more’ (also suggested an XR6T engine & mechanicals transplant).
Anyway here are the before and after shots.
What do you reckon ? Suggestions welcome (and contributions of course).
The Big Number 2!
Happy Second Birthday Benjamin!!!
It feels like yesterday I held Ben for the first time. Looking back the time has passed with a blink of eye. I get emotional just thinking about how much has happened in just two short years. It really has been a joy and a privilege to watch Ben grow …… well except for the more recent tantrums!
Ben had a fantastic day and a wonderful party. Ben’s birthday began with a pile of presents to open. He loved it. Here he is playing his ukulele, playing with his puzzle and sipping a cup of tea.
Ben birthday was on Thursday and his party on Saturday but the celebrations continued for some time. Ben’s party was at home in the yard. He had many friends and family attend. His little friends seemed to have a ball (well….. so did his Mum and Dad!!!). There was games, great friends and cake!
Ben was so lucky to receive so many lovely gifts. But he couldn’t hide what his favorite was. Our fabulous neighbors (who know Ben very well) gave him a bag of hats – fireman hat, viking hat, pirate hat ect. He refused to take his policeman hat off all day. He even wore it in the bath!!! Thank you everyone for a lovely day.
The Wiggles Go Bananas
It had been a long wait to see the Wiggles. I purchased the tickets just after Christmas for the ‘Wiggles Go Bananas’ concert in May. We were very excited to attend (well…. maybe not Andrew who went under protest!). I had pumped Ben up ready but I am not sure he had a clue what was going on. When the show started he clung to Andrew …… slightly terrified. But eventually warmed up when Dorothy, Wags, Henry and Captain Feathersword came on stage.
I have to say I was a little disappointed with the concert. There was alot of talking, a lot of acrobatic ……. rubbish, the stage seemed crowded and the production wasn’t polished. I had heard great reports regarding previous concerts but this one just didn’t hold the kids attention. It was disappointing……………. but we still love Murray (cose he plays the guitar!).
Drawing
Ben has recently discovered pens – felt pens, pencils, gel pens, lead pencils, coloured pencils, crayons…… anything that will make a mark. He loves to sit and draw. Sometimes not always on paper – himself or the lounge! He has begun to tell me who he is drawing. It’s mostly Daddy. His favorite pens are gel pens, felt pens and the soap crayon in the bath. I am quiet impressed with his pencil grip….. it’s nearly correct. I didn’t show him… really I didn’t!
