Oh no….. Tiny!!!

IMG_0209.JPGI have always had concerns about using a Dummy – not really sure why (refer to Dummy or not to dummy?). But yesterday at Family Day Care Ben went to sleep without his dummy (YAY to Trudy his Family Day Care Mum).  So I thought I would use the opportunity to get rid of the dummy.  At Ben’s bedtime I showed him a broken dummy that he had chewed.  His comment was “Oh no…….. Tiny!!!”.  He did attempt to put it in his mouth and then proceeded to have a tiny grizzle.  To my astonishment Ben went to sleep without any problems.  He did stir a couple of times in the night looking for his dummy and he did wake earlier than normal at 6.30am.  But….. YAY to Ben for being such a big boy about it!!!  Good job!!!

Well…… a couple of days later it all turned ugly.  I  should never be over confident.  Ben went down for his afternoon sleep a little cranky.  He started to grizzle and before I knew it he was screaming crying like I had never heard.  He was jumping out of bed screaming.  I would put him back to bed and he would scream again.  I rang Andrew and put the phone in Bens room to share the screaming.  We both agreed that the dummy was coming out of retirement.  Andrew says he could still hear the screaming after I hung up.  Ben sucked on the dummy about four times and was fast asleep.  He will give it up when he is ready.  Better luck next time!!!

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!

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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 Ute sporting it's "original" Cobra stripes.

The Ute (after recent makeover)The Ute (after recent makeover)

The Ute (after recent makeover)

The Ute (after recent makeover)

2009 Winter Nationals at Willowbank Raceway

I recently attended the Winter Nationals drag racing at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich. Many thanks to Jun for the complimentary tickets. We went on the Saturday and saw several different classes including Top Doorslammer, Top Alcohol and of course Top Fuel. Al and Dad (George) went with me, and this was the first time that Dad had ever seen drag racing live. Well what an introduction. Sitting in the trackside cafe maybe 40m away from the start line, we nearly fell off our chairs in reaction to the sheer power (and that was just the noise from the burnouts). Suffice to say I ran to the fence to watch.

I recently attended the Winter Nationals drag racing at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich.  Many thanks to Jun for the complimentary tickets.

We went on the Saturday and saw several different classes including Top Doorslammer, Top Alcohol and of course Top Fuel.

Al and Dad (George) went with me, and this was the first time that Dad had ever seen drag racing live.  Well what an introduction.  Sitting in the trackside cafe maybe 40m away from the start line, we nearly fell off our chairs in reaction to the sheer power (and that was just the noise from the burnouts).  Suffice to say I ran to the fence to watch.

I took a few snaps.

We were really impressed that the public can get up so close to the cars and crew in the pit areas.  It is obviously a very friendly and open community.

The next round (actually the first round of the next season) is on again at Willowbank in August.

I look forward to it.

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.

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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!

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IMG_5504.JPGBen 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.