Bike Ride

We went for our first family bike ride last Sunday. It was a bit of an effort - mainly because I had to figure out how to get 4 bikes on the bike rack; and then how to reach the 'middle' bikes on the rack to inflate their tyres. The setup took about an hour!!!

We made our way to Chipping Norton Lake - mainly because the paths around their are fairly flat but also because the Rebel 10km run was on at Homebush and we thought it would be a bit crowded.

The kids had fun. We all did. My knee was kind of ok with the ride; but even the very modest hills were enough to sort me out. LGR kept racing off in front of us and HJ kept dropping behind so it was all a bit disjointed; but still fun.

After the ride we had a lovely little picnic by the water and then spent the afternoon at home eating cheese & fruit and drinking some refreshing beverages (which were very well needed after mowing the lawns).

Update

I've missed a couple of days but it really doesn't matter - not much is going on.

I'm 5 days back into a structured (semi-structured really) exercise routine. I get up at 05:00 and go for a walk. I'm hoping to get permission to run soon but expect it to be another 2-3 weeks. The knee is coming along nicely but just not as fast as I would like. Having said that it's much faster than last time.

Our accountant came to visit us the other night. He managed to get us a refund again; but I suspect part of this is due to depreciation and negative gearing and so much his skill. Which is not to say he is no good - he is; and he has all sorts of interesting contacts.

What else? LGR played Futsal again on Tuesday; and the boys got spanked again. They are playing in what is essentially an U/10 competition and it shows. I don't think they are enjoying it to much right now but there is improvement to be seen each week.

The kids continue with swimming lessons. LGR is looking more and more like a swim with each week that passes. HJ is a bit slack; and perhaps a bit lazy. She won't let go of the teacher or wall and takes far to much comfort in being able to touch the bottom of the pool. But she has fun and is happy in the water - and most importantly she can swim when she is forced to.

Holiday is booked

We are going on two holidays next year (we think) - a short little getaway in January from 12th thru to 16th at Ettalong on the Central Coast. We are staying at the Mantra. I've just booked this. Will be very nice to get away for a bit and get thoroughly sunburnt.

The second trip is a little larger - 10 weeks in the UK and maybe touching on France and Italy. We plan to leave on the 26th or 27th August (26th is our 20 year anniversary) and will be going back to work on the 7th November (or thereabouts).

The definite plan is to go through England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales in a comprehensive manner; and maybe spend some time in France (Paris) and then possibly, somehow, get down to Pisa and Rome for the kiddies.

CJ and I have both put in for leave. CJ's leave is approved and my leave is very close to approved. Apparently my 1 day of accrued annual leave is a bit of an issue :-)

Taronga Zoo

We went to Taronga Zoo yesterday (ie Sunday) and had a great time. I'm pretty sure the kids got a lot out of it - there were lots of oohs and aahs and smiles. HJ loved the seal show (every kid in the crowd loved it) and LGR enjoyed the reptiles and snakes. I personally loved the meerkats, mountain goats and chimps.

It's also a pretty good day of exercise - lots of up and down hill walking to keep the legs moving.