Maaarlberries...

A friend from my church tagged me in this picture and posted it on Facebook, tempting me with..

"It's that time of year again!! I know you love them :) "

I have the best memories of the big mulberry tree we had at the back of our yard growing up as a child. I remember getting them all over my mouth, hands and clothes, climbing the branches to get the big juicy ones and having to even go up on the garden shed to get even higher!  It's such a simple thing but it's makes me feel happy when I think about it.

Nikki was kind enough to invite us over to her beautiful 10 acres of land at Cedar Creek to allow my girls to experience mulberry (or maaarlberry, if your Milla) picking and tasting for the first time. 

Heading down the back to the orchid...

Let the picking begin!...

They were so proud of their whole three berries...

Milla and Ivy checking to see if they like them...

 Hmmm...not as dirty as I wanted them but Milla is close ;)

It was the coolest thing to see Charlotte (one of Nikki's daughter's) ride around the property on this mini motorbike!  After their initial shyness, the girls finally gave it a go and then getting them off became

the problem!

While the girls rode around, we walked to their creek. Because of the lack of rain it wasn't flowing but there's still fun to be had!  Nikki showed me how high it comes up and I could imagine how beautiful it would be running.  Always something so simple to make them happy...

I told Ella she didn't get enough mulberry juice around her mouth, so her and Charlotte disappeared for a moment and came back with smeared mulberries all over their face...now that's more like it! 

A true mulberry experience!

We headed to the other side of the creek and Milla was pretty happy to find some baby tadpoles.  She loves 'collecting' bugs whether it be a moth, stinkbug or tadpoles, as long as it's alive she loves it!

Charlotte and Sage going for a quick dip...

We then enjoyed some yummy homemade mulberry pie. If you know me, I love pie!  So good!

The little ones conveniently ran through the hose as Nikki watered her vegetable patch. 

They had so much fun, once again, with such a simple thing...

 It was such a fun day and I think the thing I enjoyed most was seeing the girls be outside.  It's so easy to stay inside and watch TV but here there was so much to discover and do that TV isn't much of an option. Thanks again Nikki for such a great day!

Straddie Salute

When Michael and I heard about a triathlon that was over at Straddie in September, there was no doubt we wanted to be apart of it!  I mean, swimming, running and riding with the beautiful backdrop of Straddie.  We packed up the kids and headed over there to make the most of what we knew would be a great weekend, along with some of our other training buddies.

My first and only event was the day we arrived (Saturday) which was the 1000m Ocean Swim.

Here I am with Karen, a friend that is well acquainted with the sport of triathlons (she's competed in the Hawaiian Ironman!).  She's been great guidance for both Michael and I coming into the sport. 

All 'capped' up and ready to go...Stylin'!

And before I know it, it's all over and I'm greeted by these cuties at the finish line!!  Nothing beats having your family around to share it with. 

As this was my first ocean swim and had nothing to compare it to, I was pretty happy to do it in 16 minutes!!

Some of our other training buddies. They are so motivating and uplifting to be around. 

Hard working, encouraging and positive!

Afterwards the kids went for a swim.  Lots of wave jumping!

I love that my girls are confident to swim in the ocean.  They love it!

My water babies...

Milla, Cooper, Jack, Ella and Sage...

 Ella and Sage doing the 'duck face'.  I told them NEVER AGAIN!!

Sunday was Michael's turn! 

He was doing the full triathlon (I got back from the States a week earlier and wasn't sure my fitness would be up to scratch...thankfully, I made the right choice because everyone said it was a hard course!)

Michael thinking whether it was a good choice that he left his floaties at home! Hehe

Some of the gang...

Running out of the water (750m Swim)...Afterwards he said that a jellyfish stung him across the face and mouth.  Any wonder he's got his tongue hanging out!!

Coming in from the ride (15km)...

  

Heading out for the run (8km).  Although it's easy for Michael to run 10km, he along with the other's, said it was so tough because you couldn't get into a rhythm with the constant change of roads, hills, dirt tracks, beach, hills and steps!  

Finish line...Woohoo! He did it!

The cheer squad!

Crazy bunch of kids...not sure where they get it from! :p

 It seriously was such a great weekend and we've already committed to do it again next year.