A magical time at Falls Creek

Noah, Richard and I enjoyed our first snow experience together while on holidays in Victoria and it was truly spectacular. For me, it often feels like Richard has been there, done that and bought the T-shirt so you can probably guess how happy I was that he was experiencing snow for the first time too.

Noah and Richard spent the day tobogganing, building a snowman, trashing the snowman, snow balling each other and watching me try to ski.

I had a beginners lesson and I was surprised to discover that I could in fact ski. I was under the impression that it was near on impossible but it was actually easier than I thought it would be. So with my newly acquired ski skills, the go ahead from my ski instructor (and no I didn't get the hot looking 18 year old Scandinavian bugger) and sheer determination I set off down 'Wombats Ramble'. Now let me tell you it was unbelievably exciting but also terrifying at the same time. I am not ashamed to admit I was totally out my league and I may have fooled my ski instructor about my skiing ability (I think one more hour of ski instruction would have stead me in the right direction and better prepared me for an actual ski run). Three crazy stacks later I arrived at the bottom of the 2.2km run with a huge smile on my face and a massive sense of achievement. Muscles aching, toes numb and highly embarrassed that the 5 year olds on snow boards whistled around me.... I was hooked.

I wish we had been there for longer and I wish we had organised for Noah to have a ski lesson too. I dare say the Wheeldons will be heading back to the snow for another family holiday in the future.

 Very first touch of snow for both boys.

 Getting into our snow gear.

He looked so adorable. We borrowed this gorgeous pink number from my cousin Julie. All three of her kids have worn this suit and learned to ski while wearing it.

 Snow fight.

  The snowman they made together.

 Time to die snowman.  

Time to die Mummy!!!!! 

The car trip from Mt Beauty back to Falls Creek = totally stuffed.

Family in Victoria

We were fortunate enough to spend time with our family who live in Victoria. Aunty Helen is actually my Mum's Aunty but I have always thought of her as my Aunty too as I have spent a fair amount of time with her over the years. Aunty Helen & Uncle Jim have three beautiful daughters: Jane, Julie & Carolyn. Most of them now live in Wangaratta with their respective families but Jane still lives in Melbourne with her daughter Shardia. They really are a beautiful family and it is always emotional for me and Mum saying goodbye to Aunty Helen & Uncle Jim (Jimbo as Noah calls him).

Noah & Shardia

Beautiful Shardia. Richard and I didn't actually get to see Jane or Shardia this time. Mum and Noah went out to dinner with them while in Melbourne. I have a beautiful picture of the kids with Jane too but I can't find it right now :(

Mum & I holding the latest additions to the Hancock family. These are Carolyn & Stephen's precious baby girls. They were nearly 4 weeks old in these photos. I have Charli and Mum is holding Holly.

Beautiful Carolyn and again me holding Charli. She looked so good for someone who delivered twins only 4 weeks ago.

Carolyn opening her gifts that came all the way from WA. She absolutely loved the jewellery boxes for her girls.

Carolyn in the girl's room with little Charli.

Uncle Jim with tiny Holly.

The washing line full to the brim with little girl clothes.

Carolyn & Stephen's house.

Julie & Gerard's house. In this house lives 5 teenagers + an 11 year old. Julie & Gerard both had children from previous marriages so when they married last year they became a real-life Brady bunch family.

This is Mats, he is Julie's youngest child and he is absolutely adorable. I want him to come live with me or at least come visit some time!

Noah eating Pizza with Mats & Anders. Julie & Gerard in the background.

Madison & Mats. Julie's 3 kids were the most loveliest teenagers I have ever met. If Noah grows up to be half as gorgeous, polite, mature and intelligent as them then I will be a very proud Mum.

Jimbo & Aunty Helen with Noah.

A special time for Mum and I. We will treasure these photo for years to come.

Charli

Holly

More of Victoria

Noah enjoying mini pancakes at the Victoria Markets.

Leaving Perth airport to fly out @ 6am.

Taking a stroll with Dad at the markets. We hadn't seen Noah for 3 days so we were pretty thrilled to be reunited with him on Sunday morning. He changed so much in such a short amount of time and he had some fabulous new sayings to share with us.

 Markets again.

With Nanna Dee in Melbourne CDB. I had to buy this $30 pink stroller for Noah as he was whinging that Mum and Nanna were making him walk too far! Turns out this cheap little stroller is fantastic so we have brought it all the way back to WA. Noah is quite attached to his new pink stroller.

 Stamford hotel pool area.

 A chilly night in Wangaratta.

 First night in Wangaratta. We stayed in a little hotel near Aunty Helen and Uncle Jim's house.

Noah and Richard having a moment together in Beechworth.

 In Wangaratta.

 Richard's big breakfast @ the markets. Noah exclaimed "Daddy got a BIG snagga".

Old tree log in Wangaratta.

Build-a-bear

While Nanna Dee was looking after Noah she took him to the build-a-bear factory so he could make his very own teddy; it was something that she promised him they would do while in Melbourne together. Noah chose to dress his teddy in a Sheriff Woody outfit and he also put a special heart + voice box in his teddy. Noah named his Teddy Jimbo after our Uncle Jim who he stayed with in Melbourne.

 Mum said the boy who helped Noah was so nice to him.

 The heart.