Hannah's Double Digits, last surf lesson and You Yangs Regional Park

Hello there! We've been having a great March with lots of mild, sunny weather. There's been a few days that have reached the 80s, so we usually try to hit the beach on those days. Lydia has been fighting nap time, so sometimes we don't even try anymore. But, then it seems to catch up with her and we find her like this...

Too much fun equals sleepytime

On St. Patrick's Day Hannah turned 10! Can't believe she's double digits now! We had a good time celebrating with all the usuals: her choice for dinner, cake, presents and singing.

Hannah is 10!

Hannah with her Rolling Pin chocolate sponge cake with lollies

Make a wish!

Present time!

The kids had their last surf lesson on March 18. The weather was perfect for surfing. They both got up a few times and Kiernan was busy doing different tricks on the surfboard. He was much more interested in doing tricks than just surfing. And who wouldn't be with names like the cockroach and the coffin?!

Ocean Grove Beach, March 18, 2015

Reviewing what they have learned the past 6 weeks

Hannah on her way

Hannah up

Hannah surfing

Hannah and Kiernan

Uh-oh

And crash!!

They ended with a game of cinnamon sugar donut, which means getting all wet and then seeing how much sand you can collect on yourself. Funny, but not fun for laundry purposes! Oh well!

Cinnamon sugar donut game

They were thrilled to have the surf lessons and they learned a lot! It was a great experience and we would do it all over again if we could.

Hannah and Kiernan and their Vegemite SurfGrom coaches

While Hannah and Kiernan were learning to surf Lydia enjoyed all the time on the beach. This girl loves her sand and water. She also loves to do yoga on the beach.

Splashing in the water

Hamming it up for the camera

Tree pose-tongue hanging out necessary

Lydia and I have a lot of fun hanging out when the kids are at school. One of our favorite activities is the Ocean Grove Playgroup, which meets on Fridays. It's a 2 hour playgroup with so many fun toys and craft activities. She and I have both made many friends there.

Lunchtime is a big thumbs up

Painting at playgroup

On Saturday we went shopping in Geelong and it turned into such a perfect day that we decided to head to You Yangs Regional Park. It's about 15 minutes from Geelong. Lydia fell asleep on the drive there. We know better than to wake her up during a nap, so I stayed in the car with her while Barry and the kids set off to hike to Flinders Peak (3.5 km walk).

Napping girl

Lydia napped almost the whole time they were gone. But, when she woke up we decided to walk for a bit too. She was a trooper on the stairs going up, but asked me to carry her back down.

Let's go Mom

Reaching the summit of Flinders Peak

Made it!

View of Geelong and ocean from Flinders Peak

View towards Melbourne

Studying the compass

Explorers on Flinders Peak

Kiernan the tour guide

Barry and Hannah made snickerdoodle cookies yesterday. We are getting ready for our first U.S. visitors. Grandma and Grandpa Steuk (my parents) arrive tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24). We've got lots of fun planned.

Cookie Baking 101

I take so many pictures of the kids! I'm hoping with visitors here we can get some pictures of our whole family. Who am I kidding though?! Everyone would rather see pictures of the kids and sights rather than Barry and I!

Sarah