My little grandsons grew up in Los Angeles but their parents have returned to live in Australia, (Yippee). We had Sonya and the boys stay with us for two weeks before they continued on to Melbourne where their dad is working. They will make a new home there.
While they were here they met a few Aussie animals. My neighbour introduced them to her pet bearded dragon (lizard.) Needless to say Fox was a bit apprehensive but very brave.
Banjo and Sonya had a pat too.
I took them to the forest where we saw a koala and a wallaby. "Look boys can you see the wallaby?" "What's a wallaby?"
"A small kangaroo"
"Oh yes. I can see it. Lets creep up to it."
"Can you see the big lump in her pouch? There is a joey in there. Try to feed her some grass."
"Go on Banjo you go first." (But she hopped away)
"Go on Banjo you go first." (But she hopped away)
We took them into town on the train. It was their first time on a train. They went to South Bank Parklands for a swim.
On the way home Fox had fun with Granddad and his camera.
Other days we went to the skate park.
We went to all the different playgrounds in the area.
Granddad and Fox constructing a star wars ship with Leggo
Grandma and the boys enjoyed feeding the ducks at our nearby lake.
This was a first for us, entertaining grandchildren at home. It was fun and hectic. Sure did liven up our quiet household. I was exhausted after two weeks and that was with their mother here too. I take my hat off to those of you who regularly care for grandchildren.
What a lovely time you must have had. Just your daughter at home would be destabling enough, never mind two young lads who grandparents/uncles seem to think need constant entertaining.
ReplyDeleteYou got a LOT done in two weeks and it will be so fun for you to be able to watch them grow right there and not an ocean away.
ReplyDeletethey both look like they are happy with the new environment. i know i would be and that include the train ride. i want to hold that little dragon and see the joey.
ReplyDeleteFrom photos - you all had a "wow" of a time.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I have seen such a look of concentration since
2007 planning days for our big reunion on the face of William
of Tell and Berne etc.
God help the game if he didn't get it right but by that fierce look of
determination, I gather it was success all around.
Cheers
Colin
Won't take them long to consider this great country home and the best country in the world since it is the best country in the world.
ReplyDeleteWonderful for you to have your grandkids coming home. It must be fun for them to get to know the local animals, parks... Very brave to have that lizard on them, I would be petrified!
ReplyDeleteOne of my very best friends is 'almost' raising her twin grandsons--along with 4 other grandchildren... She seems to love every minute of it --but I couldn't do it.... I always admire grandparents who do this full-time.... They would wear me out!!!!! Wish I had a tiny bit of that energy!!!!! ha
ReplyDeleteI know you are thrilled to have your kids/grands closer now....
Hugs,
Betsy
It looks as if your two grandsons kept you very busy, but I suspect that you loved every minute of it. I know you're delighted to have them 'down under' nearer to you.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the boys had a lovely time with you ! I agree with you, I am really not jealous ! We are already exhausted after a weekend !
ReplyDeleteA whole new world for them in every way but I am sure they will soon settle in. It must be wonderful for you to have them a bit closer. Have a good day t'other Diane
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have your family back home Diane --- not so far to travel now and you can enjoy watching those boys grow up.
ReplyDeleteFox and Banjo seem to be enjoying their time with you, there certainly is lots for them to explore in their new country! I guess you will enjoy travelling to Melbourne to visit once they are settled in - and take time to enjoy the sights of Melbourne, with or without company.
ReplyDeleteThere is a whole new world to explore for them.
ReplyDeleteI love the title of your post. And it looks like they have learned a lot already! At their age they will be little Aussies in no time.
ReplyDeleteHeaven to have them all back in Australia. They soon adjust as you know :). Wonderful to get to know your grandchildren in your own home. Yes, it's a busy time when you have them there...
ReplyDeleteI was thinking as I was reading down the post … that would exhaust me! Glad to find you are not superhuman.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are going to enjoy their new world. There comes a point when we realise we are just that bit older now than when we were looking after our own children. PS have visited Woodford and will be posting that in a few weeks but I think I will have to return and check out your old address!
ReplyDeleteWonder how long it will be before they lose their American accent :) You're so lucky to have them a week bit closer now Diane.
ReplyDeleteWonder how long it will be before they lose their American accent :) You're so lucky to have them a week bit closer now Diane.
ReplyDeleteWow - a whole new world! Memorable times for everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun. For all of you! I loved "go on Banjo, you go first" ... Isn't that just like a big brother ( just in case that wallaby bites, it won't be my fingers )))! They are both so cute and I know you both must be ecstatic to have them nearer (and of course the grown ups who live with them too! )
ReplyDeleteWhat is the bravest action? The lizard or the Kangoroe?
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
The lizard by far.
Deleteit is great option they have returned homeland
ReplyDeleteThat must have been an exciting two weeks for you two proud grandparents. I'm so happy for you that they are back in Oz. Loved all the photos and I am leaving with a big smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so happy for you all. Look at those faces they are going to be a real "Aussie" in no time and love every bit of it. Lucky lucky boys and Grandparents and parents. Lots of love in the most fascinating place I can imagine. HUGS B
ReplyDeleteLooks to me like the boys are going to love living in Australia!
ReplyDeleteHello Diane, it may be tiring, but I am sure you love having your daughter and grandchildren living in Australia. They are both handsome boys and cute photos. Have a happy new week!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment about Colorado being the most beautiful state--I opened my blog post with that statement today! Yes, caring for grandchildren can wear one out but the joys replace that weariness pretty quickly. We always are happy when our grands go home ( peace and quiet) but then the next day we miss them--lol!
Nice post. Must be remarkable to see animals like 'roos and such like - i always considered them semi-mythical when I was a kid and never expected to see any, let alone have their cousins living in my garden!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Oh what a delight to have to family around with these beautiful kids. I bet they love it there with all these animals
ReplyDeleteI would be a bit apprehensive holding a lizard as well. We only have little skinks here. The cats always chase them. Now I wish you all lots more fun
Delightful but certainly exhausting - though I do agree with your comment on my blog that girls are possibly a little less relentless, most days anyway. They have their moments! I'm only used to girls so I don't know how I'd manage with two little boys.
ReplyDeleteYour grandsons are adorable and certainly quite active little boys, Diane. It's nice that you had such a long time to spend and can understand how you can use a rest now, but now that they will be living in Australia visits should be much easier.
ReplyDelete