More fun in Alice...

It's been a busy time here at Chez McCain.  I've started a new job as a Project Manager for Desert Knowledge Australia.  I'll be working on designing and implementing an information management strategy.  I'm just working part-time for now, but I'm pretty excited about the work and look forward to the challenge.  Actually, I'm really looking forward to getting some good pictures of the wildlife.  On my third day there, I watched a bird and a lizard fight over a bug and then I tripped over a Bearded Dragon on my out of the cafeteria.  I'm a little nervous about all the snakes that are out there, but I'll guess I'll deal.

In the meantime, Braden and Gavin have been growing and changing on almost a daily basis.  Since Christmas, Gavin has cut 4 teeth.  He's also working on two more on top, so he's going to have lots of teeth shortly.  I'll try and get some good pictures of his new toothy grin for one of the next posts.  Braden is working on his two lower teeth.  You can feel them, but can't quite see them, yet.  Fortunately, both boys seem to be taking after their big brother With the exception of one problem tooth for Gavin, you'd almost never know they are teething.

Here are some pictures of Braden and Gavin from the last month:

Jamie climbed into Gavin's crib and wanted me to bring Braden in.

A few other random shots of Jamie:

Playing on Boxing Day

Putting the trucks to sleep for bedtime.

 We were also the fortunate recipients of a hand-me-down swing set and slide from a family that was leaving town.  If we could haul it away, we could have it for free!  It helped that Gran & Grump were still here, so they could help us get it set up.  So, we now have a proper playground in our backyard.  Slide, swing set, sand box and trampoline.  What more could a kid ask for?





More Fun with Gran & Grump

Even though, it was pretty hot while Gran & Grump were here, we managed to get out and about.  Jamie, Grump and Mommy went to the pool.  Which is Jamie's favorite activity by far.  He LOVES to jump in the water and spent over an hour jumping into the pool and getting out and jumping in again.  Fortunately, Grump was up for the game. 

We also got to explore the Telegraph Station.  The Telegraph Station was the first European settlement in the Outback.  It is a gorgeous park and has so much history. 



The pole with the wire is the telegraph line.



Jamie in the schoolroom.



We also had fun just hanging around at home...

Jamie trying to eat his toes like Gavin.

Jamie after trying to lick ice cream out of a cup.

Gavin and Braden playing with their new toy from Aunt Jen

So much...

There has been so much going on the last 10 days or so that its going to be hard to squeeze it all in here.  Gran and Grump leave in less than 24 hours and we are going to miss them so much.  We've had lots of fun and even gotten some projects done around here with their help (that probably wouldn't have gotten done otherwise.)

 

Visiting the flowing Todd River (again)



Gran and Jamie at the river

Off to the Desert Park - one of our favorite places to visit.  But, boy was it HOT!

Gavin and Grump

Gran and Jamie

Gran and Braden



Jamie and a kangaroo




Braden (just being cute)






Jamie excited by the long-nosed lizard outside

We also went back to visit The Old Ghan Museum and the Road Transport Hall of Fame.  Jamie loved all the trains and trucks, but I became fascinated with all the Golden Orb Weaver spiders (Spider pictures have been moved to a separate blog.).

Apparently, we needed a quick nap.

One of the more common sights on the highway here is road trains.  That's what they call trucks with multiple trailers.  At the museum they had a scale model of one, which Jamie loved, of course.  Most road trains have 3 or 4 trailers, but 6-10 is not uncommon.