Speedo Sprints - Caitie's Killer Swim!

It's school swim carnival time so in order to prepare, the Lane Cove Swim Club decided to participate in the District meet...Speedo Sprint Series hosted by SMNE. Caitie's school has already had their carnival but nonetheless it was good practice for her upcoming Zone Meet. Caitie swam all the 50's plus her favourite, the 200IM. 

A 4 second drop on the 50 Fly and a massive 20 second drop on her 200IM

Shaving 1 second from her Breaststroke

Shaved 2 seconds from her 50 back and two from her 50 free

Introducing Sophie - the Cutest and Smartest Puppy On Planet Earth

This was a difficult post to write simply because it's terribly difficult not to think about about Redd Dog whom we had to leave behind in the USA. Due to the outrageous expense, approximately $6,000, which we were prepared to pay but for a series of misfortunes, we decided as a family that it wasn't possible. On the bright side, he is currently living with our dear friends and that makes us content.


Kevin's sister Fiona, realized our suffering and decided to bestow the most generous gift upon us....the gift of Sophie!

Sophie tugs with Brandy except that she is actually being dragged around!

Good effort Sophie...the dogs are really gentle with her.

Enough of the tug of war...I'm pooped!

We were introduced to Sophie in Smiths Lake were she had a blast playing with her cousins.


Patrick is her master and he has been doing a good job of taking care of her. Feeding, bathing and training her, and especially loving her. He even paid for all her vaccinations.

Naughty girl!

Sophie's First Bath...

Getting to know Sophie has been fun. She loves to run. We are up to 6km per day but she could surely run for more. As soon as she is fully vaccinated, we will take her to the dog park so she can gallop around the field. She eats grapes and watermelon. She adores liver treats and tuna. Watch out for your shoes, because apparently there is nothing tastier than rubber soles!

She loves to be where we are. She sits on my feet whilst I make the dinner. She lies by the fireplace if we watch TV and when we have a shower, she is right there lying on the clean clothes you were hoping to put on.

Intensely loyal, she wants to know where we are at all times. Where's my Patrick???

We love our Sophie...

Nelson Bay - Port Stephens - Girl's Getaway

Neslon Bay is a small resort town, a short trip north from Sydney. A popular destination for tourists and families but this weekend, it is just "the girls".


Water activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, parasailing, whale and dolphin watching, fishing and swimming. There are children's playgrounds, BBQ areas and even a dog friendly beach!


For the land people, there is golf, horse  riding and more.


For the foodies, there is plenty of award winning seafood and restaurants to chose from as well as some delicious wineries to visit.


OR...you could just sit in your room and watch Mad Men for three hours, lie by the pool, have a dip and then take in a movie at the local cinema as we did!


We stayed at The Mantra Aqua in a two bedroom apartment with full kitchen, dining and lounge, overlooking the pool. It was wonderful and I would definitely stay there again. 

I went for a little walk around the Marina and there was a lot going on. Tourists visiting, boats leaving for tours, Maritime patrolling, families barbecuing but somehow it was still very peaceful....a gorgeous and relaxing place.