Family Time

It is a pretty rare event that our own three kids come together in the same time and space, and when they do we have to remember to take a picture even if they protest. Just one was taken. The occasion marks the night before Bec flies to Bali  for a writers conference and a reflection time.

We had a really nice meal with the Funks... chicken, salad and buns. It was just what we all needed, light and tasty.

Piper and Jaz worked on a cubby for Jet who would go in and out of it and give approving comments. They pretended that they were royal servant builders and Jet was their little prince (the boss's son).

Earlier, they made sailing ship models and spent a good amount of time adding colour to the sails and then the ship itself. This activity turned out to work very well with them. Even Jet got a ship of his own.

We will finish this post with a really cute picture of Jet sleeping in our bed before we moved him to join his siblings. This weekend has given us wonderful memories and nice pictures to share.

Train Making

Here is a visual update on a bit more of what the school craft club has been making towards the end of term. Peter has prepared a number of different train kits which the kids enjoy assembling and enjoy taking away to play with or give away as a gift.

Waratah Day

We won't be able to be there this year but wish to at least promote the day for others. The Annual Waratah Day is on again at the Gembrook Retreat, Saturday 15 October, from 11 am. It is always a very popular time for adults and children: fun, food, frolicking and plenty of flowers to take home with you. Click here for leaflet

Oh yes, it is not all about Waratahs. There are plenty of Protea varieties to pick from and Banksias to admire. Come and celebrate with the retreat community on one of its special days in the year.

Coloured Clay Day

Peter is always interested in strange things. He joined with other people, including children, at the recent Gembrook working bee to help with digging out an embankment of clay to create a space for a new water tank. He would occasionally stop to admire the colour in the clay. The children would occasionally play with it. The ground had a life of its own.

Though the task looked simple it took most of the day because the guys had to move the ground to another place to build an area up. That wasn't so easy. Nice to finish something but. Well done Peter A, Peter M, Adam, Esther, Ben, Sarah, Rebecca, Ian and Steve for having a hand in the dig. And soon the Hut will have its own water.

Funks on Tramp

The trampoline has proved a boon for the grandkids. Yes, they always bounce on it but not in the aggressive gymnastic way. The trampoline mat has become a world where creative role play imagination happens. When there is a break from that  it serves as a place to lounge and think, or maybe make full body letter and number patterns. There seems to be no end to what you can do on a tramp if you've got company.

Funk Angels

Do angels climb trees? Yes. Here's proof. Not all angels have wings and so trees help to give the necessary elevation that angels enjoy, as they serve God and care for people. These thoughts come to mind as we watch  our grandkids climb the cherry trees.

They are such good mates. They are so different yet they have learned to play well together even when there is three years between them.

Funk Fun

We have been remiss by not posting these pictures now about 10 days old. They tell of a visit on Sunday for morning tea and following that an activity involving model making of a train (Piper) and a plane (Jaz).

The last picture Bec sent to us a day later showing how Piper added pipe cleaner people to her train. We are very glad to have the facilities to make up model making kits that the kids like.