Chocolate Roulade

Had a request from Miss S who watches Youtube cake decorating videos 24/7, to bake a chocolate roulade. Look at Master J on the laptop in the background!!

So one afternoon we did just that.

Chocolate sponge cake, rolled with fresh vanilla cream and strawberries. And Yep, Master J still on the laptop in the background.

School Holidays

Weve been pretty quiet here at Number 6.
The children were tired at the end of Term.
I like the holidays to contain plenty of down-time so they can recharge thier batteries.
But, we have been to the movies, watched a few DVD's, read, knitted, skipped, and played netball on the local courts.
Yesterday we went on a bush walk in Chambers Gully.

 Took some friends and a picnic.

                                    
 Saw 16 Koalas along the way.

 And an Echidna.

 We got caught in a Thunderstorm, much to the little ones horror!

 On to Waterfall Gully for hot chocolate to warm up.

School holidays coming to a close.
Its good and bad.
Ive enjoyed sleeping in and not changing out of my PJ's until 11am.
But, my baby starts school next week, so Im cuddling her a little closer whenever I get the chance.

Hot Weather

Its really hot in Adelaide right now.
I know its summer and all, but too hot for the kids to play outside is no good for me!!
Over about 30C and everyone wants to hang with me inside in the airconditioned comfort.
So this heat called for Lemonade Spiders, just like I used to have as a kid.
Pour cold lemonade over a scoop of vanilla icecream.
Hit the jackpot with the kids!!

Summer Holidays

A few photos of our holiday along the East coast of Australia. Bondi Beach, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.

The Magic Cave

Living in Adelaide, Christmas is just not Christmas without a visit to the Magic Cave.
Merry-go-round rides, a ride on the huge rocking horses Nipper and Nimble and a look in the windows at the elves making the presents, and of course a chance to sit on Santas knee and tell him you've been good all year.

Master J came prepared with a 5 page list!
I saw him google "cool toys for 9yo boys"!
Santa was very good and reminded him that he would try his best to bring a few things from his list, but he did have a lot of children to look after and wouldnt want them to miss out.
Master J, being 9, is starting to question the realness of Santa, but still isnt quite sure.

Miss S loved the ride on Nipper and Nimble, and only asked Santa for a Barbie Campervan.
I always wanted one of those when I was little, so its off to the shops again!!

Miss E asked for a Fairy!!
Oh Dear....but I did find a cute tinkerbell and her friend with the dark black hair and blue dress.
They are beautiful, and she will be happy.

My Mate, has his work Family Christmas Picnic tonight.
There is face painting, temporary tatoos, jumping castles, mini golf and a visit from Santa who gives really great presents.
BBQ, $2 wine/beer, free fairy floss, donuts,slushies and icecream.
OVERLOAD!
Kids love it!!

Gingerbread Biscuits

We put up the Christmas Tree today after school.
Its starting to look more like Christmas around here now.
Our decorations are a mish-mash of ones from when I was a kid, ones made by the kids, and way too much tinsell.
A bit of a mess really, but just the way I like it.
The kids were so excited, I love listening to them chatting together.
Last week we made some Gingerbread biscuits using Janes recipe.

They are delicious.


Decorated by the kids with some store bought hideously bright coloured icing.
Both school kids requested to take extra the next day for their friends.
This batch didnt last long.
They'll be on the baking list for next week too.

Ballet Costume Complete

I was not rostered on to work on Sunday,so we had friends over for lunch.
After they left, My Mate had a quiet lay down in the playroom for a snooze, the kids were happily playing outside, so I popped into the sewing room to do a bit more on the ballet costume.
2 glasses of champagne under my belt helped things along......

With no interuptions I got it finished in no time.



Saturday, after 0830 swimming lessons,we rushed into the city to see the Christmas Pagaent.
We have been every year and the kids love it.
Me, well not so much, but I still remember how much I loved it as a child and I try to remember that.
So, we were late because of swimming and couldnt find a carpark.
"Anyone want to go home and watch it on TV??"
A resounding "NO" from the back seat.
We walked 4 blocks, were 1/2 an hour late, and way up the back...but we were there!!
Popped the oldest 2 up on kind of awning of a building to get a birdseye view.
Miss E was happy to draw on the road with chalk until Santa came along.
Master J in charge of the camera up on the awning.

Smurfs at the Drive-in

This is what a family of five looks like at the drive-in!!!

We took plenty of snacks, swapped seats regularly and made 2 trips to the toilet.
A really fun night out for the family.
We were first-timers.
The seasoned Drive-in goers reverse the car in and sit in the back of the station wagon or 4 wheel drive, take sleeping bags, deck chairs, friends and wine.
Will do this next time.

School Holiday Fun

Although I have 3 children at home to feed and entertain during the school holidays, that does not negate the fact that I get to sleep in until around 8.30.....or whenever I start to get the guilts that My Mate is up, dressed and trying to get out the door to work, and is having to get the kids breakfast! Not that he would complain....but it is a bit lazy isnt it??!!!


We have planted our summer vegie patch. Mixed lettuce, truss tomatoes, beetroot, basil, snow peas, beans, corn, cucumber, strawbwrries and rockmelon.

The kids got their bathers on one warm day and played on the trampoline.

A trip to the beach, walk/skateboard along the promenade and compulsory coffee.

We also made delicious burgers! I found a wholesale butcher who makes their own Wagu burgers. $10 for 4 huge patties. Bargain and they are great.

We have also had a few days at the beach house.
A good time had by all.

Anzac Biscuits

A quick and easy recipe using pantry ingredients, no need to go out and buy anything extra.
A great lunch box filler, and loved by everyone.

Recipe from The Essential Baking Cookbook.
ANZAC BISCUITS
1 cup plain flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup dessicated coconut
125g butter
1/4 cup golden syrup
1/2 tsp bicarb soda

Sift flour into a large bowl.
Add sugar, oats and coconut.
Melt butter and golden syrup in a saucepan and mix until smooth.
Dissolve the bicarb soda in 1 tbs boiling water and add to butter mixture.
It will foam up.
Pour into the dry ingerdients and mix.
Form into 1 tbs size balls, place on lined tray and press down to flatten slightly.
Bake 180C for 15-20 min, until browned.
Leave on baking tray to cool slightly, then transfer to wire rack.

Master J's main focus topic this term is Art.
Not sure this find on the bathroom vanity could be considered Art, but it did give me a little chuckle this morning.

Artist: Master J
Medium: handwash soap and toothpaste!