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It’s been another busy weekend just gone.  I was in Melbourne last week, so it was lovely to be back at home on Friday evening.  When I arrived back Sarah, Jack and Grace were all playing scrabble together waiting for me.

Saturday morning we went down to Fort Scratchley (guarding Newcastle harbour).  This weekend it was being transferred from Commonwealth ownership to the city of Newcastle so there were activities on all weekend.  Saturday morning there was a parade of all wartime vehicles up to the Fort.  We had a look at the vehicles and a picnic, but the Fort wasn’t yet open.

So it was off to Jack’s football where he scored another 3 goals, the last he’d worked out his celebration and put his shirt over his head.  on the way home we stopped at the house which now has the roof trusses up, getting there.

Yesterday evening we went to a surprise party of a friend, Hans.  He didn’t realise anything was going on so it was a great surprise for him.  We didn’t stay too long as we had the kids with us, but it was a good evening.

Today, after church, we went back to Fort Scratchley and were able to get in.  there were the most amazing views from the gun emplacements and we were able to walk around the tunnels.  Fort Scrathley was the only guns in Australia to fire against terrestrial enemy in the 2nd World War when Japanese submarines attacked the harbour (I think).  They were also firing the guns today, but blanks this time.

Last weekend was Jack’s 6th birthday and we had a great party on Sunday morning.  We were all organised for a W party.  Everyone came as something beginning with W  and as much as possible revolved around W’s.  There were wizards, witches, warlords, workers, wierd scientists and more.  The weather was good the first good day in ages, so we were able to play inside and out.

We had a few W games, a few other games and then the most amazing birthday cake.  A chocolate mudcake wizard built by Sarah.  The 20 kids or so had a great time and it was all over by lunchtime.

After most had left we had a barbeque for all the Cranes and then went down to see how the house was getting on.  Looking pretty good, just waiting for the roof and walls to go on now.

A week ago Sarah spent 4 hours in hospital, just so I didn’t feel left out I did the same thing yesterday.  As I was cycling home after work a car door suddenly swung open into my path.  I didn’t have time to swerve out of the and there was another car passing as well, so I went straight into the door.

I smashed my hand against the door and then went tumbling into the road.  Fortunately not into the path of other cars.  I thought I wouldn’t have to go to hospital until I took my gloves off and saw a large split over my knuckle.

One very kind lady carted my off to hospital while another took my bike home.  After 3 hours waiting I finally had some X-rays done to show there were no breaks, so I just ended up with stitches in my hand and some very bruised ribs.

On a nicer note we went off to a  charity ball last saturday.  It was in aid of Hunter Medical Research  Institute and was paid for by work as a thank you to the spouses for putting up with us having to be in Melbourne so much.

A very grand event with auctions, raffles, meal, champagne and a soul band.   It went on late into the night and was great fun

After a fun few hours of trying on Ball gowns for Saturdays HMRI (Hunter Medical Research Institute) Ball and a wonderful lunch Gina and I desided to go to my house on route to collect the children from school…. Gina was following me…  being such a law abiding citizen I stopped at the amber lights and a large Highlux Ute with a very big bullbar ..umm … didn’t stop!  Crash!  and lots of damage, me whizzed away by the friendly ambos.  Neck in brace for 4 hours, x-rays and lots of love an attention by the staff at John Hunter Hospital.

The lovely gentleman, John, which hit me, was also in shock he couldn’t understand why emergency services weren’t answering his call… on 999!  He said “Ï think I watch too much TV!”  Fire engine arrived first 2 ambo’s towtruck, the police rescue squad van arrived (Didn’t need cutting out, bonus.. i would have thought!) They seemed disappointed there was nothing for them to do!?  They stopped and had a chat with the fire guys… which were jumping out of the truck still getting dressed… so Gina informed me.. I hadn’t noticed! Go figure!!  Gina was a star! signed off my car to be towed away, collected Grace from Preschool, Jack from School had loads of fun and shouted the kids to MacDonalds!  What a Legend!  Thanks Gina.

Will arrived at the sceen grabbed the kids car seats and followed me to hospital and stayed with me while  I was undressed and x-rayed, sorted and cleared of neck injurys given lots of pain killers.   I hit the back of my head on the head rest very hard, whiplash.  Very sore.

June long weekend was spent with friends in Forster.  We had alot of rain with a few sunny spells, which were used well.  Saturday afternoon was spent on One Mile Beach in the play area near Cape Hawk Surf Club.  A game of rugby between Joshua and Jacklin.  The boys later disappeared with Col and Will exploring the caves and cliffs.  Baby Chloe and Grace played on the beach and around the rocks with Kelly and I.  It was a beautiful afternoon and made a hasty retreat back to the house up on the cliff to watch the storm roll in over the beach.  A wonderful hot sweet potato and spinach rissotto  with crusty bread and salad was served up . Yum!   After the children went to bed we stayed up and giggled through many hours of trivial persuit 80’s style!  Lots of fun!

Sunday we were joined by another family, Phillipa, Sam, Adam and little Jess.  After lunch we ventured down to Burgess Beach which is the next beach, south of One Mile.  A very pretty and sheltered beach.  Great for kids that love to climb rocks.  Which is just what we did.  Kids had a blast.   After Grace conquered many rock faces she did her best ’sand angels’.  Col encouraged the kids to run amuck, chasing him as he ran drawing patterns on the sand with his umbrella.  Sam rescued Jess from a scramble up the rocks.  The woman returned back up the cliff to cook up a fab spag bowl and the men and boys headed to the lake to fish… Hence the women always have a back up plan… we’d starve otherwise! Another night of board games, stared with ‘movies with Margaret and David’ which can only discribed as rubbish and a boring board game so this was ditched and out came the 80’s again!!

Monday morning we all piched in and cleaned up and left the house and headed back to Newcastle.  Our family stopped at Buladelah on the jetty near the house boats, throw out a line to see if the fish were biting… aaahh … no!  Kids had fun, Will busy untangling lines and I took loads of pics!

Arrived home to quickly have dinner and out to meet Hans and Max at the movies to see the preview of ‘Speed Racer’.   Jack’s eye’s were glued to the screen.  He just loved it. Grace said it was ok.. she was so excited to see Gina there and Miles (a boy in Jacks class).  A very busy and fantastic weekend!