Holiday fun in Mt. Gambier

This long weekend we spent in sunny Mt. Gambier. Fortunately we were in a cabin, however we needed the heater on constantly to keep defrosted.

There are many fun things to do in The Mount such as "doing a mainy" and checking out the shopping action. We ended up buying warm clothes from Rivers and eating sausage rolls.

The highlight for the weekend was taking a tour through Engelbrecht Cave. A young lady from the South East led us through the cave, pointing out the graffiti on the walls and the genuine rubbish which was left behind. She also showed us the mould which was growing on the rocks but explained how they had slowed the rate of growth by lowering the "waddidge" of the lights. This however, increased the likelihood of falling down the stairs due to lack of light. There was also a dead scuba diver strung up from the roof meant to encourage us to learn how to cave dive.

We also drove down to Pt. MacDonnell and Nelson to check out the water. Reuben had a great time exploring the beach and going on the play equipment with Mike. He was wearing his Superman outfit, so was ready to try anything!

All in all, it was an interesting trip and a very very long drive home (especially as we decided to go via the coast).

Reuben goes a wine tasting

On Saturday we decided to go to McLaren Vale to do some wine tasting- Fox Creek in particular. We set off around midday and had lunch at a cafe where Reuben had his cheeks pinched by old ladies. Anywho, we arrived at Fox Creek and started sampling. Reuben charmed the woman working there with lots of grins and fake coughs. Mike enthusiastically joined the wine club and so we now are the proud owners of 2 dozen mixed red Fox Creek wines.

After the tasting we decided to have a picnic out the back of the winery. Mike got some cheeses, dips and more wine, so we kicked back and enjoyed. Reuben decided to join in and tried various food. He likes quince paste, but not pumpkin dip (which is odd because it's similar to his food). However, the winner were olives in balsamic vinegar! Reuben sucked on those like Starvin' Marvin. It was a victory for Mike (who loves olives) and a betrayal for me (who hates them).

Travellin' in the car

Reuben generally likes the car, but after a while he starts to lose the plot. I think this is mainly due to facing the back seat and not being able to see the action out the front window. He half heartedly plays with Letuce and Ziggy until he either falls asleep or we arrive at our destination. Yesterday he was very tired after his Gymbaroo antics, so he fell asleep. His snoring was amazing, so I thought I'd capture it on my phone. How can such a little boy make so much noise?

Daddy makes beer

As winter sets in, there is no better time to make some beer. With Uncle Jon over for tea the previous friday, we had a few drinks and got inspired. Dark ale and stout were the order of the day, so the beer was created. This weekend the bottling process began.

The kitchen turned into a hive of activity, with Reuben learning the tricks of the trade passed down from father to son. The first batch was bottled and started to get carried out to the shed when disaster struck- the bottom fell out of the washing basket which was used to transport the precious cargo.

At least two litres of stout went onto the carpet, turning the golden hue of rental carpet a lovely shade of rich foamy brown. The next few hours were spent cleaning up the floor, trying to eliminate that pub aroma we all adore.

Reuben watched the drama with little interest, preferring to roll in the lounge and play with his toys.

What we can learn from this exercise is "strickly ironing only"

Flirting with girls

Well, Reuben's shyness seems to have worn off pretty quickly. At Ashleigh's pre-Formal do, Reuben was more than happy to pose for a few photos and smile for the ladies!

Tummy Time

Well, the order of the day is tummy time. Poor old Reuben has to endure four sessions a day to get those chicken arms pumped up! Fortunately Mr. Cow provides good distraction, so TT is becoming less of an ordeal and more of a discovery time.

Shy boy

The last two days have seen Reuben become shy with anyone but those he sees on a daily basis.
Lots of grins still occur, but they are from a safe distance (and whilst being held by mum). However, Graeme (friend to small animals and children) was able to hold him without any dramas whatsoever!