4 Stray Katz: 9 weeks at home - a whirlwind of work, school, kid's sports and socialising

Time at Home – a whirlwind 9 weeks of work, school, kids sports and socialising

Saturday 22nd April - Friday 23rd June

The kids and I were lucky enough to stay in our friend’s beautiful holiday house on the river for the 9 weeks we were at Bundalong, whilst Daniel stayed with Markus down in Geelong. It was hard being apart, especially after so long together. Daniel only made it up to Bundalong a few times, as he was working 13 day fortnights, so we all missed him a lot. However the kids LOVED being back at school with their friends and participating in after school sports- they certainly made the most of being back.

We did a few trips to Melbourne to catch up with the friends we hadn’t managed to see over the school holidays, and also spent lots of time hanging out with friends from Yarrawonga.

We also managed to sell our old home in Bundalong (https://www.realestate.com.au/property/69-graham-ave-bundalong-vic-3730). We’d had some great times in that home so were a bit sad to have to sell, but we are sure the new owners will love it as much as we did and our bank account certainly loves the influx of funds!!

Highlights of our time at home included:

The incredible sunrises we got to see over the river every morning – all from the warmth and comfort of the house we were staying in (lucky us!)
Jackson being included in local basketball and football teams for the time we were home- he even got to play a half time match when the Yarrawonga Pigeons had a home game.
Emilia joining in with netball training at the Mulwala Football and Netball club- they even gave her a training singlet as a parting gift. She is determined to play for the club next year and has brought her netball on the trip to train.
Jackson getting to the Regional final for cross country running after coming 3^rd in his age group at the school event. He did a great job at Region- coming in at 31^st out of about 100 kids in the 10 year old age group.
The kids having sleep overs and play dates with their friends
Getting to meet our friend’s newly born triplet girls
Going to Bec’s 40^th (even though both Daniel and I felt a bit shabby the next day!!)
Visiting Blair and Lisa in Melbourne for a great night catching up.
The kids were lucky enough to be at school for a few fun events – Education Week activities, Mother’s Day morning tea, Cross Country (which Emilia unfortunately missed as she was unwell), a Colour Run, Year 7 day (which Emilia loved) and the 5/6 sports day in Wangaratta.
I had great fun with a group of friends at an 80s tribute party at Squires Winery- however there is now a funny video of me dancing on their Facebook page (that’s what happens when you start sipping Prosecco before midday!!).

The last week was bittersweet- we’d all enjoyed seeing friends and family so much that it was hard to leave again. However we were ready to be back together as a family, and I was looking forward to more adventures. The kids had a hard last day at school- there were a few tears when saying their goodbyes to their best friends.

Daniel got back to Bundalong on Saturday morning and we worked like maniacs to get packed and ready to leave on Sunday afternoon, excited for the an Outback adventure at The Big Red Bash!

Jackson loved watching the footy on the big TV...and on a big couch!

The view out to the river - I certainly didn't tire of this.

Jackson played for the Blues in the Yarrawonga Under 10s Friday night footy comp.

A stunning rainbow just a few steps out the back....

...then a gorgeous sunset looking the other way.

The kids had a blast at the Albury Skating Ring

After a few hours skating they were starving so they really enjoyed lunch out at a nearby cafe.

Winter really hit when we were at home and we had some very cold and dreary days.

Emilia and the gorgeous macrame plant holder she made for Bec C for her 40th.

At Bec's 40th birthday party - it was a really fun night.

Cutting the moves!

Another gorgeous sunrise we got to enjoy whilst eating breakfast.

At the local school cross country running competition- Jackson put in a huge effort and came 3rd in his age group.

He was pretty hot and sweaty afterwards.

At the Regional Cross Country - he did a great job in very difficult conditions. It had been raining the day before so the track was very wet and muddy.