Four Oh

For those that aren't aware - or distracted due to some wedding or other that was taking place - yesterday was my 40th birthday. At least the UK took a national holiday to celebrate my great occasion. Sadly, the Aussies didn't seem to appreciate me as much - so I had to take the day as a holiday. Feeling the need to get off the sofa and stop feeling sorry for myself (and to act younger than my age), I dragged Maxine back to Lysterfield lake for some mountain biking.  So after repairing a puncture, we loaded the bikes into the car and drove over there.  Avoiding the tempting meat pies at the cafe, we did a lap of the lake (around 9km) and then collapsed in the afore mentioned cafe for a coffee.  Feeling like Lance Armstrong after his comeback, we drove back home and got ready for a meal in the city.  We went to "ezard" - which is one of the best resturants in the city and had the 8 course tasting menu.  With a full belly and sore legs.... the 40th is over.  I miss my 30's already....... A few pictures are here.

Lysterfield Lake

We're back in Aus for Easter and today we went to Lysterfield lake which is just a few miles drive from our house. We haven't been for quite a while so it was nice to get back there and have another look. We had a walk across the dam and got some fresh air into our lungs after the flight from Singapore .... then went to the cafe. Discovered mountain bike trails all over the lakeside area - so we'll be back with bikes next time. It was actually the mountain bike site for the 2006 Commonweath Games - but I think we'll be steering clear of those tracks. May be a tad hard for the beginner... See the pics here.

Singapore part II

The last few days in Singapore have been filled with beaches, shopping and the zoo. OK and a bit of work for both of the adults in our regional offices. The rest of the photos are online here. The kids had a great time with Spencer & Matilda on the beach and then also at Singapore Zoo the next day. Shopping with them wasn't quite as much fun - and the shops here need some serious dedication. We've never seen so many shopping centres in one place - it has to be seen to be believed.  There are clearly some very wealthy visitors to this place !  A good trip but we're looking forward to getting home after 3 weeks away.

Sentosa Island - Singapore

As you'll be able to tell from the pictures, we've now departed the UK and arrived in Singapore on Thursday to the sunshine & humidity.  Its taken us all a while to adjust to the time difference but we're about back on track now.  Today we went to Sentosa Island with our Aussie Expat friends, Darren, Tanya, Matilda & Spencer. We stayed in Sentosa four years ago and its now pretty much finished its development into Singapore's playground destination - with golf courses, beach resorts, resturants & a Universal Studios theme park. We did the luge ride with the kids (good fun) and then hit the beach.  After a very late lunch, we headed back to their place just off Orchard Road (major shopping destination) and had a few beers and dinner.  See the pics from today here.

Boys on the toon

This is a rare sighting of the "boys" (minus Geoff) out on the town. Age is clearly setting in as we now start to hit 40 (Armour has already cleared that hurdle) as we can only make it out twice in a year these days.  I think I have the best excuse given that I live 12,000 miles away. Good night out had by all - especially those who could stay out beyond their 11pm curfew !

Youngster turns 5

Today our little one turned 5 - and for the first time he celebrated it in the UK. It seems like the only time we are in the UK is when one of the kids has a birthday and this time has been no exception. As usual we will be carrying an additional suitcase back to Melbourne for all of the additional toys to add to the substantial stash already there.  Thanks everyone for the presents .... To mis-quote Kevin Keegan .... "He's loving it".