Rodents, Boobs and Football

After reading the title, one might think that this blog is written by a man. They would be wrong! The Saenz family has been busy here in Brisbane. First things first...it would appear that we have a rodent/marsupial/unidentified animal that would really like to make it's way into our nice, warm and cozy home. James and I woke up on a Saturday and a Sunday morning, to find evidence of a break in at the back door. Not a scary break in, not a human break in, but one of the animal kind. Of course, thinking as most Texans do...our first thought went directly to hunting.

1. What is the animal?

2. What does it want?

3. How do we get rid of it?

See below for evidence of the damage.

It is either a really thirsty animal, who is tired and needs some caffeine, or it got really mad when we tried to cover the hole with a case of coke.

I think we are a pretty cool family, and fun to be with, but I am also pretty sure that I don't want to share our house with what ever animal wants in! Nifty hole in the back door.

Stay tuned for excerpts of our hunting adventures. I have placed poison and traps inside and outside the house. My next step is the nearest hunting/fishing store for a bb gun or pellet gun. I guess sometimes you just can't take Texas out of the girl. James got on line to identify some of the animals we have seen in our trees at night. What we were calling a opossum is actually called a bandicoot. He has also identified the Australian version of a opossum, called a Brush Tail Opossum. Sorry...no photos of our nightly neighbors. James has threatened to shoot himself a Brush Tail Opossum and make himself a hat for a souvenir...we shall see!

So one night, I walked into our bedroom to find this lovely little blonde girl wearing my bra. She promptly told me "I have mommy's boobs on." The way she said it was so cute, I had to grab a photo. Of course this lead to the older sister needing to "wear mom's boobs" as well.

So proud of her "big boobs." She informed me she would be grown up when hers looked like mine. Hmmm...what do say to that?

You can't tell in the photo, but this is "pantless" Ashtyn riding her car on the back porch. Good thing we have a wall in the back yard and tall trees. Hopefully our neighbors don't see the 1/2 naked 2 year old running around.

Kenyon has started playing AFL. That means Australian Rules Football League. Even I am not sure of all the rules, but she seems to be enjoying it. I am hoping it teaches her to continue to run away from the boys, and oh yes...knock em down every once in awhile!

Practicing a kick!

Rule Number 1. HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL!

Rule #2 - Knock down anyone who gets in your way!

Kenyon "freight train" Saenz let Coach Shawn have it after he tried to stop her!

I think we are just about ready to sign her...know of any football teams that need some assistance?

I want to ride my bicycle. I want to ride it where I like...

We ended Saturday afternoon with a bicycle ride/wagon pull down to the park. Ashtyn got the wagon and Kenyon was excited to finally get to ride her bike. Riding to the park sounds like a lot of fun...until you realize that we live on a large hill. That means you end up racing down the hill to get to the park, and then ask mom/dad to wheel the bike, hold you and pull the wagon back up the hill.

Ashtyn, ready for her wagon ride, down the hill.

Barbie bike - check, Barbie helmet - check. Now, will someone please open the gate and let me out?

"Am I doing this right daddy?

"Here Kenyon, let a pro show you how it is done." James sure does make barbie look good.

You can sure work up a thirst while being pulled down hill in a wagon.

Nothin to this bike riding thing. If I can master swimming, I am ready for my first triathlon.

On second thought, maybe a little more practice.

From a house to a home...

Thursday arrived which much excitement and anticipation! It was D-DAY...delivery day! James stayed home to welcome the delivery trucks while I took the kids to school. Upon my return, there, parked in our driveway was the most beautiful vehicle I have ever seen. Yes, I do believe a tear or two slipped down my cheeks.

If you ever doubt that your kids appreciate their toys, take them away from them for about 11 weeks. They will show their appreciation then.

The girls rediscovered Barbie...

and remembered they had outdoor toys.

Beds were a favorite among the whole family. I think the kids were both tired of air mattresses and pack n plays. This delivery also transitioned Ashtyn into her toddler bed, and I am happy to announce she is doing great with the transition. No fussing, no crying and no climbing out of bed.

James and I stayed busy all weekend, unpacking, and trying to find homes for our things. But in three days, look what we accomplished...

Looking at half of the kids game room. When you come downstairs, this is the room you see.

Other half of the kids game room. Their game room, bathroom, bedrooms, laundry room and a storage room, are all downstairs.

Looking in from the front door. You walk into our house on the second floor. Our bedroom, bathroom, guest bedroom and bathroom, kitchen, eating area and living room are all upstairs.

Yes, through this door is my little kitchen. I do miss the big "Texas" sized kitchen from our old house, but this kitchen does have better windows and a better view.

Yup...that white thing in the bottom right hand corner, is a fridge. Our beer fridge to be exact. The only other place to put that would be downstairs in the storage room. Who wants to walk downstairs to get a beer, glass of wine, margarita etc? Not anyone in this family. So, we have made the fridge part of our decor.