Not sure how to start this story without sounding like a babbling idiot dad, as I can't begin to explain the emotion one feels when sending their first born off for the first day of school. It's usually a scary and exciting experience not only for the child but the parents as well, worrying how he will adapt in the classroom and if he's up to scratch with the rest of the students.

I've never felt so proud of Nicholas, seeing him up and early in his uniform all ready and raring to go. I used to always worry how he would behave in class and if he would have the focus needed to sit and learn, but seeing him in his over sized shorts, those fears melted away. Who cares how he goes, as long as he enjoys his experience and the people around enjoy him. I know on most occasions he is a bit all over the place, but I think there is a little too much pressure these days on kids to perform at such a young age, but I'm jumping slightly ahead in the story.

So all went well at the start of the day. Nicholas was assigned a peg for his belongings, then was taken into the class and given some small tasks to do like write his name, cut out pictures, create some art and etc. He was having such a great time, he asked me when I was taking mummy home and he would be fine. So after about an hour or so we left with a sad Alex not wanting leave his brother and big school behind. It was sad to see the brothers split apart for the first day in such a long time. We ended up packing Alex a school bag so he didn't feel left out as you can see in one of the photos. He even gave Nicholas a massive hug when Nisha went to pick him up at the end of the first day.

On the way out of the classroom, the teacher pulled Nisha aside, wanting to have a brief word about Nicky. Alarm bells in her head started to ring thinking Nicky had attacked another kid or graffitied all over the classroom el-barto style. It seems that he had a problem focusing during reading time, lying down while the teacher was reading a book, the draw string on his pants were hanging out and he was frustrated with that and other minor things like that. That's when Nisha's curry mum instincts kicked in, worrying that he will never become a dr and that his life was ruined.

So when I got home that night, I was confronted with a slightly irate mother worried sick about this news. When i heard what exactly had been said, i thought to myself (and probably said it out loud) who the f**k cares. He's 5 years old, of course he has problem focusing. I'm nearly 32 and i have problem's focusing at times. Kids will learn this shite. It's the first day of school FFS, they have time to adapt into the routine needed and learn how to focus properly. Regardless of the news, its better off having the teacher bruise your ego a bit and identify issues that might need fixing than having tell us news we want to hear, although I think a little too much was expected on the first day.

All in all, Nicholas had a great time and we're so proud of him being braver than we we're with his jumping into full time learning. Can't wait to see how tomorrow goes...

A couple of minutes ago I went to investigate a loud rattling sound coming from the front of the house only to find:

Apart from some minor scratches, the boys had a great time having a little ride in front of the house after helping "The ba" with some yardwork.

Today we set out for BBQ at the Adiyody Ranch with 15 or so of our closest relatives. The hour long drive (only an hour thanks to my superb driving skills) was well worth the effort due to the roast pig that awaited us.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with the excited shouts and cheers by our welcoming committee, namely the beautiful little Caitlyn and Meira running towards the car full bolt screaming NICHOLAS & ALEX at the top of their lungs.

The kids had a ball today, riding their bikes and Milo, Caitlyn's Shetland pony. Although trying to keep each of them happy while the other rode was a bit of task in itself. It started to get a little violent afterwards during the Ben 10 / Decepticon wars but with a timeout and tiredness finally kicking in, everything settled down so that the booze and food was enjoyed by all.

As always, the food was awesome.  Even with the pig catching alight, the crackling went down a treat, as did the rest of the 10 or so dishes that were served throughout the day. I think I've probably added 10 or so kilos during these holiday festivities, which unfortunately finish today. Time to kick start my new year's resolutions with some well needed exercise...

In an effort to get out and about more, the AGI's have started geocaching. For the folks out there that don't quite know what geocaching is, it's basically a high tech treasure hunting game. A bit geeky, but fun none the less.

Our latest trek has taken us to Roseville Chase attempting to find the Two Creek's cache. As soon as we set out on the off-road track, the heavens opened above and the down pour began. Luckily enough for us, the boys love the combination of water and dirt,  jumping into each and every single puddle they can find.

Here are some photos along the easier part of the track:

Can't believe our little man is four years old. Seems like only yesterday we were rushing to hospital so he could be delivered on time.

For some reason, this shot reminds of a 70s rock star. Taken today on the way to Balmoral beach for Nicholas' birthday.

Our little boys at swimming lessons.

Since it was such a gorgeous day, we decided to take the boys out to one of the local parks around Chatswood. It's funny to see the differences in personality and how they like to play. Nicky is scared to swing or climb to high on the equipment, but will walk up to and play with any child that's around. Alex on the other hand, is a little shy to approach other kids on his own but loves being a daredevil on the swings.