This is the 'before' image.
After removing the railings...
... and 'stage 1' of the decking.
Alison found it necessary to inspect the work and decided that she would don her trusty new 'backyard boots' and become the new foreman for the job.
Keen to examine every detail, there were a few hurdles to overcome (literally!) in completing a full inspection. "Didn't there use to be some steps here??"
One of the main posts - also one of the main reasons it needed doing!
So... on with the gloves!
Checking out the wheelbarrow
Deciding that we'd leave Dad to it and pick some frangipanis insead
I'm sure I'm going to be in big trouble with Alison when she's older for taking this photo and the ones that follow: "Mum! Why did you dress me like that?! And then get the camera out?!??" Well, it was to mark the occasion of the new 'backyard boots' that were purchased yesterday which she enjoyed striding around the backyard in today. Also, due to going on holidays on in two days time and not wanting to wash more clothes before we go, it was one of those 'dress in whatever we aren't going to be packing to take on holidays' days - so the outfit probably isn't the most fashionable.
... and to complete the ensemble - the favorite Wiggles hat (just trying to figure out which way it goes on)...
um... wardrobe malfunction?
"Rain! rain! rain!" cried Alison as the sky opened up last week (actaully it sounded more like "aeeeeeen! aeeeeeeen! aeeeeeeeeeeeen!"). She has been a big fan of Tim Baily (weather man on channel 10) for a long time and has recently taken to standing out the back, holding her hand in the air and making weather observations and predictions. Actually, she's become more reliable than Tim Baily so maybe channel 10 can give her a job! She also enjoys playing outside on the deck in the little puddles that form after even a brief shower.
No, this is not Alison studying for her parachuting license. In light of the realization that in approximately two short months Fletcher will be eating solids (!!!), and the thought of two highchairs in the house being a little too much hassle (as well as the fact that one highchair creates enough of an obstacle course in our dining space), it was decided that it’s about time for Alison to be ‘out of the highchair’. So, a trip to our favorite supplier of ‘all things baby related’ (i.e. “baby’s galore” at Castle Hill) was in order. The purchase of the latest accessory for strapping small people to household objects was met with some hesitation at first by Alison, but she soon got the hang of it and will hopefully be able to ‘sit with the big people’ for mealtimes. It’s hoped to also come in handy for ‘eating out’ in the future.
Another (somewhat more 'water-wise') way to beat the heat - having a splash in the 'pool'!
101 uses for a playmat
Glam girl! 
Going up!
Mothers Day at the zoo
My first haircut! 
