Brandon's first Birthday Party

No Brandon is not 1 year old himself yet, but his friend Cameron turned ONE this weekend. Cameron is the son of another Australian/Canadian couple Karen and Spencer. Cammie works with Karen.

It was a great afternoon and thankfully not too crazy! There were only 4 kids at the party in total (all boys) so it wasn't a total zoo. Brandon although the youngest certainly held his own against the older kids.......it probably had something to do with the fact that although he was the youngest he was by far the biggest!!

The birthday boy Cameron reminding everyone how old he is.

Brandon challenging Cameron to a staring contest to see who the top dog is!

Brandon was feeling in a mischievous mood and makes a grab for Cameron's balls! :-)

Brandon and his older (but smaller friend) discussing the age old question.........is there life after turning ONE?!

Alaska Cruise

Last week Brandon went on his first cruise.....to Alaska of all places!! Cammie, Brandon and Martha wished me a Bon Voyage in Vancouver and sailed off into the sunset to celebrate Martha's birthday in style.

Saying goodbye to Daddy was sad, but everyone got over that pretty quickly!!

The accommodation was first class!

In room movies.....

In room Spa Jacuzzi Tub.....

King size bed, fit for a King!!!

Who could ask for more......but there was more, much more!!

Restaurants with a view.
Brandon even experienced his first taste of a fine dining restaurant.

King Brandon sitting on his throne!!

The name's Bond.......Brandon James Bond. What a poser!!

Swimming Pool with a fabulous view.

And let's not forget the scenery, which was nothing short of spectacular.
There was plenty of laughs and quality time to be had with Mum.

..........and Grandma (Abby)!

A man could even find some quiet time to be alone with his thoughts.

There were several opportunities to get off the ship at various stops along the way to do some exploring.

Brandon discovered his love for 'cabooses'!

The highlight of the trip was Martha's birthday which Brandon got all dressed up for. Grandma (Abby) was excited to celebrate her birthday in style, sitting beside her favourite person in the world.

Swimming Class - Volume 2

Brandon had his second swimming class on Friday night and I'm happy to report it was much more successful than his first one. There were no tears on display and he actually really seemed to enjoy the experience!!

The noodle colour wasn't my choice but Daddy said it was OK to wear pink because I'm so masculine!! ;-)

Brandon learning to blow bubbles............with his mouth!

Havin' fun yet?!

There's nothing like a warm shower after a workout in the pool.

Happy Mother's Day

Brandon and Cammie's first Mother's Day...........strange that all the pressure was on Dad?!!

The morning started with a special breakfast that consisted of Mum's favourite breakfast treat...French Toast. Then came the presentation of the previous days work a.k.a the Mother's Day gift by the up and coming new artist Brandon Van Gogh and a lovely Mother's Day card.

Brandon even wore a special top for his Mum on Mother's Day.

For the afternoon a Thomas family picnic (another first) was organised. We all had a great time and the guest of honour (Mum) seemed to really enjoy herself.

Brandon clowning around and wearing the Tupperware as a hat!

Even Dad got some quality time in.

The 1st ever Thomas Family Picnic.

Brandon's decided his last special act before going to bed was to help his Mum put all his clothes away in the drawer.....what a thoughtful son he is!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums who read this!!

Brandon Van Gogh!

Brandon decided he wanted to make his Mum a present for Mother's Day and with a little help he was able to create an absolute masterpiece!!

The purpose built facility for the Master Artist served 2 purposes:

1. To help inspire the young painter
2. To protect the other, much larger purpose built facility......our home!!

The Master starts his craft.

And here is the finished product; a Masterpiece I'm sure you'll agree. There have been several offers from the Louvre in Paris, the Ufizzi in Florence and the Tate Modern in London however as the owner (Mrs. Cammie Thomas) has priced the piece as 'Priceless' all offers to date have been refused.

Swimming Class - Volume 1

Brandon had first swimming lesson and for the first time in his short life he didn't take to a new experience like a duck to water!! ;-) In fairness to Brandon the pool was pretty loud and busy, not to mention about 10,000 times bigger than his bathtub so the experience was probably a little overwelming.

The tears started even before we got in the water.

And continued once we were in there.....

He didn't even enjoy the ride on the pontoon!

Ahh, maybe a ride down the slide would put a smile on his face...............?

Nope.....he didn't like that either!

I decided to sit Brandon on the edge of the pool and talk to him a little about his Australian roots and our strong traditions as some of the world's best swimmers.

That seemed to do the trick, and although still a little nervous he started swimming.

First on his back.....

And then on his front!!

A little I love you Dad and thanks for the Pep Talk was whispered in my ear!

Brandon even managed to finish off the class with a small but reserved grin!!! What a Brave Boy!

Seattle Roadtrip

This weekend we took a roadtrip down to Seattle to catch up with some friends. We stayed with Cherish, Scott, Ella and Cole........Brandon had a great time playing with them and even learnt to drive!

Brandon's first driving lesson.....notice the 10 and 2 hand position on the wheel.

He was initially a very safe driver, always looking left and right before taking off at an intersection.

Boys will be boys though and the minute Dad was out of sight he started doing some burn-outs!!

Ella and Cole on the wagon.

Brandon facing off with his new mate Cole in the Wagon.

Brandon saying goodbye and thankyou to Cherish for a great weekend.