Watts in Australia

Here's a break down of the weekends activities:
- Friday evening - Cirque du Soleil (Varekai)
- Saturday - Kaitlyn's 9th Birthday Party
- Sunday - Kayaking & fun on the river
- Monday - Perth Royal Show
Michael had a long weekend; first time off he's had without having to pack, unpack, view properties, etc, etc. Varekai was breathtaking. The Show is in London from 6th Jan 2008. If you were thinking of going to London in the next year or so I'd recommend accelerating your plans and seeing this. Some of the acts border on the unbelievable; they're that good. You're not allowed to take photographs so we only got one of the big tent during the day. Some details can be found at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/varekai/intro/intro.htm or just GOOGLE "Varekai" or "Cirque du Soleil".
Unless you're into live music the next big show in Perth is the Red Bull Air Race on 3rd & 4th of November. Now it really will be good http://www.redbullairrace.com/

FRIDAY EVENING - The Big Top; Cirque du Soleil

A random tree trunk photograph Delia took near Cirque du Soleil. Delia thought it was like something from Harry Potter. Those kerb stones really are 3ft long.

SATURDAY - Getting ready for the Party. A welcoming banner strapped between two of the palm trees in the front garden. A bit early but with all the friends going away for the October break it had to be brought forward by a week

Happy Birthday to You

They must have been able to see through the blind fold. Well, all bar one!

Pinata BEFORE

Panata facing certain death

Party Games

Birthday Cake

SUNDAY - Fun on the River. Kaitlyn and two of her friends splashing around on a Kayak in the Swan River, near Point Walter. Earlier in the day Michael and his friend Graeme paddled 15km from the house to Point Walter on two of these Sit-on Kayaks. It was a great day. We used one of the public BBQs at Point Walter to cook up some food and even Delia had a go on the Kayak

MONDAY - Perth Royal Show. There really was so much going on here and no way of seeing everything. Many of the photos didn't turn out too good unfortunately but hopefully there's enough to give you a taster. We just went on the Monday but the Show is on all week with different things featured every day.

The Scouts had a rock face set up for budding Mountaineers

Kaitlyn and Chloe loved the Dog Obedience Competition

The Pixie Chicks; Local Teen Child Band (11 to 15 years). Very popular and will soon be touring the UK

There were two Snails with Pixie folk riding them around the Show. Not sure if it was Animatronix or folk inside the Snails but very good all the same

The Rockin' tug ride (Children's section)

Pokemon Dude High-Fiving Kids

Horse jumping display

Horse Parade

Alpaca Llamas getting ready for their turn in the Arena

Lumberjack Competition. Amazing to see. This was one leg of an Australian wide Competition and it was Competitors only. Michael sulked because he wasn't allowed a shot!

Looking down "Sideshow Alley", which is a mere fraction (I'd guess 1/10th) of the Show grounds, ignoring the main Arena. This was the most popular and obviously the busiest area.

Another pic just off Sideshow Alley

Cohunu Koala Park was a bit different. Enter at your own risk is what it says in the brochure. You really are close to Emus, Koalas, Dingoes, Eagles, etc. A bit disconcerting initially but once you get used to it it's ok. The Emus wander around and get really close but just ignore you. There's a jurassic park thing going on in the background as you'll see from the photos. Keeps you entertained. Kids loved it.

Hapless, stumpy armed Barney. Even Delia and Chloe got up close without being grabbed.

A Quokka. More common on Rottnest Island but many are kept in captivity on the mainland.

Kaitlyn, Chloe and Humpty Dumpty (from left to right).

Kailtyn was so pleased she was over 140cm and passed the criteria for getting her photo taken with a Koala.

Chloe has this photo on her Bebo and everybody says it looks like a cuddly toy. It's most definitely real but keep the wind-up going if you speak to her.

Michael, Delia, Chloe and Kaitlyn. Guess who's who?

She's not interested Mate. Don't waste your time.

Mum, hey Mum, do you think they can see me?

Really scary. This beast is 3ft tall and contained inside an excuse for a cage, which is 4ft tall and has no roof. Either its wings are clipped or it's just fed up plucking people's eyes out - but it never came near us (thankfully).