House chores and music exams

Jules has spent the past 4 weekends stripping back the swimming pool deck and re-oiling it.  A job we haven't done since we built the deck about 8 years ago.  It is looking fantastic in time for summer.  

I got the kids to help me with the decking around the house.  Tess was very helpful despite the fumes from the decking oil irritating her eyes.  Tom complained very quickly about his back hurting so I had to take over his section but he felt guilty and came back saying he needed to "man up"!

Last weekend Tom and I headed to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he took his Grade 4 saxophone exam.  He has worked so hard over the past month and he was remarkably relaxed about the exam.  We were both thrilled when we found out that he got an A - such an amazing achievement! 

I love this photo of Ted (the one in the middle) and a couple of his friends up at the park all in thrall to Gabrielle as she makes them sit for a treat!