The pool goes......

Emptied using the good old siphon method! 

.....without a bang this time!  We discovered that the pool had a terminal leak - 3 different tradesmen confirmed there was nothing we could do and we were very worried that it might explode (again!) so we got it removed instead.  It seemed unfortunate as we have been seriously considering whether we should sell and move down to Manly but despite extensive looking we have struggled to find a house that has the same amount of light and space that ours does.  So instead, this has set us on the path of a major backyard renovation which we are very excited about.  It is such a large space and the pool was never used so we're going to try and open up the house to the backyard so that we actually use it.  

Sandy paw prints in the house are going to get old very quickly.....

Tess turns 16 next week and although she doesn't really like parties (she loves going to them but gets very stressed if she's the host) she decided to invite some of her girlfriends round for pizza.  Coincidentally a lot of the boys they know were also gathering nearby so, like bees to a honeypot, the boys ended up at our house too.  I tried to stay out of the way as much as possible but they were all charming and very happy to talk to me.  The observation I made to myself was that either I am getting smaller or they are all very tall and seem to take up a lot of space!  Tom got stuck in with all the boys and did an amazing job of clearing up dinner etc so that Tess didn't have to.  Jules was at the RSL watching the rugby and was quite upset that I was actually allowed to interact with Tess' friends - he would have  stayed at home if he'd known!  I did a mud cake hack for her cake which they all declared delicious.  

On Friday night we had a Jazz evening at Tess' school which was organised by her music group.  It was really well done with a darkened room, candles on tables and the girls were amazing performing a mix of their own compositions and well known pieces.  Tess played both the piano and clarinet in various pieces and they all seemed to enjoy themselves enormously.  

And finally, it looks like I will very soon be the shortest person in the family.  Tom has been hanging out to be taller than me and it's almost too close to call in this photo!