Crumpled Home

The Perth Royal Show is held every year and is similar to the state fairs that take place across the US. It’s generally focused on agriculture and regional Australia (with prizes awarded for the best livestock), but also includes a lot of rides, junk food and … showbags.

Showbags are generally themed and have 5-15 different toys, gadgets and other bits of plastic junk relating to that theme. We like to think we’re doing our very important part to support the Chinese economy. The kids spend a lot of time agonising over which bag to get; comparing the contents, considering the utility and evaluting the coolness factor. They’re fully aware, however, that the chocolate and candy bags are totally off limits.

We had another reason for visiting the show this year: LR had two of her photographs accepted into the photographic exhibition. It was a big accomplishment; only the best photos make it in, and she was competing with high school kids, too!

This year, we visited two times: once during the day, and a follow-up visit in the evening to see the excellent fireworks with Grammy, Poppa and the Melbourne cousins, PA and MS.

Well, we're here guys. What should we do first?

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March came to a close and it was a big month for the kids. LR competed in a diving competition, where she was the youngest, as well as the only kid representing her school. RJ also stepped into his first trampolining competition and took third place! Congratulations kids! We also had a few dinners at the beach and the river in the evening, and spent lots more time outside enjoying the cooler weather.

… and Mom looked ridiculous.

LR steps up as her name and school are read out.

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On the weekend, LR competed in her first gymnastics competition. Tensions were running high for everyone. After three years of lessons, four hours a week of training, and many, many car trips between the gym and home, we (Mum and Dad) were hoping this would be a positive experience, and not a reason for LR to suddenly take up tap dancing.

It took a while for Mum to get LR's hair exactly right.

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Remember this picture?

... Most of the universe is empty space ...

LR was very excited to receive a package in the mail yesterday from Double Helix magazine. It turns out that her wonderful Solar System picture won her a prize in the competition!

LR and her letter of congratulations.

LR's prize painting is now up on the wall next to her robot picture.

LR won this artist-signed print in the competition.

LR has been working on this one intermittently for a few weeks now.

Well done kiddo!