Fun times

That was one very busy weekend!  Wednesday afternoon we pulled into the Gympie Showgrounds with everyone on a high ready for the show to start in the morning.  We tried to organise everyone for an early night but with adrenalin running high this was not easy task!  I think it was nearer 9pm before the younger ones were settled … only to be up at 7.30 am wondering when we were going to the show!

 

Thursday was a quite day, getting the dogs accustomed to the sights and sounds of the show (again) and checking out the sights and sounds for ourselves.  The Aussie FMX were a big hit, especially for Mr 4 whose highlight of the whole show was getting a high five from the O G (Old Guy) of the FMX team!

 

Friday we relaxed some of the day, resting the dogs in preparation for the high jump.  As usual they called the dogs in at 4pm, and then they had to sit and wait (and listen to the grating voice of the MC/commentator who over used the words “Thank you very kindly”) and to pass the time the kids counted the times he used those words!  (26 times in about 3 hours).  They are planning on changing the system next year which will hopefully mean less time sitting round in the sun waiting.

 

After waiting almost an hour and a half they called the dogs in to the main ring and the jumping started!  As always there is another dog there (called Dougie) who can jump over 9 ft and is just too good taking out first prize for three years running!  When it all came down to the line, it was between Sparkie and Tess for 2nd and 3rd place.  Sparkie took out third, then the rain started (which is why there are no still photo’s of this event) so they gave Tess one more jump which she couldn’t do it so they called it.  The prize for 2nd place was a ribbon and $150 and $50 for third place!

 

Saturday saw us up early and heading over for the Novelty Dog competition!  This is our 6th year competing and winning prizes, so it was no surprise that the girls and dogs came away with a good portion of the prize pool. 

 

The highlight this year was Suzanna (age 6) who came in third in Best Child Handler running Tess.

Jasmine and Sparkie, Best Tricks, Gympie Show 2014

 

Chana and Lassie, Best Trick, Gympie Show 2014

More results and pictures are up on the Superdogs Facebook Page.

---

Sunday was another early start as we headed off for our first Superdog performance of the year at the Gympie RSPCA Million Paws Walk.  As it was raining off and on we didn’t get any photo’s of this event either.  It was a success though and everyone enjoyed it and the dogs all got a free hydro bath so smell great now too.

---

Next up is the Springsure Show at the end of the month.  Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we can get some more pics!

---

Ever tried to write a blog when your three young children are watching a movie (in this case Tangled) right beside you?  Sorry if this is a bit disjointed.

Life as we Know it – Guest Post

Hi! I am thrilled to have this opportunity to swap posts for a day with the fantastic Wheel Education. Reading through their blog was fascinating and painted a vivid picture of a lifestyle that would be unheard of on our little island. I am slightly envious of their opportunities to explore and to learn as they travel!

I am a 40 year old married mum of 4. We've had a tough few years, battling serious illness and accidents which has resulted in a total lifestyle change for us. I started blogging as a way to document our new life.

Circumstances have forced us to move to a more rural location and as an unexpected result we have changed our general outlook on life considerably. Despite our initial fears we can honestly say that it has been a change for the better.

In some ways the way our family live now is reminiscent of my childhood in the 70s. The children have much more freedom to play and explore than they did in our previous home. I've always loved the idea of 'free range' children, of letting them play outside and explore. To allow them to make their own entertainment. Sadly as times and attitudes have changed it seems that these ideas are now somewhat frowned upon.

​ The nearby forest

We now live near to a wonderful forest. The 3 elder children go out and play in the street, at the park or in the forest. Exploring and building dens, quite often free from the beady eyes of their parents. All the children in the neighbourhood play out together and look out for each other. If any of my brood do something naughty one of their pals is straight at the door to report the misdemeanour!

​ Off on an adventure!

​Of course I worry that they will hurt themselves but I have to balance that against the opportunity to learn that this freedom gives them. How will they know their limits if they never push their boundaries? How will they know what amazing things they are capable of if they don't have the chance to at least try? It is sad that so many children today live sedentary lives, glued to their games consoles and not exploring their surroundings.

We love to get out and about at the weekend and to explore our surroundings. We all pile into the car with the dog with no particular end game. it adds to the excitement when we don't have any set plans and see where our mood takes us.

​Enjoying the great outdoors

Arts and crafts also play a large part in our lives. It is a great way to explore their creativity and to learn through play. I personally use paper craft and sewing as a way to express myself and to relax. There is nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you made the art on the wall or the bag your children is carrying. We like to do projects as a family and the children often have a part in any larger projects.

​ Making pom poms

Our next project is to start growing some vegetables for ourselves. It is very much a case of stabbing in the dark but we will have fun learning and discovering what works and what doesn't.

Life is very much for living and gaining new experiences. I would hate to look back in a few years time and say that we hadn't tried something out. Life is an adventure!

---

For more post from Life as we know it … check out her blog at LifeAsWeKnowIt

Two weeks to go

Till the start of the winter show circuit and most of us have colds, it’s wet and there are not many suitable places to rehearse!  The stress levels are rising in both the parents and the children!

We don’t have far to drive now to get to Gympie where we start our circuit competing at the Gympie show then the following day (Sunday) performing at the Gympie RSCPC Million Paws Walk.  

Chantel and Freya at the Million Paws Walk 2013

When it rains we often cannot train and travelling up the east coast there are not many free camps where we can pull up for a couple of days and set up the agility equipment!

I’m sure it will all work out, it always does.  I remember a few years back a few days before our first of the year show telling the girls that their routines needed a lot of work, in fact I just may or may not have told them that their routines sucked!  BUT on the day, they shone!  I know this year will be the same.

We did train/rehearse this week after spending time at the beach, when we found an amphitheatre.  Some of the locals/tourists enjoyed a free show.

HERE is our newest video :  Playtime at the beach with the Superdogs

Playing at the beach was a good stress reliever and the girls did well with the rehearsal, but need a bit of polishing before the first show in two weeks!