SOME mums grind their teeth at the sound of their children arguing.

But Alison Connelly is thankful for any sign of normality.

It has been nearly six months since her sons Fletcher, 9, and Spencer, 5, were severely burned in a car fire at their Shorewell Park home.  

Since December the brothers have spent a combined 25 weeks in hospitals between Melbourne and Hobart  and have received more than 15 skin grafts - a procedure they will become very familiar with over the next 10 to 15 years.

Ms Connelly said there had been some dark moments in the family's first week back in Burnie - and she expects many more.

But right now, she's thankful for the small mercies. 

``We went through long periods of time in hospital where there was no life in their faces,'' she said.

``I thought to myself, `am I ever going to get my boys back?'

``But the other day I heard them arguing in the bathtub. 

``I smiled to myself, because I thought it was the best noise I could ever hear.''

Ms Connelly said she barely remembered the first two weeks at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. 

``The days in intensive care  . .  just ran into another,'' she said. 

``We didn't know what time it was, what day it was.'' 

Fletcher was eventually discharged from care after eight weeks, but the younger Spencer, whose burns were more severe, spent an extra two weeks in Melbourne and six weeks in Hobart.

``There was one point when (Spencer) turned to me and asked: `Mum, am I ever going to get out of here?' 

``It was heartbreaking.'' 

In April  the family moved to Ms Connelly's parents' house in Devonport, and the boys returned part-time to classes at Romaine Park Primary School. 

Staff from the Royal Hobart Hospital briefed teachers and students before Fletcher and Spencer returned, and Ms Connelly said the school could not have been more accommodating. 

``The boys are just loving being back,'' she said. 

Fletcher and Spencer were full of life when The Sunday Examiner  caught up with them in the past  week, showing off the games on their iPads  and laughing and wrestling on the floor between photos. 

But they are in a crucial phase of scar management.

They wear full body compression suits, including face masks and gloves, to give their young bodies a chance to heal. 

About an hour of each day is dedicated to bathing and moisturising their skin. 

Mrs Connelly predicts numerous trips between Hobart and Burnie - and possibly even back to Melbourne - over the coming months as her sons continue their recovery. 

But she said the future was less daunting thanks to fund-raising support from the North-West community. Numerous charity events have been hosted to support the family, including   tonight's benefit concert at the Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre.

Organisers said they are hoping pop stars Jessica Mauboy and Juliane Di Sisto can help them raise $30,000 to cover the Connollys' ongoing travel and accommodation costs. 

``I knew we'd get support from our family members and friends, but the support from the community has been absolutely amazing,'' Ms Connelly said. 

``Total strangers have been offering us their help and support. 

``It really restores your faith in humanity.''