Visitors

We had visitors from the UK for 5 days. However, this is the only photo I took... The kids loved having Izzy and Wyn stay with them. Though, after Bronte yelled out "see you soon" as they were driving to the airport, she whispered to me "we are not really going to see them soon, are we? because they live so far away. Maybe someday". Swedish crew - I credit you for long distance understanding.

hungry hippo

We have released the hungry hippo into the house - thinking that Zach may now be old enough not to eat the balls. Which is true. But he is not too old to throw them off the deck...

Thanks Nat!

Thank you Nat for the early 4.5 present. It has been a BIG winner - this was the first picture, but many more (and much better) ones have been stuck and drawn.

Just around the corner...

This was KB's baby shower one week before she was having bub. Although we didn't know it at the time, the beautiful Millie was hiding in there. It was great to catch up with a few other of the frisbee mums and mums to be.

Hey Presto

It was time for Sila's party - and she had an awesome magician. But topping the magician's jokes was the reaction from two of Bronte's friends - Olivia and Audrey - who looked at each other and cackled Benny Hill style after each joke.

Jam face

Berry pancakes with Jam. A big hit for Mr Sweet Tooth.

Afternoon entertainment

The plan was to take Ava and Finn to the park so that renovations could be done. But Zach had given Finn conjunctivitis, and then in my enthusiasm for a bare-footed race, Ava received a prickle. Excellent baby sitting on my behalf... but still a nice park play.

Winter water play

Yes - it is winter. I love winter in Brisbane. This was combining hosing the garden with entertaining the children. Most photos were not for general consumption - including the moment of Zach imitating his sister's bush wee style.

Time for a haircut...

Family golf arvo

While dad and Sean played the game with sticks and balls, the rest of the family got to drive the cart. One of those afternoons where you remember just how lucky you are to living in such a gorgeous spot.

Picnic and hikes

First off on the public holiday was a picnic at Mt Cootha with a walk up to the falls. All kids (bar Zach) are now able to hike to the top of the falls, which is pretty cool.

18 months

A month of songs - with all the actions for open/shut them; twinkle twinkle; heads and shoulder and "more" "more" "more". Zach linked his words for the first time this month "More book mumma", and the other words are flooding out (especially if you have a mothers ear). It has been tough in term of sickness, teeth, and sleep deprivation - but lucky he is such a charmer.

Ekka time!

We hooked up with the Hendersons and hit the Ekka. Dagwood dogs, strawberry sundaes, animal feeding, and giant slides. No showbags - but lots of fun.

4.3 I know that

Four going on fourteen this month, and confirmation that yes - she is definitely ready for school. Or at least the discipline of school. With the olympics and sickness from Zach, the household has been very tired, and Bronte has been putting some attitude into the mix to make for some fun moments. What has progressed markedly this month is her drawing and storytelling. She has been making 8-10 page books, with drawings and her writing on each page. She is also up to chapter books at night time - we are currently reading through Thumbalina.

Sick boy

Infected adenoids, eight new teeth, conjunctivitis, ever-green snot and a hacking cough - it has been a tough few weeks for Zach (and his parents). Coupled with the olympics, I am almost hallucinating from sleep deprivation. Hopefully with the olympics ending, and antibiotics starting, recovery is not too far away.

Park catch up

Out to the park for a play with Rog and some sun to help with the colds and snot.

More.. book

Zach loves his books. LOVES his books. He has a regular set that are on extremely high rotation. The most read one is a Thomas the tank engine one, but this Alphabet book is right up there. On a Sunday he charges over to Grandma, settles in next to her and demands "book, book". And then "more book".

Mess-free painting

I found this mess-free painting idea online. It wasn't quite as fun as what I was hoping, and we ended up doing real painting anyway. But these do remain as pretty cool placemats.

Round and round the garden...

Huge giggles with Aunty Jenny, doing round and round the garden, like a teddy bear.

Another weekend, another great party

This weekend was Alex's birthday party. Alex upped the ante by inviting not only all the kindy kids, but also all the pre-kindy kids. This meant that Bronte got to hang out with one of her favourite friends - Christian. In kindy, you very rarely see her next to a boy. But her and Christian were inseparable for three years until she moved up to kindy, and he didn't (he is a bit younger). Watching them together reminded me just how much they love hanging out.

Hitting the hills

Some do the track on their BMX bikes, others do it on their pink scooters.

higher and hoppier

Bronte looks forward to gymnastics all week, and races out to participate. She scampers up the rope like a monkey.

Stars and cakes and gingerbread men

The homemade playdoh was a big hit. I might even get enthusiastic and do a different colour next time.