Carols in the Park

After many rain cancelled years, we finally made it to our local carols by candlelight. It was fantastic - over 1000 people, each with their picnics and blankets, kids running mad around the oval, and a 15 minute firework show to top it off. The carols were beautiful, but they were very much the background music to the hum of conversations and kids laughing. We caught up with other locals - Zoe and Ava in the fun. 

Not a good idea...

I still keep thinking that food colouring, kids, and me is an ok combination. It is not. However, a liberal spray of Preen on the clothes, and some rapid work on the bench top meant that the damage was limited.

The joy of the $2 shop

Reindeer ears for them, reindeer ears for the the car. The car ones were only allowed when I was driving.

22 months

22 months in and I am still wrapping my head around what having a boy means. For Zach it means quiet = mischief and anything can be climbed. The words are flooding out, including the very adorable "I love you". At school he has moved up to the next room, and is generally doing well, though the biting still surfaces every now and again... The choosing of his own clothes has begun - with his Upsy Daisy top (pictured) - it is not right unless he has the matching flower pants. Yes - he is quite a fan of his sister's hand-me-downs such that his favourite colour is pink, and there are fights over who gets the pink cup. In terms of sleeping, he is far better than his sister ever was (or is) - and we are getting up to double digits in terms of sleeps through the night. He is also going very well in his self-induced toilet training, with ~80% success rate.  

Friends

A mid-week babysit for Zoe led to dress-ups, a disco dance party, and a viewing of the christmas lights.  Although they will be off at separate schools next year, these two will always be friends. 

4 years, 7 months

It has a busy few months with sickness (everyone) and busy-ness (everyone). Bronte received her transition statement from her kindy (kinda like a report card) which stated "Bronte is a compassionate, friendly child who loves to laugh, attracting many peers to join her in play". I will take that! Over the past two months we have been working with the teachers on strategies to encourage participating in activities where she is a bit shy - typically it involves negotiating a deal. She is learning how to "hold it in", and try even when she is scared. Which is a pretty big deal. On the home front she remains very loving - and very tolerant - of Zach, only occasionally pleading for some alone time. 

The crowned princess

Bronte normally does not let her face be painted at school - but princess crown including purple eye shadow were way too tempting an offer. A princess face, just like this, was her latest request to Santa. 

A visit to kindy

We cut it fine, but I managed to squeeze in my second class visit for the kindy year (the first was just reading a book). This time, Marina and I helped the kids make shortbread. You got the feeling that cooking was no novelty to this guys, but - it was a tasty, and successful morning.

The artist

I was reminded the other day to make note of my impressions of what the children may be when they were older. I have always thought of Bronte as the "all-rounder", but right from birth, I have thought of Zach as the "artistic boy". He loves music, dancing, and drawing, and is starting to show an artistic temperament...  It must be that strong artistic side that drives him to draw over every available surface. 

My Bubbas

Zach has grown very attached to his two "bubbas" - one named Sam, the other - well, Bubba. It was a near disaster when he left bubba at gymnastics for the week. A substitute needed to be found, and phone calls made. Of course, being a boy, Zach doesn't treat his bubba quite like Bronte used to treat her baby doll - with Bubba getting thrown as much as she is cuddled.