AFL

Last year and this year we were keen to have Daniel start to play some AFL. Last year he was too young to do Auskick as he hadn't started school yet. This year we looked into it but it was either played on Sunday mornings (I'm not ready to loose one of our weekend days. I'd prefer them to be family days) or Thursday late afternoons (which is our family dinner time at Mum and Dad's place and also a school night). So we decided to leave it for this year. Daniel then brought home a note about Auskick being done at school on Wednesday mornings for 4 weeks. We decided to take advantage of this opportunity. We asked Daniel if he was keen and he was very excited!

So a month ago, we got ready early in the morning for an 8am start at school. James wanted Daniel to wear his Swans cap to Auskick which was great because he was then nicknamed 'Swannie' by the coaches. 

He has loved the program! The first week they focussed on kicking, the next week was hand balling and last week was a mixture between the 2. The program has been so well run. There has been no parental involvement required, the kids have been engaged the whole time and the skills have been refined and developed. I have really been impressed with it all.

Here are a couple of videos I took of Daniel kicking goals in the first week. I love his excitement when it goes though. He did pretty well with his kicking. The white witches hats were for the Kindy kids (easier kicks) but the coaches were encouraging Daniel to kick it from different coloured ones too and he was actually scoring goals from them. Next year I think we will try to do a longer program if it works timing wise.

Preschool's 70th Anniversary

We love the preschool that Daniel went to and that Eliza is now at. It is such a wonderful environment, both physically and also emotionally. The care that the kids receive and the learning opportunities that they get are just so precious. A couple of weeks ago we got to celebrate it's 70th anniversary, making it (I think) the longest running preschool in NSW. A pretty good claim to fame I think. 

It was such a wonderfully run day. The gates were open to everyone and anyone - past students, present students, community members. There was a free sausage sizzle, free cake stall, free face painting, Lesley Gibbes came and read some of her stories and had the kids so engaged, kids entertainer, photos of past classes, an art exhibition by the 2018 students. It was just so well set up and the place looked amazing! 

We loved walking around Eliza's classroom looking at past class photos and trying to spot people we knew. Daniel was excited to find his class photos.

We managed to spot Oscar's class photo as well.
We were also glad that there was a class photo of Eliza's class this year.

Eliza's photo was also on the 70th sign at the front of the stage.

The kids liked listening to Lesley Gibbes read some of her stories. Eliza adored the Fairy story and the way that she dressed up to read it. After the readings she did some book signings. I had to get a book for each of the kids to make this special celebration. I love what she wrote on Daniel's book 'Never give up on your dreams.' Amen to that!

Eliza and Daniel then wanted their faces painted and they were amazing! Daniel got a snake and Eliza asked to have a princess makeup.

Next was speeches and cake time. The cake was amazing, made by Eliza's teacher Lorainne. 

I cannot thank this staff for the support they have given my kids over these past 3 years and I look forward to the next 3 years at this preschool. They are very special staff who are so inclusive, welcoming, accommodating, kind, patient, creative and so much more! They are a blessing to our family and so many others.

As we left I saw this poster that was made of different kids quotes about what they like about preschool. I loved seeing Eliza's comment there. She sure does love her dress ups and playing with the little princess dolls.

 
 

Mothers' Day

Mothers' Day has been and gone again for another year. It was a lovely day. Mum was overseas enjoying her and Dad's UK adventure (lucky them!!) so we couldn't celebrate with her but we still headed to Auntie Sue's place for lunch to celebrate the day with her and Grayma, as well as Oscar and Uncle Howie.

The morning started with presents in bed from my 3 lovely little monkeys.

They were so excited to give me their lovely gifts from preschool and school and the shops. I loved reading their messages in the card book.

Reading my Mothers' Day messages

Looking at my gift from Eliza - a necklace

Looking at my gift from Daniel - a star sandwich cutter

Everyone had to help open my present from Alexander

A cookbook!

These 3 kiddies might drive me crazy at times, I might find days hard or moments frustrating, but I sure wouldn't change a moment of being their mum. I love watching them interact with each other, especially when they look out for each other. I love listening to their chats, I love seeing them care for others. I love their cuddles, hugs and kisses. I love being able to bring out their belly laughs from tickling them or from blowing raspberries on their tummy. I love sitting and reading with them. I love their curious minds and their desire to learn more. I love being their mum and all that comes with it! Thank you God for blessing me with these 3 beautiful kiddies! Please continue to help me to raise them in a family that shows them unconditional love, realistic boundaries, God's love, patience, laughs, silliness, open conversations and so much more. Help me to love them no matter what and to show them that they are loved no matter what!

The Friday before Mothers' Day I got to go with Daniel to his school's Mothers' Day breakfast. It was really nice to walk with just him to school (thanks James for working from home that day!!), to chat with him about different stuff, to watch him fill in the Mother's Day questionnaire, to eat from the tasty buffet and just spend time one on one with my eldest boy - something I don't get to do very much. He is the one who first made me a mother so it was nice to have that time with him.

As I mentioned before, Mothers' Day lunch we still had at Auntie Sue's place. It was a lovely time chatting with Grayma and eating some tasty food.

Daniel read his reader to Grayma.

And Alexander wanted to show her his truck. I do love watching my kids play and chat with Grayma. They are so fortunate to know 3 of their great grandmas well.

We had to laugh at Grandma when Howie went to take a selfie with Grayma on my phone. She was so confused thinking he was showing her a photo. She was looking at it, pointing to herself asking 'Who is that?' Definitely shows the different generations.

The rest of the day saw James head to church to lead the service and me to look after the kids, take them to church and put them to bed. Life of a mumma but as I said before, I wouldn't change it for a moment.




 

Going ons

Over the last few months there have been moments from the day to day activities. Here are some special moments.

Even though I finished feeding Alexander, before finishing, feeding was a family time. Daniel really liked sitting there with Alexander and I, stroking Alexander's hair and asking him to pat his hair too. Too cute.

I am also enjoying Daniel learning to read. I like to sit and listen to him read his reader. I also like how he is starting to pick up some of our books at home and read them. I loved watching him read Alexander's favourite book to him 'Row Row Row Your Boat.'

Eliza and I found a caterpillar which was very cool.

Eliza had played with her dolls house a bit more. She had to show Nana how she plays in her dolls house.

The kids got creative with cardboard boxes making houses. They drew pictures to hang, coloured the walls and floor. They had lots of fun.

I pulled out the shop again for the kids and they had a blast playing in it again.

Daniel has started to do Mathletics and he really likes the different activities. He even chooses to do it instead of watching TV.

Nana and Poppy days equal reading time. One in, all in.

Alexander loves pretending to chat on phones.

Daniel is getting into writing a bit more which I love. I am trying to let him do it a bit more on his own with trying to sound out. One week he decided to write to Nana before we went around to Mum and Dad's place before dinner. It was such a sweet note.

'To Nana. Thank you for having us every week. From Daniel

At Mum and Dad's place Mum had set aside Jenny's old doll, Sally, to put out. Alexander had other thoughts. Each time we asked him if we could put it out, he'd reply with 'no' and give it a big cuddle. Sure enough, Sally is still with us at Mum and Dad's place.

One naptime Alexander woke much earlier than he normally would. I brought him out and lay him on my chest. He seemed really relaxed and then the next moment I noticed that he was asleep again on me. My sweet little boy. I enjoyed these sleepy cuddles with him.

Alexander loves Play School. He is so cute when he sings the song.

Dad found a bike for Eliza while he was out walking. The tyre is flat so needs to be replaced but Eliza liked riding around on her new bike. Unfortunately though it might be too small for her soon but she is liking riding it at the moment.

Daniel had his friend Lachlan around in the holidays for a play date. His mum and I couldn't help but laugh at the boys as they excitedly asked to practice writing their letters with whiteboard markers. It's holidays boys!

I had a chuckle at Alexander who was keen to model wearing his first hard sole shoes.

Each Mother's Group that we have at Emily's house, Eliza and Emily love to dress up as Anna and Elsa. They are gorgeous girls.

At a Thursday night dinner Eliza wanted to have a photo with Nana.

Alexander saw and chimed in with his common question - 'Me too?'

Then my quirky girl wanted to be a cat on Auntie Jenny's lap. Funny girl.

Alexander loves going to Mainly Music. He likes the dancing and singing but he loves seeing Annabelle his little friend. My heart melted when they held hands and started dancing together. Bless.

Alexander just loves giving Eliza cuddle from upside down. They both have many giggle when he does it.

When we went to church, Alexander needed to take his man bag. He wouldn't put it down.

My amazing pram that has been used for all 3 kids is struggling to survive. One of the clips have broken but quick thinking before heading to school meant that I got a food clip to hold the strap in. It is working perfectly.

In the holidays I took the kids to the Reptile Park again. The kids got to pat a large lizard (not sure what it was exactly) and liked looking at all the other animals again.

We then had a fun time in the park.

My 3 cuties

The kids are liking their Swans fan outfits. The members capes are fun.

Guernsey Buddies

 Eliza and Daniel had a nap time together. They were so cute when I walked in to see them having a 'nap' together.

Alexander has decided that he will now walk to school. Most days he makes it all the way. Some days I do need to carry him a lot of the way. He does well for having little legs though.

With the building going on here at home when we have hosted Mum's group, we have met at the park. I just love this photo of Alexander and Eliza with Emily. Such beautiful friendships.

We also had Mum's group in the holidays with all the kids while Jan was visiting with her boys. It was so lovely to catch up with her and everyone. The kids hit it off again and played together so well.

Alexander woke early one morning. I managed to get him to go back to sleep at 5:30 with cuddles and a drink but he woke again at 6:30. I was still tired to took him into bed with me. He then started to breathe heavily. I asked James if he was asleep again and he said yes. He stayed that way for over an hour. It was again so lovely to have these extra cuddles and special moments. 

Alexander likes to run and hide when I need him for something - getting dressed or undressed, putting his shoes on, etc. He runs into his room and then hides like this. He is pretty good at hiding.

Family dinners with Oscar has seen a bit of stacks on. Many smiles and giggles.

Stacks on Auntie Jenny

Stacks on Oscar

Daniel and Eliza decided that they wanted to make lunch for us and I 'wasn't allowed to touch a thing'. It was really cute watching them do all the work on their own. We enjoyed peanut butter sandwiches made by Eliza and veges (carrot, cucumber and cherry tomatoes) by Daniel. I really need to try and take a step back more often to let them be creative and learn these sorts of life skills.

I found a 'make a fairy' kit at the shops so bought it and saved it for a rainy day. Eliza and Daniel really enjoyed making their own fairies. They looked heaps cute too. I encouraged them to stick it onto paper and make a background for it too.

 At the shops, Daniel enjoyed his first Boost Juice. He loved it!

Alexander has started to feed himself every meal, breakfast included. This is quite stressful for James and I because of the mess that occurs from it but he was super keen, resulting in a battle and argument each mealtime so this was the option. It does mean that I can sit and eat my food though which is a bonus.

I am loving seeing the 3rd kiddies starting to play together. They are just too cute! Can't wait to watch them grow up.

Alexander and Flynn enjoying the glass door

Parker, Alexander and Flynn being cheeky

But I also love that the friendships are still strong between the 1st babies too. This is how Daniel walked home with Lachie after school one day.

Eliza and I found a lizard inside the house. I caught it in a container and Eliza decided that she wanted to keep it as a pet. I let her keep it for a short time before we let it go out the back.

Eliza went to her first birthday party for a preschool friend. It was a dress up party and she dressed up as a fairy. She also got her face painted. 

Alexander and I started to help in Daniel's class by doing reading groups. We have the kiddies come out and read a home reader to us. Alexander has been great! I take his backpack (which he loves to carry or pull along) with toys, books and a bit of food and he just works his way through the bag. I'm so glad that I get to do this.

We had the fun the other week of picking Oscar up after school for 2 days and hanging out with him. He joined us for Daniel's swimming, read to the kids at bedtime

jumped on the trampoline

had dinner with us, hung out with us. I love that we are close and that we can do this. I hope that we can do this more often.

After being at a few AFL games and coming home with my ears ringing, James and I decided that it would be good for all the kids to have some earmuffs to protect their hearing. Daniel was excited to get some Craig Lowndes ones and Eliza likes her silver ones.

Eliza and I had fun making a unicorn balloon together (until it burst).

Alexander's getting good at jumping on the trampoline.

Park plays are still lots of fun. Swings are a must!

At Mums Group at Louise's house, Poppy decided that Alexander and Parker should wear dresses like the girls. The boys obliged and looked so very cute in their dresses. Alexander even started the swishing action.

I love it when my kiddies play together nicely. It doesn't always happen, they don't all get along all the time but when the do it just makes my heart sing. The kiddies have taken to playing with the little people farm set in Alexander's room. 

We had a family adventure to Bobbin Head. We stopped at the Kalkari Discovery Centre and looked at the different information. The kids liked the stuffed animals and the soft toys too. Daniel and Eliza liked looking at the things found in our environment box. We then went for a walk around the discovery trail. It was really peaceful. We didn't get to see any kangaroos this time but the kids liked learning about the plants and trees.

We then headed down the bottom to have some morning tea because the kiddies were 'soooo hungry'.

Daddy trying to teach Alexander the peace sign

The boys

With my girl

 Our friend Tamara was passing on some toys and decided to give Alexander a motorised train set. He loves making it and playing with it! It is a pretty fun toy. Also note the earmuffs on because of the noise from the builders.

Daniel came home from school holding a little koala toy. I thought that he must have brought home someones toy but he explained to me that it is a class award called 'Bluey'. He comes home for the night and is given to the student who shows the best 5 L's (Looking, Listening, Lips sealed, Legs crossed, hands in Lap). I was proud of Daniel for receiving this because it is an area that we have been working on. Although he did tell me that he got it because Mrs Fearnside and he had a deal. Hmmm.

We had the joy of having lunch with Nat, Steve and the kids while they are here. It was such a lovely time chatting, catching up, hearing about their adventures, their plans, their future. I just love how kids are friends no matter how many times they have met before and how many times they have played together. Eliza and Elyse played together the whole time and were so cute making flower collections while Daniel and Daniel liked playing cricket together and building cards and planes together with Owen too. Daniel did get a nice bruise on his chin from the cricket bat, but he was very brave and calmed down after some cuddles, some ice and his keenness to get back to playing cricket. I will miss these guys when they head back overseas.

Cricket

Owen, strike a pose

Busy building boys

The girls making a petal collection

Love these guys

Daniel's impressive bruise the next day

When Alexander and I walk in school, Alexander likes to remind us that we need to be quiet. Shh Shh Shh.

Eliza enjoyed her first cup of tea at Emily's house. She said she liked it.

I had to laugh when Daniel asked me if we could take a 'facey' (meaning a selfie) He did well with it.

The kids love cleaning up! As part of Alexander's birthday present, James and I gave him a cleaning set. The kids love using it to help clean the house - sweeping, mopping, 'brooming' and dusting. Best present!