bubbanoble: Catch up

I've been a bit distracted at nights lately by working on Alexander's quiet book but I thought it was time to catch up on some blogging. I really need more time in the day to do all that I want to do.

James and I were in stitches with Alexander running around and jumping over his bike. He was doing ok with it most times, falling over the bike but laughing himself until his last attempt where he didn't quite make it, fell and hit his lip. Poor kid. Anyway, here is one of his better attempts and giggles after it.

Alexander is loving using my old umbrella on rainy days. I love seeing him use it too.

One of my plans with the new upstairs area is to have a coffee table in the little library/grandpa chairs section which puzzles can be done. Daniel has embraced it and I love having the times to sit upstairs with him and do a puzzle. I have fond memories of doing puzzles with my dad growing up so I hope that these times will be special for Daniel (and Eliza and Alexander as they grow up if they enjoy puzzles too). This was a 300 piece puzzle and he did most of it himself.

At the dentist while I was getting my teeth checked, Alexander was playing in the waiting room. After a little time the receptionist came in to let me know that Alexander was fine but he had fallen asleep on the floor. Too funny! He was in a deep sleep too because I struggled to wake him up.

Eliza is starting to show an interest in styling my hair. One time it was with pegs. Beautiful!

Alexander has started to play 'Peek-a-Boo' and hide. I love this stage where they cover their eyes and think they can't be seen. The other night he was in his room and his sun was down on his GroClock. At this stage Alexander thinks that the sun down means that he needs to stay in his bed but as I walked past his room he was standing beside his bed. He must have heard me because he was standing there with his eyes closed and covered, thinking that I couldn't see him. I had a laugh at his cuteness.

We try to meet up with Grayma a couple of times in the term. We head to the local cafe for a coffee/hot chocolate/babychino and then head over to the park to play. I love seeing my kids' relationship with Grayma. They choose to chat with her, they choose to hold her hand, they choose to say hi and bye to her and tell her stories. It is just beautiful. Here Alexander demanded that Grayma stop walking so he could catch up and hold her hand.

And here she is having a chat with Eliza while eating their lunch.

I do love my Grandma.

James and I have headed to a few weddings lately. One was to Andrew and Victoria's wedding. Before the wedding Alexander and Eliza decided that I needed to have my hair done. They did a great job... what do you think?

While they did a great job, I decided that I needed to do my own hair for the wedding. Eliza moved onto doing Alexander's hair. I loved listening to her doing the 'hairdresser conversations'.

It is so lovely to see one of my youth boys all grown up and get married. Andrew has grown into such a wise man, a strong Christian and an amazing musician. I know that he is going to be a wonderful husband.

Bike riding is still a hit. I loved watching Dad ride his bike with Eliza on the road. So special.

Alexander loves wearing the ergo. So special seeing him carry toys in the ergo just like I carried each of the kids for so long.

In the school holidays Eliza and Daniel were keen to have a sleepover. I decided that they could have one so set up Daniel's bed. The kids did really well. They weren't too loud, didn't play too much and it was so beautiful looking in on the kids and seeing Daniel sitting there reading to Eliza.

Perfect set up

I am so proud of James who has worked hard to put pavers down outside. Malcolm was a massive help teaching him what to do, showing him how to do it and laying a lot of the pavers while James cut them but James did finish the job by himself. I love seeing him learn new things and be handy, especially after staying that he skipped the handyman gene.

The kids helped me bake some scones. They really enjoy cooking and they really like helping when I'm in the kitchen.

I love Alexander's politeness. If he doesn't want something he says 'no please'. It's just the cutest.

There is nothing better than listening to little kids giggling from their belly.

Auntie Jenny has introduced my kiddies to cups of tea. It is decaf green tea so not a problem but the kids love having a cuppa with her at Nana and Poppy's place.

Daniel had a 'wear your sports team colours' day for mufti. He chose to wear his Swans gear. Cheer cheer!

Eliza's preschool had the parents come and join in for a picnic lunch. It was lovely to see Eliza so relaxed and having fun playing.

Cubby houses are a big hit at the moment! With friends too.

I loved looking outside and seeing Eliza sitting with Poppy. Actions speak louder than words.

And these 2 boys have been very sweet at shopping.

Daniel was very sweet and wrote Eliza a note when she was feeling sick.

She was very cuddly during this time.

Eliza is loving painting her nails and mine too. The boys wanted in on the action too.

Creative play is great and I understand that it can be messy but boy oh boy sometimes it is overwhelming. Eliza decided to play 'shops' which involved her getting all her clothes out of her draws and putting them in the loungeroom. Daniel and Alexander then decided they wanted to join in too and grabbed their clothes and added them to the loungeroom. The result was a loungeroom covered in clothes, no furniture space and of course the kids only played it for about 5 mins. The set up was more fun than the actual game. My sanity decreased a bit this day.

James and I decided to take the kids out for a fun adventure one night after dinner. We got them dressed and headed out to Yogurtberry. The kids were very excited to choose their yoghurt and added parts. A very fun treat for the big and little kids.