Tuesday, 31 May 2022

May 2022 Happenings

What happened in the month of May? Lots of things happened is the truth.

Mothers' Day weekend we went and cheered on the Swans to victory.



Dad, Daniel, Nana and Poppy also cheered Alexander and Eliza and I on as we went onto the field at halftime for Auskick. The kids had a lot of fun being on the field, even if they were beaten by an older and stronger team. I loved being able to be a part of this experience again with the kids and see the joy of playing on the SCG. Both kids were able to touch the ball too and have a kick or a handball. Thanks to Poppy for crossing the ground to get some happy snaps of the kids on the oval.


Eliza's kick



The game was a good one and we came away with a win. The guys in front of us make it very exciting to watch the game with and include the kids in the celebrations.

Eliza did some drawing in her book. I loved this picture of Nana.

I introduced the kids to the chocolate game - such an awesome game to play together. This game was use to help learn a memory verse - Genesis 1:1. When they rolled a six they needed to say the memory verse as they got dressed before they could cut the chocolate block. Many squeals and excitement and lots and lots of laughs. I also learnt that many friends haven't played this game as a kid - this needs to be changed!





We helped feed the Carlton's fish - I just loved seeing Alexander's face while he watched them swim.

Heading back to school while Daddy was away, Alexander got a bit sad that he couldn't say bye to Daddy. We drew hearts on our wrists to have hugs while apart and asked Daddy to do the same.

Alexander packed the lunches which was a big help!

LegoMasters became a thing again and of course, that sparked excitement over building with Lego again.

These monkeys helped with shopping. Butter wouldn't melt in their mouths.

Eliza made up a game of Hoop ball.


We celebrated Nana's birthday at The Brook with family.


Alexander asked for a photo with Uncle Howie. Cute!

I had a helper at work because she was too sick for school. Not very sick though. In non-Covid times she'd be fine for school, but at the moment she needed to stay home.

James brought the kids up for an afternoon and I had drawings left on my work desk that I wasn't allowed to look at until the next day.

Alexander started to bring home readers and is doing an amazing job at reading and sounding out words! I do love this stage where they go from not being able to read at all, to learning some words to reading a lot more and surprising themselves!

Anne popped into work on a Friday with a Chai Latte for me as a surprise. Because I'm not able to hang out as much, she thought she'd bring this gift. It was so lovely to be thought of and to have a quick chat.

I headed out for dinner with Mothers' Group girls. So lovely to catch up with them, especially after so much disruption last year.

Daniel headed off for his first school camp - Band Camp. Such a big boy. He loved the night away and sleeping in the cabin with his mates, although he was so tired after!
At church I met my Kindy teacher, Mrs Lewis. So cool seeing her again, hearing how she is going, being encouraged by her in starting my new role in the office and for not changing a bit. She is just as lovely as I remember her being when she was my teacher.






Saturday, 21 May 2022

Alexander Turns 6

Alexander is now 6. The time has flown by and he is growing so quickly and learning to embrace opportunities that come. This year he was able to celebrate his birthday at school with his classmates. 

We started the day with a FaceTime to Daddy who was in Melbourne for work. This way he could join in present time. I do love Alexander's excitement when opening presents. It is the pure joy that comes and spreads.


Walkie talkies for the win

Excitement at his exploration kit and then shining the light into Daddy's eyes.

We then headed out for breakfast at Monday Morning - a place the kids do love. 


3 marshmallows!

I dropped them off at school and he had a lovely day there. The class sang happy birthday to him and he was able to enjoy a lunch order and an ice block. 

In the afternoon Daniel had his bass lesson so the little ones came too. While Daniel was at his lesson, Eliza and Alexander completed a photo selfie scavenger hunt. It's pretty fun seeing their photos from their perspectives.


Selfie in front of something red

Selfie in front of a tree

Selfie in the shade

Selfie infant of a trash can

Selfie in front of a yellow car

I LOVE this photo!!
Can't remember what made them laugh so much but I just love it! Pure joy.

Selfie with 2 kind of leaves

Selfie with 2 kinds of sticks

Selfie of something round

Selfie in front of a street sign


Selfie with 2 types of leaves

Selfie in the sun

Silly selfies

We then headed to Nana and Poppy's place for dinner and Nana was kind enough to bake Alexander a birthday cake.

Nana showing Alexander his birthday cake. There's an A and a number 6.
FaceTime with Nana J to open his present

Very excited!
And then showing his cake

Playing 'pass it on'

Watermelon socks!!

Plus a trip to Powerhouse Museum with the Howies


Hip hip, hooray!

Then on the weekend we celebrated Alexander more with family. He requested the Bunny cake, so it looked like Bunny. This was a bit of a tricky one, and I do think it looks more like a dog, but he was excited and happy that it looked like Bunny.



It was a nice morning tea at our place (as seems to always happen, the rain came and interrupted the plans at the start of the day so we felt it best to move it to our place) but it was all ok. Family came, we ate and enjoyed chats, he opened presents and it was a lovely time. He felt very loved (as he should).

Tree climbing


Cake time

Covid safe candle clapping out


Present time

Always a delight to come together and celebrate the kids on their birthdays.

Alexander, you are my cuddly boy, my baby boy, my cheeky boy, my funny boy. You are hesitant to try new things and lack confidence in your own ability. I believe in you and you can do all that you put your mind to, you just need to believe in yourself. And I love the joy that comes to you when you do give something a go, and surprise yourself. You have such a kind and caring heart for others, often putting them first. You love presents and give the best reactions when you receive, no matter what it is. You give the best hugs and are always wanting to snuggle in. You don't want to miss out on opportunities or experiences that others are doing. You have a sweet tooth and love to have chocolate, ice cream or cake. I love your cheeky smile, I love your cheeky  laugh. May you continue to grow with your beautiful caring heart for others, may you know God's love for you, may you believe in yourself and your own abilities and may you be confident in who you are. Love you my baby boy.