Time for a party!

Well, the 'little one' is SIX! Yes, we are the parents of a gorgeous, bright, funny, cute, very girly little girl!

To celebrate, we hosted an after-school party at a local park last week with the girls from Beth's class, plus a few special friends. What a great way to hold a children's party - it was fast, fun, when the kids got bored they could just run off and play on the playground, cleanup took a few minutes and there was no messy house left afterwards! Sweet.

Andy took half a day off work to come and be a part of the day. We arrived at the park before school finished in order to set up. As can be seen, Andy is a very good balloon-blower!

Having a tall, handsome person in the family also comes in handy when one must tie balloons onto hard to reach, high places without a ladder!

Beth requested a square-shaped chocolate cake with chocolate icing and pink writing saying 'Beth' and '6'. I took the opportunity to make one of Nigella's recipes: her 'old-fashioned chocolate cake'. Yummmmmm...

What a darling! About a week earlier, Beth, in her excitement, made herself a birthday crown to wear at the party.

It was a great afternoon, and I'm pleased to say Beth had a thoroughly wonderful time.
Happy birthday, sweet one.

A little bit of fame...

Printed in the North West News Wednesday 25 May 2011.

Under 8's Day...

Each year we have a fun morning at school for Under Eights Day, where there are plenty of fun activities for the kiddies and parents to wander around to and enjoy doing together. Usually it's a free dress day... this year, Beth's friend Siena chose to wear her 'galah' costume, so Beth was inspired to make her own set of wings which were sticky-taped onto the back of her Tshirt. Surprisingly, they stayed intact all day!

The kids were excited to have their faces painted.

Andy's new shed...

We recently had to replace our pool pump and filter, and as a result Andrew decided to protect the investment! After searching online, he bought a flatpack shed, and has spent the past few weeks playing with his "man's meccano" set. He's done a fantastic job, and there's even room for an old set of shelves to store all the pool chemicals and equipment. Sweet.

When the family is together...

We had some fantastic family time during Jo and David's visit recently. We spent time together at the Gold Coast, and also made a day trip to Mooloolaba. We love them heaps, and wish we could do it all again more often...

Beach walk

Mooloolaba... such a beautiful day!

Tickle-hugs with Uncle David.

Beach fun

Found: one spot of shade and grass.

Why mother's day is special...

What a wonderful family I'm a part of. Today I felt very special.
It started with cuddles in bed with Beth and Abbie...

Then...

A lovely breakfast - pancakes...

... beautiful roses (Beth had her heart set on buying some flowers!)...

... and four jars/ vases of 'wildflowers' (wouldn't dare call them weeds!)
picked by Beth with Daddy's help.

Then there's the delightful items bought from the Mother's day stall at school or hand made...
(L) a brand new finger puppet, named Agirlia! (Just what I needed.)
(M) gorgeous girly photo frame. It will look lovely in Beth's room, of course, and I'm sure we all know which child bought THAT one!
(R) cute flower face.

A painting of Beth and Mummy cooking biscuits together in the kitchen.
(Interesting that we are both bald, but happy.)

Cute spelling attempts: 'happy moths day'. Love it!

Family time.

Thank you my two gorgeous little ones for your thoughtful gifts, and even more thanks to Andy, who has hardly let me lift a finger and has worked hard to make all the meals special and yummy and has given me the best gift of a day off. Love you heaps.