Busy busy

We've been busy lately. Visits to Nonny and Poppy, trip to Lauren and Jason's house, visits from the Adelaide crew. Yep, we've been busy.

Internet

As I've recently moved (again, and for the last time for a long while) I still don't have the Internet. I'm hoping to have it fixed today, so this blog will be up and running hopefully soon! In the mean time, here's some photos of our day at Hays Paddock yesterday. It was a hot day, and being at home every day since we moved in, the girls needed an excursion. Anna met a little girl named Sofia. They were so confused, every time they tried to pick up the pink tanbark it went brown!
We also got an ice cream from the ice cream truck that visited the park. It was a really nice day.

November 26

Having a cuddle in the tent.

Let's Look At...

Dad and Anna had this little game going. Anna would whisper to Dad "Let's look at..." and they would look at each other and then both turn and look to that person. It was just hilarious (and kind of freaky)!

 This is my favourite!

Thank You.

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made Anna's birthday so special. She has truly had an amazing birthday, each gift was so incredibly thoughtful and she adores every single one of them. I think she's really learning the value of family through this experience, not just that they give really good presents, but that she is well loved and cared for by so many people.

 

It is such a comforting feeling, knowing that my girls are safe, loved and forever supported - even if I'm not able to. Thank you to my amazing family for taking care of us three so well. Love to you all.

 

Present from Mummy.

Anna's Birthday - Part 5

Just some shots from the party at Mum's house on Sunday. We had Mum and Tom, Lauren and Jason and Mary and Neville. Beautiful weather, it was a lovely day.

Anna got a super cool dress-up from Tom, Kort, Ram and Isla. She was into this quick smart, already on the walkie-talkie calling in "the fire is burning- you coming fire truck?"

Anna's Birthday - Part 4

Lauren and Jason got Anna a budgiee for her birthday. She went to the bird shop and (sort of) chose one herself. So far, his name has been Homer, Frank, Frankie and now Coral. It seems to have stayed Coral for now.

Anna adores her new bird. She talks to him all the time and is fascinated by him. He sleeps in her room. It's quite sweet hearing him tweeting throughout the day. He's a good little guy.

Thanks guys!



 'the f*** is that?!

Millie couldn't take her eyes of it!

Anna's Birthday - Part 3

 Anna got a beautiful doll from Chamonix - so she's named appropriately 'Chamonix'.

Millie loved Chamonix more than Anna I think!

Anna's Birthday - Part 2

 Millie discovered Anna's new Dolls House!

 Putting in the furniture.

 Pa's handy work. Dolls house hand made by Pa in Pa's workshop.

 Birthday girl.

Millie enjoying some cake!

Thank you Pa!

Anna's Birthday - Part 1

I'm going to divide this up into a few different posts, because Anna's birthday seems to have stretched over 3 days.

 Morning cuddles.

 Anna and her Daddy spent the night before baking a cake to take to school for her birthday party. The cake was an utter failure. So I went out at 7:30am to get one, which she happily decorated with mini marshmallows and Tinkerbell pictures.

Family.

Nap Time

I was busy cleaning, and nearly tripped over this little girl who thought it would be a good idea to have a nap on the floor, in the middle of the hallway.

Cool Dude

3 Years Old

I don't know where to start. I found myself crying today after I dropped you off at school, something I very rarely ever do. It was because I realised that my little girl is growing up. You're three today. Three! Three whole years have passed, it feels like a lifetime, it feels like there was never a time you weren't in my life, yet it feels like yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time. It has gone so quick.

I keep thinking to myself that I wish I could just visit the time when you were a baby, just once, to hold onto that tiny little soul that came into my world, because that tiny little soul has become a little person. And I'm afraid that it will be 20 years from now and I won't know where the time went.

It's an odd thing, trying to cherish and savour time. When you're a kid, time is consumed with play and exploration, and you go to bed eagerly awaiting another day. As a teenager, all you want to do is grow up. And when you become a parent, all you want is for it all to slow down.

Anna, you are so full of life; you seek and consume every form of energy that passes your way. It's a wonderful way to be. You remind me of me, and I know that as a child, life was beautiful. I want you to always seek happiness in your pursuit in life. I adore that your predisposition is happiness, and you always remind me that some things in life are not worth the fuss and that I should just smile and laugh, because it works seamlessly for you.

When I think about 'kids' in general, all of those wonderful things that keep us parents 'young', and you are so much more than that. I never knew just how rewarding it would be, not just to have a child, but a child like you. I am in awe of the things you say and do, your peace and harmony with life and with the earth, the constant smile across your face, the reality checks your offer me with your innocent honesty and scary comprehension of adult matters your seem to simplify, and your inspirational adaptability - I am so proud of you.

I see the world at your feet, Anna. You are going to move mountains, walk on water, change the world. You have a profound charisma that is necessary for such monumentous things. I am so excited for you; you have this robust energy that will steer you through an abundant and fulfilled life. I promise to guide you through this life safely, but I will help you open every door and turn every key to unlock every opportunity you seek. And I'll do my best to remind you to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Wide open spaces, baby.

The Maggies

Every day since we moved into this place, we have had a Magpie come visit. He usually comes with his lady Magpie. Over the past few months, they would take some food then fly off with it. About a month ago, we discovered where they were taking the food to. Now every day, a whole family of Magpies come to visit. And I have to say, it is truly a really rewarding experience for us. It's been so refreshing to see them every day. Really something special. You can see in the picture the Daddy Maggie at the front with one of his babies, and there are two more babies playing under the trampoline. He feeds them the little pieces of bread that Anna throws out to them. And over the past month we have got to watch them grow up, from being fed by their dad to now feeding themselves.

It's so adorable. The babies play together. It reminds me of Anna and Millie. They roll around on the ground, play with toys (especially the net from the trampoline) an freak themselves out when they play on the swing set and the swing moves beneath them.

I'm really going to miss feeding this little family every day with Anna. It's something we have both really come to enjoy. I hope that the new tenants will take care of them like we have. But I'm sure they'll be fine, they are well acquainted with the whole neighbourhood - I saw them along the fence of another house about a block away from here. Cheeky buggers!

Anna has named them. The mummy, which we named together, is 'Maggie' (original, I know. But it's also the name of Anna's best friend at school). The Daddy is Marlin, and the babies are Sully, Lisa and Richard (though these names do chop and change a fair bit).

November 15

This is Anna's camera smile. It goes to show she's 'all or nothing' - and usually it's 'all' more than nothing. She is just such a full-on kid. So much energy, constantly talking, playing, going on and on and on! I tell her she's crazy. She always, always responds: "I'm not crazy, I'm HAPPY!"