Shenanigans

The big kids are getting pretty darn good at getting the little kids to bed (anything to delay your own bedtime, right?) And while it's a bit raucous, it's pure cuteness to witness.

Getting all these folks OUT of bed is another story...

very proud of her "Mirror Girl"

Donning the red white & blue for Nationality Day at school

 Over school holidays we took advantage of the library, like really took advantage. And they came up with a fun Sink or Float boat making endeavor one afternoon. (I discovered some real learning gets done when I just leave them alone to figure it out.)

Summer's first fort - she's officially inducted now

Space Bath

These Autumn beauties mean that net ball is again in full swing. Both Annie and Kenna are blowing their coaches away - can't believe they are such new players. The girls have the biggest grins on their faces every game. 

The big kids got to do an ice-hockey trial, which was pretty awesome and hilarious. We have decided not to sign up, but it sure was a kick to watch them bumble around in all their gear on that ice.

We did a recital at the local Retirement Home and Summer in particular was a hit with the older crowd. She can't really play anything but a few notes but she sure is jazzed about it anyway.

We've been following the growth of this gorgeous spider just outside our teacher's door and got to have a Charlotte's Web moment once she laid her eggs and died. :(

Celebrations

Annie Bananie Bop is a deep sleeper, probably because she is such a ball of energy during every waking hour. This fiesty, sensitive, sweet little lady turned 7 recently and we celebrated with her very favorite thing in all the world, a sleepover party.

Nothing's ever low-key with this one. Her enthusiasm, silliness, and joie de vivre is truly a delight to behold, if hard to keep up with! I want to always remember her darling questions, sweet scratchy voice, violent kisses, sneaky sweet tooth, honest heart, aversion to touch (but needy snuggler) and fierce fairness. She's generous, loving, intense and light hearted and we just can't get enough of her awesome belly laugh.

 Then there's this guy - who as pictures can attest - we also can not get enough of. He always has a few kids draped over him wherever he decides to sit.

He turned the big 3-8 a few weeks ago and we celebrated with one of the things he loves best: movie night.

The kids were gorgeous with their gift-giving. They saved up, pooled in, purchased and wrapped with intensity. They even spent hours on his cards and were almost in tears hoping he would like their gifts. It was really sweet.

And I got to get in on the action too with some lovely Mother's Day love. Kenna accompanied and advised Darren's shopping jaunt for gifts and they all presented them to me, lavishly wrapped, with breakfast in bed before church. What a treat!

Then a candlelight dinner to boot.

 I felt super loved. 

(But don't let those matchy matchy pictures fool you - we still showed up to church late, two without shoes and one without knickers *gasp*)

Catching Up

 Remember back when it was Easter? Well, yeah, I pretty much haven't blogged since then so beware the onslaught of outdated posts. I am still not over the thrush demon but am no longer in searing pain while nursing so I hope to play catch up this week (including our fabulous visit from some fabulous grandparents!)

For starters, I put on the church Easter party again and figured I'd post some pics in case you're  in need of ideas next year.

 I will say it was fun to put all this together. These smelly eggs were a hit - just a dab of essential oil (or Vegemite) on a cotton ball inside those eggs that have holes and they have to try put them in the right place. Harder than it sounds.

 And of course there were the perpetual Easter egg hunts in the back yard...

Easter treats from home - oh the delights!

 And as always, the Embassy put on a good show.

 The kids love those parties they get to bring a friend too. Fun to spread the love.

Summer was tentatively pleased to see the Mall Bunny wandering around the food court. And his "helper"?

 The school put on the annual Easter hat parade (Sums couldn't keep off that stage) and Will participated in a very well done Stations of the Cross reenactment as well.

And remember when it was St. Patrick's Day? Yeah, we got a visit from the little guys.

green eggs and ham smoothies