Bushwalking

A few Saturday mornings this year our family has gone on a bushwalk together.  It's completely free, it involves exercise, the kids love it and it tires them out so they have a big rest! ;)  Wins all round.  Here's some photos:

Play-doh

We love making play-doh.  I've been doing it for years with the kids, but they still find it enjoyable.  Here's some photos of us making our most recent batch.

Reading

Over the last 6 or so months, Holly has really flourished in her reading ability.  She is now able to read most books she picks up without much trouble, and regularly brings home chapter books from her school library.  It is so lovely to see how much she enjoys reading.  She'll now quite often just take herself off to read her book, a sight which always fills me with joy.  She also reads to her brother and sister quite often.  Another beautiful sight. :)

 

Cockington Green

On our way home from Sydney last time, we met some friends at Cockington Green in Canberra.  Unfortunately Holly was a bit sick that day, but other than that, we had a lovely time and the kids really enjoyed seeing the miniature displays.  Here's a few photos.

Five kids transfixed by the fairy garden 

A grumpy little girl... but to be fair, she wasn't feeling great! 

Zac was pretty fascinated 

Our two crazies

A little insight into the crazy but sweet relationship between Zac and Claudia

Ballet

Holly has started doing ballet this year, and absolutely loves it.  It's such a joy to watch her.  She's so graceful, and such a natural.

Blogging and baking

A few days ago I spent some time reading some old posts I'd written about Holly and Zac when they were little.  I enjoyed it so much, and was reminded of things I had otherwise forgotten.  So, that prompted me to get back into blogging about my  family (if only for my own record of their lives... and for my mum :) ).

Recently Zac asked if he could do some baking (not an unusual request from him) but this time he wanted to make up his own recipe.  I was reluctant to say the least.  My dear patient husband suggested that I should let our son have a go.  Zac pleaded, and said he wanted to make something with nuts in it for Holly.  Sweet child.  I took a deep breath, and agreed.  Zac selected all the ingredients, and I gave him a rough idea of how much of each one he might like to use.  Holly pretty soon joined in the fun.

The resulting cookies apparently were quite nice!  I was so glad I let Zac go ahead and do it.  I love his love for baking, his love for his sisters and his initiative.  I love the way Zac and Holly worked together, and actually encouraged each other.  A happy mummy moment.