Snow video

Kids using their snow paddles from Holland.  So much fun!

 

Fun at the snow

Some photos from our trip to Falls Creek yesterday:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Report time

Report time has always had particular significance in our family, being a family with two teachers.  Last year it took on a new significance, as we started receiving reports for Holly.  Out of everything on her report, I find the general comment the most interesting.  I feel like Holly's teacher was really spot on in what she said about Holly this year.  This is an excerpt from it:

"Holly always works diligently on tasks and can sometimes over strive towards perfection resulting in failure to meet time deadlines.  Her desire and motivation towards improvement can occasionally create tension. Finding ways to simplify her own expectations and set achievable goals will help her manage her time effectively.  She shows talent in art, dance, drama and sport and possesses enormous academic potential.  It is a pleasure to teach such a talented and enthusiastic student."

Our daughter is a perfectionist!!  But I love that her teacher describes it in an encouraging way.  I imagine that throughout Holly's school career, we will be helping her to "simplify her own expectations" many times.

A new skill

A few weeks ago, Zac couldn't skip.  He kept asking Holly and I to show him, and then he'd give it a go, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get going, he couldn't get that second leg to hop after the step.  And then one day, he got it!  He was so excited, he kept showing me over and over again, asking - is this skipping?  Am I doing it?

And now, he can't stop skipping!  Instead of walking around the house/garden, he'll skip.  Every time it makes me smile.  Firstly because he persevered and taught himself a new skill, and secondly, it is just so sweet to see a little boy happily and unselfconsciously skipping around.

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. :)