Busy Holidays

The holidays were very busy. We've had the last 3 days to recover. To sleep in, to slob about, to try to get the kids back to normal after the excitement of Gran and Puff-puff and Nanny. It was great to have everyone here for the holidays. The kids don't get to see their grandparents very often so it makes it even more special.

I've been wondering where my jolly jumpers are. Yes, that's right I had more than two. Couldn't find them. Went to Vinnies and they had this one. Lisa, as you can see, loves it. Pretty good $2.

The first time Mum came to visit us in 2008 she found out you could go to the Ilfracombe pool for free and as the pool here in Longreach was under repair/refurbishment the girls hadn't been to the pool since we'd moved. Hollie was just over two years old and she remembers that Nanny took her to the pool and asked if she could take them again. Yes, in the middle of winter we took Lisa for her first swim. It is an artesian spa so it was fairly warm, just like a kid's bath minus the wee. Lisa loved her first swim. Kevin took photos because he didn't want to deal with the cold upon getting out. Lucky him.

Tomorrow we start back slowing into the real routine of life. I don't know how Lisa is going to cope with her favourite person being away all day. She has been very spoilt for the last two weeks. Kevin starts back on a student free day before the rest of us get into school, kindy, playgroup and mainly music again for another term. 

I'm also looking forward to Hollie starting Auskick this term. I hope it's on because she's been looking forward to it all year. We are also starting the girls in swimming lesson again in preparation for the summer. It's going to be another busy term. Kevin said last year at Hollie's birthday it would be the last holidays he has until June. Well he didn't really get one and the next few holidays will be even more full on with a trip to Brisbane in September and a move to Brisbane in December. At least he gets them as holidays and the kids get to see their Dad a lot. Can't imagine what it would be like with a 9-5 job.

Birthday girl

 Hollie turned 5 on Wednesday. I still can't believe she is five. I know all mothers say it but where has all the time gone?
We had a very relaxing day. The kids didn't even wake us up for presents. They watched Mary Poppins instead. Such a treat to be able to watch tv hey?

Our family routine for birthdays is presents in our bed. A kiss from Jessica with her present for Hollie. A kiss from Hannah with her present.

Hollie's favourite present was the colouring/craft set we gave her. She spent most of her birthday colouring in.

Gran and Grandpuff arrived with more presents. One from them and one from Great Granny Weymouth.

We had Hollie's cake for morning tea along with a little party food. Hollie and I had made the cake the day before and Hollie decorated it.

In the afternoon it was off to one of her school friend's birthday party. Hamish is born on the same day but he is a year older. He even gave Hollie a present and she was lucky enough to win a game of freeze and received a prize of crayons and a colouring in book. Perfect. They sent her home with party bags for all the girls. This is the dress she wore to the party. It was a gift from Hannah.

The week before at school we took these cakes for Hamish and Hollie to celebrate with their friends. They will always have their birthdays in the holidays so we thought it was a good idea to allow them to celebrate with their friends at school. Miss O thought so too.