Christmas in the village

In early December we went to Christmas in the Village. It was just down the road in the local park so we packed up the kids and took a blanket and had fish and chips while we watched a bush band play some Aussies Christmas songs. It was such a great evening and Liv loved the music.

Olivia's first birthday

We had a birthday party for Olivia two weeks before her actual birthday (which is something I think we will have to get used to given she is a Christmas baby). She had a great day with all the kids (and there were many) and loved her chocolate cake. Charlotte was so excited about Liv's birthday party and 'helped' her unwrap all her presents. They both slept for three hours in the afternoon (despite the sugar high).

Yummmm, chocolate cake!

Look Mum, I can eat my cake with no hands.

So, I have this thing that I must bake the birthday cakes every year. We sit down and look through the cake book and Charlotte picks out the cakes she likes. This year, she also got to pick out Liv's cake. It is a nice tradition, except that by the time it comes to icing the cake (usually late at night the night before the party), I am totally exhausted and wondering why I didn't just buy one. I am also starting the get a little worries, as some of the cakes which Charlotte has picked out for her future birthdays (yes, she has already told me the cake she wants for her fourth, fifth and sixth birthday), are starting to get a little complicated. It will make for some interesting cake making times.

The birthday girl getting ready for a swim. She is a real water baby just like her big sister.

Lathered up with sunscreen.

Loads of kids got in the pool. The weather was perfect.

A quick cuddle with mum before she disappeared again into the party crowd.

Day care Christmas party

In late November, we went to the girls' day care Christmas party in the park. For the first time, Charlotte was not scared of Santa (maybe it had something to do with the lollies he was handing out!).

Charlotte tells Santa she wants "lots of pretty things for Christmas, like fairies and princesses."

Liv seemed happy to just hang out and watch all the entertainment.

The face painting was a hit.

Christmas Lights

Charlotte really enjoyed the Christmas lights this year. We visited the house which won the Christmas lights' competition for Brisbane northside and needless to say, it was absolutely amazing.

South Stradie

The day after Gracie's birthday we decided to take Pop's boat over to South Stradie. Charlotte had such a great time and the weather was amazing. I think we will be visiting again soon.

Charlotte loves it when the boat goes fast and gets a bit cranky when we have to slow down. Speed demon!

Gracie's birthday

We went to cousin Gracie's 4th birthday party a couple of weeks ago. Charlotte was so excited all week about the party. Once we got there, we barely saw her. Needless to say, she slept well that night.

Gracie wanted to share her ice cream cake with Liv, who happily obliged.

Then there were three kids wanting to 'feed the baby'. Liv loved it!

Charlotte likes to pull faces for the camera now. This is her 'surprised' face.

Happy face

Grumpy face.

Charlotte and Liv on the jumping castle.

Charlotte with some of her cousins.

Out and about

Liv and her cousin Gracie.

Love, love, love!

This is Charlotte getting ready for our date. I ditched Liv (which I rarely do) and we went to the movies to see the Smurfs. She got a little bit scared and at one stage, ended up on my lap but seemed to enjoy it in the end.

Play and rest

Charlotte and Frenzal have formed a very special bond over the last year or so. We often wake up in the morning to find that Frenzal has made his way into Charlotte's bed at some stage during the night. Some nights, Charlotte even asks if Frenzal can stay in her room with her. It is so sweet. Better there than in our bed!

If Liv wakes up early some mornings, I just pull her into bed with us and she will often go back to sleep. Which means we can end up with four in the bed, if Charlotte has also decided to wonder into our room early in the morning. But we do love it ...

All that rest means Liv has lots of energy to play.

First swim

Olivia went for her first swim today. She absolutely loved it which is no surprise given how much she loves her baths and the fact that she watches her sister's swimming lesson every week. She immediately started kicking her legs and the smile was permanently on her face. She then slept for nearly three hours in the afternoon so she clearly wore herself out.

And Liv is so close to crawling. She manages to get around but does not technically crawl yet. She is so keen to follow Charlotte, that it is only a mater of time before the real fun begins. She also now has two teeth. I can't believe she is nearly nine months. She really has been a laid back, cruisy bub and really doesn't demand much (yet). Just happy to watch her sister and everything else going on around her.

Beach, beach and more beach

It is only just spring, but we have already been to the beach a few times. And surprisingly, Charlotte got in the water (which was too cold for me but not Miss C). Liv loved playing in the sand (and eating it whenever I took my eyes off her). Can not wait until summer. Planning our summer holiday already which will involve lots of time at the beach swimming.

One must surrender to the fact that sand will find its way into everything and every part of Liv.

Finally, someone who laughs at Phil's jokes!

Liv has started babbling and does not stop saying, "Dad."

Two of my great loves!