47/52

{Harper} Hip swinging dancing with her dear friend Evie.

This week we looked after Harper's friend Evie while her mum, Jess,  went to work.  As always Jess was so thankful, but really I needed to pour all of the thanks back to her. Not only is Evie an absolute delight to look after but the two girls played beautifully together for most of the day, making our day very easy. You see, independent play isn't one of Harper's strengths. She's a social creature and sitting by herself with her toys just doesn't cut it. She craves interaction and someone else's presence (usually mine). Today meant that Harper had a playmate (and one who would indulge her love for imaginary fairy/princess play, unlike her brother) and I got a little breather.


 {Finn} Enjoying a day at the playground. Oh and hey, your curls have returned. I told you they would grow back.
 

{The B-sides}

{creating a colourful Frisbee together}

{cherry and peach cobbler -baked by Lachie}

{we invited Lily & Eli over for a Friday night sleep over. Oh what fun (and limited sleep) they had!}

{Friday night is movie night in our family. Lily and Eli were happy to be involved in this weekly tradition, especially the part where they were allowed to eat their dinner in front of the TV}

{you're getting very, very sleepy.......well not really. It was 2.5 hours after this shot that you actually fell asleep}

{the next morning Eli was engrossed in outdoor play. He kept turning to me announcing "I am VERY busy!" Yes you were little buddy. }

 

46/52

{Harper} Participating in her transition to Preschool session.

Walking hand in hand down to her soon to be new school, she skipped along and chatted about what she may choose to do during today's session.
Me: Harps, can you believe that next year you will be going to Finny's school? It will be 'Finny and Harper's school' next year.
H: I know!
Me: Are you feeling ready for Preschool? 
 H: So ready.

 {Finn} Those eyes.
 

{The B-sides}

{Quickly becoming a seasoned fete go-er}

{fete #2 for the weekend.}

{writing her name for the first time. Up until now she has shown no interest ("you write it Mummy") even though I was sure she could do it. Like every skill/transition she has reached, she does it when she is ready.}

{bubble painting}

{our cherry tree is producing these glossy red babies.}

{I was lucky enough to spend two relaxing days away at the beach with two girlfriends. I am so grateful for the opportunity to re-boot and re-focus, to chat with like-minded souls, to feel inspired by their ideas, to be nature and with myself. }

{Oh, and my girlfriends' craftiness rubbed off on me while we were away, and I made these Steiner felt play dolls.
A Princess Harper and a Policeman Finn.}

 

45/52

{Harper} Her most treasured softie - "Santa girl"

 {Finn} Police officer Finn is on patrol.
 

{The B-sides}

{we know Christmas is on the way when Lachie starts making Christmas fruit cakes}

{first strawberry harvest from the veggie patch}

{first ripe cherry from our cherry tree...summer is just around the corner}

{Lily & Harper holding a fairy/princess/ballerina wedding. This was the pre-wedding entertainment.}

{Harper's hair in a neat plait. A rare sight.}

{off to preschool}

44/52

{Harper} Engrossed in play. As she makes her dolls talk she adopts an American accent.
"Mom! Mom!" she calls out.
"Yes honey?"
(switches back into her Aussie accent) "Oh, I don't need you, I am just playing"
It all gets very confusing.

 {Finn} A handmade necklace.... and a smile towards the camera - huzzah!
 

The B-sides (because two photos seems a little minimalist for me)

{collecting herbs before dinnertime}

{"I'm just going to put this apple back on the tree"}

{iced lolly biscuits. Rockets by Finn and faces by Harper}

{yes they would! a million thanks to Kate for giving us our first night plus morning off in close to six years}

{playing a number matching game by herself. Every time she completed the matches she would yell out "I won! }