40/52

{Harper} Reading in the afternoon sun, alone and quiet. Alone and quiet are not two words strongly associated with Harper this week. It was our first week of holidays and a lovely escape from the normal school routine. Finn desperately needed this time to reboot, to play independently and just be. Everytime Finn would quietly dash off to his room to play with his Lego, Harper would be at his door "So Finn what do you want to play now?" It was a week of trying to juggle their differing play needs. Some days successful and others, not so much.
This peaceful little snippet certainly didn't represent Harper's week but it was a moment I let out a deep sigh of relief...and of coarse tip-toed around to capture.

{Finn} As we call it in our family, a scooter related "stack-a-tak". And it was a doozie. I am always surprised by how quickly those egg shaped bumps appear on their heads. Ouch!
 

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

{This week Lachie and I started reading the kids the 'Tashi' series chapter books. I have fond memories of these books from my time as a Year 1/2 teacher. I remember reading them after lunchtime as the students laid on their backs listening and quietening their bodies after an active time on the playground. For the past year I have been collecting them at op shops (with the help of my sister in law) and waiting for the right time to introduce them. Initially they were both keen but as the week went on Harper deemed them "too scary" so Lachie and I have been finding pockets of time to read them just to Finn. He loves them, and we love reading them to him.}

{I wrote a list of the Tashi books we didn't own and took the kids to the library to find them.}

{Our new favourite reading spot: the trampoline. thank you Lachie for taking this photo}

{sneaking up on the kids.}

{as we were walking around the lake a balloon artist approached the kids and gave them both a balloon animal/creation. Happy kids from that point.}

{we took a trip into the city to see a performance at the Theatre and on the way home we stopped in on a local toy shop so the kids could spend their pocket money. They have both been waiting so patiently to save enough money to each buy a new Lego packet. Slowly, slowly they are both understanding the value of "things" and that while saving money can take time (in Finn's words "But it is taking FOREVER!") it has its rewards when you finally reach your goal.}

{ balloon heads. the stuck on fabric ears were a cute touch.}

{big egg on the old noggin seemed to deflate pretty quickly}

{love watching her at play}

{end product- perfume!}

{on Fridays Harper goes to Family Daycare as I usually work, however being the holidays I wasn't working. On Wednesday my plan was to not send her, but come Thursday night I decided that Finn was in need of some quality one on one time with me. I did have a touch of the guilts as I sent her off to care for the day but I tried to remember one of the themes from one of my favourite (and much referenced) parenting books 'Siblings without Rivalry', "Give time according to need". I couldn't (and didn't) give of my time equally this week to Finn and Harper but I knew that Finn needed some of my time and this was one way I could give it. 
We visited a friend in the morning and as we drove home I asked him what he would like to do when we arrived home.
Finn: "I was thinking that we could do some craft. Something together."
Me: "That sounds perfect. What do you think we should make?"
Finn: "Well, I would like to make a yellow Canberra firetruck, buuuuuut if you have a better suggestion, well I think we should do that instead.*"
Seriously kiddo, I love you and your thoughtful mind.

*Apparently he liked my suggestion of making a cardboard firestation}

7/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013

{inspired by Jodi}

 

{Harper} She suggests making cookies and cakes just to lick the beaters.

{Finn} A visit to Cockington Green. Finn was fascinated by the miniature buildings and moving trains.

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

{Finn's favourite section at Cockington Green. A street with a garbage truck. We came back to this spot at least five times}

{a treat to end Mummy and Finn time.}

{An eagerly anticipated parcel was left on our doorstep earlier this week. Inside, a book fetauring photos from last year's Documenting Delight project. It is great to have the slideshow but nothing beats having your photos in print. This book is my gift to Finn and Harper.}

{the first person I wanted to share the book with}

{playing co-operatively, speaking pleasently towards each other and being kind. watching this little play scene evolve was the highlight of my week}

{....it was short lived. Harper's "That's mine" face/scream}

{"Eli these are my new shoes. Look they have butterflies on them!"}

{imaginary binoculars on, ready to spot Daddy riding home from work}

{"Stop Finny!"}

{On our way to the movies with her dear friend Lily (yes another movie. there's a Disney Princesss film festival on at our local cinema. I'm totally indulging her inner princess), I needed to scope out a location for a photoshoot for a friend. I wanted to take a few test shots to see if this park would work. Never the one to go along with any posed shots, Harper was on to me. Look at the disinterest on her face. gah! }

{not just a movie but Kate and I took the girls out for lunch too. So decadent!}

 

6/52

A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013

{inspired by Jodi}

{Harper} Eyelashes that almost touch her eyebrows.

{Finn} Sending my first-born off to Pre-school. He was happy, confident and ready for new adventures.

 

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

{an early morning backyard find}

{"I brushed my curls Mum"}

{Collecting produce from our garden. So very satisfying}

{a new book tradition begins. Finn & Harper were both gifted a school themed book the day before they began Preschool and Playschool. At the beginning of each school year I plan to record a message to them inside each book}

{Ten minutes until the first day starts. Waiting patiently, with a touch of nerves.}

{Connecting with one of the school displays}

{Finn was quick to engage with the table activities. Little sis joined in too. Of coarse.}

{Harper's turn. Starting Playschool. I believe she was clicking her fingers here and saying "hurry up Mum". After seeing her big brother go through two years at the same Playschool she was BEYOND ready to start}

{ice-cream is always better with sprinkles}

{Two full days of Pre-school equals one very tired boy}

{after a week where a great deal of energy and attention was directed towards Finn, Harper was due some quality one on one Mumma time. By chance, the night before I found out that 'Aladdin' was screening at our local cinema. So with every Princess item from the dress up box on, we headed off for Harper's first movie experience. Harper's verdict "It was good. It was a bit sad, a bit funny and also a bit scary"}

{my girl}