48/52 {the birthday girl}

{Harper} Yesterday you turned four. Finally. Since way back in February you have been talking about being a big four year old. You moved from telling people you are "three and a half" to "three and three quarters" and now you have reached that magical age you have longed for. Finn told you when you woke up on your birthday that you "looked taller". That made you happy.
When I think about you being four the first thing that pops in my head is that boring old cliché of time passing quickly. I can't believe it was only four years ago that you came into this world in one almighty hurry. I really can't.
 
In the lead up to your birthday I have been thinking about you and what you mean to me. When I focus in on what makes you you I can't help but think about how you have changed me. On this day which is all about you, I shouldn't be thinking about myself but it seems as though I can't separate the two. You are strong and abundantly loving. You are a helper, the one who always pitches in when something needs to be done. You are a nurturer and will look out for anyone (be that a baby doll or a real person) to care for. You are one of the most sociable people I know and you really do stand out in this family full of introverts. You are a masterful negotiator, with your most frequently used sentence being "Well, what about..........?" and you give the warmest snuggles around. For all of these qualities and more you have changed me. Your strength has made me stronger and more importantly your love has made me more loving. I love you Harps, my delightful girl.
- Mumma xx

 {Finn} Not usually a fan of face painting, your recent love for all things Batman swayed you.
*Finn you will notice this is a post with a lot of photos of Harper. Sorry about that. Next week I will aim to balance things out. I did capture this cute vid of you singing the They Might Be Giants song 'Dr Worm' though. I love it. I particularly loved it when I played it back to you and you exclaimed "Why does my voice sound like THAT!!!???"
 

{The B-sides}

{the cherry monster strikes again}

{opening an early birthday parcel from her aunty}

{walking out to the backyard to find her birthday present from us}

{A fairy garden!}

{inspecting her birthday cake}

{a fairy dolly varden cake from the famous Woman's Weekly Children's Birthday Cakes book. easiest birthday cake I have made to date}

{celebrating with Lily and her family}

 

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}