42.52 Two boys on a Slater Mission

Ok, ok, these kids really need a dog!! Ha!

Eli suddenly decided he needed more pets and that Slaters would do the job (frankly, they were the most accessible options). Miles quickly got on board and the boys then spent literally hours over several days digging through the garden, pulling up rocks and hunting around in nooks and crannies for Slaters. 

They kept them in an open plastic container, which was a literal Slater Playground, with rocks and leaves and dirt and bridges. I don't think those Slaters had ever known so such luxury accommodations! Certainly, they had never been showered with such love and attention. The boys loved just observing them in their habitat, crawling (do they crawl?!) around happily until eventually being released back into the wild (aka our backyard).

It never ceases to charm me. Seeing children seize on an idea and follow it through with dedication, intense interest, passion and joy. I love to see them follow their own lead, I love to watch them deep in play. 

Childhood, it's a magical land. I hope they get to live there for a long while yet... 

Project 52: A portrait of my family, once a week, every week, in 2017.

39.52 The Wall with Friends

A school holiday outing with friends to the National Museum to see the Towers of Tomorrow Lego Exhibition. 

Of course, an outing to the museum is never complete without a clamber along this big rock wall just outside. Over the years I have so many memories of the kids scaling the edges, walking the ledge, being ever so brave and generally making me bite my lip as I watch them from afar!

Project 52: A portrait of my family, once a week, every week, in 2017. 

38.52 ...A family day by the river

It was a public holiday and I was just itching to get out of the house and spent a little time connecting with nature and my family. Life has been a little too hectic of late, for my liking!

We packed up a simple picnic and our new (huge!) picnic mat and took off to explore a new trail by the river not too far from our house. For locals, FYI, it's the Murrumbidgee River Discovery Trail which starts from the Kambah Pools. I couldn't believe we had never been there before!!! A simply beautiful area, I highly recommend it..

We first went for an hour long hike along the Discovery Trail. it was truly idyllic. Mark and I just kept taking deep breaths, sighing and smiling as we walked along the trail. It just felt soooooooo good, so refreshing and so grounding to be out in nature together! The kids alternately went racing along the track to explore or were strolling along by our sides, chattering away. We spotted birds, soaked in the mountain views, observed wombat holes, explored burnt out trees and watched a trail of ants. Out here, together, all the worries and stresses of life just seemed to melt away.

After our long walk, the little legs (and big legs, let's be honest!) were rather ready for a rest. We set ourselves up to relax for the rest of the morning by the river. It was so nice to just find a quiet space where we could just soak up the tranquillity and refuel with a few snacks. However, before too long, the kids were down in the river beds, wading in the water and digging channels in the sand. They don't need long to recover!? Hubby and I enjoyed watching them for a while, as he dozed and I read. 

It was just a few hours out of the house but it was such a recharge. How thankful I am for days like these, making memories, connecting with and in nature, just being together!

These are precious times, of this I have no doubt.

Grubby feet are always a sign of a good time....

When we head out for a picnic, I like to throw a few books in for the kids  as well as the adults. The perfect way to take a little quiet time out in the fresh air before jumping up for another play. If you know me, you know it's never a bad idea to squeeze in a little more reading! And it heightens the chance I get to read some of my own book too ;) 

Mark always squeezes in a power nap whenever possible....

I just have to say a huge thank you to Recycled Mats for sending me the beautiful Reconciliation Mat pictured, as a gift. Truth be told, I have been eyeing off these gorgeous mats online and on Instagram for aaaaages!!! So was beyond thrilled to be sent one. It is amazzzzzzing, is it not?! I'm in love :)

Finally, a mat that is big enough for our whole family to stretch out on - this one is 3x3 metres. It's soft and comfy, fairly waterproof, and easy to just hose off any mess too! I also love so much about this company's approach - recycling millions of plastic items that would otherwise be headed for landfill, and employing Indigenous artists to create many of their stunning mat designs. So much to love! Frankly, I am just so excited for this beautiful mat to accompany our tribe on many more outdoor adventures!

This beautiful Reconciliation Mat was gifted to me by Recycled Mats. No additional payment was made and all opinions shared are 100% my own. I only share about products that I truly love and use!

35.52 a father's day amidst the blossoms

For our (early) Father's Day family day, Mark requested a picnic and bike ride down by the lake.

And so, of course, we did! 

#anyexcuse

When we arrived the blossom trees were in full glory. Ahhhh, spring, we have been waiting for you!

So although we were all dressed for bike riding (and not nice family pictures!) of course I had to get Mark's Father's Day photos amidst those stunning blooms!

How blessed these kids are to have a father like this guy. How blessed I am to parent alongside him... like, seriously, phew! 

He is a good one (the best!!) and I looooove seeing his special bond with each child in these photos. They adore him and all have so much fun together :) 

Eli asked to take photos of us. He took these with my big camera and did an awesome job, don't you agree!!! :) 

We love this guy so much!!! 

Happy Father's Day, honey xx

Project 52: A portrait (or a few!) of my family, once a week, every week, in 2017.

32.52 little landscapers

We are in the middle of a big garden overhaul (well, big for us, this ain't Backyard Blitz, haha!). 

The best part is the opportunity to get the whole clan outside working together in the sunshine. Just love these family projects and being outside together.

Eli especially works hard, without break or complaint. My happy helper, he amazes me!

These  kiddos hauled greenery to the trailer, raked and chopped. A day's work (well, a short afternoon, let's be honest) well done.

Will they remember these days - and will it be fondly or as slave labour?! I'm not sure but I know I will treasure them in my heart always xx

Project 52: A portrait of my family, once a week, every week, in 2017.

30.52 Sunshine Swing

Another day, another play at our beloved Arboretum.

This happy boy sure knows how chill xx

 Project 52: A portrait of my family, once a week, every week, in 2017.

a wander in the trees together

After our magical snow adventures, we spent a lovely afternoon wandering through the trees at the Arboretum (well, more scampering around, in the case of the kids!), before our dear friends had to start the long journey home. 

This little woodland elf....

Peeling paper bark from the trees...

The theme of the week soon became 'pranks', namely a (very mild and good humoured) prank-war between the boys and the girls. 

The following is a series of photos I snapped of the kids discussing previous prank successes, and then the girls whispering and giggling up up a storm, as they gleefully discussed their next attack. They were in their own world and it was so lovely to capture these unguarded moments. 

Priya and Lily have the most precious bond. They shared a room and whispered all night, played all day and just had the most delightful time together. Oh, the simple beauty of girlhood friendships.

Georgia, you are such a beautiful mum! A rare little family snap (how well coordinated are they??!) xx

We love these guys, our little twinning family, and can't wait till we can hang out again.

Oh, and Arboretum, I love you too!!