31/31 {the january project} the project ends and school starts...

First day back at school.....

Year Three, Year One and a very tired Preschooler!

I was feeling #allthefeels after dropping all three kids to school today for the first time!

They were all happy as clams, but I was fighting back tears the whole morning just because... I dunno... motherhood?! Ha! I am so proud of them all, and love to see them so excited for another year in their lovely little school. They are flourishing and what more could I want?! But what is this funny thing, that seeing them so happy and independent brings so much joy and yet kinda breaks your heart for some reason at the same time? It's a big thing to entrust these little people to the world and to their own devices. It's with quivering hands I help them jump from the nest, covering them in prayer for each journey.

Your children are not your children. It is true.

These babies are growing up, that's for sure. Entering these middle years, it's a whole new season, so much to look forward to and yet bittersweet. 

xx

{the january photo a day project}

And so today, it ends. A photo a day, every day of January. With a momentous yet very simple image. For the first time during this month, this is actually just from my iPhone (gasp!!) rather than my 'big camera'. I just didn't have the energy today to worry about getting my big camera as we were racing out the door, so I choose to let it goooooooooooooooo. A rather inauspicious end to this photo-a-day project, but in a way it's kinda perfect because it's a tiny little example of my commitment this year... present over perfect. 

30/31 {the january project} back to school haircut

Back to school tomorrow, so it's time for a freshen up. 

Snip, snip!

(Don't worry, he is not cutting off the ear, just trimming around it, haha!)

{january photo a day project}

28/31 {the january project} by the river at sunset

This is summer....

We marked the end of a relaxed summer holidays with an evening at the local river... swimming together, adventuring along the shoreline, eating, playing, splashing, laughing and making memories. 

It was nothing short of blissful, this reprieve from the brutal summer heat on a lazy Saturday night. One of those evenings that turns out so perfectly relaxed you can hardly stand it! Rare and treasured. Mark and I swam with the kids and then found ourselves just watching them as they raced around so wild and free, giggling and splashing and playing hard. Just so good to see them so connected and happy, surrounded by water and natural elements. I never see them so engaged and joyful and free as when I see them running loose in nature, in those wide open spaces. 

It was impossible to not stop and reflect on our rich blessings. This family, this moment together, this good life we have been given xx

{the january photo a day project... but how could I choose just one?!}

27/31 {the january project} jump + splash

Summer is for sprinklers on the trampoline, splish splashing and getting some serious air!

{the january photo a day project}

26/31 {the january project} australia day at the museum

This wall. It lures children to climb it and my trio can never resist it's call!

We had a lovely relaxed public holiday, enjoying a cultural history day at the National Museum.

We also enjoyed a visit from my lovely friend (and fellow blogger), Chelsea from the incredibly inspiring Moments A Day and her tribe. They have almost finished a year long trip around Australia - wow!

They stayed the night at our place and it was so delightful to see the six kids play and also have ample time for the parents to chat (till 1am.... eek!).

{the january photo a day project}

25/31 {the january project} the littlest baker

That 'pleased as punch' grin.

We had some dear friends coming for dinner and Lily wanted to make a dessert. She looked through a recipe book, selected one and made a chocolate and peanut butter slice, completely independently. 

It was full of a lot of sugar and even more love and pride xx

24/31 {the january project} brothers

These two brothers.

They make each other laugh, and drive each other crazy, like no other.

I have a feeling it may always be so.... I just pray it might be more of the former and less of the latter!

#myparentinggoals

{the january photo a day project}