32/52 - the peg bandit and the princess

Lily

Elegance and innocence - all wrapped up into one precious little package.

(This weekend, we had a lovely friend come stay with us from Sydney. Doing Lily's hair before a birthday party was just one of the many sweet ways she blessed us with her visit! So grateful for deepening friendships and the bond of sisterhood we share in Jesus!).

Eli

The peg-bandit.

First, the backstory. A while ago, I needed an activity to occupy the busiest little boy I ever did know, so I set him up at the table with a Montessori-style table activity - a bunch of plastic containers and a pile of pegs. He went to town pegging and creating - good times for all!

A coupe weeks later, Mark and I (in the midst of the endless laundry cycle) noticed we seemed to be running low on pegs (yes, you can see where this is going!) - we even had to buy a new pack. Then I happened to venture into the kid's undercover 'mud kitchen' play area in the backyard and saw Master Eli sitting up to the table, getting his Montessori on!! So cute - just sitting there, industriously working away on transferring a big pile of (missing) pegs :) I casually asked him what he was up to and he just-as-casually replied 'I doing this pegs 'tividy all by myself'. Yes, indeed.

So that explains the Great Peg Mystery of 2013. This boy of mine really makes me smile :) 

Miles

Do you see what I see?

Why, yes, that's a little toothy-peg peeking through :)

Project 52: A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013.

More highlights from the week that was...

My motto this Winter has been 'there is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing'... so pretty much every day (unless it's really wet and yucky), the kids get bundled up in coats and beanies and sent outside for their 'daily constitutional' ;) Oh yes, I am a cruel mother indeed, aren't I?! 

But - kids outside - exploring, creating, getting dirty and finding adventure... is what childhood is all about, I think! Even when it's cold (by our Canberra standards... it's not like we have snow on the ground!) a dose of fresh brisk air and time to run wild and play freely does *everyone* a world of good :)

She is a masterful outdoor cook! Sand brownies are today's bakery offering!

She waits for her 'clipping' to grow by sheer will-power (and daily watering....)

Still hard at work!

The girl's got style.... her very own signature style ;) Love the crazy
home day outfits she concocts!! She comes up with them during 'quiet time' in
her room and I never quite know how she will emerge.

Little Rock Chick Ballerina

sometimes life is tough (for 20 seconds)

She got the ball to the middle and was rather pleased with herself. Remember
these nifty little toys?! Note her stylish layered
pyjama wear! Only Lily would work out how to wear summer PJ's in winter ;)

Double baby chins.... (sorry Miles, I couldn't resist sharing this one!)

Mmmmm, quite tasty (digging into hommus on toast)

Getting distracted by his brother singing silly songs. This will be an ongoing occurance, I have no doubt.

Said brother singing said silly songs. A literal belly laugh as he chomps on his carrot, because he is well aware he is the funniest boy who ever lived.

Crying/laughing cos he is just so amused by himself. Seriously. 

'We a real family!' they proclaim, as they drive around Baby Susan in their big box car.