Another finished project

This is for my nephew Jack's 2nd birthday. I started with a his and a roar but then took two months to do the stitching for the dragon breath. Why is that?
The dragon pattern was from an Australian magazine - patchwork and stitching. Don't know volume number. I turned the bag into a backpack by adding two straps on the back of the bag. Filled with goodies for the long haul flight to England in September.

Boys

I walked inside at bedtime yesterday to find the boys trying to convince me that they should sleep in front of the fire. I said,"Not on a school night". Eli was on the cell to Dad who was saying that I should let them. Convenient for him when he is in Hamilton and not here at our house dealing with grumpy kids because they did not get enough sleep!

A very crowded knee

We have had the girls with us a bit lately as Dawn has not been well. On Monday night everyone, including the dog, wanted to be on Aaron's knee.

Looks like a full table.

A walk uphill and a soak in the outside bath

Last weekend we were privileged to be able to use our friends bach at the Hurunui river. On Saturday the weather was amazing and we climbed the huge hill behind the house. Well i only went about a 1/4 of the way but was really pleased as I actually managed to go uphill. But didn;t want to push it too far so Aaron and the boys went on to the top.

busy boys

Aaron near the top

As it was getting dark we decided to utilise the outside bath. Absolutely fantastic, though it took a bit of practise to keep the wood under your bottom so that you did not burn your behind!!

Eli and Talei at the Music festival

Eli and Talei all excited before it starts

Thursday night saw us all off to Rangiora for the choral festival. Eli and Talei were in the Kaiapoi School Junior Choir and had been practising hard all year. The festival was fantastic. We all really enjoyed the night. All the schools did great jobs with their items and the mass choir was very well done.

waiting while everyone was arriving. all chattering and excited

Mieke loves glasses

Mieke came to visit on Thursday and everytime you put the fake glasses on her she either giggled or got a huge grin. She is full of chat and giggly. Had a great time seeing her.

Yet another earthquake and another day off school

The end result

We will not talk about the continuing stress and uncertainty of earthquakes! But today found me taking my two kids to work. Thankfully work today was at my sisters house in Amberley. Off we all trotted (an hour late!). As a break in the middle we had tea and cup cakes. The boys spent ages and lots of concentration on decorating the cupcakes. Albie continually insisted that he was allowed to eat two!

total concentration on the task at hand

Having fun making one for Matthew

Satisfaction when eating