Family photos

Boxing Day

Christmas 2011

We had a lovely Christmas 2011.  It started early, as Jackson was 'cited' and had a dream about opening presents.  The unwrapping frenzy then began, with Jackson ripping open any present that had his name on it, and Josie taking her time, unwrapping very carefully and then playing with each present before opening the next one - much to Jackson's frustration!! Father Christmas bought them some fantastic gifts, including a new bike each.  We then went to Selb, Em, Ethan, Owen and Declan's for lunch with Richard's parents and my Dad. Lunch was lovely, well the adults loved it - I think the kids would have preferred a vegemite sandwich.  Then we spent a lovely afternoon there, hanging out, playing with the presents, eating, drinking, a quick nap for Josie in the arvo whilst the boys had a soccer game at the park.

The calm before the storm (... and yes, Santa did wrap the bikes!)

 Loving their new bikes

 Enjoying some much needed 'quiet time' at Uncle Selby's and Auntie Emma's, watching Diego on the iPad 

 Mmmmm Gingerbread House

Yay for the Gingerbread House!!

Gingerbread House

We have decided to start a new family tradition of making a Gingerbread House every Christmas.  We can improve upon our designs and decorations each year, although this years effort has raised the bar pretty high.  Jackson and Josie loved making the Gingerbread House this morning, Josie particularly loved stealing the smarties when no-one was looking, and they are both very happy with the final product!

Haircut

We decided it was time for Jackson to have a professional haircut.  He is now 4 years old and all his haircuts up to now have been 'Mummy cuts', which to some extent have been a little dodgy! So off we went to Salon Express, he was bribed to sit still with the promise of a small toy at the end, the end result was ok - the fringe a little too short, but hey, the difference between a good and bad haircut is only a week. 

Before                                                                         And after

Carols by Candlelight at St Stephens School

We all went to the St Stephens Carols by Candelight on Saturday night. Rich was MC'ing the event, so Jack, Josie, Dad and I thoroughly enjoyed the carols, and Jackson and Josie particularly enjoyed the dancing!! I struggled to get Josie off the dance floor to go home!

Yum in my Tum at Whiteman Park

Jackson, Josie, Dad and I had a great morning out at Whiteman Park today. They had a kids food festival on called 'Yum in my Tum', which was enjoyed by all.

Josie's first face painting - a butterfly

Jackson opted for a shark (well he actually asked for a racing car, but I don't think she knew how to draw one of those, so he settled for a shark!)

Then onto the craft tent for some painting

Then the Bakers Delight tent to make our own sticky buns

The best bit was definitely eating them though! Yummy

Family bike ride

We went for a lovely bike ride around the river on a beautiful day yesterday.

Sold!

The house is sold, settlement is mid January, let the new adventures begin..... !!!

Josie turns 2!

Josie turned 2 today. She thoroughly enjoyed her day, and definitely got the knack of opening her presents by the end of the day (with Jackson's help of course!). She loved all her presents and spent the whole day drifting from one new present to the next. She was a bit shy when she was lined up for the 'photo in front of the cake' moment, but knew how to blow out her candles no problem. Happy birthday our little Josie!!

Jackson turns 4!

Jackson had a fantastic 4th birthday. He struggled to sleep the night before with all the excitement and was up early, but he thoroughly enjoyed his day, presents and of course the cake!

Naturescape at Kings Park

We went to the new Naturescape park at Kings Park this morning, its designed as a place that kids can connect with nature. Its fantastic. Jack and Josie loved splashing, playing and building a dam in Paperbark Creek, then they collected interesting nuts and seeds in the Prickly Thicket. Great morning out.

Whiteman Park

We had a lovely morning out at Whiteman Park last week. Firstly we went to the tractor museum, then to Mussel Pool, then onto the Childrens Forest.

Yallingup camping trip

Our camping holiday began at 4.43am when Jackson came into our room, stated he wanted to get dressed as he was 'cited' about going camping, he then asked 'are we going yet' about every 10 minutes until we finally did get going at 8.30am. We spent 3 nights camping at Yallingup, we took the new tent and new trailer for a bit of a test run, and we're thoroughly pleased with both our purchases. Both Jackson and Josie enjoyed the camping experience - Jackson didn't want to go home, not sure if he'll feel the same way after about a month of sleeping in it when we make our way over to the east coast though!!

Playing on Yallingup beach at sunset

Making footprints (this was just before Josie fell right in fully clothed, so our 'play at the beach' ended abruptly as we had to get our wet and miserable girl back to the campsite for a change of clothes).

This way

Early morning bush walk all the way to the beach from camp

Climbing the rocks at Smiths Beach

The huge tent

Where Richard and I had our wedding photos taken - nearly 6 years ago now

Camping is soooooo tiring!

Bike ride from Margaret River to Cowramup

The set up