:: 9 :: On February 10

It's hard to believe our youngest turned 9 today! Where have the years gone?

It started off a very exciting day when the girls' came in together into our room at 5:15am. They were so excited (yes, even Kate was excited for her sister)

Lotso bear was a toy she had been wanting for a very long time. She had stalked ebay for months and left me many notes around the place incase I missed it.

She is still really into Mickey Mouse - so with that character on she got - a watch, knickers and socks and a cool singing birthday card! She also got a few books, some Lalaloopsy dolls, some Lalaloopsy pj's, a jumper, a Wii game and she will be getting a bike tomorrow (she wants to choose her own) Amie, Brendan, Ruby and Jonah bought her a Kindle. She was thoroughly spoilt.

 We made lolly bags for her to share with her class at school.

Amie made the beautiful cake! Isn't it fabulous?

Kate & Jonah

The new way to wear a party hat!

Phil and Amie (not often I get a photo of these 2 together!)

Phil being silly!

We hope you had a very happy 9th birthday Ella! We love you xoxo.

Monday

I had to stay home all morning this morning while the electrician was here, and for the most part I had no power, so what better way to enjoy a nice day than outside in the garden!

 

I stripped the beds last night so I could get an early start on the washing before the power needed to be turned off. It was a cooler morning than we have had lately, so it was lovely to be able to stay outdoors until late morning without getting too hot.

I tidied up the small garden. And yes I realise you can't eat hydrangeas but they add such lovely colour to the herbs and vegies. I added some more fertiliser and did a bit of planting.

Capsicum

rocket and marigolds

 

new light fitting

Sunday

We love Sundays in this house. We laze about in the mornings, eating when we are hungry, going back to bed for reading (napping for me!) watching telly, playing on the computer. It's so nice not to have to be out the door at any particular time. Today I didn't get in the shower until after lunch! The kids wanted wedges for lunch, and I had some bananas that needed using up, so we had smoothies with them. Kate didn't want to be in the photo today. Infact she sat away from Ella and I with her nose stuck in a book. Oh well, I didn't want to discourage reading and I love to read while I eat! Later in the afternoon we went for a walk and called in to see a friend, then headed home to pick up the car before heading to the garden centre. A lovely relaxing day.

How was your Sunday?

Update

The girls have settled well into school this year. Both have great teachers that they like, and lots of friends to hang out with (and learn!) Dancing has started back and they are busier than ever with Kate taking 7 classes a week for the next 6 wks, then will be 6 classes after that. Ella is doing five. As well as their usual - Kate has picked up slow modern and Ella has picked up singing and slow modern. Ruby is also back at our dancing (and travelling 45 mins to get there) doing ballet and jazz.
The garden is looking rather sad after out heatwave. I can't wait for autumn so we can get out there more. We either have to be out there between 6am and 8am or after 6pm (and we don't have daylight savings here so you have to be quick! My lemon tree is coming along nicely. No those are not mine at the top, but it is the same variety, fingers crossed mine look that good one day!
I hope everyones elses children returning to school for the new year have had a great start.

First Day of School 2012

Ella Yr 4, Kate Yr 6. Last year of primary for Kate. I can't believe she will be in high school next year! Crazy!

Back to School

Two excited girls with their lunch made before they head to bed!

Family Day Out

Today we headed for a fun day at Adventureworld! We meet up with Amie, Ruby and Jonah and some school friends - Karri (Ella's bestie) her sister Ashlee and their Mum Simone.

The new Kahuna Falls was a huge hit

Jonah with Amie

Karri and Ella ride the kiddies roller coaster

Amie and Kate on the Power Surge. Ella was upset she is still too short for this ride.

Ella, Ruby, Ashlee and Kate

Ruby with a funny faced Jonah

On the Pirate Ship (second back row) Love Kates face!

Kate & Phil ride the Monorail

Ella and Karri check it out too!

Ruby takes a dip

Jonah and Pop Pop take a dip too

Kate was thrilled she was finally tall enough this year to ride on the Freefall!

Ella and Ruby on the Monorail

Kate takes a slide

and a swim in the big pool

Ruby & Ashlee ride the roller coaster

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday whatever you did!