The Black Eyed Poppet

The kids have learned to ride bikes and spend all daylight hours tearing up the backyard going back and forth.  In a technology obssessed world where kids spend so little time outdoors playing and all their time on their wii games, Nintendo DSs or their parent's iPads, we love that the only thing our kids think about when it comes to play time is getting on their bikes.

 

So to give the grass in our backyard a break, Michael took the kids to a nearby playground where there was plenty of grass for them to ride on and Buster could have a climb and a slide.  There was also a bit of a hill that led from the playground down to the large grassy area and Henry and Milly decided they were brave enough to ride down it.  Michael thought it was a little steep for a first hill, but it was short and it was all grass with a little bit of uneven ground when they reached the bottom, and the kids were keen. 

 

Henry went first.  Michael was standing at the bottom of the hill and said Henry's face went from excitement to panic as he gathered speed and his bike started to wobble and he was trying not to crash.  But he made it down safely and I think Michael was more relieved than Henry.

 

Next was Milly.   Michael said she looked terrified but there was no way she was not going to do it now that Henry had made it successfully.  Michael was also terrified for her and she almost made it down safely had it not been for the uneven ground at the bottom.  She crashed.  Or as we like to say in Australia - stacked it.  All corners of the Earth would have heard her screaming. 

 

The good news was there were no broken bones, no blood, just a little grazing to the face and three days later a black eye appeared.    

 

 

 

Never one to be defeated, she is back on the bike and the grass in our backyard is looking less than green again. 

Colo

A few weekends back we had the chance to get away with some friends.  We all met up at Moz and Dave's property in Colo, which is located north-west of Sydney.  It's a big property with a couple of dams, walking tracks, an orchard and the occasional kangaroo hopping by in the paddock.  It was a situation where the kids outnumbered the adults, but they also busied themselves playing nicely together and let us adults catch up (largely uninterrupted).

Exploring the great outdoors.

Sporting pursuits.

If he hadn't of found a gun to play with he would have made one.  Such is his obsession with weapons.

Our little flower.
 

Just sunning myself.
 

With Allegra, mixing some potions.
 

Everyone got to ride on a motorbike.
 

How sweet he is.
 

A glorious weekend shared with friends.

Poppet

Well, here she is.  Our little Poppet.  Or Poppety Poo as we sometimes affectionately call her.

She is creative, has a wonderful imagination, is determined, stubborn, forthright, spirited, shows a nurturing side with her little brother, has high expectations of herself, has a memory like an elephant (good god she never lets us forget anything), and although her emotions sometimes get the better of her, she can be very sweet and loving.

Caped crusaders

It was recently Book Week at school.  I've always found Book Week a little funny, because they really only celebrate a single day of the school week by having the students dress up as their favourite book character.  So I don't understand why they don't call it Book Day or something similar. 

Henry's school had a theme this year and it was to dress up as a hero.  Naturally, our seven year old wanted to go as a super hero and Batman was his super hero of choice.  There are currently two Batman costumes in the shops.  The original Batman I grew up with who wore his underpants on the outside of his tights, and the new and improved Batman from The Dark Knight movie series.  Henry wanted the Dark Knight costume but thankfully they didn't have it in his size so he had to be retro Batman. 

Once the costume was on he was thrilled to bits and dashed around the backyard looking to fight crime where ever it maybe.  And what is a caped crusader without his trusty side kicks?  Enter Bat Girl and Bat Boy.

There is so much I love about the photos above and below.  Firstly, Milly and her not-so-subtle posing for the camera.  Secondly, how much Henry looks like a 'Harry high pants' in his all-in-one Batman costume.  Thirdly, our little Boo Boy and his not-so-healthy obsession with weapons.  The first photo above shows just how much he loves it and how menacing he can be.  While the photo below he is the baby faced assassin, looking like an angel holding a gun.

Enter Sandman

 

Buster has refused to have an afternoon nap for a while now.  He can generally get by without a sleep.  However, he does get tired and irritable and could really do with a little kip to recharge his batteries.  When it is late afternoon and all is quiet in the house we know it has all become to much.  The fun for us is discovering him conked out and his various sleeping positions.

 



 

Barely perched on the edge of the lounge.
 

His all time favourite sleeping position, bum in the air.  He loves his sunglasses.
 

Wearing his favourite fashion ensemble of socks and sandals can get very exhausting.
 

Even a Lego man couldn't keep him awake.
 

Passing out on big brother Henry.
 

At least we managed to get him in his pyjamas this time.