The end of the snake

We suspected that we had a snake living in our garden over the last year. He finally came out to sun himself today. Jack (the dog) was on the ball and kept him rounded up. My response was "Stay there - I'm getting the camera!". Don's was slightly different, "Stay there, I'm getting the hoe!" I managed to snap a few quick photos before the aforementioned hoe put period to the snake.

Needless to say, we are very thankful to have a dog!

Season's Greetings!

Merry Christmas to all!

We have had a lovely time here, reflecting on God's gift to us, and enjoying time with family.

And.....

... I have a new camera! :)

Summer, is that you?

I think Summer might have finally arrived. Not that I'm complaining, mind. It's just been a little weird to have the Christmas tree up at the same time as wearing a jumper.... But there's no fear of wearing a jumper today.

Our frangipani tree is blooming, and there's all sorts of interesting empty nests to view.

The joy of rolling ink stamps

My littlest chicken found the rolling animal print stamps this morning. I'm just beginning to discover just how much she is enjoying them. Chicken no.1 is complaining that her book lists now have echidna prints on them. And little chicken is currently discovering how the beautiful prints all over the dining room floor now need to be cleaned off. These quiet, busy children, I tell you - they get a lot of practice cleaning things up! At least ink comes off the tiles quite easily. The books she ate as a toddler weren't quiet so easily fixed....

Meanwhile, Christmas is fast approaching. At least, the calendar is telling me that, but it hasn't quite sunk into my brain yet. All this rain and cool weather has tricked my brain into thinking it's still months away yet. When I think back on memories of Christmas as a child I fondly remember curling up in some cozy nook with some junk food and a good book. Ahhhh, childhood. I just can't get away with that same level of anti-social behavior anymore! Or the same level of junk food... Maybe I should start exercising now in preparation.....

More loveliness

This time oldest sister is brushing and doing the hair of her little sister. Makes my heart warm!. :)

Scenes of colouring

These two are not only colouring the same picture, but sharing the same chair. Oh, so sweet!

And this beautiful scene was captured first thing in the morning. The children occupying themselves before their parents make the effort to stumble out of bed.... Ahhh. :)

We did nothing today

I find it interesting that when a friend or grandparent comes in the door and asks the children what they have learnt in 'school' today, the answer is often "nothing, really, except a page of maths". (Why is it always on a day when we haven't done much 'formal' schooling??) I roll my eyes and think of all the 'nothing' that they did today.

My eldest daughter did another puzzle (1000 piece); read a book (which led to a spontaneous discussion about WWII); created a complicated game with lots of drawing, cards, and other features, then tested it out on her siblings; got lots of fresh air and exercise on the trampoline and swings; created a drama performance or game on the trampoline; organised or baked something; created a Lego structure (often with an ancient Rome/Greek theme at the moment).

My son (after getting himself dressed, breakfasted, and jobs done before anyone else was up in the morning) delved into one of his favourite non-fiction books for a while then later came and told me the difference between one type of ant and other; spent time breaking apart rocks then came to show me how some were flaky, some were layered, some hard, some soft; made lots of Lego cars; played a dozen word games with his little sister (which involves teaching her how to read); drew a picture for his mother.

Littlest chicken at least has lots to say - about all the games outside, what she watered and planted with mummy, what she made with the play-dough, what babies she put to bed where and what ailments they are suffering from...

So yeah, lots of 'nothing' done here today.