First kid birthday of the year

It is so tricky to have one day that you look forward to for SOOO long, and then it's over before you know it. A day just isn't long enough for some things. But I can't quite bring myself to do what a friend of mine does: 'birthday week' for everyone. Sheesh! But Laura did get birthday breakfast, party with friends, a friend over to play afterwards, birthday dinner, and even birthday lunch the next day with Oma and Papa at the Pancake Train! And her pocket money went up this year, so no complaints from her, she went to bed smiling. 

How I love this girl. 

Homemade egg mcmuffins. 

Beats McD hands down!

We did something different this year, and for this I did take a page out of a friend's book: having a book exchange instead of presents. We saw a friend do it, and Laura liked the idea, so everyone brought a book, and went home with a new one!

Choc pudding made by dad for her 'cake' - thumbs up for that!

Only 1 more year till double digits, wow wow...

Life just goes and goes

A cute nephew to hold. 

Kids learn quickly how best to get each parent's attention!

She loves loves loves dressing up!

This is the newest thing, "I wash up?!"

I knew all those cardboardy things I've kept for so long 

would be useful one day - we made a big castle!

This boy got an "Aussie of the Month" award for his initiative at school 

to fundraise for a school in India that he visited. 

Everyone at school supported it so enthusiastically, 

some kids came and gave all the money in their piggybanks!

Compassion is priceless.

Just a normal Saturday afternoon hanging around on the 

velcro wall at the newest local playcentre - too cool!

...too much technology you think?

This book has been a favorite through toilet training.

I can read it with my eyes closed, 

and she can nearly recite the whole thing too...

Monkey faces!

I really love rainbows. Never tire of them, 

especially when we're virtually driving under one!

(Dan took the picture)

Breakfast in bed for the dog?? Sure, why not.

He's decided he's not a morning dog. 

That suits us.

Dogs have favourite soft toys too!

I'm full with living beings to care for constantly.

But I'm also full with gratitude for those beings.

I've been letting the fullness of responsibility outweigh the fullness of gratitude.

Here's to switching that around.

Oh and did I mention I have 2 cute little nephews??