Swimming lessons, stealing cookies, turning 30, and turning 60

In the order listed above... So proud watching Daniel happily try everything, given that 6 months ago he was pretty scared of putting his head under. He even blew bubbles underwater in the first lesson! This bench is the perfect height for Nick to peek over. "You AREN'T going to take this from me, are you?" Hmmm, is there any more of that choc cupcake left? Aunty Sharon turned 30. I'm happy she's in my decade, but apparently it didn't feel that way to her, even though we made her a big sprinkly '30' cookie!! Happy Birthday Sharon, thanks for being my friend as well as my sister (and babysitter, and housekeeper and the predictor of my every move... yeah, I know I will always owe you) :) My Dad turned 60 - thanks Dad for being such a great example and encourager through my whole life, even when I met a crazy Australian guy and moved to the other side of the world. You are a Godly man and I love you so much. Sorry bout you being old now.

I am woman

Laura sees Dad come home from work, runs into the kitchen and says to me: "Hurry, dad's home, you better go cook!" "What?" "Go cook before he sees you not cooking!" Oh great, so now my catch cry is "I Am Woman, Watch Me Cook". Humph.

First steps!!

Nick just took his first steps and we have video! It does take him 3 tries, but prior to this, he wouldn't move at all if he didn't have a hand to hold. He's pretty proud of himself.

More recent pics

Laura the hairdresser. How this girl manages to be all-girl and all-tough I am not quite sure... Star Babysitter Olivia with Daniel at a kids party she hosted with her class at school Erica, do you remember giving this bandana to Laura? Well, she wears it nearly every day right now! Do you think this kid has had enough of car travel?! Trying to get a passport picture of a near-toddler... always fun. 3 kids and 6 passports... check! Love those teeth! I might be 33 but I can still jump on a trampoline, right?! (photo courtesy of Daniel) 2 of my girls... :) 10 Kids between us and we actually managed to get a picture without one of them appearing in the shot! Friends since babies, these 2 get along like they've never spent time apart! And their next-youngest siblings have started taking a real liking to each other now too, which is fun to see...

It's time

Well, I'm sick of looking at that ridiculous picture of my eyes and pondering how much of those scary eyebrows to pluck, so figured it's about time to find some new photos to post... These are from Sharon's wedding in Feb, but just got the digital professional pics, so wanted to share my favourites!

Yes, I'm a dork

My eyes still look the same! :) I'm still in awe over this no-glasses thing, often looking for them for a sec, or reaching up to adjust before remembering! Finally got the okay to drive and no more blurry vision. Oh yeah!

See the difference?

Surprise! Laser eye surgery for me! 18 hours in, and besides the bad pictures cause I just woke up and no mascara allowed, so far 20/20 vision! Woo hoo!!

10 months old

Okay, I did put this vest on him on purpose, and admittedly it makes him look way more grown up than is accurate, but it looked cute... He already has 6 teeth, walks everywhere holding our hands (or even just one hand), and is starting to get really upset when told not to touch something!

What?!!!

You what? You wrote that on your own?!!! Translation if you need it: "No people allowed, hahahahahaha" Daniel said there was something on his door, and explained that it wouldn't be there when his friends came over this evening (I suspect he thought ahead and decided I would think it was rude if that was on his door, so the explanation was for his own protection!). Okay, I went to have a look. Shock! He's suddenly begun to sound out words independently and write them! I know he knew the different sounds for letters, and he has written a few little things, but this was definitely a step above that. He's right on par with a lot of his peers at preschool, but I just think it's one of the most amazing thing watching and helping a child (my own this time!) learn to read and write. Seriously cool.

For Penny

Hey Penny, I did it. 10 Months after you helped me get the first 2 canvases up in Daniel and Laura's room, I finally got material for Nick's and have it up in his room. None of them have names on them, but really, will I EVER really do that?! I kinda like them without... Nick's room Daniel and Laura's room (notice sleeping kids at bottom of photo! :)