And So 2013 Concludes

Those smiles are genuine.  

Is there really anything else I can say?  I think that says it all.

Of course there is always a little more I can say.....

We broke from our traditional end of year pizzas to relax in Lily's playground while dinner cooked on the spit.  We escaped from the 'lets do up the lounge room so it matches the new kitchen' project for the afternoon at least.  2013 was the year of the renos and remained that way till the end.

My Boys

 I still think they're cute......

 

The Lounge Room

The looooooooooong overdue lounge room was finally getting a turn.  It was doing the sparkling new kitchen no justice.  Wires hidden, holes patched, electrics updated.  If it is already looking better, just imagine what fresh paint will do!

The Noise of Fun

A photograph may not be able to capture audio but you can just tell that they are being loud.

Together

He Did Not Stop...

...until he reached the top.

Almost To The End

It was a big and wonderful day.  Even with the allure of dessert and the announcement of the Bonbon games winner only minutes away, he didn't quite get there.  He almost made it to the end - almost.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.

The Christmas Crowd at the Banquet Table

Christmas Bonbon Kisses

Cheers!

Christmas cosmos with ALL the Girls!  

Welcome Home Shelley and here's to a Merry Christmas!

Sweet Victory!!!

This year was the epic launch of the soon to be Christmas tradition:

The Bonbon Games

The rules were simple enough- the cheapest bonbons available that contained a joke, hat and toy were placed on the Christmas table.  Points could be earned according to poor quality (missing items etc) or lost if there was any kind of potential found within (eg. an actual funny joke).  Extra points were also available in the piñata which ensured the obligatory mad scramble of all.

Needless to say there was much debate and discussion over the Christmas table including the expansion of the winners prize not only to include the Golden Bonbon Cup and a family photograph with a clear distinction between the winner and losers but to also produce said cup or improved equivalent at the next event.

Eventually an undisputed winner was announced:  Stevie!

However, I believe we were all winners that night.  As the rest of us donned on our L for Loser headbands we smiled and cheered at the thought of not being responsible for the safe keeping of the Cup.  Till next time......

Christmas Morning

Pretty

 Just for you Stevie. xxoo

Hello Summer!

And Hello Daddy with the bottle of detergent!

The Couch House

Multi level living at it's finest.

Good Parenting

We were a season behind in the spring clean this year and so it took a crew of 3 to get the windows sparkling (A Mum and two boys).

It was such a enjoyable task that also facilitated the reinforcement of team work and sense of achievement. The boys were clearly disappointed when we came to the end that it would of been irresponsible parenting if I had not offered something else for them to clean.

I just love being a good parent.

Christmas Preparation

Practicing wrapping skills.

Monkey Men

Elliott Turns 3!

Learning to Glide

Now He Gets It!

After 3 days of the slow and gentle approach to pushing on the swings Elliott as the pushee will now outlast any pusher and idly wait, legs dangling, calling any name that he thinks will give him the best chance to continue his newest, most favourite pastime. Swings ARE fun!

Scientist At Work

Fishing for Yabbies

Bestbrooke Mountain Resort Farmstay with Saxon, Flynn, Oliver and Lily.

Exploring

Bestbrooke Mountain Resort Farmstay

By the Creek

Bestbrooke farm stay camping weekend.

Sebastian turns 7!

Every Child Thinks They're Original

Discovering a sense of humour:  'Look Mum, I can dress myself' he says with a mischievous giggle.

Inspired

After seeing the slide show of Jojo and Papa's trip to Iceland and receiving the precious token souvenir luggage tag, Sebastian was not missing out again.

'Can I please go on your next adventure, with you Papa, the whole time?  I will have lots of rest and come back energised for school.'