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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Mahlia: We took the bus to Terrigal for ice cream and a splash in the rock pool before catching the bus back home. This is a typical Mahlia pose when we're out and about—watching others intently and playing with her hair, almost in a trance.

Leila: She followed her sister up onto the rocks and found a little seat for herself. But she doesn't sit still for long, as usual, and was back screaming in the water in no time. I love her pout and look of determination.

Archer: Showing off his rotund tummy and sporting a fetching quiff. He was very happy lying on the grass watching the world go by. Not so happy when I put him back in the sling to go home. 10 weeks old now.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Mahlia: We celebrated Australia Day at a party on a friend's property nearby. Mahlia had a fantastic time with some of her Montessori friends, with her first go on a Slip 'n Slide and lots of yummy Aussie themed food. I love the look on her face here, compared to Leila's!

Leila: Enjoying having the whole bath to herself before Mahlia joined her. Her cheekiness astounds me and her defiance grows a little more every day!

Archer: He loves being on the floor, left to stretch out and take in his surroundings. I love the daily chats we have.

Joining in with Jodi over at Practising Simplicity.

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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Mahlia: We went on a big walk in an effort to get mummy fit! Hibiscus and frangipani in hand, she enjoyed our little nature trail, spotting birds along the way. She started back at Montessori this week and is now doing four days a week. She's been emotionally and physically drained and lets it all out back in the safety of her home.

Leila: She has missed having Mahlia at home this week, so daddy took her out to the Japanese gardens where they had some free activities. Here she is watching the fish. So hard to believe she'll be three in a couple of months. She starts the prep program for Montessori in a few weeks, and can't wait to go to school.

Archer: That smile melts my heart. He is such a happy little bub. He loves his food and sleep (so far), and is weighing in at a very healthy 5.7 kgs already. 8 weeks old, and growing way too fast.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

It's been a hot week here, so there's been lots of cooling off down at the beach, at Nanna and Pa's pool or in the paddling pool. Our house is surrounded by trees and we are lucky enough to live close enough to the beach to get a cool breeze through the house, so we don't tend to suffer too badly in this heat. But come winter, we are freezing! 

Mahlia: She made a complete road network on the beach, complete with houses, a rubbish truck and tip! I love the imagination of a child.

Leila: Those blue eyes! Some backyard fun in the paddling pool, when I just didn't have the energy to go to the beach again—there is a ridiculous amount of stuff to take with three kids!

Archer: Enjoying watching the trees in the wind in the backyard while the girls were splashing nearby. I adore his little tongue poking out. He loves to be outside. He's almost laughing this week. He is such an adorable baby, and a good sleeper so far (the girls were great too until about 12 weeks, then it all went downhill from there!). His favourite spot is on his change table, we have many a good conversation there!

Joining in with Jodi over at Practising Simplicity.

Mahlia's 5th Safari Party

A little late, but here we go! 

When I asked Mahlia what theme she'd like for her birthday party, she asked for animals such as elephants, zebras and giraffes. So a safari party it was! After gathering ideas from the net, I think I met Mahlia's brief! She was very happy with it, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters! She wanted it at the same place as last year's Enchanted Fairy and Gnome Party—a perfect spot as it's safe for kids to run off all the sugar!

The invites were a passport design from the Etsy store PaperBuiltShop, and they looked brilliant—everyone loved them! This was Leila's invite to the party, so it's not in the best condition!

As I was due to give birth 3 weeks after her party, I had planned to keep it simple and low-key, but we ended up with quite a few kids, about 20, and their parents. It was afternoon tea, so I didn't need to provide too much food. Here are the photos!

All the kids were given binoculars to go on 'safari' to find some animals!

Food included Hungry Hippo Dip (Spinach Cob dip); Cheese and Pineapple Porcupines; Cupcakes in animal print cases; Jungle fruit cups; Flamingo Fairy Bread; Cheetah chips and more that I can't remember!

There was a little quiz on the animals with chocolate prizes. Then hubby made balloon giraffes for all the kids—a nightmare as they kept popping and he needed to keep making more!

The cake! I kept the decorating simple, with homemade bunting and a figurine.

It was meant to be zebra stripes inside—close enough!

I didn't get a photo of the party bags, but they were animal print bags with a chocolate; an animal texta or crayon; a balloon; some bubbles; and some stickers!

 And finally, the lucky girl with her beautiful gifts!

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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Mahlia: We discovered this belly dancing outfit in the bottom of the dress-up box, that we bought in Dubai this time last year! She loves it and wants to wear it to Montessori, and everywhere, forever! It scares me how grown up she looks here.

Leila: She loves the swings, and always says "Push me high to fly like a bird". She's showing off to Mahlia here, "Look, I'm not holding on!"

Archer: My little man. He didn't want photos taken, he wanted to go to bed. Those eyes make my heart melt. He has been having lots of chats with us this week, along with big gummy smiles.

Joining in with Jodi over at Practising Simplicity.

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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Mahlia: Five now, and concentrating on her new vet Lego that she received for Christmas. She wants to be a vet when she's big.

Leila: We're spending lots of time at the beach now. She's 'swimming' through the rock pools.

Archer: My little chilled-out man. He's dipped his five-week-old toes in the water three times now. Daddy can't wait to take him surfing. I, on the other hand, want him to stop growing and stay my bubba forever.

Joining in with Jodi over at Practising Simplicity.