11 – 52

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

Mahlia: Running through the backyard with a rainbow ribbon, dodging the mosquitos.

Leila: She loves her books, sitting quietly in the cubby, dodging mosquitos.

Archer: He had his first 'swim' in the ocean this week. It didn't faze him one bit. Daddy was proud.

Joining in the 52 Project at Practising Simplicity.

10 – 52

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

Mahlia: With the return of some warmer weather this week, the girls have been having lots of fun in the paddling pool. Mahlia's enjoying a 'backwards cuddle' from Leila. The downside to all this water play is the abundance of mozzies that are feasting on the girls.

Leila: After losing her confidence at swimming, for no apparent reason, she is finally regaining it. She loves her swimming lessons. That tongue always pops out when she's shy or embarrassed—I don't think she wanted me taking her photo.

Archer: Keeping a safe distance from the splashing in the paddling pool, he takes in all his surroundings. He loves being outside and currently he loves his hands. Sporting a bit of a comb-over due to the balding sides of his head! Mozzies don't seem too fussed by him for some reason, which is good.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project, over at Practising Simplicity.

9 – 52

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

Mahlia: We've finally had some decent rain, but the girls got a bit of cabin fever so we ventured off on a walk—three kids, two dogs, three umbrellas + rain. Chaos! But they had fun splashing in the puddles. We found an old face painting set, and Mahlia wanted to be a tiger. From a distance it looks quite good, but I need a bit of practise. We've also started finger knitting together with the aim to make this woven hula hoop rug. She picked it up so quickly and it's a lovely activity to do when she wants some quiet time.

Leila: She has been on her best behaviour this week, sharing and using her manners without any prompts, and just generally being lovely. Daddy set up hopscotch and taught them how to play. There were lots of giggles and not many hops!

Archer: This poor little man has been suffering from a bad cough this week, but it hasn't taken his beautiful smile away. Giggles are starting and he loves any attention he gets from his sisters, no matter how rough! 13 weeks old this week—must do that introductory post on his birth!

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

8 – 52

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

Mahlia: She's had a busy week this week. She has started going to Montessori four days a week this year, and together with rock pool swims, bike rides, dentist check ups, and play dates, she is exhausted. We spent Friday morning making paper dolls, after being inspired by a library book. I made some too, and when she saw mine she got upset as she didn't think hers were as good. I begged to differ, so I gave her mine, and she gave me hers. Peace was briefly restored.

Leila: This girl loves her food, but takes FOREVER to eat sometimes. Enjoying fajitas al fresco, albeit deconstructed ones. Recovering from a cold, she has been very tired come bedtime, and every question is answered with a no, followed by screaming because she really meant yes, but when asked again, the answer is no, and so on. Trying times! I think you can see some of her cheekiness in her eyes in this shot.

Archer: 12 weeks old! How did that even happen? He is happiest lying on the floor, with a vantage of all that is going on around him. Coming down with a cough and he still has the biggest smile on his face. And those eyes, I just can't get enough of him!

Joining in with Jodi's 52 Project at Practising Simplicity.

7 – 52

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

Mahlia: We found some fairy dust lying around the house, as you do, so she liberally sprinkled it throughout her very overgrown fairy garden.

Leila: Well, my baby girl had her first day in the prep program for Montessori today. She was shy and nervous to start with, but it didn't take her long to join in. She enjoyed choosing her work and is looking forward to going back next Saturday. I shed a tear as I stood back and watched her taking it all in. She's been singing the sound songs all day. We were running late, as Leila takes a looooong time to eat her breakfast, especially when we have to go somewhere, so this was the best shot I got of her. It sums her up quite well!

Archer: This is one happy little man. He had just woken up and enjoyed stretching out and looking around the playroom.

Joining in with the 52 Project over at Practising Simplicity.

6 – 52

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.

5 – 52

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.