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A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015.

Mahlia: After catching waves on an overcast afternoon at the beach, she came in shivering. Those eyes are so deep and kind of enchanting. I could stare into them all day.

Leila: A face of determination, one that we see a lot of. She had to follow her sister up to the top, despite my warnings. Looking rather bedraggled after getting dumped by a little wave.

Archer: Watching on as his sisters climb on the rocks, he points and grunts to indicate where he wants to walk to, and expects a walk into the garden after every nap.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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A portrait of my kids, once a week, every week, in 2015.

2015! How did that happen?! With all the festivities over and done with, we have spent most of our time so far this year at home. I'm getting back into doing my groceries online in order to avoid the shops and spending money. The kids are enjoying having the time to play with their new gifts, and I think they need the down time, as do I! Here they are enjoying some cooling water play, and probably getting bitten by mosquitos.

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

Mahlia: We had a day trip up to Nelson Bay and went on a dolphin watching cruise. When the skipper let her steer the boat, she nearly wet herself with excitement! 

Leila: We spent Christmas Eve at a friend's house with their three girls. This smile just lights up her whole face.

Archer: Christmas Day at the beach – a perfect day. He found it hilarious to knock down the sand castle I built for him. He also took his first step on New Year's Eve! 

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

 A much-loved, special visitor from England, Christmas carols and some friends. Kids had a ball!

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

Mahlia: She graduated from Montessori and did not enjoy it at all. She wishes she could stay there and just be one of the teachers. She wasn't a fan of everyone looking at her, but a few of us gathered for dinner after and she and her friends had a ball staying up late, screaming and having fun. I love the similar expressions of Mahlia and Archer in this shot.

Leila: Decorating gingerbread Christmas trees for their friends and teachers at Montessori. I don't think many of them were eaten in the process, but Leila's cheeky face says otherwise!

Archer: Loves his swimming lessons, but only really with daddy. Not that fussed about going into the water with me! He has developed a very close bond with his daddy recently, and squeals with delight when he comes home.

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

Running a bit late with the photos from the last few weeks of 2014! Busy times!

Mahlia: Decorating the tree, very serious business.

Leila: Watching on and doing as big sister tells her, for a short period of time.

Archer: Waiting for his chance to pull everything off again. Many a decoration was ruined this year!

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

Mahlia: We had the annual Cultural Day at the girls' Montessori preschool on Saturday, and it was all about Africa. Here she is playing tug-o-war. I didn't see her most of the afternoon, and she came home exhausted and let it all out in the mother of tantrums! I am hanging out for school holidays!

Leila: My little zebra took a while to warm up but soon got into the swing of things. It was so lovely watching her with her group of little friends! She is growing so fast and is so emotional. She is looking forward to school holidays too I think!

Archer: This handsome little dude turned one this week. I can't believe it! Where has my baby gone?!

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.