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

Mahlia: She received a belated birthday present from her aunty Alex in England. A delicate silver chain and bracelet with a little fairy on each. She said it was just what she had always wanted.

Leila: A stinking hot day meant we were off for a cool down at the beach. This one isn't that fussed by the water, but she loves playing in the sand. She made cakes and pies for us to eat.

Archer: With a sniffly nose he wasn't 100%, and also wasn't keen on the water. But he had a munch on some sand, destroyed some of Leila's creations, and happily watched the birds.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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

Mahlia: An emotional week in the build up to her party, but she had such a good time with 18 of her nearest and dearest little friends here. Opening up her presents, she took her time enjoying all of the homemade cards and carefully unwrapping the thoughtful gifts. One lucky little/big girl. This week she also met her new teacher that she'll have at Steiner next year, and for the following 5 years. He seems lovely and I'm feeling happy with our decision to send her there. She was extremely nervous and clingy but I can see her fitting in really well there, and I've heard that the current kindergarten class that she will be joining next year in year one, are absolutely lovely!

Leila: We had another party to go to on Saturday. Leila headed straight for the food, and once she'd filled her tummy she ventured into the pool with all of the other kids. She was quite overwhelmed having so many people at ours for Mahlia's party but she had fun with her friends too. She's been making up some hilarious songs this week, yesterday's one on our walk was all about a big leaf she had found. Her imagination blows me away, as do those big blue eyes.

Archer: I'm enjoying every last minute of these last couple of weeks of my baby, before he officially enters toddlerhood. I'm struggling with it! He's started copying us, with sounds and yawns, and has a funny fake laugh he chuckles out, together with a scrunched up nose. He wakes up form his naps and immediately wants to be outside, pointing and grunting towards the door and the down to the backyard.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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

Lots of big smiles this week!

Mahlia: My little-big girl turned six this week. I spent a lot of time reminiscing this time six years ago, and wondering where that time had gone. The lead up to her birthday was fraught with emotions. On the day she went swimming after opening a few presents, then home again to open the rest. She wanted to go back to the ocean pool at The Entrance, so we had lunch there followed by a quick swim (was a bit chilly again), before heading home for cake with her nana and pa. She then had a dinner date last night with her doting daddy. One happy little girl.

Leila: Having a fantastic time running in and out of the water. That laugh and smile will get her a long way. She's been quite emotional this week too, especially at school, to the point where she didn't want to go on Wednesday. I promised her a picnic in the park for lunch, and she soon forgot all about whatever it was that was troubling her.

Archer: Loving the swings, he also has a very cheeky giggle. He's started making a funny growling noise this week, much to everyone's amusement! Countdown's on to the big first birthday in a few short weeks!

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 went to the ocean baths at The Entrance after school one day this week to cool off, and we certainly did cool down - it was freezing! Mahlia's knees were knocking she was shivering so much, but she kept jumping in and swimming back to do it again.

Leila: Feeding the ducks after swimming and before story time at the library. She thought it was very amusing when the ducks nipped her fingers, Mahlia did not. I love how it looks like Leila is having a chat with the mallard duck!

Archer: Cooling off at the beach this time, snacking on the sand, showing off that cute little dimple in his cheek. He's been constantly eating these past few days—just waiting for that growth spurt!

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.  

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

Mahlia: I found some old bubbles, and the screams of delight at popping them could be heard for miles around! Mahlia is now reading pretty fluently and needs little help. I love that she can now pick up a book and read it to herself. It opens up a whole new world to her.

Leila: Leila is also now reading! She's sounding out the words and putting them together, and even read a simple reader to Grandpa on Skype! Smart little cookie.

Archer: This little man has worked out how to tell us he wants food – he opens and closes his mouth like a fish and leans towards to fridge or pantry! Today, it has been constant! I think a growth spurt is on its way! He turned 11 months yesterday—1 month left of being my little baby. 

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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

Mahlia: Having fun in the park, just throwing the ball around. This once shy, little girl has grown into such a self-assured, out-going confident girl. I can't believe this is her last term at Montessori.

Leila: Hubby's parents took us out for breakfast, such a novelty for the girls. Leila ate her own weight in bacon!

Archer: Finally got round to putting Archer in a forward-facing car seat. He thought it was great being able to see everyone! I keep getting a giggle from him when he catches my eye in the mirror. 

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity. 

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

Mahlia: Psyching herself up to jump off the wall onto the beach. It took a few attempts, but eventually she just did it. I loved watching her mentally trying to will herself to do it. She was so happy. Needless to say, Leila jumped as soon as she saw Mahlia had done it. Mahlia's confidence and self-assurance is gaining every day!

Leila: Leila's cheekiness is gaining every day! Pulling funny faces in the sunlight at breakfast. She finds it impossible to sit still, especially at the table. She makes me laugh, that little blue-eyed monkey. She's just started putting the sounds together in simple words to read them too, another smart little cookie!

Archer: We went for a late afternoon play in a playground today and Archer had his first go on the swing and see-saw. He loved them both! I love the look of pure joy in this photo. He is on the move, in his own special way. He still hasn't mastered crawling, with one foot getting stuck under him, but he pulls himself along with his hands and other foot in a sitting position. His first word, Dada, has been well-practiced over the past couple of weeks. And he's loving pulling himself up to stand. Growing up too fast.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.