Now it's we four. And conversations have changed (we're learning how not to interrupt!). And there's a lot of explaining to do. Jessica and I had a long conversation in the kitchen about Amelie and Catherine in the UK the other day. She's convinced that Africa and "Eng-a-land" are on the same continent so we are still working on geography. However, she now has associated Amelie (Wales) with living close to Great Aunt Jenny (Aberdeen) so we have some small idea of location. Not!
Four years old! She's a beanpole in height but can still fit into 1-2 yr old pants. I have to buy 5-6-7 clothing for height but then cinch pants tight around her waist.
The birthday was a bit epic, with me down with gastro for 3 days the week before. I was out of bed on the Friday, though very wobbly, Saturday was busy shopping and spending family time together with dinner out in the evening, and Sunday morning we had church at 8.30am, 15 people for brunch at 11am, an hour off for some quiet time.
 |
| Reading Grandma's book with Dad |
 |
| More books with dad - our favourite thing to do! |
Once again we were very blessed with lovely weather. Four years in a row! The jumping castle proved to be the hit of the party, closely followed by the zip line that Adam has made, so no more entertainment needed.
 |
| In action on the jumping castle... |
 |
| The "jumping lamb" turns 4! |
I made an ice cream cake in the shape of a sheep, with marshmallow "wool" and that was devoured in a flash by parents and small people alike!
No more baking the night before ever again... this is the 3rd ice cream cake I have made for the kids' birthdays and they are always a total utter scrumptious hit with everyone. Note to self though: make sure you have two packets of cones 'cos the parents stand in queue too! I ran out!
 |
| Grandad and Dad watching the festivities... |
 |
| Mum in action! |
 |
| A jumping lamb ice cream cake - yum! |
 |
| The zip line in action... |
 |
| Buddies in the tree house - Dylan and Luke having fun. |
 |
| The girl friends: Ella, Emma, Jessica & Sienna |
The birthday girl was very tired by late afternoon so there were a few tears at the party and afterwards. We opened most of her gifts the day after and read the books, did the puzzles and tried on all the clothes (lovely things - what wonderful friends we have). I still have art supplies stashed away for a rainy day.
The best part of the celebrations was having my parents down for 5 days. The kids really loved the time with them, and were sad to see them go back to Jo'burg. And it was fun to visit Fishoek for a walk and ice cream, and go to Muizenberg on the train together. I savour the moments - and am greedy for more. I remember the joy of grandparents visiting from my own childhood: such an exciting time!
 |
| Mum playing with the kids at the sea. |
 |
| The Fishoek boardwalk is an adventure when Luke and Jessica are out! |
It seems relatively quiet now, if you discount the mo-bike thundering down the passage and various shrieks at all times. What's next? No idea!
It's never quite back to routine. Must leave you with a recent kid-ism from Jessica, travelling in the car, Adam driving and answering her questions:
What's that?
> A cattle grid
What's it for?
> To keep cows in
Why?
> So cows don't go on the road
Why?
> Cos cows can't go as fast as cars.
That's right - cows go low!
No comments:
Post a Comment