186 + 82 Weeks

A lot happened this week - we had trips to Narrawallee Inlet, and also down to Dolphin Point - we even set the tent up and it didn't blow over.  We took the lilo with us, and Carmen had fun floating around on it.  The weather was amazing - too hot really, and then came Australia Day, and with it a summer cold snap that is lingering.  For Australia Day we went to the markets, and Carmie spent the whole time on the jumping castle and the merry-go-round.  Afterwards Lolo and Dida and the cousins came over for morning tea, and the kids were very excited.

The following day Carmie started her new school.  She loves it.  I was sure she would be crying on the first day, but she got stuck right in to the new toys, and she was very happy to see another girl from her old school there.  She loves the Montessori room that they have set up, and is coming home with a new understanding of things, which is really nice to see.  She also loves the back yard, which has dinosaurs in it, some slides, a canoe, sand pit, cubby house, and a pet rabbit called Larry.  Carmie did three days there this week, was excited to go every day, and when I picked her up on the last day, she was sitting with two boys, who were very obviously showing off to her, and she was giggling and laughing at them.  It was very nice to see, and I hope her excitement lasts.

As for Arley, he is learning new words, and finally has a name for his sister.  He calls her "Marmy", which unfortunately sounds a lot like Mummy, and the only way we know who he is talking about is by seeing who he is looking at.  He tried painting for the fist time this week, loves to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and refuses to eat any food that is not familiar, and it cannot contain any kind of sauce, or any vegetable either (except for frozen corn, peas and carrots).  He begs for cheese at every meal, and would rather have his "nak" (drink) than his actual meal.  Every time we are getting ready to go anywhere, he thinks he is being left behind, and he cries at the front door, blocking the way.  He got weighed last week, and was 13.4kgs (about 30lbs), which is on the hefty side for an 18 month old.  His Lolo made him a hat for the coming winter, and he fell in love with it and wore it for two days straight. He is a funny little guy.

At Narrawallee Inlet

 Pooped out

 Arley's first time painting

 This is how I get work done these days.

 At Dolphin Point

 Australia Day

 While Carmie was at school, we took Arley to the play cafe.  He spent most of his time sitting in the chair like a little grown up.

 Arley's new beloved hat.