339 + 235 Weeks

So, 2018 is here, and the kids also had their half yearly birthdays, so now Carmie is six and a half, and Arley is four and a half.  We weren't going to go anywhere on New Year's Eve because Jeffrey had to work, and I didn't think it was a good idea to disrupt Arley from his sleep pattern.  The few days previous to New Year's he had been brilliant, totally calm and happy.  At the last minute, I decide to take the kids to Lolo and Dida's so that we could watch the fireworks from their patio, and then have a sleepover.  The fireworks were amazing, and their townhouse is right below where they were being let off.  I have never been so close to fireworks before, it was like they were raining down on us. The kids loved it.  But I'm not sure if that made up for the repercussions of the next day! The kids fell asleep after 11pm, and somehow woke up the next morning at 5:50!  So, both kids were a mess, but Arley was particularly bad.  He was screaming at everyone, and had a big blow up with Dida, it was awful.  He was contrary and aggressive all day, until I got him off to bed at 6:30.  Carmie crashed in the afternoon and slept for two hours, but was right as rain afterwards.  And me?  It has taken me days to recover!

Our little town has been so crowded these last few weeks.  We are hesitant to go anywhere.  Because of this, I booked the kids into the intensive swim course, as the pool is just around the corner.  They have had swimming lessons all week, which has been really good.  Arley is learning how to do 'big arms' and Carmie is now swimming the length of the 25 meter pool as part of her lesson.  On Tuesday Carmie's friend Ness met us at the pool so that they could have a play, and then we brought her home with us for a play date.  The kids really miss Ness.

Arley is taking after his big sister and is reading like a champion.  The other night while I cooked dinner, he read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to me, with only a little help on a few words.  We have been playing a lot of the card game Sleeping Queens, and Arley has had lots of Jemma time.  We are waiting impatiently for school holidays to end so we can have our beaches back!

Carmie is learning to be super helpful around the house, and it helps so much.  She is such a sweet thing, but is going through a bit of a lack of confidence stage.  I'm not sure where it is coming from, and I'm sure it will pass soon enough.  She has been doing her writing book every day, and her handwriting is looking great.  She is still a total goose, and loves playing games with her dad.  Arley is a complete clown, and still loves to colour in.  He is very funny too.  The other day, I was strapping him into his car seat, and he said, "Awww, I love you!", and I said, "Oh, that is the sweetest thing I have heard all day!"  His response?  "I was talking to my seatbelt."  Scallawag!

Here is a video of the kids loving on their dog :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1BQsO-XcA8

He loves his dinosaur outfit, Oma and Opa!

 Exhausted after his blow up with Dida.