A Walking Family.

Our big boy didn't win his first game, but he had a great time. He came home in good spirits and said he'd enjoyed himself even though they didn't win. Papa came home with his voice hoarse from supporting our big boy. Our big boy realised today that he likes playing for a team. I'm happy for him! 

It was a restful day at home. 

We went for an hour-long walk to our local Mount and back. I thought the children would be daunted by the uphill journey from our home, but they surprised us. Our big boy began jogging uphill and the littlies followed suit. At that pace, we made it to Mount Taylor in no time at all. 

We stopped by the local dairy for a treat on the way home, which the children enjoyed very much.

I'm not sure when it happened, but I think we've become a walking family. 

Spanish Not-Buns.

Spanish not-buns. A twist on a Filipino sweet breadcrumb-filled bun, because I realised I lack the time and energy to fill and roll each bun individually. As the children grow, so do their appetites and they're ravenous come the end of the school day. I often like to have something homemade ready so they don't raid the snack cupboard for crisps or the like. They're currently crazy about chai lattes, our older ones, since I discovered how to make them myself at home. 

It was pizza tonight, and our little lady helped with rolling out and pre-baking the bases so dinner would be a easier. 

After school, the husband and I engaged our big boy in a bit of fitness training: a short run and football drills. 

Our big girl opened a games station, camping tables set up with our one-player games. These kept our younger two busy until it was time to make their pizzas. She's got a gift for keeping our young ones busy, this one.

Term 2 Musings.

Term 2 has begun. Starting term two sick with a cold was unexpected. In some ways, it's made things a little harder. On the other hand, being unwell has also pushed me to sleep earlier and get more rest. The rest has helped.

Our little lady attended a gymnastics trial lesson today and I was quite impressed and amazed by how much she accomplished in just 40 minutes. She loved that I was right by her side throughout the lesson and got to do many of the exercises with her. 

Our little lady even taught our little man how to do the forward roll this evening. :) it will be an exciting journey for her if she decides to pick up gymnastics this term.

Our little man starts his swimming lessons tomorrow. We'd put it off last year when he was fresh into school, and when he had some hearing issues earlier this year. Thankfully, that's been resolved. He's a little nervous about starting lessons tomorrow and will be bringing his big sister for moral support. :) 

Our big boy has also committed to playing on a social football team this winter season. It's a big commitment (Tuesday evening trainings and Saturday morning games) and there's lots of work to be done. Hopefully we'll all be able to support him in the way he needs us to. 

Bedtime beckons. 

Duder Regional Park.

Our longest walk yet, 2 hours. It was an undulating terrain traversing beach, dense forest, gravel pathways and hilly paddocks. We gave it our best shot and thoroughly enjoyed our packed lunch after. 

Walking along the coastline and looking out onto the vast ocean, our little man marvelled:

"I am a little ant. God's world is so big. Sometimes I think that I'm big but I look at God's world and feel like a little ant."

A profound and beautiful realisation coming from such a little boy. 

Gathering Place.

It's been awhile since we hosted a big playdate. Some last-minute developments meant that we had 5 children coming by today to play. Thankfully, the arrival times were staggered and all the parents were thoughtful in the way they brought some food for their children to share.

The beautiful weather meant that there was something for everyone to do; we quickly figured out the outdoor children from the ones who were happy inside putting a puzzle together. We got to know new friends better and solidified old friendships. 

The husband kept the boys occupied with a game of football while I made lunch. Our children were great hosts and all the children looked out for each other.

At the end of the day, the husband and I were relieved not to have to cook. We'd planned a trip to the night market this evening.

It's always a treat and a great chance for the older children to learn to manage their money wisely and order their own food. Our big boy wasted money on fake Pokémon cards the last time, and this time knew well enough to steer clear of toys and just buy food. 

It's been a full day. 

Birthdays Come Early.

The bigs' birthdays came early this year as Popo surprised them with their presents early; they woke up one morning to find inline skates giftwrapped at the foot of their beds. They'd outgrown their skates and we thought the holiday might be a good time for them to break them in. They've been enjoying it and are very grateful. 

Now that all the children have their own skates, we took them to Skateland this morning to have a go on them. Papa and I rented skates too, much to the children's delight. It's been a decade, at least, since we skated but it's good to know we haven't forgotten how to. We had a lovely time. 

The Day The Spring Rolls Sprung.

I was making spring roll filling tonight. Our little man wanted to help. Our bigs joined in too.

The mince and vegetables must have been feeling frisky because they flew everywhere. 

It was a tricky clean up but the husband reminded me that I do like involving the children in everything and that's a natural consequence of that. 

Little man: "My favourite thing to do is cooking."

Perhaps we're raising a future chef.