Christmas Eve fun!

Today we baked cookies for Santa.  Amy loved helping Michael cut out the shapes and decorate them with sprinkles (and eat a majority of those sprinkles...).
Amy has been so excited all day as she knows Santa will be coming tonight. She has been a very good girl and I'm sure Santa will be leaving her and Jack some presents! Amy has asked for an Emma bow and some paints. We asked Santa if Jack can please have some trucks.
We have left some milk and cookies for Santa,  and carrots for the reindeer. It's raining outside now,  and I hope it stops soon so Santa and his reindeer don't get wet!
Amy and Jack have their Santa sacks ready and are already fast asleep (7.20pm).

Video - Jack walking 13.5 months

Yesterday afternoon Jack decided to start walking! What a wonderful Christmas gift!  This video was taken yesterday and he has been walking even more today.  We think he's pretty clever.  What do you think?

Click here to see the video.

Keeping busy!

December has been flat-out busy for us! There's been so much to do and we have been having lots of fun.
On Monday we went to Brian and Norma's house to celebrate Christmas with them. We had a lovely day and gave and received beautiful gifts. Michael and I received a sun shade for the beach or park. It's very practical and we are sure to use it lots over this summer and many more. Amy received a boat for the pool,  and as you can see,  she loves it. Jack and Amy also received some other toys which they loved! Amy has her first barbie doll which she thought was brilliant. Jack loved his toy train and Amy thought it was great as well.
We had a beautiful lunch and relaxed with the kids.

On Tuesday I took Amy and Jack shopping to kmart,  to buy some gifts for the wishing tree.  Amy chose some toys for a 1 year old girl,  and 3 year old girl.  We put them in gift bags and under the tree.  I told Amy that some mummy's and daddy's don't have much money and can't buy presents for their children at Christmas time,  but we can buy something for them.  She thought this sounded like a great idea,  and had fun choosing the gifts. We plan to make this a Christmas tradition,  and expand on how we can help others in need as both children get older.

The Wiggles!

On Saturday,  Amy and I went to see The Wiggles!  We went with some good friends and had a fantastic time!
We had wonderful seats and a great view of the stage. Amy wore her Emma outfit and did so much dancing. We waved to the Wiggles as they arrived in their Big Red Car,  and drove right past our seats! Amy had made gifts for two of the characters,  Wags and Henry,  and was excited to have them collected by one of the Wiggly dancers.
Amy said she enjoyed watching Captain feathersword fall over as he was trying to dance too fast. She also loved seeing Emma up close.  There was also a special appearance from Santa! Amy waved and said "Hi Santa" many times as he walked through the audience with the Wiggles.

Nanna's retirement celebration

Last week we had the honour of watching Mum (aka Nanna Puppies) celebrated for her wonderful career. For my readers who don't know,  my Mum has been a teacher in special education for most of her career. The last 22 years have been spent at a school in Gladesville called 'Giant Steps',  which supports children who have varying degrees of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). 
Mum is the type of person who will always look after others before herself,  and her selfless nature shone through in her devotion to the children at Giant Steps. Having been at the school from the day it opened,  Mum saw many of her first students grow from children into adults.  She saw the school change,  develop and grow in its numbers of both students and staff. I spent a short time working there with Mum,  and saw first-hand the love and devotion she had to her work.  It was more than a job for her and I know she was sad to say goodbye. But we all know that the best way to say goodbye is on a high,  and that's exactly what Mum did!
The staff celebrated her wonderful career with singing,  gifts,  speeches,  food,  and even a Harley Davidson motorbike ride! Speaking on behalf of her family,  we were so proud to be a part of her special day.

Congratulations Mum on a wonderful career!

Santa spectacular

Today we went to 'Santa spectacular'  at Rose Hill. It was so much fun! We went on rides,  played games,  decorated cookies,  and explored the winter wonderland. Amy ran from ride to ride,  with a huge smile on her face. The weather was so hot (37 degrees) so we were happy to go inside where there was jumping castles,  more rides, games and food.

Wedding time!

Last night,  Michael and I went to my cousin,  Fiona's wedding. It was a lovely celebration and we really enjoyed a night out! Brian and Norma were so kind and looked after the kids.  We are so lucky to have such generous parents! Amy and Jack enjoyed having their Nana and Pa for the evening,  and slept soundly all night.

Here is a photo of Amy building a tower.  Her hands are getting very steady and coordinated and she was able to build it very high. Well done Amy!

Jack standing

Jack is getting very steady on his feet.  He can stand for about 5 seconds by himself.  He mostly puts his hands to the ground when he loses balance,  but has also taken a few little baby steps!

Today he had a lovely time feeding himself yoghurt with a spoon.  It was so messy,  but he really enjoyed himself! He's such a great eater.  He's recently tried sultanas and loves them!

Letter to Santa

Today I helped Amy write a letter to Santa.  In her letter,  she asked Santa for an Emma bow,  and some paints.
She added some stickers and we posted it.  She is getting very excited for Christmas.
We asked Santa for some toy trucks for Jack as well.
We talked about making cookies on Christmas Eve,  to leave out for Santa (with milk). And some carrots for the reindeer of course!