Stars in their eyes

So another school term has come and gone, with end of term celebrations (jumping castle for the preschoolers, and sausage sizzle + mufti day for the year 1s).

Keira's unfortunately missed most of the last couple of weeks with a minor bout of chicken pox... Thankfully the immunization meant it was very mild, and not itchy, but it wasn't the most pleasant week for her.   She did manage to get back to school before term finished though, and participated in a visit to the local nursing home, where the kids sang for the residents.

While the big kids are at school, the little one's rule the house...

Keira's new look...

This week we had a bit of a new experience... The family were interviewed by Today Tonight for a special on early childhood education.   The reporters are doing a comparison to schools in Singapore, and happened to focus on Leap Schoolhouse, where both Claire and Keira attended...  So they asked if we could spare some time for an interview and photoshoot for the show!

The girls were very excited and got to show off their reading and homework for the film crew.  Hopefully we'll get some good images out of it...  Here were the girls getting ready for their film debut.

Saturday morning, and Oma's arrive for a week-long visit...

Today we spent the day out in the park having a farewell picnic for the Cocking's, who are about to embark on a new adventure in the UK!

Here's Claire looking positively like she has wings...

Daddy's girls...

The mum's group... all enjoying one last picnic together before Phaedra heads off to the UK.

More playing in the park...

Before we left, Keira had a go at flying the kite, and was very happy when she managed to get it to the very end of the string!

No more walking...

The last month, which seems to have blurred past, can be broken down into pre- and post-oxfam (for all of us...

Since last posting, we've celebrated Grandad's birthday...with cake and South African/Indian cuisine...

Sampled a French Creperie (where our friend Vivi is working)...

Turned our big girl into a tiger...

Celebrated daddy's birthday...with cake  and cuddles...

Dad completed the Oxfam Trailwalker...a 100km walk through the bush over 36 hours... During which time the girls had to come out to feed and cloth him, and generally wait around dealing with an unhappy dad! 

Let it be said that Claire's first words at the finish line were, "Dad, promise me you'll never sign up for something like this again!".

We then attended North Rock Public's first Fete day (which was a rather wet but fun day out).  Claire performed while mum helped out at one of the stalls...  Once the kids were done with the rides, it was off to Grandma and Granddad's so the parents could enjoy a night out!

Then, soon enough it was Claire's 7th Birthday...celebrated at home with her requested pasta and cake... followed by a camping weekend with her nearest and dearest.

Dad whipped up a special cake for the occassion...

And we all enjoyed a lot of time sheltering or playing in the rain!