17/52..

a portrait of my children once a week, every week in 2014..

olive: your world has become so much bigger now that you can walk, there is so much more to explore and so many adventures to be had..

eddie: a spontaneous visit to the beach in the very last hours left of school holidays, what a delight to arrive and find it was high tide, your happy squeals and laughter as you dared the waves to catch you made my entire day!

james: so proud to be wearing your cubs uniform and marching on ANZAC day..

joining in with jodi and the 52 project at practicing simplicity..

slow..

I love Easter weekend.  Our town is all a buzz, the shops are busy and the caravan parks fill with campers again, but all the while there's something calm and quiet about the easter break.  

We've been moving at a very slow pace these holidays, and this long weekend is a nice way to finish up before school resumes tomorrow.  A visit to the back beach to explore rock pools, breathe in the sea air, roll down sand dunes and 'summoning' high tide.

It might have been close to a perfect two weeks if only our kids slept in, but they don't.  So, they may still be starting the term a little bit tired, but they are certainly relaxed and definitely ready to get back into the rhythm of school and do it all again.

   

when you forget to make plans..

Today was the first easter sunday we've not made plans.  It kind of just crept up on us and that's how we found ourselves, completely free with nowhere to go and nowhere to be.  

Today was chocolate for breakfast and pyjamas til midday.  A play on the beach, hot cross buns with jam and an afternoon movie.  It's early baths and quite possibly an early night for us all.  I'm certain we couldn't have planned for a nicer day.

16/52..

a portrait of my children once a week every week in 2014..

olive: exploring the backyard now that you are walking, and a cubby in need of some TLC and a little girls touch..

james: a knight set from the $2 shop and you're a medieval king for days..

eddie: taking a minute to catch your breath after climbing the hills at nan & pops..

harvey: a sneaky portrait in the background, the look on your face says it all really.  We left this grumpy you at nan & pops for a week, and you came home happy and refreshed, and we're so glad to have you back..

joining jodi at practicing simplicity for the 52 project..

a ribbed cowl..

I joined Kate and Tam for a little hook-a-long last week, we all had the same cowl pattern in mind for a snugly winter warmer.  They both used a delicious purl soho yarn, I used a deep dark alpaca from my stash, and we all followed this lovely pattern.  

If you're after a quick and easy project this is the go for sure.

15/52..

a portrait of my children once a week every week in 2014..

olive: morning tea on the beach, and a mouthful of sand covered pancake, mmmm!

james & eddie: I was taking a photo of something different altogether, then while editing I noticed your clasped hands, and my heart felt full.  I love how much you love one another..

It might be safe to say that appearances of Harvey will be very few and far between in this space, he makes himself deliberately scarce when he sees me taking pictures..of anything!

joining Jodi @ practicing simplicity for the 52 project..

one indulgent hour..

I don't crave time to myself, I'll usually get to where I'm going and feel a bit lost without my gang, but today when the opportunity presented itself I took advantage.  I took myself and my crochet out for a coffee where I could sit quietly and enjoy the view.  I have to admit, it was nice being able to drink the coffee and enjoy the 'way too big for one' tart uninterrupted.

I was going to dash off to the supermarket straight after, but instead went for a wander along the back beach. Time to breathe in the air, watch the waves and not really think about anything in particular.  

I was only gone for an hour, but it was all I needed.  I was happy to get home to my baby eating a vegemite sandwich and nattering away, my boys still in their pyjamas and still playing the lego video game they were playing when I left.  Happy to get back to a load of laundry and to make a lasagne for dinner.

Although I don't crave that time, I know its good for me and I know I need to make a regular habit of it. Its good for all of us.

14/52..

a portrait of my children once a week every week in 2014..

olive: you potter here and there babbling sweet nothings all day long. I adore the way you amuse yourself for hours on end..

it's just the girl this week.  The boys have been difficult to capture lately, they're finding it all a bit tedious, and so appearances of them may be less in this space.  I suppose that's what happens when they grow.

linking in with Jodi and the 52 project..

that end of term feeling..

I'd already made the plans in my head while lying there on my pillow at 5am this morning, trying desperately not to let my mind wake or my eyes open.  I didn't make the bed in the hope of returning with her for a nap on this warm autumn day.

Of course she had other plans, as close as we both may have come, sleep we did not.  It was nice though, sitting back watching her unwind.  At first all excited to be in the big bed with mumma, a little bit cheeky, threatening to dive off the edge, hide and seek under the sheet, sitting straight and throwing herself back into the softness.

Then, gradually she slowed down, quietened her sweet babble and began to relax.  It's always a struggle as we come to the end of term.  Finding the energy to get things done each day becomes such an effort. Throw in endless nights of disturbed sleep, twilight shoots almost every day, and we're all just a bit short tempered and worn out.  School breaks up at the end of the week and the holidays will be most welcome!

Even though we'll continue to work, not having school runs or schedules will be a nice change of pace. Jammie days, lazy beach walks and just making it up as we go.  Time to breathe in the sea air and ease ourselves into the cooler, and possibly quieter season.

Aaaahh, yes..it does sound good.