We had such a nice and relaxing Sunday. Autumn really was at its best today.
We decided to cycle to the heath. Two bikes, five people... so cosy. The sun was lovely and warm.
At the heath the children ran about; there was so much to discover!
We soaked up the sun on a small hill, enjoying it all.
Then we went home where we had hot chocolate and pancakes.
Right now Michel is cooking, the children are playing and I'm doing a bit of sewing... I'm happy!
It's Simon's 5th birthday today.
I still remember and cherish the day that he first entered our lives and five years on I so love being on this life journey with him. This boy moves me deep in my heart, he really does.
We had a great day.
Some highlights:
Early morning presents
Treats in the classroom
Poffertjes lunch with his best friend
Phonecalls from his aunties in Australia, Burkina Faso and England
My lazy bum cake that he loved
Happy birthday, Simon!
Last week when it was still summery Linus took an exceptionally long nap (I love it when that happens)! With plans to go out for ice-cream that night and the urge to create something, anything, I decided to make a quick bib. However, I didn't dare go upstairs to fetch fabric from my freshly semi-organised craftroom, since I was certain I would wake up Linus. So I had to make do with what I had downstairs, which wasn't a lot. Luckily, I remembered my small scrapbox and I found some velcro. But I had no backing. While I was contemplating cutting up a kitchen towel I found one of the dozens of cloth diapers that I use for anything you can imagine. I decided that one might certainly be sacrificed for this project.
Since this was a themed bib I came up with the ice-cone application. I didn't have a piece of fabric big enough to cut out the complete bib, so I had to sew three pieces together. Any way, when the nap-meister opened his eyes he was the owner of a new bib, albeit unironed!
This is the best photo I got of him in the ice-cream saloon. A very typical photo of him actually. It shows that the boy has attitude, doesn't it?!
When we took a stroll afterwards he was a little more quiet/tired.
And speaking of bibs... recently Linus was sent a truly beautiful one by Astrid!
Again, not the best of photos, but the bib is gorgeous. Thank you so much, Astrid!
Mmmm, we spent a gorgeous day at the beach today. It was the same beach that we went to last time.
It was just warm enough to be comfortable and although the wind was quite strong, it wasn't bothering us.
I was once again reminded that I love the beach. I do also love the forest or heath, but for me nothing beats the feeling of sand between my toes.
The children had so much fun. Simon was mostly in the water digging for little animals, Amber was literally rolling around in the sand and Linus loved to chase the seagulls. And Michel and I watched them and read (a few pages of) our book.
The surroundings, the company, the weather and the pace made this truly a perfect holiday-day.
Yesterday Amber wore the tunic that I made for her during my sewing frenzy last summer. It's still too big for her, but it looked cute with jeans. By the way, how long is her hair getting!! I almost never allow her to wear it loose, because I think it looks untidy. But since it's vacation I'm trying to relax a little ;)
In case you're wondering... she is wearing a bandage on her thumb because someone tried to close the door while her finger was stuck between the doorpost and the door. Ahem... sorry, baby! Did I make it up to you by letting you wear your hair loose?
Linus discovered the joy of walking!
He's not walking all of the time yet, but everyday a little more often and a little longer. He is having so much fun... and so are we!
The other day Simon came home from school proudly showing off his loose tooth. The thing is that he didn't have a loose tooth when he went to school that morning. Apparently he fell hard on the wall of the sandpit and this was the consequence. It was very loose (which made me a little sick). That night he pulled it out himself. What a man! Now he proudly parades his hole. Very important stuff for a 4-year old!
In June Amber had her first ballet performance here in our local theatre.
She's been attending weekly ballet classes since January and has been enjoying it very much. Doing ballet was her own choice and I'm very proud that she did that all by herself.
The performance was lovely. (Linus loved it as well... he was so good!).
Amber was a superstar, but perhaps I was a bit partial. Although her brother, father and grandma all thought she was as well ;)
I almost suspect that she loved her make-up most of all :)
Celebrate!
Our summer vacation started today! I've been looking forward to this moment so much, because I'm desperate to have LESS STRESS! Although next week seems to be rather fully booked already :(
Anyway, I'm determined to enjoy it to the max. Now bring on the good weather!
One moment of stillness this afternoon.
