Saying goodbye

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The last two days, there has been lots of intense, uninterrupted play for these three. Swimming in a new pool, playing with toy sets that haven't been out for year. It is as though they are saturating their memories with their little playmate. There have been many quarrels as each of my children felt a little left out and overly emotional. They are feeling the loss of their friend.

When they saw him boarding his Granny's motor-home, the following conversation took place.

The Rooster: I didn't know that you could drive to Melbourne.

Mum: Yes, you can but its a long drive. We might drive down with our own camper van to visit.

The Rooster: But you can fly, can't you? We will fly, won't we (demand not a question here).

I think the only good thing coming out of losing his best friend is the opportunity to fly (and only fly!) down to see him.

Christmas lego

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When the Rooster really wants something for Christmas he always asks his Nanny. Not Santa. The harbour was top of his list and he knew that his Nan would come through with the good stuff. Unfortunately, his grandparents left all the presents at home this year when they were packing to come away with us for Christmas at the beach. The kids took the news really well, knowing that Nanny would bring their most desired items to them on the 2nd of January. Our guy was so pleased with his harbour and this is where I found him when I went upstairs to check that he was asleep.

Self portrait

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Daddy got a new camera for Christmas, a point and shoot that must feel a whole lot more accessible to Ellie than my DSLR. She can't keep her hands off it and I have just downloaded a bunch of photos of her day. I love this self portrait taken lying down on the ground. I think a little camera just the gift this girl needs when her birthday comes around in February.

First day of 2012

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Our gorgeous intelligent boy. You are self assured in so many situations, a risk taker ready to dive into whatever presents itself. You love to read read read and you will often be distracted by a book when you are supposed to be doing other things like getting dressed, packing up or going to sleep! We often find you, book across your face when we creep in to kiss you good night. You are hungry for knowledge and absorb everything around you. You are sensitive and thoughtful and you are working on taking initiative rather than waiting to be told to do. You have an amazing memory and will recall the tiniest details. You have a best friend in your sister and she has unleashed your creative energy. It's difficult to get a decent photo of you these days as you are intent on pulling silly faces. You want to be an engineer when you grow up, this month an aeronautical engineer. Happy new year my boy.

First day of 2012

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I wanted to capture my girl on the first day of the year. Full of energy and ideas and imagination, you are curious and full of insight as you move through your day. We are always blown away by your expressions and your sophisticated way of describing things. You are fiery and passionate and take tremendous offence when things do not go your way. You are tenacious and fiercely competitive believing you are your brother's equal despite the two and a half year gap. You are sensitive and generous and you will always think of others before yourself. You love to draw and write and if you are sitting still you will have pen to paper illustrating your little world and all who are in it. Happy new year my little darling.