A Week of 'Firsts'

So the holidays are finally over :(  It was sad to see my baby girl go back to school.  I still can't believe she's in grade 2!!  It feels like just yesterday we were taking her home from the hospital.  I wish I had a magic remote that allowed me to pause life once in a while, or at least slow it down.  Hannah started back last Thursday and was excited to see all her friends and is ready for a year of learning.

Hannah's First Day in Second Grade

Notice how the grass at the top of the yard is lovely and green....that would be because the kids left the tap on out the back the other week and I woke in the morning to a flooded front yard...pity it had no affect on the rest of the lawn.  We put Weed 'n' Feed on it early last month - I guess it did more weeding than it did feeding :(

 

Is this little guy spunky or what?!  Ben had his first day at pre-school today.  I was soooo anxious as he's a shy little guy and is a tad sensitive and I was worried that there would be lots of tears and leg clutching.  But I'm sooo proud of him, he was super excited and went off to class without any problems.  His teacher said he didn't say much but they were impressed with his drawing skills (a talent I'm sad to say he gets from his Dad and NOT me). He can't wait to go back tomorrow and we had a great time listening as he recounted his first day adventures at pre-school.

Poor Samuel wanted so badly to go to pre-school too, but he had to settle for a packed lunch in his 'school  bag'.  He had a fun time in what we think was his FIRST solo outing with Mummy and Daddy.  I LOVE this little guy!!

And last by not least...Hannah had her first ice skating lesson today.  She's a natural!  Granted there were a few falls, but she bounced straight back up and went on skating.  I'm seeing Winter Olympics in her future :)

It's been a busy first week of what I'm sure will be an even busier school year!!

Merry Christmas!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  I LOVE LOVE Christmas - love everything about it...the carols, decorations, shopping, lights, baking, eating, giving, serving, anticipation, excitment, family and friends...the whole deal!!  I really do wish it could be Christmas all year long!

Here are a few of our Christmas pics...

Decorating Sugar Cookies

 

Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Gingerbread Men..would it?!!

Ben in his debut role as Joseph

 

Hannah makes a beautiful Mary

Sorry, we couldn't get Samuel to keep the towel on his head long enough to get pictures of him.

Christmas table

mmmm....Christmas Lunch

My first ever attempt at making Trifle.  I know it's not rocket science, but I'm pretty proud of myself!

Samuel decided to dress up for the occasion (he's toilet training, hence the lack of clothes)

My boys...

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas NOW!!!

All For One!

Hannah practicing her routine for her musical theatre concert.

Lubricating in the Shower

We had one of those experiences this evening where you don't know wether to laugh, cry, or find a dark corner and curl up in the foetal position.

Ben and Hannah were taking a shower when Ben asked Hannah to get down below him. Hannah innocently and unknowingly obliged, only to have Ben pee on her head!!!! Hannah (who normally freaks out about any sort of germ or bacteria) was hysterical and insisted on washing her hair 3 times.

When Domingos questioned Ben over the incident, he calmly and cooly replied "I did wees on Hannah's head Daddy". What do you say to that?! "Please don't wee on your sisters head Ben, it's not nice"?! We couldn't help but laugh.

Domingos and I are currently reading a book on positive parenting, it deals with all sorts of situations, but do you think there's a chapter on what to do when your child urinates on their sibling?? Of course not!!

Anyway, after some thought, we finally figured out where he got the idea from - the TRANSFORMERS! There's a scene in the movie where Bumblebee "lubricates" on a guy. Needless to say, there's no more Transformer Movie for Ben!!!

In the meantime, poor Hannah is still trying to come to terms with 'why' Ben peed on her. Oh it's fun to be a Liao!!

Just Give Me the B.E.A.T!

Hannah's class performed in assembly today. They looked oh so cute!



Hannah and Ben still do not know that they'll be receiving a surprise visit from Aunty B, Aunty Mel and Uncle John tomorrow! Can't wait to see the look on their faces!!

Super Duper Duper Prettiest

Here's Hannah's latest craft. She's so creative. She made "Super Duper Duper Prettiest" (that's what she called it) tonight and also whipped one up for Ben (he named his 'Bertie' - still trying to figure out where he got that from). They took their new pets to bed with them - how cute!

Hannah got another "Parklea Perfection" at school this week, this one was for sight reading 'they' - she needs 10 to receive the Bronze Award.

Ben had his first nappy/pull-up free outing today. He was very proud of himself and has decided to give his pull-ups the flick for good! My little boy's growing up. :o(

He was washing his hands during the week and thought he'd see what would happen when he blocked the drain with toilet paper. He was having a ball until the water started over flowing and poured out onto the floor (and all over him). Thank goodness there's a drain in the floor - so flooding was avoided. It was a real sight and I had to try hard not to laugh in front of him for fear that it'd become a regular thing!!

Samuel has discovered the stair case - unfortunately, I've been dreading the day! So far he's only climbed the first 2 stairs - he was most pleased with himself! Looks like we'll finally have to get around to purchasing those safety gates.

Samuel's Flute

Samuel has just discovered how to play the flute. Not bad for an 8 month old! It was all a little TOO exciting for him though....You'd think after 3 children that Domingos would have learnt by now :o)