kingscliff [beach]

december fun :: cooling off

days of summer ~ 24 and no more

:: Didn't get to the brook but I did find water, sand and shells.
Buckets of shells, hats full of rocks and tired, delighted bodies came home after our day at the beach.
I really enjoyed doing this little days of summer in photo, it made me think about the seasons and what marks summer for us, what will the children's memories be of their summers, what is significant for our family in this hot and humid season that goes on and on for what feels like half the year. Our summer days continue even though its now officially Autumn- the children have been coming up with all kinds of suggestions for another series, the favorite so far-'awesome autumn'.

days of summer ~ 23

:: a little bit of time and space for mama aka SDO. Very much needed after the week that was. A whole day to read, play with my camera, read some more, journal, browse the bookshops, see a movie, walk and read some more. Yes I can spend a whole day on my own..the introvert in me cries out for it every few weeks. Hope your weekend gave you a little time and space to just be as mine did.

days of summer ~ 22

:: cubby houses- a castle, but the youngest princess was forced to dwell in her own mini mansion as she could not help but destroy the royal belongings. A guinea pig and good book made up for the exclusion.

days of summer ~ 21

:: early morning markets. See my finds: teapot, quilt and blanket (cushion covers maybe?), frames, a basket and books. Coffee and fruit toast when I get home. A good start to the day. Hope you all have a Happy Sunday!!

days of summer ~ 20

:: smoothies!! A great place to add some not so loved but needed nutritious goodies. I add a little flaxseed oil, a little rice protein powder, sometimes sunflower seeds and all the favourites like banana ( i keep all the over ripe ones in the freezer), frozen berries, natural yogurt, orange juice and honey.

days of summer ~ 19

:: humid and grey- inside and out

days of summer ~ 18

:: homemade ice blocks....she had 3 of these today but its OK cause I know they are full of berry goodness and soothing those sore gums. Yes, we had one of those days, the very grumbly I only want mama and if you come near me you'll get a scrunch ( and all three siblings got more than one) cause I'm teething kind of days. Lots of cuddles and ice blocks got us through.

days of summer ~ 17

:: A table full of folding to be put away: very satisfying to see it go from 3 baskets of mountainous mess to neat piles but oh, the putting away...my least favourite part of doing laundry. What is yours?

days of summer ~ 16

:: During our read-aloud time-they started out by making hearts and ended up making little people with names and characters that like to gaze outside and watch the comings and goings at our park. They're particularly interested in the four legged visitors.

days of summer ~ 15

:: letting the chickens out, chasing the chickens, catching the chickens and cuddling the chickens....yes, she really loves these feathery friends....I'm not sure they love her quite as much.

days of summer ~ 14

summer reading...a little bit of now...

:: Pagoo by H C Holling...we've had two starts at this, when I first brought it out last year there was no sparkle/interest and a few groans so I put it away. This summer we've spent alot of time at the beach exploring the rock pools, playing in the sand etc so I thought I'd give it another go. To be honest we had to plough through the first bit , I read only a few pages each day at first until every one's interest has perked up and now, well, we'll be going to find our very own Pagoo and other tidal pool creatures again very soon.
:: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle- Has anyone else read this one? My eldest two are on the edge of their seats and begging for one more chapter. I've caught snippets of conversations- 'will Meg and Charles ever find their father?' and 'Now that Mrs Which, Mrs Who and Mrs What have left them will they be able to fight The Thing on their own?'. ..exciting stuff and plenty to ponder and discuss.
:: Allison Lester baby board books- These are so gorgeous I'm keeping them for my grandchildren or buying another set as they may have fallen apart by then...the point is these books, illustrations and words are delightful. All of us have enjoyed sitting with Bella snuggled as she points to her favourite pictures on the page. The books are Crashing and Splashing, Bumping and Bouncing, Bibs and Boots, Happy and Sad. Note-we love all the Allison Lester books and did you know she also writes chapter books, my son just finished The Quicksand Pony and said it was very exciting so she's great all round-highly recommended.
:: Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes a cookbook for preschoolers & up by Mollie Katzen- This is a recent purchase which I had on my wish list for a while and well, we do alot of kid cooking round here and I wanted to try some new things as well as get out of the way a bit. This book is perfect for young cooks to feel some independence in the kitchen, they suggest the cooking is a partnership rather than the child being your helper and this encourages them to try new things.
:: Sunflower Houses a book for children & their grown-ups by Sharon Lovejoy- a gardening book for children. I've been reading aloud a few pages a day over summer and there is something whimisical and enticing about the recollections of a childhood spent making dolls from flower petals and fairy furniture from seedpods and leaves. I think I love this more than the children! We've already planted our sunflower seeds but most of them have died so we'll have another seed sowing session soon and hopefully....
:: Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale- illustrations to go all mushy over. My nearly 2 yog actually laughs out loud when I read this to her. This book is enjoyable for all ages too, the older kids sidle over and startsinging and acting out the next one to go 'bump' or 'dink'. Long time favourite.

days of summer ~ 13

:: feeding catfish in the murky waters of the Brisbane River...ugh, I'm not a fan.

days of summer ~ 12

parents take the kids on a surprise outing -

at the end of our day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (which we bought a yearly pass), 9yob exclaimed 'that was the best day of my life!'
Seeing my childrens faces as they touch and observe, exclaiming this feature or that colour , running and yelling with such enthusiasm was a delight to these Mumma eyes. Oh, that I would keep a wonder and awe in the beauty and brilliance of His incredible design.

days of summer ~ 11

:: Humid and rainy outside...conquering puzzles inside