Allsorts

Hmmm, well it's about time I updated my blog I think! Here's an allsorts mix of things that have been happening here...

• the 3 brave kiddos ready to face "spooky sticks" as they have named a section of the front/side yard which is a bit overgrown with trees and thick with fallen leaves underfoot. Steve thinks perhaps the reason for the spooky is the noise of lizards scampering around unseen amongst the leaves. Very formidable sight complete with undies hanging around the face/neck there... hmmm! And socks over your hands, and the socks 'n' sandals look, tee hee :)

• Stage 1 of the tree house is complete. I think Steve is enjoying the making of it almost as much as the boys are anticipating its use.

• Tim has been reading away in sporadic long bursts. It will suddenly be a bit quieter and then I spot Tim in some little spot, nose into a book. But at these times it'a also lovely to see Caleb then pair of with Sarah for a different style of play. Tim doesn't really have a favourite reading spot- just whatever is handy at the time the reading bug hits! He is mostly into Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Seven.

• The other thing Tim is into at present (thanks to Master Chef) is getting into the kitchen- in a good way :) When dinner is being dished up, he now refers to it as "plating up", and he asks if he can do it too. He's had a couple goes and attempts some flair with decorating. Just makes you smile on the sly to Steve :) Will try to make the most of the interest.
• One lazy Sunday afternoon, as the piano was being played (well, not quite, it was actually the demo songs), Caleb got into a silly mood of his and began "dancing"- in a strange, robotic, grimacing & grunting way! Here he is, caught on camera, ready to store away for his 21st birthday...

• Caleb is getting along well with his reading and writing too- quite neat. He seemed quite chuffed recently to join some older kids doing schoolwork while the younger ones had playgroup.
• and, what has Sarah been up to? Well, the usual, really, with the addition of a doll passed on by a friend and officially named "Bing Bong"!!! No idea why, but you will be corrected in no uncertain terms if you call her "Ping Pong" instead. And she realises we say the name with a smirky sort of half chuckle, but it doesn't seem to upset her in the slightest. I wonder if she enjoys it all, really, knowing her! Reminds me of someone ;) who called their doll "Shabby" when little. At least Sarah's toy rabbit "Shiny" is a more cheery name.
• and, 'lil Bethany bubs, well she is now crawling rather than commando crawling most of the time. And clapping- so cute to watch.