Family Outings:: Inflatable World

We're enjoying family outings lately. Everyone is at such a fun age right now! Last week we went to Inflatable World, it was incredible. I'm sure it would have been AWESOME for a teenager, but was equally so much fun for my little nearly 3 year old in their under 5's area (and for us parents too).

As usual, Milla took a while to warm up to being in such a loud, stimulating and strange environment. Once she felt comfortable, we all had a blast. Myself, MrMoo, Milla and Katie all bounced, slid down slides and rolled around! MrMoo particularly loved stretching Milla physically and testing her down slides and on blow up obstacles. She got pummeled, but of course wasn't hurt, and ended up in fits of giggles at being thrown around and bounced off her feet! Such fun.

We'll go back some other time! :)

[[Milla, if you ever read this, just for the record: You specifically asked for "a pony tail here, here and here". You only have yourself to blame ;) But girl, you so cute!]]

Summer Berry Picking

Berry picking at Sweethearts

One of the ideas for our Stay-Cation list was to go raspberry picking at Sweethearts at Berryfields.

I worked as a waitress at Sweethearts for a few years as a teenager, and during each summer would run their Berry Shop. We eventually got married there a few years later, it was the perfect location for my  summer outdoor wedding dream, amongst the berry vines and under the big trees. 

Despite working in the Berry Shop for years, I never actually tried any berries while I was there so I was excited to go back and try out their pick-your-own service.

From memory it worked out to be about $10-$13 a KG, which was about half a buckets worth.

At the time Milla was 16 months old and handled berry picking like a pro. I was SO surprised (and thrilled) to discover that we could take her some where, quickly teach her something new and she could grasp it straight away.

We taught her to pick the RED raspberries, how to hold and pull them and put them in the bucket. She went along the vine picking all the red ones. Some got squished in her fingers, a few green ones ended up in the bucket, but overall I was thoroughly impressed!

(the perfect task for a transporter)

MrMoo and I had a good time too, we even went back with out of town friends a few weeks later to do the same again.

The second time around we had afternoon tea in their gardens, right where we were married. 

Its such a lovely atmosphere there, I really do love the whole complete business, it is great for locals and tourists. Think devonshire teas, raspberry dacquris, berry punnets, frank sinatra and all the waitresses in pinnies. 

I am loving finding all these new things that our family enjoys that could become traditions one day. I think berry picking at Sweethearts will be on our yearly summer to-do!

[This week I'm reminiscing in my 2013 Summer Series. I had a great summer but most of it wasn't blogged about due to morning sickness. Here's my record!]

[Sweethearts At Berryfields are not a sponsor or partner of Sophie Slim.]

Burlesque!

Channelling my newly found Chicago Sexy I went to this hens party full steam ahead! We were going burlesque dancing, the bridesmaids (of which I am) had hired corsets, and the brides sister (maid of honour) had bought the bride a delicious white ensemble to keep... ;)

When we were going to the burlesque dancing I was getting quite nervous, thinking we were about to learn some sort of strip tease - not quite! Our burlesque was to a Sophie Ellis Bexter song and was a mix of burlesque and hip hop, we were taught about a 30 second routine in 1 hour. So. Much. Fun.

Afterwards, we went to a bar/club. A real live place with flashing lights and music. Sorry. Being a Mum and a resident of Christchurch this is quite un heard of. All of us were saying "this feels so weird, what do we do here again?" We flashed the business card of our dance instructor and got 2 for 1 bubbles. Oppsies. Sorry. Wasn't supposed to tell anyone that! ;)

We stayed at the one place and went home when the clock hit midnight.

Living in Christchurch you need to get quiet creative with your social times, not having a CBD really limits your options, it was great to have something awesome like a burlesque dance class to go to together. I can definitely recommend it if you're organising a girly event! And get dressed up! So much more fun!

Our bride had a lot of fun :) Weddings coming up soon! Can't wait!

I tried to re-enact the dance routine for Mr Moo the next night and failed miserably. 

For the Christchurch ladies this one's done at the Salsa Latina studio on Bath Street with Monique.

Spring Fabric Swap

Thanks to Treena I was involved in a Spring Fabric Swap! We were each given a person to receive from, and then give to. Since all of the sign ups were in Christchurch we decided to have a little get together while we swapped, trying on dresses at Miriams, swapping birth stories and telling Amy all about our post baby bodies. Woo.

My swap partner was Holly who wasn't able to make it on the night so I gave my parcel to her later in the week. I gave her a whole range of denim and 3 pretty fat quarters and matching thread.

From Amy I received::

::pretty vintage sheets (which I never ever own (because I never go op shopping) two balls of wool (you'll see one of these featured in a post soon), some plastic buttons (from Miriams stash) and paper doilies (i've already used one in a birthday card!)::

Thanks to the ladies who joined in!

READ MORE:
Treenas post on the swap

Staying Warm!

Today is the sixth day of winter and Millas first snow day! As I'm sure you would have heard, here in Canterbury some of us have been lucky enough to stay home and sheltered from the SNOW!

Milla didn't really understand what the snow was, but she could tell something was up and kept looking at the falling flakes.

At lunch time Mr Moo came home from work, they had shut up the factory and returned to their warm dry homes.

The last time Milla was around the snow she had been in utero for 34 weeks and was nice and snug (an so was I) so today we are staying inside :)

x

Keep warm Canterbury! 

 Today I am catching up on emails, playing card game with the hubs, chasing up LOVE BOMBers and cleaning out the microwave! Joy :)

Hunger and Thirst

On Saturday night I had the huge honour and privilege of being able to share with 50 ladies about whats been going on in my heart recently.

The night was called Hunger and Thirst and it was an opportunity for the women of our Church to get together and thirst after the things of God. I was asked to speak and I shared about girly friendships.

I shared about how, as a female, you are so unique and special, and that should be embraced and understood. It's okay if you need constant affirmation, its okay if you need to put on a dress. As girls, we make great best friends because we know what other girls like and what they need. 

(Amy of Crafty Fox)

I was inspired by Ruth from the bible, a great story between a mother and her daughter in law. The mother had nothing to offer her daughter in law, Ruth. She was bitter, alone, not very great friend material. But the bible says that Ruth clung to her despite that. She stuck around. She was there when Naomi needed her the most. 

Later on Ruth (the DIL) goes to Naomi (the MIL) for advice, Naomi gives her some pretty wise selfless words of wisdom which later lead to employment and then to marriage for Ruth (score!). As great friends we need to be giving each other encouraging, wise advice that builds each other up. And as a woman, seek to be around these people. Don't bother with drama or pettiness, instead encourage friendships that build each other up in faith and good things :)

I have really amazing friends, they are a great part of my life and there are things that I get from my great girly friends that I can find no where else.

Did you know that in a Dove survery they concluded that 70% of women feel prettier because of their close female friendships. 

My friends are essential to my wellbeing and happiness. 

Its my prayer that you would begin to understand the huge value that the ladies around you have for your life and that you would be a great friend in return, one that sticks around and offers sound advice and encouragement.

(Amy of Crafty Fox)

I loved having the opportunity to speak, its been a long time since I've been behind the mic or having to prepare a message, I was definitely out of practice but it all comes back [kind of] naturally. I'm looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future :)

The whole night was a great opportunity to minister to each other, throughout the night I was able to hear many testimonies and have the opportunity to pray for many people. So so cool! Super big thank you to Wendy and Toni, a mother daughter duo from our church who put on the whole night for us. It was such a gift.

Goin' CRAZY sans BABY!

It turns out it is relatively easy to slip into friend mode - especially when you are an extrovert needing a night out without holding a baby. Too easy actually, because I kind of went over board; My heart was pounding, my mouth was running away from me and I ate far too many sweets! I. Was. Nervous!

Hens parties with christian women are kind of hilarious. It really depends who you have there. I have been to a few hens parties over the year, some of them are very very tame, a few cute games about handbag contents, some dresses made out of toilet paper (I always win that game), but then there are others when you have a few young married in the mix (and older ladies. They are the best! Older married women have lots of stories to share!) who are very good friends. Our hen has very very good bestest friends who are in town for the weekend. They are so tight. They even track each others periods (I know!)! Hilarious games were organised by one of the bridesmaids (one of my besties). I think a few were very stunned by the conversations, mostly marriage and sex tips for a vigrin. Mostly the stunned ones were unmarried unsexed girls. Eek. Sorry girls!

I laughed a lot, ended up over sharing (sorry girls!) and had a great time.

I had to call the hubby afterwards and admit to somethings I shared during some funny games. Thankfully he has a sense of humor and thought it was hilarious.

This friday I am grateful for like minded friends (who wont hold anything against me!), laughter, babysitters (and babys who now sleep through the night!) and letting your hair down once in a while!

Going On Lately...

Its been a long while since I posted here about everyday life. For the most part I have been leaving my camera at home which is most un like me and with a lack of photos comes a lack of posts about the everyday mundaneness that is our life.

I kind of love that. So here's a quick recap:

Easter weekend here in Christchurch was absolutely beautiful. For the last 6 years I have always struggled to maintain a "this weekend is about Jesus" and also "Yay! Four day weekend!" attitude. We attended 3 church services over the course of the weekend and each one challenged me in my relationship with Jesus. I am praying that God would help me understand more the sacrifice he provided for us. We also decided that next year we'll do an easter egg hunt for Camilla. It's kind of a little bit exciting to be thinking about the future and about what our kids will remember as traditions and fun family times. Why an easter egg hunt? Mostly because its exciting and fun. That's about it really.

We went to the beach on Good Friday, our first proper beach trip of the summer season (even though its now autumn) Graeme skim-boarded and lost his glasses (okay, technically I lost his glasses) and we introduced Camilla to the sand and the ocean. I kind of forget that these are all new and massively big deals to a little baby. Camilla was suspect of the sand and ended up crying if she looked at it for too long and the waves come in up the beach had her yelling. Oh dear. More beach trips needed me thinks (yay!)

I'm going out this week sans baby and husband (he's away for FOUR days!!) to a hens party. Oh deary me. I just realised that I've forgotten to go OUT!! Wait. I have to dress up? And make small talk? And for a few hours pretend like I'm not breastfeeding and don't have a baby and my ladyparts aren't still sore from surgery last week!? How does all this going out business work anyway? It's going to be different, thats for sure.

This has also made me realise and I need to get out more. I got out during the day lots, and often we go out at night but its always with husband and baby and I am always in Mother Mode. I think I should have a few nights in Friend Mode. That's healthy, right?

Last week I got off my bum and figured out my sewing machine and made something new and exciting, I'll show it too you some time, but it has also reminded that I like to make things, and this has caused the crochet hook to come out of its jar to finish off a project or two. Hoorah! Happy hooky.

Thus concludes the thoughts of Sophie at this current point in time.

Oh, one last thing - We have awesome new friends, and we love them to pieces! You might hear about them some time in the future too.

Peace,
Sophie xxx

On Taking A Baby To A Concert

We took Camilla to her very first concert at 6 months old. I was nervous .

I'm writing this post to let you know that yes, you can take your baby to a concert. I've written our experience down here, and toward the end of this post have summarised my tips and tricks in bullet form to make your experience a worthwhile one!

...

I had nightmares that we would be turned away at the door, I fabricated arguments of what I would say if they did so "I'm a breastfeeding mother!!" or how I would react to judgemental onlookers.

You see, we almost had to take her. She is very attached to us and I know that our baby cannot be consoled by anyone other than her mother. She wakes up everynight at 10pm and I knew if she saw the people we were staying with instead of me she would scream her head off. We would get a worried phone call, and we would be stuck in the carparking building and not make it home for another hour. Meanwhile Camilla is wondering where her parents are and minute by minute loosing trust in us. Well. Thats what I pictured anyway. And it was 99% going to be reality. We decided just to take her. It was going to be much easier and much less stressful and much better than the alternatives (not going).

We were so excited to see Taylor Swift live in New Zealand!

We missed the opening act on purpose. I had never heard of them anyway and thought that the more time we could spend doing other things and Camilla not being trapped in the sling would be better (and hopefully making her more tired).

As we approached the venue we put Camilla in our Moby Wrap on my front. We put her front facing as we thought with so much going on she would probably want to watch everything (we later turned her around so she could sleep). She also had baby earmuffs on which were leant to us by a friend. They definitely block out a LOT of sound (she didn't even flinch later to the noise of fireworks right infront of us).

We arrived at the venue just as the crowd was screaming "Taylor! Taylor!". Everything was dark, the lights were flashing, there was a sea of screaming people, and then Taylor Swift appeared on stage.

I was overwhelmed and so was Camilla. She cried and cried and then she screamed. We found our seats, the ladies next to us gave me a sympathetic yet "why on earth didn't you leave her at home" look. I took Camilla back into the foyer where she quickly stopped crying. We went into the bathroom and she was happy to look at herself in the mirror. We went back into the concert and were met with the same reaction. Graeme took her into the foyer this time and I thought that would just be the way the night was, swapping her between us while one of us enjoyed one song. That all took about 5 minutes. So really we didn't miss much of the concert.

She was swapped back to me and I turned her around in the sling so she was facing my chest. Instantly she was happy. She had a familiar face to look at and she was all smiles. Her eyes drooped so I stroked in-between her eyes and she fell asleep instantly on my chest. I stayed up the back and soaked in that moment. There's something about being in a big crowd that is so exciting. I was listening to great music that we had been looking forward to for 6 months. I had my daughter fast asleep on my chest and I was drinking in the oxytocin (above).

Graeme came up to see me and we stood together. We were happy!

A staff member came and told us we couldn't stay where we were (we were in front of the exit doors, a fire risk apparently, you're supposed to be in your allocated seat) but said she had better seats closer to the stage if we would prefer. Yes please!

We moved around the arena so we were right next to the stage. The lights were brighter, the people were less and it was a much better experience there.

We loved the Taylor Swift concert. It was a full on performance, nothing like I have ever seen live, except exactly like her DVD. I thought perhaps Auckland would put on a half effort show, perhaps because of the budget or venue, but no. It was fabulous! Exactly like watching it in Blu Ray, except we were seeing it with our very own eyes and feeling it in our hearts. Taylor is a fantastic performer. The costumes! The aerialists! The lights! The ribbon confetti! The floating stage! The acting!

Camilla woke up with about 3 songs to go, she stayed in the sling and was a happy little girl. Most of the time she focussed on the big screen or on the stage which was in easy view. She didn't even flinch during the fireworks which were meters away so I know she couldn't hear much.

After the concert as people were filing past us so many people stopped to appreciate and comment on her and us "Good on you!" so many people said.

When we got back to the car while waiting in traffic I fed camilla some more dinner out of a can and she fell asleep shortly after and slept for the rest of the night.

It was such a great time and I really think I had more fun with her there! I didn't need to check my cellphone, we were bonding as a family and its something we will always remember :) We are so glad we took her to the concert at 6 months old.

Here's a summary on taking your young child to a full on concert performance:

• Don't be anxious! No one at the arena ever mentioned we couldn't take our baby, in fact the staff actually helped us and gave us better seats (seats to the side of the stage were much less chaotic than at the back!)
• Have something to hold or carry them in.
• Camilla definitely preferred to be looking away from the chaos - at 6 months old she couldn't make sense of it and it seemed to make her very anxious. She was perfectly fine when she couldn't see it
• Baby earmuffs! These can be found at most hardware stores, they cancelled out most of the noise. I know this because she didn't even flinch at the indoor fireworks only meters from us.
• Indoor concerts get HOT, dress your Bub appropriately. 
• If you're holding your baby on your chest sing along to the music! The vibrating in your chest will probably put them to sleep.
• Have food ready for afterwards. They're most likely to wake up when you have to put them back in the car, or your change of scenery affects them (going outside = cold, etc). Whether thats milk or solids, come equipped.
• Leave a little bit early, or hang around a little bit later, try and avoid that full on people and traffic jam that happens after concerts.
• I was worried about the public being cruel to us but they were lovely, many offered to take photos of us and asked all about her afterwards. 

Have fun with your whole family! If you take your baby to a concert leave a comment and let me know how it went! 

This photo was taken afterwards by the lovely staff member who got us better seats during the concert!

All photos are ours and are taken from different view points because we had 2 different seats throughout the night. 

"Happy" Anniversary

"Dear Christchurch, I hope you are okay after the big disaster - from Queenstown Primary" Water bottle donated from Queenstown and picked up at the RedCross.

I have written and re-written this post too many times, unable to express my deeply buried feelings for the public to see.

The truth is my thoughts are a mess. Some days I am over come by hope; I'm so proud of our strong Cantabrians, other days I wallow and fret wondering why we didn't move out of here a year ago.

I guess thats grief and life. Our "new normal".

Following the quakes I wrote about my experiences in this post. You can read it if you like, but today I do not wish to dwell on that day. I wish to look at now and the future.

Thankfully we have a rented home to live in. We severely doubted our ability to find a rental following the quake. It is strong and sound and is resilient against the on going after shocks. I feel safe here, but it is a big concrete building and I have flashes of doubt in my mind of being trapped under a pancake stack of concrete slabs. But for the most part, we are safe.

Graeme still has his job. Amazing. People actually sound surprised when they hear that since he works in a factory in an industrial area just outside of the CBD. Actually, his company is doing very very well. We are so thankful for this.

Whenever one of us leaves the room we appoint "Quake Duty". If there is a shake you are the first to get to Milla and do whatever you have to to protect her. Too many babies died That Day.

I am so thankful for Milla. I was feeding her breakfast while listening to the Prime Ministers address to the nation this morning. One year ago I feared for her life, thinking we might not make it through. And there she was, sitting in front of me, happy as larry eating her rice cereal while rebuilding and saddness was talked about on the television behind her.


Did I ever mention our street smells like c.r.a.p? Like actual, out of the toilet poo. I always used to ask Graeme "Did you fart?" in the car when we turned into our street. Now I know its just the way it is now.

I honestly thought I had not changed as a result of the Quakes but I know now, I have. Day to day it gets pushed aside but when I stop to think I am overwhelmed.

"When you stop you feel, when you feel its uncomfortable" - Bob Parker

Thank you for standing with us. We are broken inside but piece by piece we rebuild and become a little bit stronger with a little bit more hope for the future. 

Other Christchurch bloggers reflect:
Miriam. Nin. Deb. Amy 1. Amy 2. Katy

Pamper & Labour

This time last year I was hosting an event I created called Everywoman Pamper. You can read about it on my old blog on its post here.

I had so much fun (and stress) coming up with the concept, developing it, making it all fit together and organising everything. I was really in my element, you know? (I'm a bit of a control freak)

It was such a pleasure to have 100+ ladies walk through our doors and be treated to a night of manicures, foot soaks, hair cuts, massages, skin analysis and personal gym training. All for free.

I suppose I just really felt the need to tell you that. That once upon a time I didn't spend nights doing a cinderella cross stitch. I didn't spend my day walking to a cafe to be treated to free lolly cake and brownie. I was busy, and focussed, and I did things for other people. Once upon a time I worked really hard to see other people smile. I also did clothing swaps, and conferences, and youth events. And that was just last year!!

But then I got tired and worn out, I got pregnant, my relationship with my husband needed work and I felt like I was working for my relationship with God and I felt a very clear call to focus on him and put aside the "to do's" and the "should do's". So I did that. And its been great. Seriously. My prayer life, bible reading life, my relationship with the One who made me has never been better. I feel blessed to have been able to enjoy this pregnancy and soak in every moment and my relationship with my husband has never been more selfless and filled with love from both sides.

One day I'll find a healthy balance and will be back to putting on events and seeing faces light up.

Yes, I know, I'm in a new stage of life. Enjoy it. I know. Maybe one day I'll be back in the groove.

So this time last year I was in my element, mingling between ladies who were over the moon and so thrilled to be having a night of love. I was over the moon because of it! And tonight, a year on, I sit at home in my pjs with my cross stitch in hand listening to my husband play his guitar while waiting for some sort of sign of labour. It's different. But good different.

The House That Jesus Builds

Yesterday I read an article on why an author does not go to "church", although professes to be a Christian. He has many reasons, all of which I have heard before but none that I think are legitimate. You can read the article here if you really have some time to kill. Over the years I have seen many people used in churches in the wrong ways, just as people are used in businesses or in families. It is a sad sad story when a business man or leader tries to build a Church. It does happen and when it does I can understand why people feel used and tired. Some people do actually need to find a new church, others have inner issues (perhaps a fear of commitment or vulnerability) and probably just need to be planted where they are and grow. Each individual is different. Above all, I have the very firm conviction and belief that you will not flourish or survive as a Christian without a body to belong to.

However, Jesus says that he will build His Church. Through that statement I believe that a church should reflect the characteristics of Jesus and be flowing with gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I found a Church to grow in, one that loves me, uses my gifts (often not enough), and builds me up in faith and the Word of God. I know our Senior Pastors and consider them great mentors and friends and I truly value their leadership. They are both so wise and have a complete love for people. I know our pastoral leadership team (and am on it) and I have faith in everyones ability to love God and love others. For me, going to Church on Sunday is a joy. Attending midweek leadership meetings are an honour. I dont consider these things to be a burdon or feel as if I am guilted into them. I receive so much from being a part of a church.

Perhaps thats the difference between myself and the person who wrote that article? I am a part of a Church, whereas he just attended a church and got bored. If you show up late, sit in the same seat, clap your hands when you are told, say your Amens at the right time and then leave as soon as the preacher puts down the microphone I can guarantee that you will not grow.

Like the article said, Church is people. However, it is not just me and not just you. It is all of us, fellowshipping, swapping stories, doing good deeds, receiving and participating in ministry, encouraging one another and swapping cellphone numbers. Then, through the week you contact each other. They become part of your life. You care for each other.

The Church is a beautiful thing and I am thankful that I belong to a great one. I hope you do too.

This week our Church funded 9 Midwinter Dinners to happen all across Christchurch and hosted by different members of our pastoral team. We hosted ours last night and it was truly wonderful. I dont want to sound like a lunatic, but it really warmed my heart and cemeted in my heart what I have stated above. The essence of Church is doing life together and I am grateful that we can do that. Most of the dinners are for 10-25 people however they are hosting a community wide one tonight which everyone is welcome to. They have a pig on a spit and everything. I hope you can get down there and socialise and connect with a few people.

These photos are of our dinner and I know each midwinter dinner will be different depending on who goes and who hosts. That's the beauty of connecting in smaller groups - personalities can shine through and you can get to know each other.

I would like to thank our Church for displaying the characteristics of Jesus - Love, generosity, a heart for the poor and broken, community, fellowship and giftings. Thank you for funding our dinner last night too. It was a real treasure being able to serve people from our community and I am thankful that it is one of your highest priorities!

Right now there is a team of about 15-20 Aucklanders in our city who are here specifically to serve you. One of them took me grocery shopping yesterday because I cant lift anything without pulling my stomach muscles. These 3 helpful guys turned up last night to finish off the dinner I cooked and to serve everyone and do the dishes afterwards. These people have been walking around our neighbourhood handing out gift baskets filled with goodies and are preparing tonights huge community dinner. 


Feel loved, Christchurch. There are some very generous people around who have not forgotten you.

[Footnote: I felt as if these two posts went hand in hand with each other and I wanted to share them with you. I hope you can see where I am coming from :) Also, I'm more annoyed than you that some of the photos are blury - the lighting wasn't the greatest)

"New Family" Friend Shower

On Friday night we had a small group of friends over for dessert to celebrate the impending arrival of Camilla. Much like our Family Shower held last sunday, it was a casual affair with little agenda and lots of good food.

I spent all of Friday afternoon baking treats and doing my best with what little decorations I had. It was fun to put out Camillas pretty things and show them off to the girls who used their high voices to express their excitement! :)

 I was thinking the other night about the practicality of having a child raised by a village and what that would look like. I thought it would mean the children would always get the best out of their caregivers (who ever they might be). There would always be something to do and always something to learn. A wealth of knowledge and experience could be taught to them from a whole range of people.

One of the main advantages of going to a good church is the ability to "do life together". You hear that phrase thrown around a lot and basically it means that you do more than just attend a service on a sunday - you make friends, develop mentors, teach others and get involved. Church go'ers become home go'ers and soon they are apart of your everyday life not just your Sunday life. I think our church is great at doing that and I love and adore all of the friends we have made through the years. I consider our church to be an extension of our families and am thankful for every person just the same.

Camilla will be raised in that family too. She will get the best of everyone. She will learn and be involved with a whole range of people. She will always have interesting conversations and learn from such different people.

I consider it a real privilege to be involved in a "village" like this and I know that as much as we are excited about meeting her, we also have so many family members and extended family members excited too. I wanted her to know this when she is older so I asked our friends at our little party to write her a letter or a prayer that she will be given when she's older amongst the scrap book we are making her. They took this so seriously and wrote such beautiful things. All of them had me shedding tears. Afterwards I was so pleased I asked them to do this. Camilla is well loved.

As I was taking photos Sophia thought it would be a great idea to do a "Brady Bunch" pose... It took me ten photos to get this. Mostly I just love Perrys face in this (Front Left)

We were telling them about the Buggy we purchased this week and Graeme quickly seized the opportunity to pull it out - complete with demonstrations of undoing it (with one hand) and off roading sound effects down the hall way. They said he should sell tupperware he was so enthusiastic and convincing.

I had to take this last photo as my camera was running out of batteries. Graeme loves to be in the center of everything going on. I noticed he was the only one sitting on the floor in the middle, surrounded by people and holding 3 simultaneous conversations at once. Typical.

It was a fun time and once again my happy cup was over flowing. We love our friends and family and are super stoked that Camilla gets to grow up around such amazing and caring people :)