Dear Lola & Maeve, 

1. I love this weekend morning scene. But really, it's all about that orange ball you're holding Maeve. Best. baby. toy. ever.
2. Coconut & date cookies smell good enough to eat (the whole lot in one day). 
3. At the gardens on a crisp summers day. 
4. You prance & dance more than you walk. 
5. You sit here quietly and gaze out the window.
6. Cool evenings are spent in the bush climbing.
7. And making rabbit traps.

Your mama

Dear Maeve, 

4 months today little mae flower. 
You still take everything in your stride, and not much seems to bother you. 
You spend whole mornings at the beach, sleeping & playing in equal measure. 
You love the park, staring at ceiling fans, eating your hands & rolling about the place.
If you're tired, you wiggle & grunt a little, and when I lay you on the bed to zip up your sleep sack, you have the biggest smile on your face, and turn your head to the side, in anticipation for sleep. Which you also love. 
You have been testing out your vocal chords and shrieking with excitement, your latest favourite sound being 'mum, mum, mum'. Much to my delight!
 

 You are such a joy, causing my heart to do back flips & side flips & completely burst with love.  None of us can quite get enough of you little Maevie girl.

Your mama

Dear Lola & Maeve,

We've started somewhat of a tradition over the years, where our Australia day fun begins at the harbour. We meet up with the family, admire the thousands who participate in the annual aquathon, spread out a picnic blanket, and enjoy a leisurely brunch together. 
Now that you are old enough Lola, with a fist full of tickets, you dart around the park agonising over which rides to try out. And this year, to your delight, Edie wasn't far behind. The jumping castle was a shared favourite. 
And as for you Maeve, well you slept soundly in your pram, waking up with a smile, before taking in the spectacle of it all with wide eyes.

Uncle Jimmy's famous banana bread, with yoghurt & berry compote.

Eyes on the ride...

Maybe next year peachy...

Bouncy castle fun with Edie. 

Cool kids.

 Then it was home for a rest, cookie baking & dancing in the yard.

 With the evening drawing near, you & papa snuck into the bush to make some rabbit traps.

When Maeve awoke she sleepily joined in. 

Then a sneaky rabbit (Lola) grabbed a carrot & ran for home before Mr Tod (Papa) could catch her!

A barbeque feast, a couple of cool drinks, an early night for you girls, a movie for us, and that's a wrap. Good times.

 Your mama

Dear Lola & Maeve,

Week three of the new year was hot & sticky, and we managed to squeeze in three barbeque's and several trips to the beach to cool down. 
Although, by the end of the week, dark clouds had gathered and the rain arrived in a light sprinkle, and hasn't stopped since. 
Therefore, our days have been largely influenced by the skies above, taking each new day as it comes, and appreciating both our close proximity to the water, as well as the comfort of spending time at home.

1. You snuggle & chat to Maeve. Truly believing she understands every word you speak. 
2. It was too hot outside so we made colourful heart crayons.
3. We sing & chat as I hang out the washing. 
4. We cleared the bookcase. But before we got rid of it, we played hide and seek.
5. I giggle when you pull this face. 
6. It was too rainy to go outside so you cut & pasted a rainbow, all by yourself.
7. I find it hard to believe I can say you're turning four this year.

Your mama

Dear Lola & Maeve,

When the opportunity came up to spend a handful of days in a beautiful house just moments from the heart of Sydney, we graciously & quickly accepted.

Lola, you are at an age where going on holidays is just about the most exciting thing ever. You were literally jumping up and down, and absolutely bursting to hit the road. Your thirst to explore every little detail of all the places we took you & Maeve to was contagious. Darling Harbour was a firm favourite, perhaps because it was home to the giant waffle covered in ice cream, as well as the Darling Quarter playground & other various rides. The dinosaur exhibition at the National Museum also impressed, although the giant replica Stonehenge jumping castle probably took the cake. But, I think you would agree, that nothing quite beat snuggling up with Opi to watch a few movies after a long day of exploring. Toy Story is a new favourite.

Maeve, oh Maeve. I'm often scared we'll take off without you, leaving you on the nature strip strapped into your car seat capsule, as you are just so very chilled. You had but one nap in your basket the whole trip, all others were spent in the pram as we boarded ferries, strolled down Cockle Bay Wharf, enjoyed lunch on the streets of Balmain, explored the Aquarium, stood beneath towering dinosaurs at the museum & shopped at Ikea - (yes that's three Ikea trips in your three short months). You slept, you smiled, you fed everywhere and anywhere (even on the run as we raced to catch a ferry home) and then you slept some more. Barely whinging, and nothing a pick up, look out at the world, and a cuddle couldn't fix.

Here are our holiday snaps.

Sunsets & cold beer

This place is really cool mama.

Breakfast for two

 Day One - Darling Harbour & The Aquarium

Darling Quarter Playground

 Ride time!

  

You nearly jumped out of your pants when morning tea arrived.

You had a love/hate relationship with the glass tunnel... mostly love.

Lazy evenings spent at the house

Day two - Hyde Park & The Museum 

The dinosaurs were a huge hit.

Sydney Festival Village at Hyde Park.

 You couldn't wipe the smile off your face.

Games in the yard - catch me Omi!

 Day 3 - Exploring the parks & foreshore around Balmain. A ferry ride to Circular Quay.

Morning cuddles from a sleepy babe

Exploring Balmain

The ferry ride was a huge hit.

Adding to the lego masterpiece at the Opera House.

Here we go, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

 It was a wonderful mini break. If it weren't so hot, we may have also ended up the top of that ferris wheel. But like Lola said as we slowly drifted past on the ferry.. "there's always next time." Indeed there is.

Your mama