Ballet

Last week our girl had her first ever dancing class; ballet to be precise.  Thanks to some other mums, I found out about a lovely little school that offers actual ballet classes (as in not a mix of various forms of dance).

To be honest, I was expecting mass chaos.  However I was pleasantly surprised at how well the class was run.  It was so professional and yet very age appropriate.  And, it is affordable at just $8.50 per class (for one hour) and is 'pay-as-you-go', so if we can't make it one week, we don't have to pay.

It is just recently that Ella has really been asking about dancing and when any music is played in the house I find her dashing off to find her purple dress and Mary Janes.  Imagine her delight when I told her that I'd found a ballet class she could try.  After a big smile and giggle however, she whispers 'but I don't have any pink shoes.'  It took some time convincing her that there would most likely be other children with black shoes on.  Her next dilemma was having a skirt that would 'stand out like this' (she tells me this while holding her hands out from her waist like a tutu).  That little mind of hers!

I assured her that her outfit would be perfect and so we counted down sleeps.  Finally it was ballet day!

Noah knew something was up and it wasn't involving him!

I was nervous she would cave and not want to participate at all which has been a pattern in the past when it comes to new things.  I just knew she would love it if she gave it a try and so I was anxious for her not to give in to those nerves.  And I could not have been prouder!  We sat and watched the preschool class finish up, I let Ella hand in her registration form to Miss Zoe, and then just walked her over, sat her in the circle and walked away.

Introducing themselves to each other and their teacher

And that was that.  I watched her introduce herself, say how old she was and then about cried from the cuteness of little 4-5 year olds learning the art of ballet.  So much sweetness.  I was SO proud of Ella!  She was so serious but I could just tell her little heart was overflowing with joy and pride.  She was getting to dance like a ballerina!

Cautious, Curious and Cute

 Carefully, Carefully!

There was much hugging and praising her after the class.  I wanted her to know what a big thing had just happened...that she had confidently stepped out of her comfort zone and done something new with all new people...the FIRST time.  Again she smiled, but then casually said 'Mum, I only said I wanted to go home because I didn't want to act like an animal like they were in the other class.  I wanted to wait for the REAL ballet class'.  I guess she was less than impressed by the chaos of the preschool fun class!  Fair enough!

So proud of herself!  And a shout out to our little friend Hannah in Georgia who hands down loads of clothes to Ella.  Hannah your ballet outfit saved the day!

Noah welcomes home his little Ballerina

RAIN!

What's not to love about a (much needed) rainy day, some gumboots, an umbrella, and two kids eager to have some rainy day adventures?

First dressed as Rapunzel . . . 

but then opting for an outfit change, and a quick pose before heading out

Gathering rock treasures for the pool that filled to overflowing thanks to "Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald"

Judging from these smiles, I'd say their adventures were a success!

Not to be outdone by his sister's pretty hair styles...this boy wanted his own do.

Two pairs of 2nd hand gumboots: $7 total.  A brother and sister playing so well together: truly priceless!

And when the storm blew out to see, the sun came out, and the adventures continued . . . 

Dentist Visit!

While in Brisbane, my brave girl had her first official dentist's visit and professional cleaning.  Ella tends to be a little reserved and can be slow to warm in new situations, so I wasn't sure how this visit would go over.  I am so proud of her.  She showed no hesitation or fear whatsoever!  

Why visit a dentist on your Christmas holiday to another state?  Well, that's what you do when one of your best friends happens to be an excellent dentist!  Better the one you know, right?  

For a fun comparison, I've included some pictures of when Ella was not even 6 months old.  We had just moved to Australia and Kuan Chou was showing us his new practice. 

Back in 2009.  Kuan Chou and I were a little slimmer and younger looking in those days.  Ella on the other hand was her deliciously, plump self. 

Big and brave at aged almost 4.5

First ride in the chair.  Completely oblivious.

How I MISS that baby chub!

And so much style this time around

'Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?'

And here goes the clean.  Not a flinch from my girl!

Aww, no wonder she was so relaxed at the dentist.  She has obviously always felt very secure with my good friend.

Trick or Treat!

We celebrated Halloween a few days late by having a party at our house.  I think we had a total of 32 people and had such a fun time.  The kids (and a few adults) came dressed up.  Representing our family was Snow White and a rather sad looking Spiderman.  

This was our pumpkin patch 'photo booth'

I'm really thankful that the discount stores over here are beginning to stock so much Halloween merchandise.  Completely different to when I was growing up here...Halloween was pretty much unheard of.

The party games included 'bobbing' for apples.  Instead of trying to convince 2, 3 and 4 year olds to stick their heads in a bucket of cold water to get an apple, we hung them from the clothesline.  Love the glimpse of the Jacarandas blooming in the background.  My favourite time of year!

And pin the nose on the witch.  Thanks to Sonia for her amazing artwork! (the key to a successful party - DELEGATE!) :-)

Kiala made this AMAZING cake.  Unbelievable.  Not only did it look amazing, it was delicious!

And to fit the theme, we had a few creepy party foods, including cookies that looked like eyeballs, and these jello cups with gummy hands, feet or teeth in them.  And we have Travis and Kiala to thank for those nasty hands that look like they're stealing food here.

My mother's group sure knows how to cater for a party 

And of course, Newton was a special feature.  Just chilling out on Jason's shoulder while he cooked the sausages.

A bunch of some of the cutest kids ever.  A few are missing from this picture but aren't they just a fine bunch?  It seems Spidey is pretty popular.

Finally it was time to hunt for lollies and treasure in the back yard.  Since I didn't think knocking on someone's door AFTER Halloween and expecting they might have candy 16+ kids was the best idea; we borrowed a little Easter tradition.  These kids are sharp.  I don't think they missed a single piece!

My kids were dressed in their costumes from about 8am, took naps in them and even went to sleep that night in them.  Even though they dress up most days, I guess they knew it was an extra special day.  Baths?  Apparently they're over-rated. :-)

Happy Birthday, Noah!

Well my Little (he'll be on to me for that nickname one day . . . ) turned 3 on Saturday.  Three.  3.  Hard to get my mind around.  He was much more into having a birthday than I remember Ella being at three.  When I picked him up from school he said 'mum!  It's my birthday soon!'  Yes, son, just one more sleep!

And so his birthday dawned, and of course, after days of defying the magical Groclock (which lets than know when they can get out of bed), Noah sleeps in on his birthday!  I may or may not have snuck in and whispered 'hey buddy, it's your birthday!'

He was quite taken by the large McQueen balloon we had waiting for him at the table, along with some gifts from family.  

He opened the gifts (according to his preference for the wrapping paper), while skyping with family in Texas.  Technology sure is wonderful.  

One thing I really enjoy doing to celebrate my kid's birthdays is to make a special cake.  Whether we have a party or not, it is something I have done for them each year.  It's usually a cake they have chosen or one that I feel captures something they enjoy.  And for Noah, that would be cars and trucks.  Jason and I worked together on this one.  I'm happy with how it turned out, but mostly thrilled at Noah's reaction.  He loved it!

The party spread.  I have loads of respect for my parents who threw great parties for us at home.  They never seemed tired or stressed or exhausted in the process!

How to ensure party success?  Zip 'em into the trampoline!

I asked Ella to go and ask if they were ready to play Pass the Parcel.  It seemed like just seconds later they were all inside and sitting ready to play.  Noah, bless him, had the hardest time focusing.  He was way more interested in the music DVD we had playing for the game.  "Noah.  Noah!  NOAH!  Pass the parcel, bud!"

Cake time!  The kid's were quite fascinated by this cake with trucks stuck to it.

Little man now has his own scooter.  And guess who likes his scooter more than her Hello Kitty one.  Yep.  Noah's scooter has three wheels.  Ella's, just two.  I guess she feels more secure and safe on his.  I really feel I can't win some days!!!

Ready to roll.  

Whaley birthdays aren't complete without number pancakes. 

Noah -- you are a treasure.  Yesterday you told me, 'mum, you are my best friend!'  You somehow manage to melt my heart every day.  And sometimes I want to set my hair on fire!  :-)  But how I love you and thank God for you, and how I pray for wisdom and overflowing love as we raise you.  Happy Birthday!