It's a decade

I started this blog with a post on the 8th May 2007 - in readiness for the arrival of baby Ella (which didn't actually happen until 21st May). It's hard to believe that was a decade ago - and Ella is now 10 years old already (today!)

This beautiful pic was taken when Ella was 3 months old (at Ollie's 3rd birthday).

 At seven moths old.......

 On her first birthday.......

 On her second birthday.......

 her third birthday........

 her fourth..........

 her fifth........

 her sixth.........

 her seventh.......

 and eighth........

 her ninth...........

 And now her tenth birthday! ......

Ella had such a cool and fun party last night with a few special friends - very low key, but beautiful food, "The School of Rock" (excellent movie) with lots of popcorn - then plenty of jokes and competitions after wards. Ella made her own cake from scratch. It was a super happy birthday for this gorgeous girl - what a wonderful decade!

 Abi's had a big week too. Kindergarten ran their first assembly at school so Abi performed for that and then today (Sunday) she performed in the Canberra Japan Club Extravaganza at Cook Community Hall (singing a very cute Japanese song about a turtle - with actions!). We can't believe that Abi used to feel quite shy about preforming in public - she's loved it al this weekl!

Abi is 5

Abi celebrated her 5th birthday today with four of her very good friends from school. It was a morning gathering, in the back garden, and a beautiful mild, sunny day. The friends were incredibly excited and started the present giving (and opening) a bit sooner than expected.

The bubble wand present almost brought the Internet down it was SO popular. EVERYONE wanted a turn and Abi thought it was a bit too new and special to share quite so quickly (understandable!!).

Anyway, peace was quickly restored and the sand pit proved to be very soothing place - especially when shared with best friend Miah....

The morning went quickly with sand pit time and monkey bar play, time in the cubby house and on the swings.. It was cake time before we knew it!

 It was quite a challenge to keep the candle lit today as it was quite breezy outside.

 It took the kids quite a long time to eat their icing (most of them left the cake)!

 Abi and Ella decorated the cupcakes (all GF too) this year. We had a bugs, butterflies and bees theme - and they knew exactly which cupcake was theirs!

 These will be fun to show Abi and Miah when they are twenty.

The mood was very mellow by the designated end of the party I think the kids would have stayed all day in the sandpit if it was up to them.