Saturday, December 17, 2011

Last Day of school celebrations ~ memories in the making

A couple of Christmases ago when our Family Christmas traditions had all changed and my little family was threatened with not getting to experience them, an online reader suggested that we start making our own. She listed some of the little traditions that make Christmas and other times of the year special for her family. Inspired I went searching online for "Family Tradition Ideas", and came away with a list of ideas that I wanted to implement for my little Family.

One of these ideas was on the last day of school each year to have a water fight when the kids get home from school. Yesterday was our first time to implement it, and we were so excited to surprise the kidlets!

Woodi and I bought 5 water pistols, filled them up and had a bucket of ammunition - water for refills - at the ready.

We filled another bucket with water bombs, all ready to go...
When Woodi brought the girls home he told them to put their school bags down, and go straight out the back "Mumma needs your help with something!". I of course was hiding James Bond style and took sneaky shots at them, screaming "Happy Last Day of School!" :o) They were shocked and surprised and quickly cottoned on to what was in store for them!



MissC from next door popped her head over the fence to see what all the commotion was and we invited her to join in. Many Pistol refills and two buckets of water bombs later, we were all wet and filled with laughter and smiles, and the back yard looked like it had been scattered with confetti!



We had soo much fun that we forgot the time and ended up running late to a party! This is definitely a tradition that will continue in our home and will be fun for all the ages, Woodi is even talking about having super soakers next year!! I can't believe that a whole year of schooling has come and gone!

Happy end of Kindy Moo and Boo, Mumma loves you lots and lots xoxo

What fun traditions do your family have???

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Kindergarten Report Cards

As mothers/parents we are constantly under the eagle eyes of our community and peers. Our actions, lack of them and the decisions we make are under scrutiny and judgement and often by those who are closest to us.

My decision to send my girls to Kindergarten when they turned 5 in the first week of school was met mostly with support but did provide me with a few scowls and negative comments.... such as "What's the point in being a parent if you're just going to send them off to school the 1st chance you get" and "I think it's too early to be sending them to school, I won't be sending my daughter until later - when she's ready" etc, etc.

Honestly it all comes down to personal preference and the individual child. In my case I felt my girls were ready and they were soo excited to be starting school! They had been to pre-school, where through-out the year I discussed my own concerns in regards to sending them too early and perhaps holding them back a year. All through the year the twins teachers gave me the same feedback - My girls were socially and emotionally developed and ready for school and their skill levels, maturity and intelligence were matched with all the other students in their pre-school & that there would be no benefit in holding them back a year.

On the orientation day last year for Primary School, I was given the opportunity to have a one on one with the Kindy teacher both before and after to voice concerns and receive feedback. She was thrilled with the girls and said that their age was not an issue and that they were developmentally and emotionally ready to be starting school.

It was with this information that I made my decision to send the twins to school this year. And wow am I glad I did!! The reports that the girls received at half year were fantastic and the feedback received from the teachers at parent- teacher interviews and at other opportunities throughout the year have blown me away!
Moo & Boo 1st Day of Kindy

But nothing prepared me for how incredible the girls yearly report cards would be! The girls have flown through all areas of their schooling, and have exceeded the "required knowledge levels" for most areas of kindergarten study. They are commended on what wonderful people they are within the schooling community and spoken highly of by both of their teachers. These reports brought tears to my eyes and an overwhelming sense of pride to our family!

I'm glad that in the face of negativity and peer pressure I didn't fold, I reviewed all aspects of my decision and went with what felt right for me and my children, now we are all benefiting from the positive outcomes of that decision.


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Woodi's Work Xmas Party :o)

We are part of Woodi's work social group and the main event of the year is the Social Christmas Party. This year was held at Dizzyland. The kids eyes lit up as soon as we pulled into the carpark and then the squeals of delight and excitement started!!

I however, whilst loving the kids excitement and enthusiasm, was a little less thrilled at the sight of all the really old rides that looked like they had been removed from the carnival scene for being too old..... a century or two ago! The carny staff also looked less than friendly and enthusiastic!

Despite my hesitations though, the day was wonderful and the kids had a blast! They loved the rides and went on all of them (that were running) at least two or three times through out the day. My favourite being when our little family all boarded the dodgem cars with the girls at the steering wheel.... there was heaps of crashing and laughter :o)

It's great catching up each year with the wives and families from Woodi's workplace, and sharing such a special day together. The kids get Lollybags, and we all get a BBQ lunch, drinks, ice-creams, tokens for the clowns and carnival games. After lunch there was a dance party that was followed by the arrival of Santa with a sleigh of presents.

Loo received an electric guitar with a microphone headset for singing, the box was so big that Boo got up and helped her carry it back to Mum and Dad :o)


Boo had a little chat with Santa, got to ring his Bell and received a Zhu Zhu Pet named Bamboo with an Ice Cream Truck for it to drive.


Moo got cuddles with Santa and got to ring his bell too! Moo received a Zhu Zhu Puppy with a Chinese Take-away cart for it to pull!

The girls loved their presents and it was a great day had by all!!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Loo turns 3!!

My Baby girl is certainly not a baby anymore.... she is growing up so fast and I can't believe 3 years have passed!! I can still remember my pregnancy, the many trips to the hospital, her birth - a near death experience - as though it were only yesterday. And although it were all very painful, scary and stressful I would endure it all again for the gift I have been given in Loo.


This cheeky little possum has filled all our lives and completed our little family beautifully. Her Big sissy's adore her as do Woodi and I, to be truthful she has all of us wrapped around her little fingers and I don't think any of us would have it any other way :o)

We started the morning all piled in our bed singing "Happy Birthday" to Loo. We then got up and watched as Loo opened her gifts from us, with help from Moo & Boo who also read her cards out to her :o)


The girls spent the day playing with the new toys, while Woodi and I spent the day preparing for Loo's B'Day BBQ. We were watching the weather change from bad, to worse, to good and iffy and decided to cancel our original plan for a BBQ at the park to having at home, because we just couldn't trust the weather.


Of course by the time our guests arrived the weather was park perfect, which worked out well anyway as we weren't all crammed on our little deck. The BBQ for Loo was lovely shared with family and friends who made the day so special for all involved, it turned out perfect despite the change in plans :o)


Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Loo, Love Mumma xoxo
 
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