Eliza's quilt

My niece is almost 6 months old and I have only just finished her quilt :(
I did make her a special cuddly blanket - made from the blanket that Monique used to carry around with her when she was little, but that doesn't really count as a welcome quilt fro Eliza in my books.
A simple coin quilt, with wonky quiliting in lovely verigated thread (but not quite wonky enough - it looks like I was just a bit wobbly!) I embroidered the label using a free stitchery off the net which I thought was perfect (I'll be back with the source when I find where I saved it)
I'll have to give it a wash (with a colour catcher sheet as none of the fabrics were pre-washed) to crinkle it up and then deliver it next time we go to Sydney.

I miss you Pop

Rest in Peace Pop - we will never ever forget you

new dresses

I have stayed up into the night to get some new dresses finished for the girls for thier kindy photos (which go over 3 days). I am one of those mean mums that dress their kids in the same clothes!

On Monday they wore little reversible smocks - cherries on one side and red gingham on the reverse with little shorts. Today they wore yellow 'pillowcase' dresses made form a vinatge curtain - super cute! I didn't get pics of them yesterday morning, but did get a couple tonight. All 4 dresses are in the washer now, so we will choose in the morning which ones get re-used!! Here are some pics - checkout Mimi's teeny tiny piggy tails!

A budding photographer?

When I download pictures from my camera, there are inevitably some that have been taken by little hands! Usually lots of fingers, or the floor, or the computer or TV, but almost always, there is a little Mimi poking her head up somewhere in the picture, which tells me that Lulu must be the budding photographer. The photos always bring a smile to my face - here are a few examples!


And a self-portrait!!

Weekend Fun

Lulu was invited to a birthday party on the weekend and I made a little rice heat bag to go with the gift. (It is freezing in Canberra at the moment - it even snowed in suburbia on Sunday!) I think I might make some more of these as they are super easy and I need to do some stash reduction.

Mimi was a tag-a-long at the party but was made to feel welcome and got right into the spirit of things. Here they are on the deck before we left. The cheeky smile!

Family Resemblance

Do you think that my girls take after their Dad?

I have been having a giggle at this photo which was taken a few weeks ago. Kya calls this "the R... (our last name) face" and tells me that only her and Mali and Daddy can do it!

RIP Mummy Gelly

Tangis' Big Mummy passed away in PNG last week. She had been sick for a long time and finally let go in Alotau hospital. She was a great lady and always made me feel so welcome in the village. I am sad that my girls didn't get to meet their Big Bubu Mummy.

Tangis travelled to PNG for the burial and mourning.

Rest in Peace Mummy Gelly.

Happy Birthday Sweet Mimi!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my gorgeous little Mimi. You are an independent, happy, strong-willed, smart little girl with a gorgeous, caring and friendly personality. I love you so much Mali Maris and you have brought so much joy to my life in the last 2 years. I can honestly say that you rescued me.
Love Mummy xx

Sara and Josh's wedding and holiday in South Australia

We had a wonderful family holiday in South Australia when my cousin Sara got married recently at Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot, about an hour south of Adelaide.

First, we got the plane from Sydney with my sister Kat and her partner Andrew:


We stayed in a great holiday house that Mum and Dad arranged for us in Port Elliot. It was lots of fun staying with Mum and Dad and my sisters again. Unfortunately my youngest sister was unable to get time of work, so she didn't make it for the fun. South Australia was SO hot - going through the longest number of days over 35deg temperatures ever recorded.
relaxing with Honey at the house

Sara and Josh had a gorgeous wedding in the gardens overlooking the beach at Horseshoe Bay. What a stunning bride! It was SO wonderful to see a couple so in love and so full of happiness. The reception was fabulous with lots of great food, great music and great people. It was so great to catch up with family that I hadn't seen for ages.

me and Dad Monique, Katrina and me

with Oma

We spent some time at the beach and did some mooching around, and also visted some great wineries in the Maclaren Vale.
kat and Andrew at a winerymum and dad wine tasting

with cousin Nicole

The only downside of the trip was that I had a shocking hair experience. I went to a hairdresser asking for my foils to be touched up, and I came out totally blonde. Yikes - not my style, but I just go with the flow. It is actually amazing how much like my Mum I look with blonde hair.

Celebrating with Daddy

As Tangis has other commitments, and then we were away, we didn't get to celebrate Christmas with Daddy until New Year. Santa left some presents at Daddy's place and then Daddy brought them over. The presents were very exciting, including a Barbie each which was a major highlight.

Christmas In Sydney

We had a fabulous Christmas in Sydney full of family and love. And we got TOTALLY spoilt with lots of pressies.