Miss Lily { 2023 }

A lot of growing happens in a year when you are three. Lily has bloomed into such a fun loving little girl . She will always be our baby but more and more we see her transforming into a little girl full of life and personality. She loves life and is always excited to come on any adventure. She loves dressing up and is a true girly girl, dresses, jewellery, hairclips - she loves it all. 

Master Quill { 2023 }

 

This boy is ready for big things! He has had such a wonderful year, enjoying that last year before big school and he is ready as ready can be for that next step. Quill is adventurous, cheeky, determined, loves a good laugh, an early riser, loves to be organised and loves farm life the most of everyone. He is a boys boy, he loves playing with his friends and doing his best to keep up with his big brother.  

Miss Prim { 2023 }

This has been an exciting year for Primrose, full of fun and friends and big changes. We have seen her really put herself out there to give things a go and she has made great strides in so many areas. She remains a true bright light in our family. She is the most level, calm, kind and considerate one of all of us and she really teaches me every day to be patient and look to the good in everything. Her energy is always attracting wonderful people her way. She had a wonderful group of friends in Bungendore and in no time at all she has found her people in her new school. 

Mr Finley { 2023 }

Growing up, keeping busy and navigating big changes. Finley has had a great big year and we are  proud of him and the determination and resilience we have seen him develop. He turned 11 this year, tried some new things, excelled at some old favourites, completed Year 5, moved house, said goodbye's and started at a new school. There has been some tears but he is settling into this wonderful new life in the country and loving all the new experiences it brings. 

Sunshine After the Rain { 2023 }

2023 was one of the hardest, most rewarding years of my life and has left me exhausted, physically and mentally but oh so so happy. There was one goal and we fought so hard for it right through from January to September. It was the backdrop to the whole year - sell our house in time to buy the property of our dreams. And we did it. The stars aligned, we just wouldn't leave them be, and so this story has a happy ending. The year has come to an end and we have our Avonlea. I couldn't be more grateful. 

First on the Farm

A nice, simple, quiet Christmas for us this year in our new home. We filled it with the old favourite traditions and food and had a day just us, opening presents, lots of eating, napping and a swim. We are finding out feet and settling into our new life. The first of many Christmas' on the farm to come.

Dreams Come True

I write this entry looking out over Avonlea, the dream come true, the place we now call home. It's incredible that we made it. I'm so so grateful.

Goodbyes are Such Sweet Sorrow

 

“A little town of no consequence to anyone, except those fortunate enough to have lived in it.”

  - Pride and Prejudice

High Five

Our little boy is five! In all the chaos of mummy returning from a trip to Canada and only a week out from moving house we paused it all to celebrate Quill turning five. Quill is friend to all and a bit too popular to have a to pick a handful of friends, so instead he invited all the kids on our street and everyone at preschool to his big five birthday bash at the Bungendore Park. And they all came! They have a great time running themselves ragged on the play equipment and returning periodically for snacks. 

Return to Canada

Halifax holds half of my heart and earlier this year the longing to return got strong. I've always wanted to go back in a general sense, Levi and I talk all the time about taking all the kids and sharing it with them, but I started to feel like I really needed to get back there myself and sooner to feel whole again. Levi as always finds a way. We were able to use his frequent flyer points and next minute I was booked in and making plans. I was going to be able to see all my favourite people, do all my favourite things, eat all of my favourite food and just exist in a place that I love. 

The Dress

Ever since having Primrose it has been on my mind to make her a special white dress for when she turned eight and was baptised. I had originally thought I would use my wedding dress for the fabric but everyone was universally horrified by the idea of me cutting into that dress so that idea was shelved. A few years ago though, Hanna asked me if I would like the train to her wedding dress, so I've held onto that and it turned out to be the perfect fabric and amount for the project! Not to mention incredibly special for this keep sake dress. 

Primrose Gets Baptised

In June Primrose was baptised. She spent a bit of time after she turned eight considering the decision and ultimately decided she's interested in learning more about God and taking this step to show him that. She's a deep thinker and took her time coming to the decision that was right for her. It was lovely to see her confidence in making that decision her own.

Birthdays and Bunnies

I took a little time on Lily's Birthday to take some special photos with the bunnies. It was lovely to take a moment and capture what a treasure she is to us, with our much beloved bunnies in tow. Lily is full of personality and spark. She is always laughing and playing and reminds me just how much joy there is all around us. Oh to be Lily, so happy and full of wonder. She has my heart and it is a privilege and pleasure to be her mother and watch her grow.

Party Girl Turns Three

The littlest kitten has turned three! And oh how gorgeous she was soaking in her special day. This was the first year that she was truly aware of birthday season and after watching Finley and Primrose have their special day she eagerly awaited her own. I hadn't planned on doing a party but she talked about her upcoming party with so much excitement I realised I didn't have much choice! 

Our Girl is Eight

And she is eight! Where did that time go? I can still remember Primrose as my little toddler, our little ray of sunshine, always by my side taking the world in. My eight year old Primrose may have grown and changed but she still has that spark of magic - she loves life and is such a interesting and insightful person. 

A Melbourne Weekend

Melbourne! I feel like Courtney, Mum and I had been talking about taking a trip to Melbourne together for years. This April we turned it into a reality in celebration of Mum and Courtney's birthdays which coincided with the art exhibition 'Rone' at Flinder's Street Station that we were all keen to see. Melbourne was full of things to see, do and eat and we had the full Melbourne experience hoping on and off trams, wandering alley's, admiring art and eating all the best it had to offer.

Finley's 11th Birthday

Finley is 11! With every passing year I can see Finley growing and changing and coming into his own. Those childhood years are beginning to make way for the next stage, more independence, more self discovery and Finley with his independent spirit is loving it. 

Hop, Hop, Hop

The stars aligned and my dream of having bunnies for Easter was fulfilled! A few weeks before Easter we picked up our two little baby mini lop bunnies. The sweetest, tiniest little bunnies ever. We named the lavender bunny Flopsey and the orange tri-colour Harriet. They have been the most wonderful addition to our family, the kids love playing with them and they let them carry them around in their arms like babies. The arrival of the bunnies bought the Easter spirit early and I am here for it. Easter dreams coming true!

Milford Track and Queenstown

After a year in the making, Shannon's 'Fellowship of the Sound' gathered from around the Globe to hike the Milford Track together over five days. Shannon and Mirielle wanted to do something memorable for their 50th birthdays so planned a big trip to New Zealand and invited us all along. In the end Eleven of us said yes and made out was to Queenstown to begin the adventure.