Miss Lily { 2025 }

This has been a really special year for Lily and for mummy. It's Lily's last at home before starting Kindergarten and my last child at home after 13 years. I've been keenly aware of all the lasts, while Lily has lived her best life with preschool (club), nature club and dance and lots of special time with mum at parks and cafe's, going on adventures and having time together baking and crafting at home. She has been very excited all year about school approaching. She can't wait to catch the bus with the other kids, wear her uniform and special shoes and get right into learning and life with her friends at big school. 

Master Quill { 2025 }

Our beautiful boy has grown so much this year, in his height (he is almost as tall as Primrose), in his reading and writing and especially in his swimming and bike riding skills. This year Quill really got the hang of riding his bike and there was no stopping him once he got going. We are so proud of all his efforts to give new and hard things a go.

Miss Prim { 2025 }

Fun, adventure, learning, horses, horses, bunnies, bunnies, bunnies, Primrose has had a lovely year full of all of her favourite things. Lots of fun with the usual - school, netball, pony club.. Lots of determination, courage and effort. And lots of memorable adventures along the way too. 

Mr Finley { 2025 }

This is the year Finley has been waiting for. 2025 meant the start of High School at Hunter Valley Grammar School with all of the possibilities and wonder of the future that comes with new beginnings. It's also been a big year with with soccer, drama, Air League, his first concert, an epic 13th birthday party, a motorbike camp in QLD and lots of camping and fun on the farm with friends. 

Making our Mark { 2025 }

There's no small or quiet years around here anymore, if there ever was. With six of us, there's always a lot on the go and we've expanded the scope of life substantially with our 26 acres, 3 rabbits, four horse and 12 chickens. It's the life we dreamed of, and the reality is a whole lot of work but a whole lot of love. We love where we live and the rhythm of country life and wouldn't have it any other way. 

Miss Lily { 2024 }

Our little Lily has had the most wonderful year. Growing and changing so much, coming into her own little personality and finding things she loves. She is the baby of the pack but she holds her own and brings lots of life and fun to our family. She is keen to be apart of the action but also loves her own little quiet time and is known to fall asleep just about anywhere. She's right at home at Avonlea and we realised recently that this is likely the place all her memories will begin. 

Master Quill { 2024 }

Well, this little boy of ours is not so little anymore. He was more than ready to start Kindergarten after the summer holidays and eagerly took off to class without a backward glance. The year has been full on learning, letters, words, reading, friends and independence. He is grown so much and come such a long way in just a year and we've seen many of Quill's own little unique attributes emerge in the process. 

Miss Prim { 2024 }

What a wonderful, exciting year for Primrose. Full of friendship, fun and new experiences. Oh to be 9 years old and finding yourself and what you love. It's pleasure to watch Primrose living life. She has a beautiful energy and attracts friends and fun everywhere she goes. She has a brilliant imagination and finds joy everywhere, so it goes without saying - she's had a great year. 

Mr Finley { 2024 }

I'm feeling really proud of Finley writing this recap. I've seen so much growth in him this year, so much commitment, determination and resilience. I've seen him really shine and come into himself. We often get the most lovely feedback about him from parents and teachers - Finley is interested, engaged and polite. He is excited about things, a good friend and eager for new challenges. As childhood begins to fade into the teen years we are so excited for all of the experiences and opportunities that await him. Finley was born independent, ready to forge his own way and we can't wait to be apart of the next part of his life with him. It's going to be brilliant.  

Finding our Feet { 2024 }

The six Catton's have loved our first full year at Avonlea, at the end of it, I can say that we've passed through all the stages of moving - excitement, overwhelm, fatigue but have arrived now at that nice state of peace where you have your bearings. We've mostly found our feet, the kids are happy and settled in their schools and activities, we know our neighbours, we've discovered lots of the local things that help a place feel like a home and we have made great progress on our vision for Avonlea. We've said it's a 20 year project and I'd say that prediction is about right! 

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. 

Little Lily { 2022 }

Our Lily started the year very much our baby and ended it a self proclaimed little girl. She is universally adored and such a funny, fun, loving little presence in our home. Everyone always wants snuggles and has their own special relationship with Lily. Quill and her being so close in age results in the best of friends or foes depending on moods. Primrose is the big sister she wants to keep up with, and Finley the protector and source of lots of fun. With mummy and daddy she loves one on one, cuddles and attention. 

Master Quill { 2022 }

Quill has really turned from a little boy to a mini kid this year. He is so independent and loves riding his scooter with the big kids in the street and trying to keep up with his big brother and sister. He definitely doesn't like being held back from the fun and see's the street as an extension of our house, no need to tell anyone where he is off too! Much to mum's dismay. He has grown up so much and is changing so quickly, some days I can't believe how fast it has all happened. 

Miss Prim { 2022 }

Primrose our beautiful first rose has had a brilliant and wonderful year. Almost weekly she tells us that something in her life has made her dreams come true. That is how she makes he way through life. A true and steady optimist who sees the best in all her experiences. She isn't our little girl anymore, she's growing into a very capable, confident and talented young miss. We adore the light she brings into our family and the friend and peacemaker she is for all. It's been a nice, steady year for her, learning and growing. 

Mr Finley { 2022 }

This boy of ours has had a big, exciting year all round and we have seen him come more and more into his own. He's definitely moving into that tween stage, wanting some time to himself, knowing his own mind and what he likes, very excited to be with friends and have some autonomy. Finley has had lots of really interesting and unique opportunities that have made this a really exciting year for him. Levi and I are so proud of his work ethic, his enthusiasm and his willingness to give everything a go. 

Another Big One { 2022 }

Every year feels like a big year, which is no surprise with the comings and goings of six people to consider. Sometimes we long for quiet stretches of nothing but mostly the buzz and hum of our home and lives feels full and meaningful. I definitely came out of covid wanting to live life to the fullest and not let any opportunity, experience or event pass me by. This year has really felt like that, nothing has has been missed, big projects have been completed and we've really lived a big, full year achieving that. At it's end I feel glad and grateful for it, content at what's been and ready now to move to a new cadence and shift some focus for 2023.