Daniel

Today Daniel Joseph has reached his 8th year of living in this world and being a part of our family. I remember the night he was born, I was woken up (sleeping in the same room with Bek, in a bunk-bed) at 7 o'clock in the morning by Jess, who was shaking me and saying "Rach, wake up. The baby's home and it's a boy!" I murmured something and went on sleeping. Next thing I heard Bek leaping out of bed like a bolt of lightning and yelling excitedly and tearing through the house to Mum's and Dad's room. Naturally, I followed suit. Daniel's crying was high pitch, which was very un-masculine, but cute :)

The photos below were taken early this morning, so he looks very sleepy :0

In his new cap.

With his impressive water-gun.

Watch out!! He's gonna blast you! This afternoon he is going to a friend's water theme birthday party, and I have a feeling he's going to have a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday, Daniel!!

Scoubidou

When I was younger I went through a phase of doing scoubidou and bought lots of the threads and a book on how to make various things with it. It only lasted for about 2-3 months and ever since then I have had it sitting in one of my drawers doing nothing. Two days ago, out of the blue, Robert remembered about it and asked me to get it out to teach him. So I took him and Dan yesterday afternoon and attempted to show them how it works. I hadn't done it for several years, so had forgotten how. I got as far as wrapping two different coloured strands on a pencil. Anyway, after I played around with it trying all the different ways to get to the next step the boys had lost interest. They went outside to play and I struggled along without them for a long time. Then finally, I got it!

This morning I showed them the steps, but they weren't able to do it for ages. We had three going at once ~ one for each of us. As I worked on mine they practiced the pattern. Suddenly Rob yelled out "I DID IT!!" and Dan followed suit shortly after. I was very proud :) They have been at it all day; Dan, however, was obliged to pull out for now. He pulls the strands too hard and therefore snaps them, cutting the project too short.

Well, after that large explanation, I think it's time to show you the photos!

Federer and Tomic

Daniel and Robert have been back into the tennis action since the Australian Open started. When they play together they are Robert Federer and Daniel Tomic. Karli made them sweat bands and their court is out the side of the house on the pavers. They make quite good opponents for each other!

Federer's Nike tick - Robert designed this himself, using elastic.

Tomic ready to serve without a ball.

Getting very serious!

Mazal Tov, Daniel!

Already seven, where has the time gone?

This morning we started the celebrations early in order to accomplish the present opening, pancake eating and organising of the day before the morning was actually out, which all passed quite smoothly. We then went to the Bungendore tennis court and playground for about an hour.

After lunch (which consisted of very special banana sandwiches - we don't usually eat bread, so it was special) we watched a very much appreciated gift, 'Meet the Robinsons'. For dinner we had crumbed veal and assorted veggies and Jess made a number seven cake.

Here are seven facts about Daniel that I thought I would share with you:

1. Dan's favourite sport is tennis.
2. His favourite dinner is chips and crumbed chicken.
3. His favourite dessert is every type of ice-cream.
4. He enjoys writing made up stories as a past time.
5. His favourite animals are dinosaurs (if only they still exist).
6. It is very easy to take photos of him, as he is rather compliant.
7. When Daniel was a toddler he had very light blonde hair, it is now dark brown.

The dough table was a big hit!

Michael ready to ride out to battle with his trusty steed, Jamie.

At the park

At the tennis court

Happy Birthday Dan!

Daniel's Sentence

Rebekah has been a good FIAR teacher to Daniel and Robert. They have been learning a lot and enjoy all the fun activities. Robert seems to concentrate more on his art, which he is very good at, but Daniel likes writing short sentences. He has a “book” that he has written all by himself about random things. This sentence was his latest...

Translation: 'Who was in the pantry eating ham?'