Joseph's first concert

At the end of November, Brendan and I went to the Day on the Green concert at Sirromet Winery to see The Proclaimers and B-52s. The plan was to leave both kids with Grandma, but as Elizabeth was teething and cranky we decided to make it a bit easier on Grandma and take Joseph with us.

Joseph had a great time (thanks to the constant sugar high from all of the junk food) and kept saying that he wished Elizabeth was an adult so that she could come too. The afternoon also proved educational as Joseph got his first try of a Port a Loo, and got to see cougars in action, courtesy of the 'ladies' sitting behind us. He keeps asking when we can go to another concert...somehow I don't think Play School Live is going to cut it any more!

Joseph had a bit of a slow start to the afternoon.....

...but warmed up when the Proclaimers came on stage. He kept waving and saying 'Hello down there, Mates'

Enjoying our picnic.

Despite telling us the whole way there that he wasn't going to dance, no one can resist a bit of 500 Miles....

A bit later on and Joseph is busting out all of his dance moves now...

Turning One...The Last Hurrah

The day after Elizabeth's birthday we had a little family party to celebrate her big day.

This isn't birthday related, but that morning Elizabeth decided to really start walking. She'd been taking steps since she was 11 months old, and adding more and more, but the day after her birthday seems to be the day that she decided to walk rather than crawl.

The cake that Godmum Bron and I whipped up. We decided that next year Elizabeth's birthday will be in July rather than November so that we don't have to deal with icing sliding off the cake in the sweltering heat.

The Birthday Girl showing off her walking to everyone.

Turning One...The Big Day

Here's how Elizabeth spent her 1st Birthday....

Unwrapping presents.

Joseph gave her a doll- I think she liked it!

After Kate's dollhouse was such a hit, we decided to get one for Elizabeth as well- she loved it too!

We had some friends over for morning tea, so we needed more cupcakes- flowers today.

Oh no, this party looks like it's as much of a hit with the Birthday Girl as yesterday's.

But she made a quick recovery after devouring a cupcake.

The guests....Joseph and Aunty Dianne

Lisa and Jayden

Kymmy and Sam

Jackson

*Aunty Rosie was also present but cleverly avoided being photographed, but if I fail to mention her presence I'll no doubt get an abusive email....

Turning One...Getting Started

We started Elizabeth's Birthday celebrations with our Mother's Group coming over for cupcakes the day before her birthday.

Butterfly cupcakes.

Elizabeth didn't have a great morning- the arrival of the kids meant that she didn't get her sleep, and she was in the midst of getting her molars and eye teeth, but she was happy to get her first taste of cake.

Straight after devouring her cake, Elizabeth settled in for a little nap. Everyone got the not so subtle hint from the Birthday Girl to head on home.

After a big sleep, we decided to have another cupcake to make up for the no so fun morning.

Hmm...two kids and one leftover cupcake...this is not going to end well.

Much happier than this morning.

OK, I've reconsidered, I'm ready for my big day now.

Gingas!

It's been a busy past few weeks and it has been pointed out that I have yet to post pictures of Elizabeth's first birthday. They are still on the camera and I haven't had a chance to look at them with all of the family birthdays and end of year festivities that have been going on. So in the meantime, here are a few pics of Joseph playing 'Gingas' (Ningas) with Daddy.

Photos of Elizabeth's birthday to come soon.....ish.

I'm not really sure how you play 'Gingas'. I just know it involves a lot of running around and Joseph screaming 'Hoy Ya!' (he can't quite get his mouth around 'Hi Ya!)'. Pink headbands seem essential too.

Learning the Karate Kid poses.

Elizabeth is 1!

Happy First Birthday to our sweet baby girl

Riding the Rails

About a month ago we headed up to the train museum again-I think we've been four or five times this year already. Here's a few pictures of Joseph at one of his favourite places...

And Elizabeth? Don't worry about her, she had a lovely time being pushed around in her pram adding to her knowledge of trains.

Blue Steel

Joseph found these glasses in my dress up box (yes, I have a dress up box. Don't judge. Pre-2006, I used to go to parties that didn't involve cupcakes and lolly bags). Anyway, these little numbers (which some of you, and you know who you are, will recognise) were part of a 60's costume that also involved a geometric print dress and an afro wig. Thank goodness he didn't find those too!

Since finding them, Joseph has claimed them as his own and insists on wearing them out. Is he a mini fashionista? An 'It' Boy? Or just channelling his inner Nicole Richie? He even has his paparazzi pout perfected.

This is how all the cool kids are wearing their glasses....
You can imagine that Daddy is thrilled with this latest development.

Bathing Beauties

Celebrating Three: Wrapping it up

The never ending third birthday finally finished with having Joseph's little playgroup friends over for cupcakes.

Joseph wanted to help make cakes, so I put him to work icing biscuits instead.

Can you tell that these were iced by a three year old?

Having Happy Birthday sung to you never gets old.

Can we have another party tomorrow?