Niko's Birthday

Besties

 Willow and Niko at OMSI this morning. There is never a dull moment when these two get together.

Niko in Da House

Niko came over yesterday for his first solo playdate. It started out a little crazy with them both riding wild on the wheely bugs so we moved the party outside to the water and sand table. They started out by burying stuff and pretending they were sunken ships and then moved onto making sand pies and cupcakes that were decorated with grass and flowers. The play was cooperative and harmonious, each taking turns to share and build together with encouragement and praise for each other when a task was well done. They even had a little chat about their favourite films. Niko's was (of course) Star Wars and Willow's was (of course) Tinkerbell. It was pretty funny listening to a 4 year old trying to explain who Luke and Stormtrooper's are to someone who hasn't even the faintest idea. The reply from Willow was simply 'oohh' (deep in thought for about a minute and then) 'well iiiiii like pink fairies'. So much for trying not to bring up our kids with traditional gender roles.
This activity kept these guys entertained for about 2 or more hours, so i got in some quality sewing and radio 2 time while i keep an eye on them from the art room.

The calm before the storm

 Making sunken ships

Let's have a little run around

Now let's eat our pies 

These guys grinned from ear to ear the entire time

Rhododendron Gardens

We spent the afternoon at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens with the Riley family. I can't believe we have only just found this place its so picturesque with a beautiful lake, waterfalls and trails and lots of ducks, geese and squirrels to feed. It makes for a nice change of pace as it doesn't have any kids play structures there. I think we will have to fit in a few more visit's at different times of the year to this place, I bet its amazing all year round.

Strawberry Picking

Summer is finally here, we picked a great day to go strawberry picking with the Riley family.

 

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The fruits of our labor,
strawberry sponge cake

and homemade strawberry ice cream.

yummy

Fairies and Dragons

Niko and his horse

Its great to see Niko enjoying his birthday horse.

Although Sally told me he does have a tendency to swing it wildly around his head.