Day 290 - A fruity afternoon tea

Spring and Summer are my favourite fruity times. The summer fruits are coming into season - delicious mango, strawberry, pineapple, berries - as you can see Ava likes to indulge in a bowl of these fruits too. 

Day 289 - Olivia

Tonight I captured this quick photo of Olivia - she is becoming quite camera shy, so lately I have been getting photos of her beautiful ears and neck, unless she is feeling photogenic. As you can see eating dinner is a finger affair in our house - unless there is gravy, then she uses her fork to scoop it up.

Day 288 - Giddy Up

Today we planned a day at the races with my dad as his present for Father's Day. Morgana, Isabel, Matt, Melanie and Dave came along as well. It was a beautiful day to spend at the races. The girls had a great time - Ava on the jumping castle and following Isabel around, Olivia drawing and also following Isabel around. There was a few moments of horse race watching - in today's photo I distracted Ava from the big race which she was watching with her dad.

It was a wonderful day, with wonderful company - some wonderful gambling results for some as well. Looking forward to planning another very soon.

Day 287 - Big bear cuddles

Today, like most days,when I am looking for Ava, I found her lounging around with nanny's big bears on her bed. She is either cuddling those bears or carrying around her bears like babies and playing imaginary games with them. I just love this picture that my mum took of Ava today giving the bears an extra big cuddle.

Day 286 - Meeting Joseph.

Today we went over and met beautiful baby Joseph who is just 5 days old. Such a beautiful treasure. He is the newest addition to the lovely Agius family. Mel, Simon and Patrick were very gracious enough to allow us to come visit so early on. Ava has been asking me every day when we could see Mel's baby, for this reason alone, I was excited to visit.

Funnily enough when we got there, she wasn't smothering baby Joseph, instead made herself at home with all of Patrick's toys.... luckily the Agius family home is like her second home! Before we went home, she had a cuddle with Joseph, Olivia wasn't so so fussed, but she'll be back around soon for a cuddle.

Congratulations Agius family - you all look amazing! Who knew you had a baby just a few days ago? We look forward to watching your newest addition grow up to be a fine young man.

Day 285 - Wet and Spotty

It was a very wet and miserable day today. I was quite happy to stay inside - without a duty today at school, made for a very productive day. My beautiful bright spotty umbrella brightened the day a little when I did have to go outside. This is all I managed to get a photo of today - luckily it fitted with the theme of 'close up'.

Day 284 - Emotions

Emotions are so varied in the afternoon at our house. They range from extremely happy through to devastatingly tired and sad. This afternoon when I picked the girls up from school this afternoon, they were indeed very happy, as usually today is a Daddy pick up day, it was a nice surprise that I got there first. While enjoying an afternoon snack of strawberries, I tried to capture as many different emotions of the girls. I think Ava's surprised face is my favourite.

Day 283 - Red

Today's photo topic was red. A current red favourite in our house are Strawberries. Not only are they cheap, they are deliciously sweet. Each afternoon this week, the girls and I have had a feast of strawberries for afternoon tea. I know what we'll be having for afternoon tea every day this week! Delish.

Day 282: Swimming! YAY!

Swimming lessons are a favourite in our house. They create such excitement each and every Monday, with screams of we are going swimming with 'Margie'. She is famous in our house. Can even use her as a bit of bribery when they aren't being the perfect angels they normally are.

Swimming lessons are apparently even more exciting when you get to wear your brand new swimmers. Ava was very excited this afternoon to hit the water.

Day 281 - Floriade

Today we went for a family outing to Floriade. It is something we do each and every year. The flowers this year are beautiful. The girls like walking around and picking out their favourite coloured flowers. We did have a couple of touching incidents - lucky the flowers were dying and the petals were already falling off! However I didn't feel so bad when I noticed another little girl walking around with a perfectly formed tulip.

I am going to have to ask my aunty if she is going to dig up some bulbs this year - there were a few flowers I had my eye on.

I captured this picture of Ava with her dad after we stopped for a little lunch break. Couldn't resist that cute smile and the comforting hand on her shoulder.

Day 280 - My little shadow

Today we went to Meagan's house to celebrate Dave, Josh and Bianca's birthday. When we came home, I got into come comfy tracksuit pants, funnily enough, my little copycat did the same. Olivia has been my shadow for the last couple of days. She has been doing everything I do and I can't seem to do anything without her! Funny how things like this come in waves, Next week, no doubt she will be Shane's shadow.

Day 279 - Enjoying the Weather

Sometimes it is really hard to choose just one photo for the day. Today we had a very full day. We went to the movies to watch 'Tinkerbell - The Secret of the Wings', had lunch with Shane in the city- including a ride on the merry-go-round, played outside and went for a walk to the shops. The three of us had a wonderful day together.

Today's photo is a collage of all the fun we had while we played outside in the beautiful Spring weather.

Day 278 - Outside time

This afternoon we came home and had a play outside. I just love the imaginative play - especially when their play is reflecting their learning. Today, Ava was washing her hands before she cooked dinner in her little kitchen. While she was washing her hands she was busily having a conversation with her friend the shadow. It was all very cute to watch.

Day 277 - Christmas Already!

While out shopping today I went for a wander into David Jones and discovered their Christmas area entirely set up with everything you'd need for Christmas. I know really it shouldn't surprise me considering there are always Christmas items out and about early, but I only really expect a few things here and there, not their entire Christmas display. However, they are always beautifully set up, and sometimes wish I could have one of their trees set up in my house. One day... maybe.

Day 276 - Strawberries and Shower caps

Shower caps and Strawberries was how we spent our Tuesday afternoon. The showercaps were to contain some of the dreaded 'naughty itchies' as the girls call them and strawberries were to fill them up after a big day of daycare. It seems on daycare they always come home and nearly eat me out of house and home!

Day 275 - Detour on our way home

Today on our way home, we stopped for a picnic in beautiful Mittagong. This was an idea shared by many with the crowds at the park. We enjoyed some chicken and chips next to a picturesque lake and mountain. The girls played for a little while in the very crowded playground before we decided it was time to head back home after a lovely weekend spent with the Pearsons.

Day 274 - Fun times

With beautiful weather in Bingara Gorge, we decided to head out for a little lunch and then a play in the park. We had a great time, me getting lots of manual practice and the girls having fun at the playground around the corner of their house. It was one of our best visits to the beautiful Pearson family, mostly because the girls are really coming out of their shell and instead of hiding behind our legs or holding our hand, they happily hugged Neri and Andy and held their hands while out and about instead of ours. It truly is love - from all sides.

Day 273 - Dessert

Today we celebrated a Thanksgiving for Cooper with Sarah, Brad and their families and friends. After that, we hit the road to visit Nerida and Andrew for the long weekend. Upon arrival we delivered some very special birthday presents - Chocolate Brownies, which we enjoyed warmed, with some ice cream and strawberries for dessert. A perfect way to end a perfect day.

Day 272 - Wet and Fun Friday!

Today Isabel came over for a play with the girls. We had talked at school about her wish to come play with the girls, why not make this plan on a wet and rainy day. The girls played happily together in their room, we had lunch, made cupcakes and did a little bit of cleaning up as well. Olivia and Ava enjoyed Isabel coming over for a play and so did I!

Day 271 - Sleeping Beauties

When the girls are asleep I find it the best time for a spot of relaxing. Currently when I am enjoying my cup of tea and possibly a treat before bed, I am usually found playing the Song Pop App on my iPhone. This collage fitted in well with todays photo theme of love/hate. I certainly love bedtime, while I am pretty sure some days the girls hate it - one day, they might come to love it!

Day 270 - Happy Birthday Grandad

Tonight we went out to dinner to celebrate Dave's birthday. Ava and Isabel were very happy to pose with their Grandad. We went to dinner at Walshes, where the kids ate free - what a score, and enjoyed a delicious flourless chocolate orange cake.

Happy birthday Dave!

Day 269 - Madie

Today's theme for Photo a day was frame. While enjoying a delicious lunch at Helen's house, I did observe some frames that would have been fun to use. Instead when I went to pick up Dad for dinner, I had a little brain wave and took a photo of my neice Madison framing her beautiful big eyes. I am quite happy with this image, captures Madison very well I believe.

268 - A Walking ad for Bleach

Today was the first day of school holidays - with a few odd jobs on our list of things to do, the girls got some quality time outside. I possibly should have thought about dressing my daughter in white. Particularly when she thought washing her car with the dirt was a good idea. This is the end result - I think it is rather ironic how happy and proud she is looking in this picture, completely opposite reaction to what my reaction was.

Day 267 - Before Bed

Before bed, we pick 2 books from the bookshelf to read before we go to sleep. Sometimes we seem to be reading 'The Gruffalo' every night! We usually let the girls choose a book each, but often Ava is too busy getting into bed, she actually misses out on picking... which I think ends up okay, because then I get to choose!

Day 266 - Showered with Love

Today I went to Abbey's baby shower, which since has been renamed the Love Shower. It was a lovely afternoon to spend celebrating the impending arrival of baby Cherry. Abbey is a glowing mummy to be and with thanks to the fabulous four organising the shower, is going to have lots of amazing things to share with baby Cherry.

Thank you for the invite and the chance to celebrate along with you Abbey. I can't wait to meet her.

Day 265 - A Little Luxury

Tonight Shane and I were spoilt with a little of bonus luxury. We had made reservations at the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park however ended up staying in an executive suite at the Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park. I was quite happy with this free upgrade and this big beautiful bed. I would love a bed this big in my own bedroom - I might be a little happier then to share the bed with 2 growing girls!

We were here at Olympic Park to watch the AFL Preliminary final between the Sydney Swans and Collingwood. I am extremely happy to say - of course Sydney won!

Day 264 - Musicians

There is nothing like a little music in your house. I am sure that I wouldn't mind if they had a little tone and rhythm. The girls had a wonderful afternoon playing with their instruments singing songs like 'Hey Diddle Diddle', 'A.B.C' and even some modern pop classics like Maroon 5's 'Moves like Jagger'

I wonder if this musical development is a sign of things to come... maybe they will be my key to being rich and famous. I am sure that they both do indeed have the X Factor.

Day 263 - Underneath

It is amazing how quickly Ava falls asleep. We can kiss her goodnight, tuck her in, walk out, put pyjamas on and she'll be asleep. Amazingly the shenanigans that Olivia gets up to before she falls asleep do not wake her up - nor does she stir from underneath the blankets for a few hours.

Day 262 - Price

Tonight I fuelled up the car in preparation for a trip down to Sunshine bay for work tomorrow. I quite liked the reflection in the petrol bowser of the dark skies, which are threatening my Wednesday to be anything but full of sunshine. I possibly don't notice the price of petrol as often as I should. I guess it is a little expensive.

Day 261 - Swimming Lessons

Tonight was the last swimming lesson for Term 3 - safety week. Swimming lessons are sometimes the funniest 30 minutes I have all week. Aside from being funny, it was a very serious topic as well. Watching the girls float around with their life jackets around their ears, trying to keep their feet pointing down rather than allowing them to kick to the surface like they normally do, was definitely something I wish I had captured on video. They saved each other with their noodles and life jackets and sometimes they didn't want to save one another.

I look forward to many more adventures of swimming on Monday afternoons next Term.

Day 260 - Strange

Today we took the girls to their movies, Ava who is pictured above, is usually my television junkie. However today, while at the movies, she asked if we could go home and covered her eyes. Which is why I picked this photo for today's photo a day topic of Strange.

We went to watch Madagascar 3, which incidentally, she loved and did not cover her eyes again.

Day 259 - Kitchen Helpers

Today we caught up with friends - while we had a lovely lunch and a catch up, we also discovered through the help of Debbie the skill our children have at washing dishes. They are both possibly happy that we have a dishwasher, but I am sure that I can keep some dishes aside for them to happily wash up.

Day 258 - Favourite

Favourite: most liked; preferred above all others.

Suprisingly I am often asked if I have a favourite twin, of course I do, it just depends on which day it is! What my favourite thing really is - the bond they share. They don't always demonstrate it with the sibling disagreements they have, however mostly they are just in love with one another. Best Friends, Sisters. Could it get any better than this?

Day 257 - Company for dinner

It is quite often we have dinner guests of the soft toy variety. Tonight Jesse graced us with her presence, however, we might have to teach her some table manners. It isn't polite to fall asleep at the table!

Day 256 - Reading Together

I believe there is nothing more important than instilling a love of reading in the girls. I think the amount of times I catch them reading stories, so far I am successful. I love listening to them reading and telling each other stories, especially when they are reading a completely different story to the book they are holding. It is just a little heartwarming because I remember growing up, with my nose often in a good book.

I wonder if I am going to have to look out for reading beneath the blankets with a torch when they get older. Secretly I hope so!

Day 255 - Hero

Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

There are many people who I believe fit the description of Hero as listed above. None more so than Shane. He being the girl's hero. He is indeed the Superdad, there isn't anything he wouldn't do for his girls.

Day 254 - Letter - a very welcomed letter

Today I received my official appointment notice, which fitted nicely into today's photo theme of Black and White. It is a very exciting yet sad time. Sad because I am leaving a place that has been my teaching home since 2003, but exciting to have a security net and beginning a new adventure at Jerrabomberra Public School. I look forward to starting my new job on the 29th January 2013.

Day 253 - Picnic

Today we enjoyed a beautiful picnic in the sun. The girls are getting into the warmer weather playing outside and having a wonderful time. Olivia is getting right into the warmer weather with a request to wear her skirts every day.

It was a lovely afternoon playing together outside - hopefully the warmer weather continues on the weekends when we get to enjoy it most.

Day 252 - At night

There are lots of things around the home that I do not enjoy - dishes, washing - both pegging out and folding and cleaning the bathroom. Today's theme for the photo a day was at night - at night there are always dishes left over that do not fit into the dishwasher, I do try and wash them up so that when we get up there is a clean cupboard awaiting us. Some nights, that just does not happen. Hopefully in the holidays I can create a new routine... fingers crossed!

Day 251 - Natual

The topic for today's Photo a Day is Natural - being home sick still I captured only what my girls think is natural. Carrying Jemima around upside down and walking around with a dress up on each and every day, which I find to be just adorable.

Day 250 - Everyday

Everyday these dolls are carried around from room to room. Usually they begin the day in our bed, moving on to breakfast with the girls. While they are at school - they are usually wherever the girls leave them. Today, they were left on the couch ready and waiting for them to come home.

It is nice to know Jemima is still a favourite.

Day 249 - bright

Luckily today's theme for the September Photo a Day challenge was a simple photo - Bright. I didn't see much of the bright sun outside, I saw the bright light of my lamp on my bedside table. I was still at home sick, with the doctor giving me the rest of the week off.

Day 248 - Copy cats

I was home sick today, my first all year which I think is an impressive effort. When the girls came home from school they played copy cat and lined all their sick toys up on the pillow, cuddled them to make them feel better and then patted them to sleep. Such caring girls I have.

Day 247 - It Takes Two - Take 6

Monday brings a fresh week at school - and a continuance of our dress alike theme. Both girls were looking very fresh for a Monday morning!

Day 246 - Happy Father's Day!

Today was Father's Day. We spent the day celebrating our wonderful dad's. We visited the park, played bubbles in the back yard and just had a wonderful day altogether.

Happy Father's Day Shane - we hope you had a wonderful day.

Day 245 - Spring has sprung!

We all know that Spring brings along warmer weather and we thought why not get out and about in the garden with the beautiful weather we had today. Shane planted some seedlings while I planted some flowers, with the help of our mini gardeners who enjoyed digging and watering their dirt.

Hopefully they don't pick the tomatoes or strawberries as soon as they see them!

Day 244 - It Takes Two - Day 5

Day 5 - Freezing cold rain and wind didn't even stop us enjoying a very light hearted moment. Thanks ladies, it has been a very fun week!

Day 243 - It Takes Two - Day 4

Day 3 - Very classic green, white and black... I loved that they matched accessories as well!

Day 242 - It Takes Two - Day 3

Day 3 saw hot pink pants to warm the gloomy day we had today with a little splash of colour!

Day 241 - It Takes Two - day 2

Day 2 of the fashion stakes, saw beautiful blue jeans matched with classic black - looking good ladies!