Summertime fun

Just a brief one this time. Recently we went and had a picnic lunch down by the creek. Oli rode his bike there, and enjoyed eating his peanut butter sandwich in a peaceful setting on a warm, sunny day. We also saw lots of interesting birds in the trees around the creek from our little tuft in the shade. We'll have to make more time to go down to the creek and explore before the weather gets colder...

Showing off his muscles.

Standing casually next to his bike after a (reasonably) long ride to the creek.

Having some lunch in the shade, enjoying the sounds of the creek...

<3

Another year older...

Hey everyone! I know I've somewhat neglected the blog for a little while now, but I have not neglected to take pictures, so don't worry :D

The young man recently turned 4, so we did a few special things to mark the day...

Oh yes, first bike. Shiny and red.

A wink from the monster, all suave on his new bike.

Opening presents!*

Happy 4 year old, ripping up wrapping paper.

Dad gives a demo of the new magnet drawing contraption...

Oli has a go on his own...

Time to get the tyres dirty! Woot! First ride outside...

Having a break to play with Drastic.

First air-hockey game at the arcade.

Driving on the grass...

Staying on the road, with a little help from Dad...

The basketball that Daddy won for him from the skill-tester machine! An unexpected present...

Playing whack-a-mole. Thought he would love it, considering his love of hitting things with other things...

...but those critters were a bit too quick and frustrating after a while...

Having a ride with some new friends...

Strawberries and cream cake with a 4 candle on top for the birthday boy.

Tucking into his cake...mmmm....

Almost done!

In bed, sometime after 10pm. What a day...

* Thanks to everyone who thought of Oli this year and sent gifts, cards and wishes; he (and we) very much appreciate it, and he had a fantastic day.

<3

Time flies...

Our little man has been doing some fun stuff over the past couple of months. So much stuff, in fact, that we haven't had time to stop and blog it!

Here is a - long overdue - digest of what he has been doing since our last post in June...

We don't let Winter get us down around here. We just do some fun indoor activities, like painting our faces to look like Nana's dog, Heysen.

New Car! The little man scored himself a vehicle...

Scooting around the yard in his new wheels.

Chatting with kitty in the late winter sun...

Shaking the blossoms off the tree to make special springtime rain...

Could spring possibly be as fun as summertime? Stay tuned :)

<3

No explanation needed for this one...

Little man is picking up some awesome skills :)

<3

Oli the artist

The young Olimonster has been getting very creative lately; he's just learned to colour inside the lines, and has been painting a bit since the weather turned cold. Today, we started a project from one of his activity books. We're making a set of traffic lights, and Oli had fun painting the box with bright colours. We thought you might like to have a look.

Here he is, having a great time painting the box blue.

The serious artist at work.

A little bit of red to liven things up...

Working on the lights...

And a nice bright red for the post.

After cleaning up, waiting for the stuff to dry so we can start our next step: Glitter Paint!

<3

Autumn adventures

It's that time of year when there are a bunch of crunchy, orange leaves around when we go for a walk, and Oli is learning all about the seasons. Autumn means we haven't spent as much time outside, but we've managed to spend a few moments in the garden when the weather has permitted. Luckily, we also have a bunch of inside activities to keep little monsters occupied.

The weeds don't stop growing in Autumn!

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

A bit of weeding isn't enough to tire out THIS little man.

Enjoying his sticker books - wait, is that where you're supposed to stick those?

Cheeky little sticker monster.

Settling in to watch a movie with Dexter.

<3

Easter Fun

Did Oli have a good Easter? Why yes he did :) He had a great Easter with lots of Lego and a little bit of chocolate bunny. Here he is enjoying the festivities.

Home from a walk, but what's this on the ground? Lego?

It leads into the playroom! And around the corner...

Wow! Easter surprise :)

Off go the bunny's ears!

Mmmm, Easter is delicious...

Now to build with the Lego!

Ta Da! Lego is lots of fun and lasts a lot longer than chocolate...

What kind of education would he be getting without the classic 'Monster at the end of this Book'.

Trying on a warm, furry hat in preparation for Winter.

<3