Big Helper

I remember when we were in Dublin and D started the "helper" stage. She loved to unload the dishwasher and pull the laundry off the line and place it in the basket. Now, C has entered this stage. He is a fabulous helper with the dishwasher, sweeping floors, setting the table, and helping me make my bed.

Our playgroup is also full of opportunities for C to help out. Everything is kid-sized so he loves to wipe down the tables, pack away toys, and move all the plastic stools to the closet when it is time to clean up.

Table setting came about has C loudly demanded dinner one night while I was in the kitchen working on it as fast as I could. I handed him 2 plastic plates and told him to put them on the table. I figured he scurry off and play with them on the rug. But, he smiled and toddled over to the dinner table. He put one at his place and the other at D's. He then came back, motioning to the silverware. I handed him a fork and spoon for each of them and he finished the job. I was so impressed!

C can't really make my bed- but he does love to drag all the pillows to me as I pull the covers up. His proud grin is just adorable. They are large, square European pillows that we keep at the head of our bed. They are too big for him to manage easily so when he carries them, he often trips and falls. But, they make for a soft landing and he lays there awhile and has a little rest before getting back up to try again.

C seemed to love the dustpan and brush- which totally grossed me out. So I tracked down a kids dustpan and brush that I keep beside my own in the kitchen. C has really gotten the hang of cleaning the floor under his seat at the table. It's almost automatic on nights when we have rice. I clean him up, let him out of his seat, and heads straight for his cleaning supplies.

He also puts his own diapers in the trash bin, as well as anything else that might resemble rubbish. Watch out if you wanted to keep that crumpled bit of paper! C likes the place tidy!

I will mention that D remains a big helper. A new favorite family activity is to make homemade pizza together. She is a superb sauce spreader! And you should see how evenly she places the pepperoni, baby spinach leaves, and pineapple tidbits.

And she does a fine job teaching C cool dance moves like the dancing train around the living room. There are few times that C laughs harder!

Australian Wildlife Up Close

Still catching up with the blog. One day, probably just before our adventures abroad come to an end, I will get to the point where I run home from an outing and blog immediately. Until then, expect a 2-3 week delay!

Toward the end of January we took a short drive north of Perth to Caversham Wildlife Park. Our great friends the Taskers joined us and we set out to see some Australian wildlife. We've been to this park before but it was a year or so ago. That was before I was blogging and before C was old enough to appreciate it. He loves the animals now and points and grunts.

So fun to see C enjoy the experiences. It was also the first time T, D, and myelf were able to get so close to a wombat. They are amazing! I just felt sorry for the poor zoo keeper with that load on her lap!
C took several turns petting the koalas. Loved that! And the lizard was very popular too!

D Starts Kindy

Here's my big "Schoolie."

Friday was the big day- D's first day of 4 year old kindergarten. School is different here. In Australia, kids can start, what they call kindergarten, when they are nearing their 4th birthday. D goes 2 full days per week. Next year, approaching her 5th birthday, she will start Pre-primary. That will be 5 days per week. The following year would be Year 1, starting before she turns 6.

C had daycare so we dropped him off and then went on to Sacred Heart, D's primary school. Drop off went very well. I went in with her, we sorted out her sparkly new school supplies, tucked her wide-brimmed hat, book bag, and lunch box into her "pigeon hole," (I love that), and said hello to Mrs. McHardie. D took off for the doll and house as I snapped a few photos. That was about it for drop off! It went beautifully!

The day went well overall. Mrs. McHardie did have to sit down with me at pick up and tell me about some mishaps. A flying Lego caught D just under the eye at one point in the day. And later a foot found it's way between her eyes as she climbed the ladder to the slide. But, after some ice packs and cuddles, D was all better.

We are so proud of our big girl. D is very excited to go back next week. She wasn't feeling very positive about the owner of the foot that landed between her eyes, but she's planning to go to school next week and pay her a compliment in hopes that they can become good friends.

No doubt it is all a big change for me too! Had my first taste of lunch packing, lunchbox cleaning, and newsletter reading. Oh the excitement of starting school!