Cooper Turns 1!

Figured having a baby in May means mostly wet parties, (hense my idea to build upstairs or MIke's idea to move house...we're still debating!) Still, was a very cosy party anyway! Here's Cooper on Friday "helping" while I made some yummy treats...he managed to put the wooden spoon in his pocket all buy himself! Those are his drums on the floor (until he opens his presents!)

What Cooper woke up to...presents to open with his 'helpers'

Looks like Cooper figured out at least one of his presents before opening it...make that two - pretty sure he figured out the basketball too!

Only one game of rugby to watch in the rain...Lachie loved his wet practise yesterday, and didn't mind the rain at all today either

Remember I said Lachie had designed the cupcakes...well here they are! I challenge everyone at Cooper's party to have a go at these at least once in your life...easy enough for a 7 year old to do!!!

Cooper and his cake when all his guests arrived

The close-up version...

Which one will you choose???

Cookie Monster! (No surprises there!)

Eden and her good friend Georgie (6 months younger, and maybe a foot taller! That's why Cooper can't marry her little sister Molly...the genes are not in their favour! Although, Cooper CAN look down on her at the moment...because Molly's still crawling!)

Such good fun! Although Cooper had a HUGE sleep when everyone left. I could barely stay awake myself!

MUDDY COOPER!

Mike was out doing a bit of weeding this afternoon (at least with so many birthday parties here things get done occasionally!) and Cooper and Eden went out to help. Eden's just got new gumboots so was testdriving them in the puddle that's grown over the last week (reminder: need more concrete!). Cooper went to join her, not quite as balanced...oppps! First fall didn't stop him, neither did the second, third, tenth... Had to get a photo before he was stripped and put in the bath!

Gave Alana and Tom a giggle too! No doubt this wont be the last time!!!

Rugby kids

Lachie's now had 3 games and is starting to get right into it (no tries yet, but he's trying!).

This week we went out to Takapau after Lily's game in town. As for Lily's game, if you could call it that, she's going to take a while to get into it. She's just figuring out how different "playing" games at school on Friday afternoons is to "playing" rugby...she'll get there, just look at Lachie now!

At least she looks the part! Bought her size 3 shorts after she was issued with size 8, and the "armour" helps her fill out the shirt. And she insisted on having pigtails poking out of her headgear like Plum did last week (the only girl in Lachie's team)

Cooper loves coming...if we bring balls for him!

CUpcakes

These were designed by Lily for a party that it seems she may have had a part in organising for their much-loved student teacher that finished her placement. Yellow and pink icing with "friends" on top and covered in glitter!

Conpletely different from the cupcakes that Lachie's making later this week!!!

This week...

Eden ready for kindy this morning - we have new facepainting glitter!!! Cooper's birthday invite shot...can you pick his most favourite thing (hint: it's all of them!) Next question: can you pick which of these favourite things is the inspiration for a 5 cake/3 tier cake??? (total overkill I know!!! But a fun challenge!!!) The girls ready for a "pink" party last weekend (yes, it was pretty summery here!) Our walker...

Explanation of this one...as I took the photo the flash make him blink big then fall over, all while in the middle of a big, loud smile!

And if you're thinking a cowboy hat is all that's missing, well Lachie did go searching for one this morning before school, will have another look later...

Posing...

*sigh* Mike's back on a rotating shift again *sigh again*, but (don't tell him!) we're having a great time this first week of nights! A "photoshoot" was even requested! Similar to the one we did almost this time last year...

SOMEONE likes thinking he's in control!

Beach

Gorgeous autumn day at the beach
We have a walker...bit hard on the stones though!

Especially when all he wants to do is throw them! (Thankfully not eat them!)

Happy Mother's Day!

DON'T ask about MY Mother's Day - all I'll say is a huge thank you to the school and kindy teachers that worked hard to make sure I got something!

The kids were busy all Saturday afternoon making Granny's recipe banana cake with decaf coffee icing (Mum's favourite) and decorations for it also. Yes, and MESS too!!!Nannie was suitably impressed, even when Lachie texted her to make sure she was out of bed!

Out of bed, yes; dressed, no; so not allowed to take any photos! Just the "model hands"!

And my kids thought I was the best Mummy ever after I made her some monkey bars, they've been asking for ages (as have I!). This should stall them for a wee bit Mike!

Mother's Day Cakes!

A small selection of the cakes I've been making for Mother's Dad (and a few happy birthday ones too!)

These cupcakes were for morning tea at kindy as a much loved teacher has left...she's missed already and I'm pretty sure she'll be reading this!