Party Time

This year we decided to have a joint birthday party for our boys. It was a big celebration:

A celebration of Nic's life because he could have so easily not have made it through my pregnancy, and now he is a year old

And a celebration of Matt who is 5 years old and makes us so proud as we watch his personality unfold, as we witness him pushing boundaries on expectations.

Here are some pictures of the lovely afternoon 

We were delighted that Matt's RTS sister, Payton and brother, Sam, could join us for part of the celebrations  

My mom having a bonding moment with Payton

 

And other friends from church and our neighbourhood celebrated with us too.

 Matt has outgrown his being overwhelmed by big crowds and so had lots of fun, playing and eating!

Nic had lots of fun too!

The birthday cake, well actually lots of birthday cupcakes - 1 cupcake for Nic and 5 for Matt.

 Matt needs no help blowing out the candles!

 Thanks to all joined us and made this celebration so very special.

5

This year Matt understands that he is 5 years old
He can show us 5 with his hand
And he can say FIVE

It is great to be 5!

Addition to this post: Matt's playgroup teacher also pointed out to me that
Matt can also count to FIVE

Matt turns 5 years old!

Matt loves all sorts of modes of transport. So for his birthday DAY we took him on the train ride to the beach. Matt's excitement levels were really high, and the train was running a little late. It was a bit hard to contain him (and Nic) at the station!

 

Once the train arrived, Matt become over-awed with wonder.

On the train itself, he was very vocal, MATT SIT ON THE TRAIN and TRAIN GO and TRAIN STOP and other little comments that I can't remember. It was lovely to watch how the adventure inspired lots of words.

Our desitation was a quaint fishing village, known as Kalk Bay. First we stopped to get some energy-boosting snack for the walk ahead  There is nothing like the nourishment of ice cream on a hot day. 

Nic's first taste of the cold stuff - to say he loved it is an understatement!

Then a walk down to the harbour. Matt walked a fair distance, and then enjoyed the comfort of Dad's shoulders for the last bit.

So much to see in the colourful harbour. Matt is currently as fascinated with boats as he is with trains - so he was thrilled to watch the comings and goings of the vessels.

And then off to the beach. Grandpa joined us for most of the trip, though he only features in this photo.

Matt and Nic get stuck into some serious sand play!

And then home again on the train - much to Matt's delight.

Where have we been?

We have not been blogging, that's for sure. We have been celebrating birthdays with all the time-consuming, yet joyful preparations that accompany such events. We have been trying struggling with limping, and then dying laptops. We have been grapping to get all our old devices - like camera's, printers, internet connections - to make friends with and collaborate with our new laptop. We have been fundraising for our church's HIV ministry. So we have not been blogging.

But we are now back...so watch this space. Starting off we will show you the highlights of Matt's 5th birthday.