Camryn moves to a big cot

We have made some changes to our living arrangements of late. Isobel has moved into Alexa's room and both are in twin beds. We made the change soon after a week spent on the farm where the girls shared a room there. They seemed excited about the idea (particularly Alexa), but I am surprised that there has been very little chatting at bedtime. Instead, we have early mornings where we can hear Isobel asking Alexa - "are you awake?", soon followed by the door closing and light being switched on. All this irrespective of a response from Alexa. Recently we had this exchange occurring at 4am much to our, and Alexa's dismay. Isobel was dead set on reading books and it took repeated trips to her room and loss of temper before she finally conceded to lying down and back to sleep.

Camryn has had no problems moving into her own room and Bell's cot. She loved the new addition of her name in large letters spelt out above the bed. This we have followed a tradition from first being given lovely sown A L E X A letters by friends of my parents, and then Isobel's name from Mum. An art session with the two big girls had them painting CAMRYN letters and we pinned them up on a ribbon above her bed. The first few mornings we woke up to discover all three girls in Camryn's cot, the older two with books at their side reading and Camryn looking right chuffed to have her sisters' there.

As you can imagine, Camryn absolutely loves her big sisters and can be entertained no problem by just watching their antics. Today we heard "can't read my, can't read my, can't read my PO-KER FACE" sung repeatedly and at full volume by both of the girls. Needless to say, Lady Gaga is a hit in our family. For those of you not so familiar with the latest pop sensation, we are also exposing them used to Itsy Bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini! (2 3 4 tell the people what she wore!). This photo, taken near Milford, with Camryn in a sling and in the background the older two with shoes off throwing sand into the water ... in mid winter of course!

Who does Isobel look like?

This photo taken by Alexa was surprising for me to view. I thought Isobel looked a lot like David, but in this shot I can see where she gets her eyes!

Day out with Dad

After a few weeks in UK, David was keen to catch up and spend quality time with his two big girls. Day out with Dad would have to include a 'treat' - ice cream in the Auckland domain. No wonder the girls are always keen to go with Dad!


We are lucky enough to be near a fabulous waterfront walk. Alexa loves the challenge of rock hopping, and Isobel is never one to let Alexa do anything without her. Here they are just out from Milford on a sunny winter afternoon.

Lately David has been making bread - something I am all for encouraging. He is starting to become more experimental - pistachio nuts, wholemeal flour etc. The girls love helping out and 'nudging' the bread (Alexa's explanation to Jojo instead of kneading).

Alexa'a artwork

Alexa's artwork is improving. She is now doing drawings with people in them, and loves 'writing'.

Of course each piece gets signed by the artist - Alexa spelt backwards, which is how she writes.

New hairdos

Both girls have had recent hair makeovers - what do you think?