Catching up with your cousins

Dear Keene Kids

Since we've had a lot more restrictions lift lately we've been able to meet up with your cousins for some much needed play time! We've been to both Point Walter and Matilda Bay and you've both loved re-connecting with your wonderful cousins after quite some time apart. Luckily through the magic of technology you were always able to see and speak with them during lockdown but it was lovely to see you all playing together again side-by-side. The autumn weather in Perth has been perfect and you all really enjoyed catching up together, climbing trees and playing in the water. The pandemic has certainly created a new way of thinking, in that we now really purposefully create moments of connection because we never know when a second wave may hit and therefore when our freedom will be taken away again. It is truly the best medicine for making sure we live in the moment and seize opportunities when they present themselves. May you never lose this feeling of capturing each day for what it is - an endless chance for connection with others. 

Love you, 

Mum xxx

Leaves!

Dear Keene Kids

That time of year has come around again, and we had your annual 'photos in the leaves' outside your grandparents' house this month. When we went into lockdown I remember chatting to Ma Ma and Gumps about how we may have to do our leaves photos in their front yard while they looked out through the windows, but came to the conclusion that I'd rather not do them at all then have that scenario, as it all seemed to sad. Gratefully we have found ourselves living in the safest place in the world during a global pandemic, so you can freely enjoy running through the leaves with your grandparents without worrying about the implications of doing so. 

It was a fun photoshoot, you both seemed to be ok with me taking your annual shots, although dare I say it next year may be a bit tricky trying to get three kidliwinks to all smile for the camera surrounded by leaves! Bring on the challenge haha!

Love you, 

Mum xxx

 

Saffy's birthday

Dear Matthew and Toby

At the end of May we celebrated your cousin Saffy's 12th birthday. We all went to your Aunty Chantel's for lunch and had a yummy meal of chicken, pizza, quiche, salad and fruit. Matt, you and Harry proceeded to play with each other non-stop the whole time, mainly wrestling each other on the couch and floor. Tobes, you loved playing with the endless bunnies that are at their house at the moment. You even tried feeding one with a carrot stick. You also ensured the playroom was adequately destroyed.

We sang happy birthday and all enjoyed ice-cream birthday cake together. I know I've said it a hundred times, but you're both so lucky to have so many wonderful, loving cousins like Saffy.

Love you boys,

Mum xxx

Beach visit and a special Anzac Day

Dear Matthew and Toby

Luckily during the whole of our lockdown, beaches and rivers were never off limits in Western Australia, so long as we observed social-distancing protocols. Given our expansive coastline, it was easy enough for us to visit the dog beach recently with Soda and enjoy some time in the sun before the weather changed.

You both loved playing in the sand and while the water was a bit chilly, you had a great time playing on the shoreline. Soda loved running around with all the other dogs. It has been great to be able to still get outside and enjoy nature - in some countries people have had to stay inside their small apartments for weeks on end, and were fined if they left their houses for exercise. As I've said in earlier posts, we are living in the best place in the world during this pandemic.

At the end of April we also recognized ANZAC Day in a very special way. Given people still aren't allowed to gather in big groups like we would at a normal ANZAC Day service, people were asked to stand at the end of their driveways at 6am and light a candle, while listening to the service over the radio. Toby and I got up to do this, and of all the ANZAC services I've been to, this was by far the most memorable and overwhelming. Standing at the end of our driveway, looking down our street at the flickering flames of our neighbours' candles, hearing the Last Post play from every conceivable corner of our suburb was truly a magical moment in time. We were standing alone, and yet I have never felt more connected to our community. And all of that with daddy and you safely tucked away in bed only metres away Matt, so no commute back home afterwards! I hope they continue this tradition even when the lockdown is over. It will be a wonderful way for those that can't always make it to the dawn service (which will be us next year given we'll have a new bub) to still be able to take part.

Love you boys,

Mum xxx