Margaret River

 

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

Last weekend we took our first holiday as a family of four down to Margaret River. We headed down there as your dad and I had been invited to a wedding of you dad's work colleague so we decided to make it a little holiday. I was nervous given Toby hasn't enjoyed being in the car for long stints, but luckily Toby you slept most of the way there (and a good portion of the way back) and generally put up with our drives to and from touristy spots in the south west.

 

We started the holiday at around lunchtime on Thursday after Matt's swimming lesson. Soda joined us as we were staying in pet friendly accommodation at the Margaret River Stone Cottages. Our cottage was really beautiful, as you can see from the photos below, very picturesque surroundings and remote. We settled in on Thursday evening and woke up nice and early on the Friday and attempted to feed the chooks that were advertised as being on the property, but after walking around for a while we couldn't locate them so decided to head to Sunflowers Animal Farm. Matt you loved feeding the kangaroos, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, cows etc and Toby you were petrified of the baby chicks! So funny (sort of) to watch you be totally at home with these huge animals then freak out at three week old chickens.

 

We then headed to Cheeky Monkey Brewery for lunch. Matt you enjoyed playing on the playground and Toby slept most of the lunch. Your dad and I enjoyed the view and the pizza and souvlaki chicken we'd ordered. Afterwards we walked around Margaret River town before heading back to the cottages for dinner. Your aunty Robyn and Kieran joined us after dinner, as they were to help with babysitting the next day.

 

On Saturday we went caving at Mammoth Cave, which absolutely captivated your Matt. After the cave we went on a little bushwalk then went to Berry Farm, east of Witchcliffe, for lunch. Your dad and I enjoyed the best beef pie and tomato chutney and Matt you again loved playing on their playground. Afterwards we headed back home to get wedding-ready then headed to the foreshore for the wedding. Your dad and I watched the ceremony by ourselves while you two were looked after by Aunty Robyn and Kieran and then while the bride and groom were having photos I brought Toby back to the drinks area while Matt you enjoyed playing on the sand (and getting drenched) with your babysitters. That night while your dad stayed on for the reception we all enjoyed making s'mores in the fireplace back at the cottage.

 

On the Sunday it was time to head home so we slowly made our way back to Perth with only one small stop to get some lunch and let Soda have a wee. It really was a lovely holiday and filled the soul right up again!

 

Love you,

 

Mum xxx

 

 

Ella's 9th birthday

 

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

A few weeks ago we celebrated your cousin Ella's 9th birthday with a party at her house.

 

To start the party we did shirt tie dyeing, which Matt you loved as you seem to enjoy any and all craft (which I'm so grateful for). You then joined the big kids in an awesome water bomb fight followed by a cling wrap ball game like you'd played at Christmas (I'd made this one too). You did so well at both of these, even won a few prizes by ripping away layers of cling wrap with your wig and tutu on!

 

We then played musical bobs and statues and you and Harry were so cute dancing and trying to beat the big kids, who were very sweet to let you continue to join in when you were both very obviously out. Afterwards we sung happy birthday to Ella and had an awesome jelly cake that your nanna had made and a ice cream sundae buffet was enjoyed by all.

 

It was a really fun night celebrating your beautiful cousin Ella. She has always looked out for you two and I hope you know just how special she is.

 

Love you,

 

Mum xxx

 

 

Off to the zoo again!

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

At the start of the month we headed to the zoo for some nice family time. It was a beautiful day and the zoo itself was really quiet. We managed to get there relatively early and enjoyed looking at the reptiles and penguins to start.

 

We then headed to the playground and spend a good portion of the morning near the water area. This made your dad and I laugh as when Matt was little we'd come to the zoo and he'd be more interested in the plant life than the animals.

 

Eventually we moved on from the water area and headed to the Asian rainforest area. We were really lucky to get a close up with the komodo dragon when its keepers were walking it around its enclosure.

 

After the zoo we also went for a swim at the local pool and Matt you showed your dad how you have learnt to go underwater at your swimming lessons. We are really proud of how much you have learnt in less than a term and how your confidence in the water is growing every week. Toby, you also love just splashing around with me while Matt has his lessons.

 

Love you boys,

 

Mum xxx

 

A thank you to Matthew

 

Dear Matthew and Toby

 

Being the oldest kid in my family, I never realised what a gift an older sibling can be. Matt, I would credit you with being one of the major reasons why I haven't suffered from post natal depression during this maternity leave. You play a large part in my support system, and you're only 4. You care deeply for Toby and will always help me with him when asked, and often when not. Toby, you adore Matt and I'm pretty sure you're reaching so many milestones early because you simply want to keep up with your big bro.

 

Nobody makes Toby laugh as much or as easily as you do Matt, and it makes my hearty sing. Two kids has not been doubly or triply hard, like I was warned, not by a long shot. And it's because of you, my beautiful Matt. Thank you for all that you do to help your mummy with 'your baby' (as you refer to him), it is so very appreciated.

 

Love you both,

 

Mum xxx