A Work In Progress

1. Kate Kate Kate Kate - said repeatedly when she thinks her cousin isn't listening. Kate is her new favourite person this summer. She loves copying her and looks up to her so much. It beautiful to see them play together. 2. Geeze (aka Granny) - not sure granny is thrilled with this name but it's said with affection and enthusiasm. 3. Papa (aka Grandpa) - we don't know where this came from as everyone calls him Grandpa but we really want to get her a wee beret and teach her a French accent for when she says Papa. 4. Where Tom? - said while searching for her older cousin. He is wonderfully patient with her and even spends time playing with her, pretty impressive to get a pre teen to do that, but then again, he is a pretty awesome kid. 5. Morry (aka Molly) - said with much excitement when my sister's dog appears. 6. Uppy down- Grace has always said up when she means up or down. We are trying to teach her to say down but it has become uppy down.

So a turns out a kid who isn't a fan of a warm pool will also not enjoy a larger, colder body of water. Who would have guessed? Merry Christmas everyone.

We started today with high hopes. The plan was to take Grace to where we got engaged, enjoy a nice lunch and some sun shine. Given Grace is now refusing to sit in the pushchair, we thought her trike might be the best method of transport for her. Our first mistake was to park quite a distance from our destination. But with Grace safely on her bike, we manage the distance quite well, but we didn't come across any good places to grab some food. On arrival at the love lock fence, Grace was just beginning to lose her mind with hunger and to be fair, so were Chad and I.  As such she was suitably underwhelmed at the location of Chad's declaration of love and was more excited by the snacks I had for her. We decided that we'd head back to the car and hopefully find some food for Chad and I on the way. With an ice cream shop sighted on the horizon, Chad and I started to get excited.  And then Grace's bike fell apart.  Fell completely apart. We decided to grab an ice cream to...

But I'm not going to give you one.

I'll never let the lounge get taken over with kids toys.

This thing ain't gonna fix itself.

Me: Hey Grace, what do think of the delicious dinner I made you. Grace: It's great Mum, thanks for all the effort you put into making it. I'm going to eat it all and not make a mess. Me (hopefully): Really? Grace: Nah Mum, I'm just messing with ya. Me: Sigh Grace: Don't be sad Mum. Look how creative I am! Me: Yes, the table looks amazing. I love how there are peas in the cup holders. Grace: Yep Me: And how all your toys are now covered with chicken and potato. Grace: Yep Me: Did you actually eat any dinner? Grace: Nope Me: I love you Grace Grace: I love you Mamma. What's for dessert?

Actually I said it couldn't be done. I listed the risks but Chad was determined. After the 2014 efforts (pictured below) I knew that it was physically possible to get a picture of Grace with Santa, but the question I had is why would we pay to get another photo of Grace crying? But I was wrong. There I have said it! I was wrong and Chad was right. It is possible to have a picture of happy Grace with Santa. Slight catch is that Chad did have to be in the photo and Grace demanded in her appearance rider that she was as faaaarrrrrr away from the man in red as possible. Still it's a Christmas photo for the mantelpiece....if we has one.

Ah Bee Bee, you are the best thing I have ever bought for Gracie. You and your two brothers have been there for Grace since the beginning.  You are her comfort, her entertainment, and sometimes used as a weapon....but mostly you are cuddled and loved and we all adore you, but not as much as Miss Grace does.