today, we went up into the hills for a picnic with our VISE tutors, Peter & Lee

they might not look very big, but they sure felt big when you climbed them!

it was definitely worth the effort to capture views like these!

this muesli bar recipe is adapted from a recipe in the Family Circle best of kids cookbook – its quick & easy to make & tastes delicious!

ingredients:

• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup pepitas
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 100g diced dried apricots
• 125g butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey

method:

• put dry ingredients in a big microwave bowl with a flat base
• cook on high for 5 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may need to stop & stir several times)
• add diced dried apricots to dry ingredients
• put butter, sugar, honey in another bowl. cover with absorbent paper. cook 4 mins on medium (50%)
• stir wet ingredients well. add to dry ingredients. mix well
• spread evenly in a 20x30cm lined tin. press down firmly
• leave until cold, then slice into bars. enjoy!

lots of excitement here this morning … one of our pets (6.30) had her 1st lamb & we were lucky to witness his arrival

this photo was taken not long afterwards – when he was still cold & wet & wobbly

already 6.30 has proved to be such a good mum & its going to be exciting watching her lamb grow

we discussed many names, then miss M suggested calling him Thursday – so Thursday it is!

… are always a hit … especially when its something you *have* to do for school

another milestone – my sweet girl has hit double digits!

it’s like I blinked & she’s almost a tween already *sigh*

so … here are 10 things i know about Madi …

1. she wants to be a singer or an actress when she grows up

2. she would eat chocolate every day if i let her

3. a pony (a real live one!) and a DSi were at the top of her birthday list  (sorry babe! hoping a new bed will be almost as good!)

4. her favourite & most cherished toy is still Florie (her teddy)

5. she loves chatting on the phone & playing webkinz with her buddy miss E

6. her foot is the same size as her brother’s (big kids 4)

7. even though she has the sweetest smile, she gets shy & self conscious when asked to smile eg. for school photos

8. she loves to sing – in the car, in the shower, outside – anywhere! she also loves taking photos & making movies

9. she’s been learning the recorder & keyboard & is doing well with both because she’s got a good ear

10. her favourite subject at school is maths & she’s also involved in thinkers club, lone guides, project club & chess

she loves tickles & cuddles and i can’t imagine life without her!

today i’m hugging her as much as she wants and more because this time together is so precious

love you baby girl!