another tent, new dolls and a vintage snoopy called pedro!

So we have a hanging circular tent today, quickly made from a hula hoop a double duvet covers (with self fabric ties at opening which made this super easy and quick!), thread and a 4m length of thick bakers twine.
The girls are happily playing together in this new hanging den with their new friends named Rose, Rosemary and Pedro the vintage snoopy who has hurt himself?!

If you'd like a go a making this hanging tent it is so easy and with little or no sewing.
If your duvet cover has no self ties at opening you can quickly thread on some ribbons to then attach to the hoop.

Boris is 389 and....

is wearing very nice purple trousers ("this purple" minimini1 says pointing to a purple felt pen), has blue hair, no top on but lots of hearts allover his body and pretty falers (flowers) for his shoes. We then doodle this imaginary friend and think helots very good for his years and funny too!
At a similar age mini1 had a friend like this except hers was called PeeHee and only wore yellow!
Love their imaginations, encourage and enjoy together.

tents & tiaras

Friday was a teacher training day, Monday was a bank holiday, birthday weekend in between so today is the official first day of the half term holidays ......it's raining!!!
That's ok as we have lets make an indoor tent and lets make our own tiaras to the rescue.
It's worked a treat and princess picnic lunch and afternoon snacks have been happily consumed under the canopy tent too.

If you are stuck for a rainy day indoor activity I recommend them as im sure you will have a happy time with your little ones doing one or both.

A birthday .....

Minimini1 celebrated her 3rd birthday today and before the house came to life with all three mini1's i reflected on that very special day at 6am 3 years ago, abd it was lovely doing so.

Thankfully I can look back with great pleasure and fondness and feel very lucky to have had a perfectly healthy baby, a fast, successful home-birth followed by the cheery meeting and greeting from big sister whilst I enjoyed tea and toast in my own bed.

Today was similar and different...

the sun shone just like it had 3 years ago,

we as a family were altogether, happy and well, we laughed, blew bubbles, ate cake and played with the additional little brother, rolled down grassy banks and had a wonderful day. 

I look forward to the years ahead and cherish those that are whizzing by. All three of our children are wonderful in so many and such different ways but the happiness they give us and enjoyment they bring makes me feel incredibly lucky and fortunate and I will have this and more for years ahead. 

The circus cake....

Okay so it's done! and on the first day of the holidays with all three wanting my attention I'd say its not bad and I deserve that glass at the end if the day!!

So visually it's not exactly to plan but as a designer by heart and profession I have the ability to go with what I have! The frill was not planned but it hides what I wish no one to see beneath!

Bunting, my performing elephant topper and sprinkles as imagined and happy I did these last night whilst the mini's were sleeping. Mini marshmallows I recommend should be in every families cupboard along with other store cupboard essentials than i'll talk about another day!

All in all I'm happy, my 3 year old baby (no more) will be grinning and that is what we only wish for....happy mini1's. 

Here is how it went....

Say hello to our performing elephant ...

The podium mould I made yesterday was a success and the plaster has now dried so tonight I had a podium to decorate ....

and an ellie in need of a neck ruffle!

I think when the duo takes it's place in top if the cake the ellie may be positioned on its back legs but this gives you an idea of minimini1's cake topper.....

In the absence of pen and paper .....

You can't beat pens, crayons, paint and paper however there are times when both me and the mini1's have fun doodling via a few of our favourite apps, these were created using KidSlate and Drawing Carl....

Thank you bees....

it was only a few weeks back, Easter Sunday I recall! where I had laryngitis, sore throat, no voice but fear not, patience and spoonfuls of manuka honey got me through.
Well since then we have had the mini ones (middle and baby) have high fevers, croup, ear, chest, throat infection and an awful virus so I guess it was only a matter of time due to my lack of sleep and the constant being coughed, sneezed and spluttered at that I may get something else....I have!
However with another big thank you to the wonders of manuka honey and a certain anti bacterial antiseptic throat spray, hot fresh lemon and honey drinks I have managed to blow that throat infection that had started to attempt to take residence on my tonsils too and turn it around.
I look forward to the day when all three mini1's can have a spoonful of honey to naturally help and assist their immune systems if need be, and really it tastes so good it's like a little daily treat that's doing good. I recommend a pot on everyone's shelf, also a good supply of lemons, hot lemon and honey or homemade lemonade, delicious!

So different...

I'm always amazed by the girls being so very different, same genes, upbringing, family, even friends to a degree yet they are so very very different ( as we all are!)
Mini1 straight into drawing, imagination delightful and clear to see through her drawings.
At just turned 2 she did the most wonderful people with fantastic expressions and actions, yet never counted to 20 or even 10 until almost 4.
Now minimini1 not yet three counts superbly, she is precise and has had her nursery teachers stand in awe whilst she carefully colours in with her delicate and accurate pen control.
Of course whatever they do we applaud and stand proudly by them with lots of praise, and yesterday was one of those days as minimini1 handed me her first person (yet to be named!).

So here we have the art piece and just like when mini1 did her first one this masterpiece will soon be framed.

Here you go....

we picked these for you.
Thank you girls, the day is a lovely one.

What a beautiful start to the day, happy healthy mini1's, sunshine, flowers and later a big family meal when nanna, poppa, granny and grandad all come over and join us.

Sunshine...just add chalk!

The sun is out and everyone is cheerier, the people out and about whilst I shop for groceries, drivers, the children and even the dog (if she can be any happier than her usual self!)
So after groceries, dance and stage class we have a family lunch, enjoy the sun and add some chalk.....
Happy days and lovely footpath drawings enjoyed by us all. I just hope we have a dry night!