52/52

Tom: He kayaked all afternoon and then pushed it from the beach all the way home and he was still all smilesGrace: Tired from swimming and a day of sun, her summer freckles have come back
Another year is gone. This one came and went, without too much fuss. I am hoping next year brings the start of structual renovations to our home, career progression and more study. I am going to be more committed to my 52 project, and documenting the lives of my beloved.
See you all next year.A x

52 - the ones that got away

 

 

Looking back through these images brings a smile to my face. By no means have I been scrupulous in keeping up with posting every week, in fact, I only started halfway through the year. But I love scrolling though what I have done, and next year I will be committed.

Thankyou Jodi and Claire for inspiring me with this post.

50/52

Tom: My soft-hearted animal lover - he has cuddles with Mollie before settling into bed
Gracie: A quiet moment also before bed, we had a big day having some much needed 'girl's time'

I love the week leading up to Christmas. Houses are lit up beautifully, the smell of Gardenia and Muraya fills the air at dusk and all the children's artwork from the year comes flooding home, perfect for giftwrapping. This week I will attempt to make some home-made Christmas cards for the family.

Following along with the ever beautiful Jodi with a portrait a week. x

the house

I have always wanted to get a picture of the kids in front of this little house. Today, instead of driving past and admiring like I usually do, I pulled over and did just that. The big beautiful green tree in the front yard turns the most amazing shades of red in the autumn, so I think I will come back in 4 months and capture the kids in front in a different season.

the shared christmas

  These images were taken earlier in Spring. Tom and I were having some alone time.. I savour this sort of rarity.
It's that time of the year again where the glimmer of tinsel shines in everystore, shop-keepers put the 'Best Christmas Songs Ever Compiled' cd on to keep you company as you shop and the bustle of people filling their trolley's with items they will probably have in storage by mid-January. 
Christmas.
Year after year I have watched Grace and Tom share christmas within two households. Usually I get them for the 'second' Christmas. They come back to us tired and overwhelmed, their little bodies unsure on how to process all the heavy Christmas lunch and sweets. Their mood flows onto us, our excitement as we wait for them to turn up soon changes to anxiety as we try to keep them in line in front of all our family. Never works. Tears always ensue.This year we are keeping christmas really low key. Ian's parents live right on the beach and have told us that on Christmas day, their place will be a revolving door for family to come and go as they like. We intend to spend the whole day there, between the backyard and the beach, with no strict time schedule. Ian has been busy the past few weeks as a hunter and gatherer, and lunch will see his efforts very much appreciated (lobsters and prawns - yes please!). Gracie and Tom will be spending the entire day with us, something I can't wait for.

forty plus three

Jane: Her belly swollen with the baby she waits so patiently for, second time round she approaches birth with a different and more grounded perspective

My darling girlfriend Jane has the most determination of any of my friends by a mile. After the birth of her first born ended in intervention and ultimately the operating room, this time she is having a home birth. The birthing pool, midwife and doula all on standby, waiting for her call. Armed with the power of knowledge, affirmations written on post-it notes fill her windows in order to pull her through the times of self doubt. I know she can do it.

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Grace: Nuturing our little veggie patch - all this rain has lead to an explosion of growth

Tom: He has been hanging out for a day on the water, today he landed his first Kingfish for the season - high fives all round and lots of screaming from our boat!

Camping fell through this week, no thanks to the weather man who got it all wrong. However we did manage to get amongst nature, spending the entire day out on the water. We went to our secret spot, anchored the boat and had our morning tea underneath two wedge tail eagles soaring high into the air, floating on the up-drafts and hovering over the ocean. 

Playing along with the beautiful Jodi.