WILLIAM'S FIRST DAY

Here is Liam, looking a little pensive - or is he just a bit tired of smiling for all these photos? He is about to embarlk on his first day of "big school".

 Well, that's better - but the smile is still a bit forced.

 Will a funny face do?

 That's better. Liam never stays out of sorts for long!!

 He is all kitted out with brand new everything.....

 Including the shoes ( "no laces please", the teacher says.) By the end of the day they felt a little uncomfortable, and Daddy went down the street for a pair of sneakers he can wear until he breaks the shoes in!

 Meanwhile little brother Nate is off on some learning experiences of his own.....

such as finding where the solar lights are, and pulling them out and re-planting them! It won't be long before he is also off to school. Time goes by so fast!

SEE HOW THEY GROW

We are so fortunate to live right  next to ur grandsons, William and Nathaniel, usually known as Liam and Nate. Actually Nate is more often called "Chubba" nowadays, and I suspect that nickname will stick!

Last Saturday we minded the boys for a few hours while their Mum had her hair done and packed for their trip to NZ the next day. We decided to turn our bedroom into a playroom for the afternoon, and they both had great fun with the wooden and the Lego blocks.

 Nate thinks his big brother is just wonderful, and loves to join in with him.

 It is a bit frustrating for Liam when all his constructions come tumbling to the ground when his brothewr helps, but he is very good-natured about it.

 Nate has a wonderful sense of humour and also has a very good nature.

 He entertains himself so well, and has the natural curiosity of a one year old.

 Liam also has a great sense of fun...

 But he has some serious and thoughtful moments too!

 The time really goes quickly when we mind the boys - they are so easy to get along with.

This week their Nanny and Poppy in New Zealand are enjoying their company in the flesh - but I am sure they will enjoy these pictures too.



BIRTHDAY BOY

Thursday was William's 4th birthday.

When asked how he would like to celebrate his special day, he said that he would like to have dinner at Granny and Grandad's - and he would like to have chicken, turkey and prawns to eat! Now he is pulling a bit of a face in this picture, because being so much the centre of attention was getting just a bit much for him at this stage. When asked what he wished for when he blew out his candles, he said he had wished that no one was there! That is honesty for you !
He had the "honour" of sitting at the head of the table with Grandad.

But I think you will agree he had a great time anyway!

Jindaporn at the Bakery had made a very special puppy dog cake

 .

 

Four candles to blow out!



The musical candle got lots of attention, and had to perform the happy birthday song many times over.

 A card and present from his much-loved Auntie Marie, who is an important part of close family occasions.

 And a book from Granny and Grandad.

I think the Builder's kit came from Nanny and Poppy in New Zealand! But by this time he was getting a bit sleepy.

 This big spoonful of jelly all went into his mouth at one time!

Trying on his new boots!

Baby Nate enjoyed the party, even if Liam had mixed feelings about all the fuss!

 Yesterday was his party day with his friends. Kim and Charles had set up a waterslide down at Kingston! Now I think this sort of party was more William's style!

 What a beautiful setting and what a glorious autumn day!

 William must have slid down and climbed back up that hill hundreds of times!

 Even Baby Nate had a turn!

 There was a big pile of gifts, but everyone was just too busy having fun on the slide to open them just yet!

 Even the food sat there until they needed an energy boost!

 The water tank had to be refilled a few times.

 Birthday Cake time finally distracted most of the children from the water slide.

 The little ones had fun with a basket of musical toys that Tina found in her car.

 The adults all had a lovely relaxing time under the gazebos

 Baby Nate, who can now sit up quite steadily, had a ball with the toys when the others returned to the slide.

 and he enjoyed cousin Jasper's company.

 They did not really need any party games - and Liam definitely did not care for the adaptation that his Dad made to "Pin the Tail on the Monkey'!

 But he had really enjoyed his party, and his Mum got a special thank you hug.