Benjamin | The Lattimore Acre

Mmmmm Cupcakes!

Ben and I headed off to the Art Gallery to the Wonderland exhibition this morning. This mornings activity was cup cake decorating. As the photos show the tables were filled with lollies, icing and cupcakes. When we arrived we were asked to sit on a mat and wait for the other parents and children to arrive. I immediately thought ‘oh no…. Ben sit still while the lollies and cakes are in full view’. But I looked around and saw ALL of the other children doing it so gave it a go. Well….. it lasted maybe one minute. He was just amazed by everything. Finally when we got started he wasn’t that interested in actually decorating but he was keen on eating. But again as I looked around the room Ben was the only child nibbling on the lollies. The other children are decorating the cakes!! When everyone was finished we were then invited to go and sit on the mat to eat the cakes. Well by this stage Ben had been sitting, nibbling and kind of decorating his cake for about twenty minutes. There was no way he was going to sit and eat his cake. He wanted to move. So we headed into the exhibition to look at all the amazing hidden treasures. I did feel like the other parents were looking at us with the disapproving look. But is it normal for a two year old to sit at a table full of lollies and not eat them? I am quickly learning there is no normal two year old!! Ben is now enjoying his cupcakes at home after a good run outside! We did have a great morning.

Desperate Times!!!

Before I was a parent I swore I would never dress food up for a child to eat it. Well…….. I have learnt that one should never say never especially when children are involved. Ben is a fussy eater and if dressing his food up works then bring it on. Desperate Times = Desperate Measures!!! Here is my vegemite train masterpiece with cheese tracks. Bon Appetite!

Uncle Al and Baby Hugo

Al and Hugo visited recently whilst Claire was off doing very important bridesmaid stuff. Little Hugo just chilled the whole time, he is a very relaxed baby (at least when we see him anyway). Benjamin was intrigued and progressively they became more interactive. I think it was great for them both (being cousins and all). Later on we gave Hugo the little red guitar. He held it quite naturally. Perhaps he will be a little rock star in the future.

Al and Hugo visited recently whilst Claire was off doing very important bridesmaid stuff.

Little Hugo just chilled the whole time, he is a very relaxed baby (at least when we see him anyway).

Benjamin was intrigued and progressively they became more

interactive. I think it was great for them both (being cousins and all).

Later on we gave Hugo the little red guitar. He held it quite naturally.

Perhaps he will be a little rock star in the future.

Ben’s new Playgym

Santa brought a great little climbing playgym setup for Benjamin for Christmas (Little Tikes Wave Climber).

Santa brought a great little climbing playgym setup for Benjamin for Christmas (Little Tikes Wave Climber). Ben was not sure what to do initially but after some assistance and the addition of some little matchbox cars he was set. Later on he explored underneath, climbed up the ladder and got very excited going down the slide.

Thanks Santa !

Boxing Day

A bit of a late post on Boxing Day. We headed home after a great Christmas in Chinchilla. I think we (Benjamin of course) had one last go on the Slip n Slide, and then gave Grandad’s piano a try out. The piano was a big hit.

After leaving Ben was asleep in less than ten minutes, he was knackered. Two bunnies and out like a light. We all really enjoyed the break. Thanks to all.

A bit of a late post on Boxing Day.

We headed home after a great Christmas in Chinchilla. I think we (Benjamin of course) had one last go on the Slip n Slide, and then gave Grandad’s piano a try out. The piano was a big hit.

Ben was asleep in less than ten minutes after leaving , he was knackered. Two bunnies and out like a light.

We all really enjoyed the break. Thanks to all.

$Benjamin and Andrew playing with Grandad George\'s piano.$

Christmas Day 2008

Well another Christmas is past. We had a great day in Chinchilla, and of course Santa was ever generous to all.

We started off the day with presents at about 7.30 with Uncle Cam, Aunty Tina, Cousins Tom & Maggie, Uncle Al, Aunty Claire Claire & Cousin Baby Hugo, Nanny Jude and Grandad George.

Well another Christmas is past. We had a great day in Chinchilla, and of course Santa was ever generous to all.

We started off the day with presents at about 7.30 with Uncle Al, Aunty Claire Claire (thats what Ben says) & Cousin Baby Hugo, Uncle Cam, Aunty Tina, Cousins Tom & Maggie, Nanny Jude and Grandad George.

Here is a pic of Benjamin sporting his fancy Christmas clothes from Grandma Colls and Aunty Lorraine (note the mini Santa in his back pocket, very cute). Ben is checking out his new trumpet, which he carried around for most of the day.

The weather man predicted 38 degrees, and I don’t think he was far wrong. Bloody hot !

The kids made good use of Grandad’s makeshift paddling pool to cool down. Mark two was made with the box trailer, some plastic and plenty of duct tape. Worked a treat, have a look at the photos.

Later on the Slip n Slide got a go. Tom tried it out first (to make sure it was safe and OK for Ben). We really didn’t expect Ben to like it, but he really loved it. He was racing back each time for the next shove down the slide.

We finished the morning with a late breakfast. Lots of pancakes, bacon, eggs and english muffins.

Then it was time for lunch. Mum had made a fabulous lunch with baked ham (with her famous glaze) and an array of salads and desserts. In the afternoon Oliver, Emily, Wil and Anita popped in to say hi. The day was filled with food, family, friends and fun. All in all, it was great. Can’t wait till next year.