friends | The Lattimore Acre

Family xoxo

FAMILY, n.-The ones you live with, laugh with and love.

How do children know who there extended family are? It must be innate or maybe they sense a feeling of belonging. Ben is pretty reserved around people he doesn’t know or see often. But not this weekend as I watched him play and interact with his Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and Grandparents. Ben just adored having his cousins Tom and Maggie stay on the weekend. It was magic to watch them play together. Andrew and I just loved the house being full with family.

Our house was a pit stop on the way to a very special event. All that could make it were heading to Cousin Hugo’s first birthday. It was wonderful to be able to share in Al, Claire and Hugo’s special day. We enjoyed catching up with family and friends new and old. Ben certainly enjoyed the party. He ate the entire bowl of cheezels by himself! Hugo was an absolute delight and had enough cuddles to go around for everyone. Happy Birthday Little Man – we hope to celebrate many more with you. xoxox

The Big Number 2!

Happy Second Birthday Benjamin!!!

It feels like yesterday I held Ben for the first time. Looking back the time has passed with a blink of eye. I get emotional just thinking about how much has happened in just two short years. It really has been a joy and a privilege to watch Ben grow …… well except for the more recent tantrums!

Ben had a fantastic day and a wonderful party. Ben’s birthday began with a pile of presents to open. He loved it. Here he is playing his ukulele, playing with his puzzle and sipping a cup of tea.

Ben birthday was on Thursday and his party on Saturday but the celebrations continued for some time. Ben’s party was at home in the yard. He had many friends and family attend. His little friends seemed to have a ball (well….. so did his Mum and Dad!!!). There was games, great friends and cake!

Ben was so lucky to receive so many lovely gifts. But he couldn’t hide what his favorite was. Our fabulous neighbors (who know Ben very well) gave him a bag of hats – fireman hat, viking hat, pirate hat ect. He refused to take his policeman hat off all day. He even wore it in the bath!!! Thank you everyone for a lovely day.

Bonnie and Ben

Bonnie is our adorable Shih-tzu. She has been part of our family for six years. I was a little worried how she would cope when Ben came along. But I need not have worried. She is never more than a couple of steps away from him. They have a wonderful friendship. He gives her hugs and she gives him licks. Bonnie particular likes to go walking with Ben. Well it is not really walking …… she hops in the pram as well. Ben and Bonnie have just started to play together. Ben will throw her toys and she will bring them back. Andrew and I have never been able to get Bonnie to bring any toys back! He takes a keen interest in everything Bonnie does. He tries to help bath her and feed her. They are great mates!

Bright and Shiny

Ipswich Art Gallery has hosted the most amazing interactive exhibition for babies and tots – Bright and Shiny. Bright and Shiny was a hands-on art-themed play space. It was developed with consultation with Early Childhood professionals. It allowed tots to explore their creative potential and the sensory world around them, as they followed their interests and set their own pace.

Ben loved it!!!!!!!! (and so did his mum) We attended three sessions. His mates Oliver, Joseph and Jayden also came to play. Each time we attended Ben used the space differently. He also revisited his favorites – the sliver piece of cloth, the books, the fireman light and the tunnel. It was interesting to watch Ben grow in confidence in the space and manipulate items differently each week. Each session had a focused activity as well as free exploration. The first week we attended the story ‘I love to Sing’ by Anna Walker (one of Ben’s favorites) was featured. It was projected onto the wall. Ben immediately crawled over to the wall touching the pictures. The sessions ran for forty-five minutes but felt like five minutes. The experience was designed for children but also for parents to enjoy their children which certainly was the case. We look forward to the next tots exhibition. Scroll on the images for an explanation.

Ben’s Little Mates

Benjamin is lucky enough to have met two great little mates, Joseph and Jayden. They met at playgroup. Joseph and Jayden have recently turned one. We attended their birthday parties. Ben loved it. Joseph’s party was in the park and Jayden’s at his home. To be honest I enjoyed the parties just as much as Ben. The cake….the presents…. the games…… the people…. we love it all. Here are a few pictures of the parties. Scroll over the pictures for details.