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Maggie: We went to say hello to the cattle next door. Maggie was intrigued but careful not to get too close (there's a fence between us!) 
Elisabeth: The girls were keen to walk around the whole block yesterday. Stopping to play games around fallen trees, pretend cutting grass flower spikes were feather dusters and wear wattle blossom in their hair. Made me realise that nature provides better toys than you can buy! Rob took this photo of Elisabeth.

Determined to get back on track with the 52 portrait project and post on time!

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Maggie: So grown up here. A friend made the girls the sweetest little ballerina tutus, which I can tell you, made their day. The squeals of excitement when they saw the netting coming out of the brown paper bag! Maggie declared "my favourite", a new phrase that has entered her vocabulary this week. They know (from watching Taylor Swift's Shake it Off and some Angelina Ballerina) they need to walk on their tippy-toes. 
Elisabeth: Had caught the dreaded cold and has been a little out of sorts this week. Poor Maggie has been on the wrong end of some of her grumpiness and has a few bite marks to prove it. Still her excitement over her tutu was a sight to behold. Elisabeth is all about pink and ballerinas and fairies. Not sure if that's going to change any time soon.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity, a little late I admit, for her 52 portrait project.

Eek can't believe next week is the 30th portrait for the year, time is whizzing by. Although I am looking forward to a break from the endless colds and runny noses, barking coughs and the bitter cold of this winter. It seemed to start too early this year, and most sensible Tasmanians try and escape to warmer climes this time of year. I can't wait for the longer days and a bit of warmth.

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Maggie: Maggie sporting a tell tale sign of toddlerhood. A fading bruise on her forehead from a tumble the day before (it looked much worse with the swollen bump!) The girls this week have started playing games together, hide and seek (they understand the counting and try to say "Coming if you're ready or not, just not the actual hiding part), imaginary shop scenarios under our table, chasing each other. Maggie loves to play with small figures and animals in the dolls house. It is lovely just to sit and listen to her sing-songy voice having conversations between the toys. Rob took this photo.

Elisabeth: I made these Monte Carlo biscuits, and the girls predictably licked the jam and buttercream out of the middle! She did tell me they were delicious. I hurt my back on Sunday (not too badly) and her empathy as I exclaimed during a spasm was so sweet. She rubbed my back and said "Poor Mama's sore back". I painted her toe nails red yesterday, she was delighted, exclaiming how pretty and special they looked. She is innately a really, girly girl. 

Joining in with the 52 portrait project at Practising Simplicity.

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Maggie: They like using this pink block as a phone- as my iPhone has a pink case! They sang along to the Frozen soundtrack this morning- Maggie's sweet earnest singing moved us to tears. 
Elisabeth: We visited my parents this evening for a birthday party for my grandmother. Elisabeth noticed her cousin's tutu dress, she told her "your dress is lovely". I love seeing them start to form friendships with their cousins.

Joining in with Jodi at Practising Simplicity.

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Maggie: She has been practising her counting this week. We often hear her 1,2,3,4 etc. She loves to play with their doll house, creating little stories as she goes.
Elisabeth: She has really taken onboard the Ben and Holly dialogue! The other day when I asked her to do something, she said "yes, your majesty!"

Joining in a little late with Jodi's 52 portrait project.