52/52

Maggie: The photos were on time, but I'm afraid despite being on holiday, blogging took a back seat to life. Apart from Christmas, we headed up to the north of the state for a quick visit, and then returned and succumbed to a terrible head cold. Luckily the girls seem to have escaped it so far, but Rob and I have been coughing and comparing sore throats all week. Energy and enthusiasm for anything but reading or watching DVDs has been lacking. I took these last portraits for 2015 down at the dam in the late evening. Maggie is most definitely my muse, looking into the lens with her direct gaze. They were playing games with their dinosaurs and feathers.
Elisabeth: Gazing off no doubt at the antics of the dogs who usually follow us down the path in the grass and take the opportunity to romp and wrestle around the girls.

Joining in with Jodi's 52 portrait project.

I think the final portraits of 2014 were down at the dam in the grass too. The girls have grown up so much this year. Losing much of their babyness, Maggie is reminding us every day that she "Is going to be huge"! Their conversations and play games have us grinning like loons, their protectiveness and care for each other (for the most part) have us swooning, and the way they still need to cuddle us most of the day is endearing. I know I feel frustrated that they still depend on us so much and that independent play still seems a far-off dream (that doesn't involve hair-pulling, squabbles and one of us stepping in to mediate!), but I will probably miss these days one day.

Farewell to 2015. We hope 2016 brings new adventures for our little family.

51/52

Maggie: Rob took these photos on Thursday. Our last day of work, and the girls' last day of care for the year. Our collective breath out was almost audible. I feel we limped through the last couple of months of this year, with a few things going on, the hustle and bustle of life seemed a bit much at times. I love the golden hour down by the big tree at the dam, the girls are happy to play with sticks and play pretend games.
Elisabeth: Despite her serious look she was enjoying herself too. She is growing up so quickly at the moment, and coming out with such sophisticated sentences!

Back on track for the penultimate 52 portrait for 2015. I know Jodi won't be continuing next year, but I find the discipline of taking regular photos important for me to ensure I take them, so I will continue next year.

50/52

Maggie: Whilst I didn't take many photos at their birthday party they were generously given so many gorgeous new presents, including some excellent dress up clothes. Maggie makes the most adorable little nurse.
Elisabeth: Maggie is a little frightened of her dinorider costume, but Elisabeth was keen to give it a go! (Rob took this photo).

Hard to believe they are three now. More about their birthday later.

Joining in belatedly with Jodi's 52 portrait project.

49/52

Maggie: Rob thought that I present the girls as constantly clean. One evening a few weeks ago as I finished off dinner and Rob was watering in the garden the girls went feral in an unused vegetable garden bed. Doing downward dogs, jumping, laying down and finally throwing the dirt all around. Rob took these photos of the girls at our picnic table, Maggie in particular is dirt smeared, and happily eating a cucumber dipped in a soft-boiled egg.
Elisabeth: Looks surprisingly clean I admit, but she was equally grubby. They love to eat outside, and so do we, no cleaning up to worry about.

These photos were taken on 7th December.

Joining in belatedly with Jodi's 52 portrait project.

48/52

Maggie: After a long week we enjoyed simple pleasures such as freshly picked strawberries from the garden.
Elisabeth: They scoff them down, not many make it back to the kitchen!

Joining in with Jodi's 52 portrait project.