Foundation Day 2015

On this day in 1788, a party of 23 marines and convicts landed on the shores of Norfolk Island to undertake the British settlement of one of the most isolated places in the world....*

Harry joined the cast again this year! Normally such roles are reserved for year 5 and 6 students, so it was an honour for this year 7 boy to be asked to fulfil the important role of 'Narrator'!

* Words taken from the Foundation Day program! I wasn't in the mood to think of my own.

rose red

My friend Heather made this gorgeous Red Riding Hood cape for her daughter (for Book Week). I adored the cape from the very first moment my eyes set upon it. The velvet texture and colour is  divinely rich and the fabric drapes beautifully. At the Book Week parade a few weeks ago, Matilda swooned over Heather's creation too! She had been itching to try it on ever since. So I rang Heather this afternoon to ask if we could borrow it for a photoshoot in the forest. Over styled, "staged" images aren't normally my cup of tea, but I couldn't resist this one time! I was anticipating that a little bit of fairytale role play may be fun for both of us, plus I never knock back a chance to wander through the woods with my camera (especially with my new bestest-ever lens). It's no secret my favourite spot on Norfolk Island is Hundred Acre Woods and this place was begging to have it's very own Little Red Riding Hood. Lucky for us, the big Bad Wolf was nowhere to be seen!!! Just my own sweet Rose Red! She makes the perfect Red Riding Hood, don't you agree?

Thanks for loaning us the cape Heather xx

the tern dress

A new dress arrived in the mail today, posted over by Till's grandmother. When Ma saw this dress covered in white birds, she immediately thought of our lovely Norfolk terns. Till and I adore it (if only it could fit me). I asked her to pop it on so I could take a few photos for Ma and she actually obliged! When I looked at her modelling this dress, it was like I was seeing her for the first time! My lens channelled deep into those blue eyes and peered into her soul. I was struck with awe. My wonderful, precious, mysterious daughter. I made her, she's part of me. And she'll be nine in a few months: NINE!

Look at those cheeky freckles and that peachy skin. It's no wonder your Ma calls you Rose Red!

Till didn't stay poised for my camera very long and bounced off quick smart after a few snaps. Feeling warmhearted and sentimental, I wandered off outside with my camera. Sometime later I was pottering around the paddock when this gorgeous thing came around the corner with a monkey pillow draped around her neck (and wearing my boots none the less). It did make me smile!

Along with that divine dress, some lovely needlework came in today's parcel too. A full Show and Tell is coming, but here's just one photo because it stars Miss Till, and well, this is a post about her!

My beautiful, sweet pony-tail swinging, monkey-hugging moppet. You wear your heart on your sleeve and love your family with gusto! 

Always be caring and confident. Your future looks bright dear girl.

Love you Miss Till!!

PS lol, apologies for the fringe cut. Ma says I have to stay away from your fringe with scissors from now on! OK.

keep playing

My kids are getting older (why do they have to do that? grow and develop and thrive and all that?). I'm noticing they've outgrown some of their toys. Harry put Woody and Buzz on the op-shop pile not so long ago...Mummy put them back in his room! Sheesh, what was he thinking? He's been playing with them since he was two!!!! I'm certain his future wife will keep them on the marital bed.

Their approach to play is changing, evolving I suppose. It's still creative and imaginative and actually a whole lot more sophisticated. But still, it makes me a bit sad. I've always been a little sentimental when it comes to childhood.

Till pulled out the dress-ups today and it wasn't long before her big brother joined the fun...Buzz joined in too!!!!! Muchas Gracias Buzz!

the three amigos

Can you guess? Pearl is a Piñata. What a tolerant horse you were Pearl! Even with all that flapping crepe paper, you remained steadfast. Maybe it's because you are so fond of those two little amigos!? 

Sewing costumes for horses...I think I can add it to my CV. Oh the things we do. This little number earned us a second place ribbon in the A&H Show Equestrian Dress-up section.

yo ho ho

I love that my two still raid the dress-up box and "pretend". No doubt these days are numbered *sob*. Although Till (who is our resident family rule maker and all-round entertainment planner) proclaimed

"...from now on, every *second* Sunday in our house is dress-up day"!

source

Shiver me timbers! I'm not sure what prompted the pirate raid here last weekend. I can only put it down to the fact that Ben recently showed the kids this hilarious movie!!! Avast ye - if you haven't watched it, I insist you do. It's the funniest family movie we've viewed in a while.

And blow me down, did you know this Thusday is Talk-Like-A-Pirate-Day? So be off now you hornswaggling buccaneer! C' mon you bilge-sucking landlubber, heave ho, raise the Jolly Roger and sharpen yer cutlass!

Arrrrrrr me hearties x

 * As yet, I'm not sure what she has planned for us on the alternate days!?

bookweek 2013

Gandalf wears

a "stunning" shop bought wig, beard and brown cape and sword

op shop belt and grey raincoat

grey school trackies and riding boots

large branch from the garden

Angelina Ballerina wears

a real tutu that Santa brought years ago

ears and nose made by moi (amazing what you can whip up with cardboard and pipe cleaners)

old cardi, tights and shoes

total cost - zip!

The Mad Hatter wears

an entirely bought outfit (online)...I know...lazy!

Don't you just adore Bookweek! And now to plan next years' costumes...

Friday Favourite: dance partners

Here's my favourite photo taken this week. I'd love it if you'd share yours too...just add a link to your Friday Favourite in the comments below!

Baunti Dieh 2013

Every year on June 8, Norfolk Island celebrates Bounty Day. More than 150 years ago the entire population of Pitcairn Island relocated to Norfolk Island on the understanding that Queen Victoria had given the Island to them as their new home. 

The day begins with an re-enactment of the landing of The Pitcairners down at Kingston Pier. The Pitcairn descendents are greeted by the Administrator and his wife, and from the pier they march to the cenotaph where they lay wreaths in remembrance of those who fought and died in the wars. From the cenotaph, the march continues on to the cemetery where beautiful traditional hymns are sung. Following that, the procession moves to Government House for morning tea and a judging of the best dressed family. Afterwards, families and friends gather in various places around the island for a decadent picnic feast!  Finally, everyone returns home to prepare for the Bounty Ball, at which there is a ballroom dancing competition in further celebration of Bounty Day. 

Norfolk Island traditions and customs are alive and well. Their language, crafts and life-style all enviable. It makes me wish I had some Norfolk DNA. Whilst my family cannot dress up and join the march, every year we have been invited to the picnic celebrations and we also participate in the Bounty Ball.  Bounty Day is a wonderful day all round; for participants and observers alike.