Future stage stars....Maybe!

After daily pleas from the girls to watch the movie of Annie, after endless hours of listening to the soundtrack at home AND in the car and after countless family talent shows where the only songs sung were, you guessed it, Annie songs; I thought it might be a good idea to see if it was playing anywhere in the theatre. Amazingly after searching on the Internet, the only place showing it was WORCESTER. Weird!

So off we went, with Nathan happily being dragged along. He said he was more exited to see the play than he was about his birthday. Auntie Susie and Faith came along too, even though Faith had only seen the film once. (LUCKY AUNTIE SUSIE.)

It was only am-dram but we all enjoyed it and the young girls in it were fantastic. My children sat with stars in their eyes and maybe wishes in their hearts to do something like that too one day (Maybe).

I'm not sure why this picture looks like Marissa has just punched Nathan in the arm.

She hadn't . Honest.

A nice added part of the evening was that we saw 'Annie' in the car park after wards. It finished the night off really well that we were able to thank this little girl for entertaining us and to tell her and her family how good she really was.

Elise happily went into school with her programme to show and tell on Monday. And Nathan...he loved it but told me to NOT put a programme in his book bag and NOT to tell his teacher anything about it.

Boys! Who would have thought street-cred concerns would start so soon.

Birthday boy/man (part 1)

Our darling little boy is now a big 5 years old.

Nathan's birthday was going to be spread over the week, but we started on Sunday morning with his presents. He already went for a special day out with Daddy to choose a new big boy bike, but it was nice to have pressies to open too.
And one thing you can always say about Nathan. He LOVES money-always has. Future accountant me thinks.

We love this dude!!!

Marissa's day

Well I don't have too many more pictures of Marissa's turn in the kitchen. She did a great job with the bread rolls, but the sausages and pasta meal was apparently 'a bit too boring Mummy.'

Well if she can't cook when she's older she does have these looks to fall back on. What a beauty!!!

Nathan in the kitchen.

So tonight was Nathan's go at dinner. He loved the chance to peel potatoes and really got into the mashing.

It was a nice easy meal and he really did actually do most of it. Even down to rinsing the cans and putting them in the recycling. He especially relished the fact that he could go out to play while the fish was in the oven.

Fish, mash and beans. Apparently the best meal Nathan has ever tasted.

Marissa tomorrow. :)

Parks :(

I have a confession. I HATE taking my kids to the park. I love going for nature walks. I love going for hikes. I love going for a picnic. But I HATE going to the park.

I'm not sure what it is about them. I think its the lack of control of where the kids are, because the busier they are, the sooner I want to leave. And now with 4 going in every direction, it is something I will do anything to avoid.

Now before you think my children are completely deprived of this childhood 'must do', let me tell you that Jared feels the complete opposite. So when Mummy is busy or sick or needs some quiet time; then off they follow Daddy to the park thinking he is definitely the cooler of their 2 parents.

Well today I pushed myself to endure my fear and I took 2 of my darlings to the park.

It was empty, J still can't walk and Marissa was hungry and would need food soon, so I survived the grueling 20 minutes. I managed to take some cute pictures. (See above and of J below.)

As I was looking at the photos it made me think of past park visits I have endured, and I dug up these photos.

I guess parks aren't THAT bad. ;)

Worcester

Although we never thought we would be anything but southerners who spoke English correctly and as Elise puts it, using 'royal English'. We have been in Worcester for nearly 2 and a half years. And although we miss family, we love it.

Today Marissa, JJ and I took Elise and Nathan to school and walked on to the river. Here in Worcester we don't just feed ducks, oh no, we are of a much higher class and go to feed the swans. In fact there are so many swans on the river that the kids usually get more excited if they get a glimpse of a boring old mallard.

The Sun was shining, it was lovely and warm and we had nothing to hurry back for. JJ was enjoying a nice nap so we carried on strolling along the riverside. Well me strolling and Marissa staying in the buggy (she assured me she was not going to get out ever again). But I was loving the scenery and got very snap happy.

I took this one...

and this one...

and this one.

And obviously too many as Marissa got very whingy until we saw this....

You can guess what happened next. The forever stuck bottom was up, socks and shoes were off and trousers rolled up.

Even J joined in.

We had a lovely morning that couldn't even been spoiled by the funny looks we were given on the walk home at Marissa's feet drying method.

Quesnes in the Kitchen

I'm sure I won't always put in all these entries but I need to get started.

When Jared married me, I could not cook...AT ALL. And I'm sure Mum won't mind me saying that it is a long family tradition for the Ives/Fox women to not have a clue about cooking. I mean who burns Jelly!!!! Anyway, after 7 1/2 years of marriage, a lot of experimenting and a few totally untouched meals (a certain pioneer stew comes to mind), I have taught myself to be a mediocre cook. So it is my goal to break the family tradition and we started TODAY.

Elise made her first meal.

It was a Chinese and she did a great job and was very proud of herself. She loved the apron, the stirring, the pouring and especially getting to taste everything a few times to make sure it tasted just right.

Obviously a strange tradition whenever frozen peas are used, had to be observed. The 'Watch the frozen pea melt in your hand' tradition. ????? Don't ask??

Everyone but me at London temple

This is Us!!

Just a quick introduction to The Quesenes.

We are Sarah, sadly now 34!!! Busy stay at home Mummy who has become addicted to reading others blogs, so I thought I should have a go and try and keep a record of our family's fun, tears and experiences.

Daddy is Jared and still only 32. Best Daddy in the world and a patient man who somehow manages to put up with me.

Elise is 6 1/2. My darling big girl who is a second mum to the others and a total blessing to us.

Nathan is 5 on Sunday. Known by every one who meets him as 'Smiler'. An adorable little chap who works hard to shake off his angel image.

Marissa is a whole 3 years and 4 months. A beautiful princess with a razor sharp wit. Wait till you read her one-liners.

And JJ (Jared jnr.) Our funny bubba who fills our house with smiles, smells and mess. Advanced in many ways and laid back mummy's boy in others. He is 13 months and NOT walking yet!!!

I'm doing this for our family but if anyone wants to read along.....

Welcome to our world!