First camp

On Wednesday I sent you off to your first camp.  2 nights away.  You pulled out of going to Beechworth last year because you were just too unsure.  This year I have encouraged you - even though there have been times (especially the last 2 nights) where you have almost cried yourself to sleep because you didn't want to go.

The morning of camp we were just about to walk out the door when my pager went off.  Thankfully daddy was close by and he was able to take over.  I wasn't sure what this would mean for you - but I now think it was actually a good thing.

So, off you went.

Today you returned.  You have had an awesome time.  You did so many activities and found a real love for rock climbing...and I'm told you are very good at it.

You did so well at first (I knew you had to be tired), but then when bed time was announced - you melted into tears....and that's how I had to leave you.

I remember only too well how I used to feel when I came home from camps or anything similar.  As much as it's nice to be home - you miss the friendships and fun that was had.

Needless to say - I don't think it will be your last!

December

The month we love so much!  always a busy month, but also always time to reflect on the true reason for the season.  Jesus.

You understand the reason for Christmas and you love putting the Angel on the top of the tree.

It's also the time that Santa sends you a Christmas message all the way from the North Pole!

We always do a photoshoot for our Christmas cards!

You and I took a walk around the pondage at Mt Beauty on a beautiful summers day and we were delighted when we saw a mother duck with her beautiful little ducklings.

Susan and Sarah came on one of our walks to Pebble beach - you girls love Pebble beach!

There was a Kids Production at Northgate.

You got an award from the Principal for your reading efforts.  I loved that you received this - it made Daddy and I very proud.

The school sang at the local Carols.

Last day of school I had to send you a little message :)

Then it was Christmas Day with all it holds.  The love, the joy, the celebration of the birth of Jesus....and did I mention the presents?

We drove down to Melbourne to surprise our family....only to find I was on call and we had to head home way too quickly after we arrived.

Lizzie came back with us though so that made it worth it!

You baked and decorated cakes....

You rode bikes and skateboards....

You showered together....

finally, you had a lovely time down at the river on New Years Eve!

Here are two final video's of 2013

November

November was 'Suixi Girls Birthday' month!  We love the Suixi girls gatherings :)

But, of course, that was only 1 weekend.  Lots of other things happened too.

I smile when I look at your attempt to spell bicycle....

    

After we arrived back from Cambodia Mummy was very unwell.  We decided to head straight to one of our favourite places - Omeo.  Your teacher has her home there (it's on the market but we are getting to use it when we can).  It's a beautiful spot to come and just enjoy the mountain air and have a rest without tv.  A great time for daddy and daughter to play games too.

This Suixi get together was in Echuca.  I absolutely loved this venue for some reason.  We were all close together around the pool and the kids had an amazing time again.

Starting with a spa bath together!

Fun times at the playground.

Birthday celebrations....

It ended with a trip on one of the old paddle boats.

We went and spent a night with The Grant family and you and Ashlee had a lovely time catching up.

Of course you still totally enjoy being beautiful you!

We had a visit to the Royal Childrens Hospital for a check up of your leg.

We have to go back in 2 years.  You will have been through the 9yo growth spurt so they will have a much better idea.

We then met up with Mel and Sophia for a fun cupcake decorating hour.

A visit to Lilydale lake...

watching Lizzie play basketball...

and the usual fun times with Lizzie.

I managed to snap a couple of images of you.  Love both of these!

You personally are sponsoring Roseanne in the Philippines.  We put the sponsorship in your name and you selected Roseanne.  She is born in April of the same year as you.  Compassion are wonderful with how they keep communication open.  You would love to meet Roseanne one day.

Of course, you are still absolutely loving tennis!