eight

Today we celebrated a birthday.  Our eldest turned eight.  

Our precious first baby, growing each year into a wonderful little boy. Always full of questions and with a insatiable love of the natural world. Happiest investigating under rocks or tree bark for insects and spiders.

He is kind, strong and a great friend.  We love our sensitive soul so very much.

Happy birthday little man.

simple pleasures

Some simple things making me happy lately.  Simple pleasures providing joy everyday.

::   Blossom.  Beautiful blossom everywhere.
::   Daisy chains. Making daisy jewellery for the little ones.
::   My constant companion.  Wandering in the garden, admiring the blooms. She adores their scent.
::   Spring salads and the changing seasons effect on the way we eat.

Are you enjoying the season?  What's your simple pleasure?

the year in books: april

My book choice for April is a lovely hardback I bought a while back called The Land of Decoration. I love the illustration on the cover and the end papers. Not the most sensible reason for adding a title to my reading list but an irresistible one all the same.  I am a complete sucker for a pretty book.

I am looking forward to seeing if the story will equal its prettiness.

For #theyearinbooks March read, I chose The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  I really enjoyed it.  It was utterly absorbing from the start.

The Book Thief is the story of a little girl living in Germany during WW2. The story is told from the perspective of working class Germans during wartime.  Not a usual perspective, but very interesting.  Death narrates the novel, guiding the reader through the story, providing insights into the characters and future happenings. The writing style is unique and really adds to the experience.

I particularly loved Liesel, the little girl, her desire to read and her unquenchable love of words.  Qualities at the heart of every bibliophile.

I also finished The Night Rainbow which I started as a second read in February. It was fairly enjoyable. Definitely not a page turner.  Although short it took me a while to finish.  A 'slow burn', I would say.

Joining in with Laura.

four

Tomorrow our beautiful little girl will celebrate her fourth birthday. 

Excitement abounds here. We've been planning a family get together for tomorrow afternoon.  She has requested a tea party with lemon curd sponge cake, fruit scones and chocolate crispie buns.  That's my morning sorted then.

Tonight the sun set turned the sky into a stunning swirl of colour.  The little fairy was delighted.  She peeped out her bedroom window and declared the sky had turned pink just for her.  

She is so special, bringing us an abundance of happiness. Full of fun and giggles, she is a friend to all. She adores her older brothers, and they her. Our precious little girl, we love you so very much.

Happy birthday little one.