Zoe turns two

We just had Zoe's birthday week and it was a big one. Celebrations kicked off with Mama and Papa and favourite Aunties Sian and Lisi and runner-up Xavier on Tuesday. Don't anyone say a two-year-old doesn't understand the concept of partying - Zoe loved being the centre of attention, even when there were only grown-ups around. She especially loved getting presents and was equally excited about every new gift she was allowed to unwrap. The big birthday bash followed on Saturday in Centennial Park. For several days it had looked pretty bad; rain, rain and more rain forecast for the weekend, but, against all odds, we woke up on Saturday and the sun was shining. Our designated party spot was under a big, leafy tree, next to a playground and a little fenced-in petting zoo; so plenty of activities in the near vicinity. But the hit of the day turned out to be building big red cars. For those not savvy, Big Red Car is a song by the kiddy earworm factory The Wiggles, and Zoe has just turned into a huge Wiggles fan (like just about every other Aussie child her age and an increasing number of kids in other countries). So Vivien had the brilliant idea to let the bigger children build their own big red car out of cardboard boxes and other paraphernalia. When the cars were ready and everyone on board, the kids lined up for the Marshmallow Rally, and of course that went on till the parents started getting worried about the amount of marshmallows their offspring could gorge. Needless to say, the kids loved it. In fact, it turned out to be so popular that the mamas couldn't resist going for a marshmallow rally of their own... Thanks everyone for all the wonderful presents!

Two, four, five

Zoe is starting to count. But she has her favourite numbers. Every time she wants something that's more than one, it's "two, four, five". Like - how many nuts would you like, Zoe? "Two, four, five!"