bike

I taught Ella how to ride her bike 'inout training wheels' (as she says).

Homeless World Cup - Melbourne 2008

So what are you two up to then?

Well we are eating some chips and then we are off to see the
Homeless World Cup.

A mini-stadium set up in Birrarung Marr. 56 nations competing. 15 minutes games.
This is Australia playing Zimbabwe.

At first it's boiling hot and we are running back to the car for forgotten hats and suncreen.
Then suddenly - a little rainstorm - just ten minutes. The little stadium cleared but we sheltered at the back underneath the flags. It was lovely. Soon it stopped.

Ella afterwards asked 'what is homeless?' And 'who won?'
Everyone.

I am going to school

Orange hat, green hoody, lime dress, rainbow leggings, pink socks, red boots - tall little girl full of anticipation. We went to Ella's first school orientation visit - she was so keen and nervous and shy.

And just a moment ago:

Ella's recycling talk

Ella did a talk on recycling at the Storytime session at our local library today. Walking along one day Ella saw some rubbish on the ground and was wondering why people didn't recycle their rubbish. We talked about how some people don't know about recycling or how important it is. She wrote to the children's librarian, her friend Jeanette, and asked if she could do a talk on recycling to the kids at Storytime. Jeanette thought that was a great idea. Ella planned how it would go and we made a poster and she designed an activity for the kids (colour in the recylable and stick it on the recycling truck). She was so nervous, but there was no question she was going ahead with it. She's a strong, smart girl. My heart swelled to see her growing into herself so beautifully.

I can do that

Up and up - holding on tight - Ella and Edward have a shot at the climbing wall by the river.