Dancing Bean

The Bean started Hip Hop classes a few months ago just after she turned three, and yes - it is as adorable as it sounds. Her dance school has a wonderful philosophy, a wonderful community, and as we discovered, their twice-yearly performances are pretty spectacular!

I was surprised at the emotion I felt when we signed her over into the care of the coaches and volunteers. It was my first time leaving her in the care of complete strangers. By the time it was her turn to perform, I was so anxious I actually shed a tear. Anxiety wasn't the only reason I cried - my heart was swelling with pride at how grown up my little girl had become all of a sudden. She was so confident, so fearless. She grew up more than just a little that night.

Busting a move at the big rehearsal

Another performance that night inspired me to sign up for a Hip Hop fitness class. Will I be brave enough to perform at the next show?

Project 52 - May

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 19 - Shapes have many faces, and I love that bubbles can have such sharp definition
Week 20 - Warm afternoon light, setting off the dandelion
Week 21 - The dark clouds rolled past, and the sun shone intermittently on the whirligig. I saw this through a window and almost tripped over myself running to capture it. Made an appearance in week 21's eye candy
Week 22 - The view doesn't get much prettier than that. Almost makes me want a window seat...

Light

Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes with this girl has asked essentially the same couple of questions: "Does she ever stop smiling?" and "Why is she so happy?" (we try not to take that second one as as a comment on our parenting ability...)

We used to think The Bean was an exceptionally happy child (as she still is), but she had nothing on this little ray of sunshine. The pure joy that radiates from Lulu Bean is a testament to the meaning of her name. 

From the moment she wakes until the moment she falls asleep, Lulu lights our days.

Project 52 - April

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 15 - White

Week 16 - Not the easiest selfie...

Week 17 - *sigh* As it turns out, this cake was doomed and did not survive the night... (darn cat!)

Week 18 - The fiery moods of autumn

Paradise

There came a fundamental attitude shift at some point in my journey as a recovering fearful flyer that saw me go from ‘getting worse’ to 'getting better' on every flight. 

It had been a long time between flights, due to the arrival of Lulu Bean, when we recently traveled to tropical far north Queensland for a dear friends wedding. The two legs on the way to our paradise getaway were not ideal - I disembarked feeling no calmer than when we left home. It was disappointing, but I didn't let the anxiety ruin my trip. Thankfully the two flights home were far less anxious. It helped that the girls were absolutely amazing on the flights. I must say I was a little disappointed that the other passengers didn't give us a round of applause... 

Port Douglas is definitely a stunningly beautiful part of the world, but it was a good reminder of why I love to holiday in Tasmania - I'm not built for that type of humidity!

Project 52 - March

My Four Hens Project 52

Week 10 - The feather on my doorstep was surely a sign
Week 11 - A beautiful Hindu temple full of patterns
Week 12 - My local park is full of noisy cockatoos
Week 13 - On this hazy day, beautiful Port Douglas felt like the end of the Earth
Week 14 - Tealights and angels

Indelible

Etched upon my skin forever more, they have been a part of me since before they were born. My greatest achievements, my loves.