Woodland Antics

Last night was a tough night for the Woodland Clan. We lost our beloved Angelina Ballerina. It was the first time our little ones had to cope with death and it wasn't easy for them. We had a funeral service for her, poor Reed was so upset he wouldn't attend. Fiona woke up several times during the night crying. Talk about heartbreaking. At her funeral we spoke of how wonderful she was as a mother,  her gentle and docile ways  and how she always let us love her up.   Reed & Fiona have found comfort in the theory of reincarnation. (or as Fiona mispronounces it, recarbonation) They look forward to recognizing her soul in the future... They're hopeful it will be in the body of a dog. Miss Angelina Ballerina, you will be missed and forever loved. xoxo here's a previous post about Fiona & her chook  

Today was Reed & Fiona's first day as second graders!  Reed never wants his picture taken for this... but I say, "Tough cookies little man!"  They woke up to this... Recently I've been putting up a list of things for them to accomplish each morning. It's been especially handy over the holiday because it's kept them busy, giving Ry and I a little time for  extra sleep.  The biggest benefit is once they're done the list they're not even thinking about screen time and end up playing with each other.  I do like to include one silly task just to get a laugh out of them. *********************************************** You might think because I love to record everything about these beautiful children I've kept impeccable  baby records. Not so.   I don't think I ever filled in more than a page for Reed or Fiona.  I have no idea when their first tooth came in or how much they weighed at 2 months. The closest I'v

Since it's almost February... Here are some pictures from Christmas Morning ... Christmas Eve Fiona had a little accident. It involved her beautiful face and the swing-set. Oh my heart, I think Reed's favorite gifts this year were books. Love that guy! Fiona made Ry a handmade coffee mug There's so much I could and should record about our Christmas this year but I don't have time to write a book.  I will say it was my absolute favorite Christmas EVER! (yes I say that every year and every year I truly mean it) I also have to mention, we have two of the most grateful kids in the universe.  They were excited about every single gift right down to the toothbrushes in their stockings.  It makes me want to give them everything under the sun.  A couple more pics from their school Christmas Carols... For the sake of nostalgia here are a couple more from 2007. Reed was 2 and Fiona was a

Early in December Ryan spent some time out in the field. Here are some pictures from his trip... Glenelg River on the border with South Australia working hard.... or hardly working? 4-wheeling in the bush Ryan and Victor had a fishing competition... Victor won! Gellibrand River on Cape Otway Shipwreck Coast Blue Tongued Lizard Powlett River

We left Hua Lamphong Railway station early in the morning on our way to Lop Buri. While walking through the station the Royal Anthem began to play.   I stood still, both Reed & Fiona did as well.  They didn't ask why or utter a peep.  Discourteous tourist bustled by us but my little ones stood at attention... it was a proud moment for us. {as a side note in 2008 a Thai citizen was facing criminal charges for failing to stand for the playing of the Royal Anthem at a movie theatre in Bangkok. It's serious stuff.} can you see the kids getting ready to board the train? Our trip there was via 1st class seating. It was nice and comfortable- no complaints.   After experiencing third class on the trip back I prefer the dirty ride.  Once in Lop Buri we took rickshaws to the first temple. This temple is still active.  There was a monkey performance going on.   Other monkeys were playing on the jungle gym pictured above.   There