Valentines Day at Day Care

Today at Day Care the children celebrated Valentines Day by doing some crafts complete with glitter, paints and chocolate. Rachel, the Day Care educator told me they would be making crafts for Mum and Dad today, but I had no idea just how special they would be. Lachlan waltzed in from Day Care this afternoon with these:

Here's a closer look:

His painting

His pot plant which reads 'my love for you will always grow'.

Handmade chocolates with pink and yellow spinkles wrapped up with a little note

And last but not least the 'I love you' jar beautifully decorated by Lachlan

Inside were notes of things he loves to do with Mummy and Daddy such as cuddles, kisses, running and drawing.

This was such a sweet idea, and it is one of the sweetest things I think anyone has ever done for me. His Day Care educator is one of the best I have met and I am so glad we chose her. It's a bonus that he loves her too!

New Zealand Trip 2014

We set off to New Zealand on the 21st of January for my Nana's 80th Birthday. We were somewhat cautious going on a plane as it was Lachlan's first time, but this was a birthday I was not willing to miss. To cut a long story short, our plane had brake problems and was not able to land in Wellington, so we were flown to Auckland instead. Our 3 hour trip turned into 7 hours, add to the mix a overtired toddler and the fact that we almost missed our rental car, and it made for one stressed out mummy. Thankfully we made it to my hometown in one piece after a 90 minute drive and pulled up to my Nana's house just as the sun was setting to surprise her.

We spent many days catching up with friends and family. Lachlan got to meet his great grandad for the first time.

I got to help with my Nana's Birthday Party.


















I got to see my Aunty Helen from the USA who I haven't seen in years.

I got to catch up with my friend of almost 17 years, Jennifer.

We got to try and launch the contiki at the beach one night with my uncle Brendon.

and best of all, we got to celebrate Nana's 80th Birthday together as a family.

Complete with the family tradition the 'Birdy Dance'.

Kayla, my cousin who Lachlan adored.

With a pinata made by my talented cousin, Natasha.

and laughs all around reminiscing about old times.

Melts my heart...

 We went on a bushwalk

to the local playground

and watched the sun set at the beach while eating fish and chips..

Then after a quick 9 day visit, it was time to leave. Lachlan wanted to bring Nanny and Poppy home with us, and was upset to find out that he couldn't. The flight home went a lot smoother than the flight over, and the hot wheels cars and planes from Nanny kept Lachlan amused while at the airport. After a very long, tantrum filled 4 hour drive, we arrived home safe and sound.

My Favourite Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I make these cookies at least once a month for my husband to take to work. They are also made for special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas and family gatherings.

Ingredients
(Makes 40 cookies)

2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup nestle baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup of butter, softened
2/3 cup caster sugar

2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 eggs
2 cups nestle white and milk chocolate chips

Method
1. Preheat oven to 155C fan bake.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Roll into balls and place on a non stick baking pan.
3. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set but still soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.


Note: To give cookies a softer chewier texture, place mixture into the fridge for 1-2 hours before baking.