Happy Birthday Littletree

Sunday was Littletree’s 10th birthday, and since she was still tired and jetlagged from her trip, we planned to have a quiet day doing whatever she wants, and save the big birthday party for next weekend.

She didn’t know it, but I went in together with my parents to get her a trampoline; quite a fancy one. I woke her up with snuggles in the morning

and brought her out to the balcony to greet the sunrise… and see…

Trampoline!

Then we went for a swim in the creek

And a trip into town to play Ingress while learning about local landmarks.

Littletree hacked many portals

Then we went wandering around the shopping mall, because Littletree needed new shorts (she just keeps getting bigger!) and we stopped for morning tea, and then had sushi for lunch

Followed by Littletree’s favourite; Indian take-away for dinner with a video.

Then we snuggled up together and read stories. Littletree said it was her best birthday ever. :)

Faerie Mischief

I’m sorry to admit that Littletree has picked up some terrible habits from me. I know, I know! I should have known better than to give her such bad examples; I should have known that she would see me and want to copy.

But I was weak, and I let her see me… baking. Oh the shame! And it wasn’t just once or twice… I made cakes and muffins and cookies and puddings and pies; but I didn’t stop there! Oh no! The horror of it is that I even let Littletree help me some times.

Imagine my dismay to come into the kitchen to find her standing at the oven with a measuring cup and whisk in her hands! I rushed in to stop her, but it was too late… chocolate and butter were already melting on the stove, eggs were cracked, flour sifted.

What could I do? I figured, if she’s going to start experimenting with baking, she should at least do it with me, here in the home, where I can supervise her and answer her questions. Far better that way than to have her out in the streets, trying cakes from unknown bakeries – those places are nefarious with their free samples of sugar-coated pastries that get you hooked.

So I helped her make brownies. Don’t judge! I know there’s a lot of evidence to show brownies are a gateway cake that just leads to gateaux and tortes, but I think we can keep this under control.

And she seems so happy in the kitchen. MMMMM brownies!

Since we’ve been having trouble with pesky pixies lately hiding things about the house, and inspired by The Spiderwick Chronicles, Lady Demelza suggested we make a tea party for the faeries and give them sweet offerings of brownies and other delectable treats.

Littletree loved the idea and set about making a beautiful table setting out in the faerie garden

We made cute little offerings around the garden of brownies for the brownies and honey on crackers for the pixies

And then enjoyed a most luscious afternoon tea – brownies, fairy juice (elderflower cordial), fruit tea, ginger beer, cheese and crackers

Hopefully that will restore some order to the house, so we can get back to baking!

The Goddess of Op-Shopping

The ever-gorgeous Lady Demelza has become Littetree’s self-proclaimed personal shopper. Since Lady Demelza has an addiction to very much enjoys shopping at Op Shops (charity thrift stores), and has no daughters of her own, many awesome "oppie” finds that would otherwise have gone to waste on less-appreciative folk get bought up and sent to Littetree.

After all, what else are unofficial godmothers for?!

Littletree was super ecstatic to receive the latest care package in the mail – it’s always awesome to get stuff in the mail!

She eagerly opened up the package, to discover some cool books, a special silver necklace, and a fabulous assortment of really funky clothes.

Naturally, she then had to try them all on, and do about a million model-shoot poses.

Apparently these new outfits will be vital in the costume design for the video clip of the upcoming hit single Littletree plans on releasing soon, and perfect for filling all the space we just cleared out of her closet when we went through and gave away all the old clothes she’s grown out of.

Because really, everyone should have their own personal op-shop goddess. Just make sure you remember to honour her as a true deity deserves; with gifts of maroon brocade and creamy chocolate.