Bread!

I have become a bread-making maniac, I tell you!

The first loaf (well, ok, the second - the first was a complete failure because I hadn't fixed the kneading blade in properly. Doh!)

Looks almost good enough to eat, hmmm?





If you thought THAT was good, wait til you see my focaccia...





But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Or, as *some* say, the proof is in the pudding ;)

So let's ask Maya what she thinks of it...

Let the flavours diffuse. Chew slowly. Savour every bite.



What's the verdict?



That good? Wow!

Granny's visit!

We did lots of fun things while Granny was here!

We went to the beach and, once Maya decided that she would pluck up the courage to run around a bit, she really did have a lovely time flying the kite, kicking the ball and splashing in the water's edge.



















We had plenty of fun at home too! Maya got a Hopscotch game for her birthday and is really into jumping her way down it. She's still not terribly good at jumping but at least she's having fun!



The weather was warm enough to use the pool!













And Maya's been learning to ride her brand new bike.









But the highlight for everyone was probably the trip to Discovery Kingdom - Maya's special birthday treat. The animal shows were really good and Maya was pretty much mesmerised by everything!

























And last but not least, the Easter Bunny paid a visit and hid some eggs in the garden while we were out for brunch!

Maya's Birthday

Yes, it's extremely late and yes, it's out of sequence. I know you'll all forgive me ;)

Maya had a lovely birthday! While she didn't have a party (she really doesn't know enough children to make it worthwhile... hopefully next year she'll have some proper friends!), we made the day special with things that she particularly enjoys, as well as having several outings on the days surrounding her birthday itself. Obviously Granny was visiting as well, which made it extra special for Maya.

She had a special birthday breakfast of Beignets with jam



Opened all her presents













Including a wonderful fruit arrangement sent by Finley!



Went out for a lunchtime picnic at Hellyer Lake





And got dressed up and went out for dinner at her favourite restaurant - Red Lobster!













Finished off with a really cool piggy cake (if I do say so myself!)