The Baynhams

Before the Autumn weather fully closes in and we need to turn to warmer breakfasts we have been enjoying layering vanilla yogurt with passionfruit pulp from our vine outside the kitchen window. A few strawberries and a sprinkling of cereal and we have a breakfast that rivals a posh cafe anyday!

When I caught Murphy chewing this letter I was hoping it wasn't anything too important. By the time I wrestled it from him it was looking a bit soggy. Luckily it was just a letter trying to persuade me that I was "One of the lucky chosen few being offered a once in a lifetime chance to..." 

Chew away Murphy, chew away!

Happy Birthday to my Father-in-law Den!
We hope you have a wonderful day. We will be toasting you tonight with a big glass of Australian Merlot!
 'Iechyd da'

As part of Sian's birthday gift we gave her some money to put towards something of her own choosing. 

I thought I would look up Pinterest to see what ideas they had for giving cash. There were many fun gift cards that you can make but this idea was actually on a page of advice on travelling with money. It suggested emptying a lip balm and hiding money inside so that if you lose your wallet on a night out or if you ever get robbed you are still going to have your emergency reserve hidden away somewhere safe. 

Because this was more of a fun gift I peeled off the original label and put a printed sticker on instead. She certainly looked confused at why we had big grins on our faces as she unwrapped this tiny gift but when she opened it up she was delighted!

Our gorgeous girl is now 17! I cannot believe how quickly the last few years have gone. To think that she is in her final year of school and close to the point of choosing her University course is unbelievable. At this point in boths Byron's life and mine we were preparing to move out of home so we could start our further education living independently of our families. I remember feeling like an adult as I learned to cook, clean and generally budget for myself through nursing school. It is hard to allow Sian the freedom I know she needs. We are entering a new stage in parenting and hoping we are getting it right!
We love you gorgeous girl. You are such a dedicated and hard worker that we know you will achieve your dreams whatever they may be. 

Now that the kids are all back in school I am in and out of the house a lot midweek doing the school run while Murphy stays home in the garden. He's been getting up to mischief digging under the trampoline ad getting dried leaves caught in his fur. He looked like a pirate today when I got home!