Thank you girls, I thought my baby looked gorgeous too LOL!!!! And very grown up.

Bath - the creche/kinder have been so fantastic over the past 3 years, I couldn't ask for a more loving and nurturing enviornment for her to be in. I am glad to know Marley will be in very good hands when she starts in Feb. Glad to hear the MA worked out well. I suppose there are pro's and con's to her age so you probably just need to weigh them up. One good thing is a younger person can keep up with the kids and have more energy to burn and relate to Verity better but I can understand your concern. See how she goes, but so far she sounds like she knows what she is doing. Are you enjoying things now DH is on holidays?

Tali - it is sad to think of them going to school, esp your first. Chelsea will always be my baby and I am sure the tears will build up when I see her dressed in her school uniform ready to go. The red dress was one MIL bought last year and I am so glad it still fits her. They were asked to go in xmas theme, so I thought red was xmas enough and I added some green tinsel for a more authentic look! The xmas balls so great, can't wait to see pics. For xmas day, you choose the place you would feel most comfortable and the kids would have the most fun. I was going to stay home with just the girls xmas day, but MIL offered to pay for me to have xmas lunch out with them so who I am to knock back a free lunch LOL!!!! Just think of how much fun you will all have when DH gets back and then next year, hopefully you will be in Melb and not have to worry about where to go. I'm sure you'll be in the xmas spirit no matter where you are. Marley loves eating by herself too and making the most mess she can!

Nic - how is Nixon today, I hope his temp came down. Is Tyron any better, you mentioned before that he caught a nasty virus?

Maya - how exciting having your sis, niece and BIL out before xmas, before everything gets too crazy. I hope you enjoy spending some time with them. Ow, the mastitis. Glad you managed to stave it off. Had a mild case of it with Chelsea and it was horrible. Hope you feeling better now and don't worry about the washing, it will dry eventually.

Busy weekend. My SIL has requested I paint her one of my artworks for xmas, so I finished it yesterday and I am very pleased with it, hope she likes it. Also did a name board for my niece, will try to take some pics later. Its my best one yet. Had a 3rd b'day party at Chesterfield Farm today which was great. Melb girls, you should definately go, the kids love it. Marley was chasing chickens and turkeys everywhere and Chelsea was running away as she is scared of them. It was a bit chilly though. Chelsea is having fun using her advent calendar to count down the days to xmas. Can't believe its just over a week till xmas.

Is everyone ready for xmas?