We Give Books

Have you heard about the latest We Give Books cause? This winter, We Give Books is supporting world literacy and encouraging readers to get into the spirit of giving. Every time you read a children’s book online at wegivebooks.org, you can donate a book on behalf of your friends and family, for free!
At We Give Books, each time a reader enjoys free children’s books online, they donate a hardcover or paperback book to a child in need through their great campaign partners. From now through the end of January 2013, you can help support world literacy initiatives around the globe with partners Room to Read, Books for Asia, the Harlem Children’s Zone, and more! These amazing nonprofit organizations work to build libraries, fund schools, provide education to low-income children, and share books with those in need.
We Give Books is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who loves to read children’s books. They have a free online library of over 150 outstanding children’s books available at www.wegivebooks.org, including some of our favorites, like the Llama Llama and Skippyjon Jones books, and DK science books. The best part is, your reading will directly impact the great work of non-profit organizations around the world!
So, head over to www.wegivebooks.org to find out more about this wonderful initiative, and start reading and giving!

Hugh's Fish Fight

This is pretty upsetting to watch. I had to switch channels and then come back again because I couldn't take it when the fishermen started dumping perfectly good fish that would otherwise make a great meal back into the ocean. Sign the petition here!

First drawing

Violet's first recognizable drawing! In case you can't guess what it is, she drew the sun! I am so proud!

Quiet time

Even if it lasted just 15 minutes, at least I was able to sit down with them and breathe. Until Saffron decided to taste the paint and throw a fit when I didn't let her.

They can't really play together well yet. Hopefully in half a year's time things will be better. For now, I hear a lot of "no mei mei!"and plenty of screaming.

Sunday

We had a good day last Sunday. We did quite a bit of stuff and it was a mainly drama free, meltdown free day despite a pretty jam packed day.

We had Brunch in Loysel's Toy cafe. I didn't see any toys and I don't know why it is named a toy cafe. But they have damn bloody good coffee!

The cafe is by the river, we had a little walk after brunch. As much as Saffron can't really walk steadily yet, she just loves to walk! She  loves to follow Violet around. I should remind myself that I must share her enthusiasm for walking now because there will come a point when the novelty of walking wears off and she will want us to carry her all the time.

We went for an exhibit after that. It was at the old railway station. We had to queue for a while but the girls were alright. They were busy walking and running around. i did reward Violet with a ice pop after that. There were a few pop up cafes around the station, but mighty expensive. I realised that the popicle was $5 each and we bought two. No wonder they call it Popaganda. But the lemon olive oil one is good on a hot Sunday afternoon. We went home to change into our swim suits and went off for a dip! It was greast fun, splashing around, laughing. Nothing beats cooling off in a pool. If only I can have that lemon olive oil ice pop in the pool at the same time.

I was hoping that the girls nap well after the dip. No, Saffron has other plans. She didn't nap at all, much to my displeasure. I was hoping to rest a little too, but nope she was up all the way til we head out for dinner with the grandparents. She snoozed all the way in the car til almost after dinner. Then they went on the kiddy rides that Violet spotted while having dinner. Why ah, why are kids programmed to spot playgrounds and rides a mile away? Why aren't parents programmed to spot them before the kids do??!!!!!!

That isn't the end of the day yet. We went over to the grandparents' and they play some more. When they finally sleep, it was close to midnight. But it had been a good day.

My Favourite Time of the day

Is when they are both sleeping or napping. The peace and quiet is almost deafening

Activities

Toddlers are a restless bunch with short attention spans. Violet is just like that. Apart from watching tv, being on a playground and eating chocolate ice cream, there isn't a lot that will keep her occupied more than 10 minutes. Wait, she takes less than 10 minutes to polish off her scoop of ice cream and she is off wandering around the ice cream parlor.
So I am really glad that she is able to spend that amount of time on this colour sorting activity. Amazing what a hundred magnets can do.