2011 ROUND-UP

So... the end of another year is nigh and I just want to capture in print what 2011 held for these 5 Weaver birds.

RYAN:

2011 has seen this young boy grow in leaps and bounds. We were blessed with a phenomenal teacher for this year and the change in my boy was visible from the 1st term at school. He has grown in maturity - both intellectually and emotionally. This year has also seen his love for humour emerge. (Wonder where he gets that from).

His self confidence in both his abilities and self, have changed so dramatically that, at times, I don't recognise this polite, confident young man!

He has achieved so much in sport this year, which adds to his self confidence. He played for the Crusaders U/8 A soccer team, swam in his first gala, played in 2 tennis tournaments - winning the U/10 club championships, played cricket for the Old parks U/10's... and just grew physically over night too!

In the classroom, he has progressed phenomenally - he is reading avidly, showing a love for Horrid Henry and friends, and he has a love and knack for maths. (Gets the maths thing from his Dad)

Ryan my boy.... you have had  such a good year, you have grown up as we have stood by and  watched in awe. You are more than ready to move onwards and upwards and into that mans world, that is the Boys Prep, next year. We look forward to watching you evolve more next year and wish you an even more successful 2012. Go and get 'em my special boy x x x.

EMILY:

Our little princess spent a very happy final year at land of Oz. She was also was blessed with THE most amazing teacher, and I am pleased to say that Little Lukey will have this same teacher next year.

Emily kept herself busy (and out of trouble!) by participating in ballet, gymnastics, tennis, pottery, swimming and catrobats. Phew! And still - this little over- achiever wants to do more! She performed in her second major ballet production and loved every minute of it. Her gymnastics has matured so much this year, as has her swimming. She also swam in her first swimming gala... and went off like a rocket, that determination showing even more so in a competitive environment.

This little girl puts herself under immense pressure, and had bouts of anxiety towards the end of the year, which resulted in stomach cramps, tears when leaving Mum, and nail biting. It was absolutely heart breaking to watch. I felt quite helpless as I watched my confident, bright and happy little girl crumble every morning when I left her at school. Luckily, with help from her awesome teacher, a few heart- to- hearts and a "magic" necklace, to remind her of mum when I'm not around, seemed to do the trick and she was quickly back to her bubbly, over-active self. She is now SO looking forward to starting at St Stithians next year, and is more than ready.

Emmy-moo - we just know you are going to soar with the eagles next year. We will be with you every step of the way. Love you to the moon and back x x x

LUKEY:

This little angel will always be Mamas baby boy! He is such a soft little soul, and he melts my heart with all the cuddles and kisses that he demands from his loved ones.

He has grown up SO much this year. This little guy learnt to swim this year, and also swam in his first gala. His confidence in the water is dumb-founding. He loves to "cannon-ball" into the water whenever he can and does his damndest to keep up with his siblings. He also enjoyed a happy year at nursery school, doing Catrobats and going on endless playdates with his best buddy Cade. He, along with his brother and sister, took part in the 94.7 kids cycle challenge for the 2nd time. The change in our baby from last year was gob smacking. Last year he was happy to cruise along at the back, unaware of any competition going on. This year... not so much. The gun went off, and off he raced... with me panting along behind him, trying to keep up.

After some medical tests in October, it was established that this poor little chap was suffering from sleep apnoea and chronically infected sinuses. With a short course of very strong meds, he is now a very normal, energetic 4 year old. What a relief.... :) Allergy testing will continue next year, but we are confident that we are on top of the problem.

Lukey - pooks : you are a gorgeous, loveable, happy 4 year old and my wish is that 2012 will see you blossom in your last year at nursery school. Love you so much baby boy x x x

DADDY WEAVER:

Daddy weaver has had a very busy year at work again. Luckily for us, he didn't spend too many prolonged trips away, cos we all miss him so much when he's not here. He did have a few shorter trips, the longest being 2 weeks in Secunda for the annual shutdown of the Plants. The past month has seen him commuting to sasolburg daily. He is really getting to see all the most beautiful parts of South Africa.... ;)

He took up running later in the year, and the running bug well and truly bit him.... He participated in a few races, doing some very impressive times. Unfortunately, illness and work have meant that he has slackened off a bit now, but he is itching to get back to the regular runs and to start increasing his mileage.

He has, once again, been very involved with Ryans sport - helping out with both Soccer and Cricket.

We recently celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary, and revisited Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg, which is where we were married.

Love you so much babes..... here's to another 90 years together :)

MUMMY WEAVER:

I have been exceptionally busy this year at the practice, which has seen me treating patients from 6.30 am these past 2 weeks, to try and catch up with the waiting list. This is all good, but I am very glad to say that I saw my last patients yesterday and am now officially on holiday :)

I attempted to get back into running this year,.... and it went very well. For about 2 weeks. And then the daily school, mummy, work, wife schedule just got to much and I fell off the wagon. I hope to get some decent runs in during this break, and get that bug well and truly bitten, so that I can run throughout 2012 :)

We will be having a big family christmas this year, as always. Am very much looking forward to spending some good quality time with family. Petes parents arrive from England on the 30th December for 2 weeks, and we will all be going away to Champagne castle in January.

And with that - may I wish all my friends, family and blog readers a very happy Christmas and a blessed 2012 x x

Comments

[Melody]

What a fabulous post - 2011 has been a big year for your littlies, so lovely to have it captured here. enjoy your very well-deserved break and look forward to seeing your pics in the New Year!

Much love to you all
xxx

[Lynette]

Stunning post Kirsty. Wishing you and your loved ones a marvelously Blessed Christmas.

[cat@juggling act]

I am so glad to see you have not stopped blogging! You guys sure had a great year - all the best for 2012.