birthday invitation

Poppy’s first birthday has been a challenge for Adrienne – she has felt the weight of responsibility to cater something special for her wee girl. Her friends have made amazing themed birthday cakes similar to the ones her own mother made while she was growing up. Unfortunately, baking is not a talent Adrienne can claim – so she has gone with a Sandcastle Contest on the beach as something different! Here is a copy of the invitation:

Here are some of the photos taken of Poppy on the beach as the model for her invitation:

first walking

Today was the day Poppy decided to put all her walking practice over the past few months into a total of 11 steps across the room without assistance. She seemed as surprised as I was! She is attempting to walk by herself more and more, however, if she can grab your hand or even a finger, she can go twice as fast!

first flight – first funeral

After a long battle with cancer, Adrienne’s cousin Tony’s wife Jo slipped away last week. Jo so kindly gave Poppy lots of her son Jack’s clothes and toys when she was first born. You’ll still find Poppy wearing Jack’s clothes and she loves his aquarium cot toy. GranJan & Yogi drove to Christchurch for Jo’s funeral and picked up Adrienne & Poppy from the airport as they elected to fly this time around. Here is Poppy holding her ticket for her first ever flight in an aeroplane.

She was so well behaved and didn’t make a sound or cause a fuss. She even slept the second half of the 50 minute flight, including during landing.

We all went over to Tony’s house and Poppy played with Jack (2 years old). Here they are with GranJan and with Adrienne’s Aunty Diane.

We stayed with Ann & Mark Clarkson in their new house – Poppy christened the bathtub!

The next day we got ready for Jo’s funeral. Here is Poppy in her poppy outfit with Ann & with GranJan.

Poppy was very quiet at the service and Adrienne timed her sleep well so she napped in her stroller during most of it. Here is Jo’s coffin in the hearse. All the kids decorated it as per her wishes.

Here are some family photos while at the afternoon tea after the funeral.

And here is Poppy playing with Ann’s buzzy bee on her stairs before taking another plane home to Nelson.

Here is Jo’s website: Jo Sparkles