Bonfire Night

I didn't take any photographs this year, I'm afraid... sometimes it's nice to just stand and enjoy the fireworks with your eyes. And they were amazing fireworks. It's a good job, though, because in York they've banned all bonfires, so the fireworks were all we got. We went with my Mum, Dad and Joe down to the Acorn Rugby League grounds in Foxwood, where 'York's Best Firework Display' was being held, for £1 entrance. Lots of people were standing just outside the grounds, but I was really glad we went in, because standing right in front of where they were launching the rockets was a breathtaking visual experience. I suppose in our age where we're so impressed by large-screen TV's, a firework display several hundred feet of colour into the night sky, really reminds you how good 'real life' can look.

Cara and Felicity both watched with great interest. Looking back at the crowd behind us showed about the same expression on everyone's faces. It's great to be out on Bonfire Night!

Something Special

Cara has loved watching the CBeebies show Something Special for quite a while now, but Felicity now seems to really like it too. I think it's because she gets to join in. The presenter Justin uses Makaton while speaking. Felicity likes to wave hello and move her hands around. I've been trying to use a few of the signs such as 'Please' and 'Thank you' that maybe Felicity will pick it up. We'll see, I'm not that good at always being consistent. It's great that she's starting to communicate with us though. Another of her favourite things to join in with is the song 'Wind the Bobbin Up' I need to take some video of that.

A Morning Out Shopping Together

After an hour or so looking around the clothes shops at Designer Outlet, York, we all decided it was time to get a bite to eat. On the menu:

Andrew: Pret BLT sandwich
Cara and Helen: Pizza Hut margerita pizza and orange juice.

Slurp Slurp!

2009 So Far

First of all - sorry to those who might be reading this blog for not updating it more frequently. It's certainly not to say that exciting things haven't been happening for the Munzer family. Since this year began we've all been growing - Felicity is almost standing up on her own now, and Cara is more conversationally sophisticated than her father was at age eighteen. Helen has become deeply and significantly involved in the local network of children's centres and has begun the process of searching for a career fitting her considerable and varied skills. Andrew has finished a Master's degree, and begun doctoral research at the University here in York.

Aunty Hannah has got back from a mission, and Uncle Ben has left on one. The seasons have almost all rolled round another time. One thing I can say for all of us - we're so happy to have each other, and grateful for each new and exciting opportunity life gives us. What's coming next? Chances are the next few months will have something exciting in store, if previous years are anything to go by:

2006: Andrew and Helen get married
2007: Cara is born
2008: Felicity is born
2009: ?

I intend to keep you all up to date a bit better, right here!

Cute butterfly!

Cute butterfly!, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

We went to the Inspire to Independence Day on the 4th of July, which was a summer event for those who work for i-2-i and their families. Andrew's dad works there and they invited us along.

It was a lovely sunny day, and they had hired loads of bouncy castles and other inflatables. Cara absolutely loved it. When we first got there she had some of them all to herself. She also got her face painted with a beautiful butterfly, she really didn't want to have it washed off! And we all got yummy food, including some HUGE muffins with even too much icing on for me to manage. There was also candy floss, pop-corn and ice-creams. It was like being at a free fair!

i-2-i is owned by some members of our church, so a lot of people in our ward happen to be employed by them... it kind of felt like a ward activity, but where loads of money had been spent - it was kind of weird.

Mama ma...

I'm pretty sure that the last couple of days, especially in the morning, that Felicity has said, "Mama mama ma" and similar. It's lovely to hear, and when I repeat it back, she smiles her gorgeous smile. She really is the source of happiness! Our little Felicity.

Laughing Felicity

Laughing Felicity, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Felicity is such a happy baby. She loves to laugh, especially at people jumping.. and most of all Cara jumping. It cheers her up almost every time. I love this photo of my beautiful baby girl.

Photographer in the making

P5200206, originally uploaded by caramunzer.

Mummy's old camera, is now Cara's camera. She loves to take photos. It took a while before she could press the button down enough to actually take a photo, but she's doing great now. We decided that she should have her own flickr to capture her photos. So a selection will be available to view here. Felicity is one of her favourite subjects.

Photographer in the making

Mummy's old camera, is now Cara's camera. She loves to take photos. It took a while before she could press the button down enough to actually take a photo, but she's doing great now. We decided that she should have her own flickr to capture her photos. So a selection will be avaliable to view here.

Rolling Over

Felicity has a new skill.. but she is keeping it a secret for now. Her first roll was made while Mummy, Daddy and Cara were eating dinner. Felicity was playing on the play mat, rolled over, made lots of noise - then we all looked over and she was on her tummy. Well done Flissy!