It was a huge weekend for us that involved lots of friends and family and a lot of back and forth to the city. I have to say though I didn’t mind. I find Melbourne such an easy place to live and it wasn’t for chaotic department store shopping, it was for Otto’s Christmas concerts at Federation Square. He’s been singing with these lovely little fellows for a couple of years now. 
Andy and I decided instead of one of us doing the drop off and the other doing the pick up, we would all go in together on the Saturday eve and then the two of us would take Coco out on a date. Coco gets a lot of me all the time, but she rarely has Andy and I all to ourselves. Being the poor neglected, unfortunate second child that she is, we thought we’d best make the most of this opportunity while we could.
With day light savings on in this part of the world, the Christmas city lights weren’t really visible until late but we were in town until 10pm and there was plenty of other things to do in the meantime. Like eat in Chinatown, ooh and ahhh at the sparkly, tinsel-y windows, eat ice-cream and look totally kawaii whilst posing with the nutcracker soldier. The city really puts on a show and I have to say the whole night was perfect. Just perfect. I plan on holding onto times like this, carrying them safely and carefully in my heart until they are needed. Like when I’m sewing late at night or I have a ton of orders due or I’m feeling down. It’s good to have a little store of precious to keep with you at all times.
The next day we were back in for the afternoon concert which I had to bite my tongue from bawling the whole way through. Those heavenly choir voices and our son, looking so handsome and grown up, singing his lungs out it was all I could do to stop myself from breaking out the ugly cry. Otto can sing. Really sing. Years ago while other kids were swaying along to The Wiggles (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with I might add!) he was busting out to Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. When his kindy chums were clapping their hands to nursery rhymes he was singing Jill Scott pitch perfect. I blame myself for his early love of African American soul/hip hop song birds. Oh and my sisters who are both awesome singers.
Anyway, whilst his taste has developed over the year to include a broader range of music, listening to him sing in any style is a real pleasure. Except when he taunts me with a full and lyrically complete outburst of ‘Party Rock Anthem’ Which unfortunately (but often hilariously) comes with spontaneous bouts of shuff-shuff-a-lin…
ps. Both Coco’s dresses were op-shopped for a total cost of $7.50…seriously so hard to find old style, handmade dresses for the 4 and up age group. I have so many beautiful op-shopped baby and toddler clothes from when she was little, but everything sort of seems to dry up come this age. I felt so happy to find these two.
I didn’t know what to feel however (slightly bemused perhaps?) to hear the elderly lady behind the counter, after staring intently at my hair for ages (which I was wearing out and frizzy at the time) say to her colleague ‘Hmm…Edith that reminds me, I need a new mop’.
!!!!!!!
My hair has been tied up into a tight and neat bun for the time being.
ha! thanks to tyke we often get taunted with LMFAO too. although tyke has less than prefect pitch his version does come with some pretty awesome original dance moves. the life of the tween hey? glad you enjoyed your city date. such cute family pics xx
This post has everything. Tears, laughter, vintage dresses. (SUCH a laugh about that mop comment.) Otto, you sound like THE most entertaining and fun little soul out there! xx
There is a lot of serious good looks, talent and awesome hair going on in this post~!
Wowsers! What a family of spunks and what an awesome family pic. I know what you mean about vintage clothes for bigger kiddies. Once my son turned 4, the supply of retro tees and pants seem to dry up too. I have come across some cute dresses for her age on Etsy so will let you know if I come across anything. Otto, blessed with good looks and a fine set of lungs. Prepare yourself for the girlie onslaught in the few years. xx And that mop comment killed me!
Completely understand how teary and proud you would be watching him sing. I feel a bit teary when Rosie sings and to be honest, she can’t even erally do it yet! The mop call was hilarious, as is the fact that her friends name was Edith. Of course it was! xx
ps. we’re in melbourne and heading into the city this afternoon, can’t wait. when we drove in at sunrise last week as we drove over the Bolte bridge i busrt into tears with love for my dear, dear melbourne. ah – we’re moving back soon!