Tag: beach

Categories
6 years and beyond

Our travels

I have wanted to post about our travels but have been either exhausted or off keeping the kids entertained.

We had great adventures while at Coffs Harbour. What did we get up to?

Traveling by Plane

Firstly getting to Coffs Harbour was a great adventure. The kids and traveled by plane without hubby and it was good that I can now take the kids with me without another adult. (When they were babies, I had to have another adult if I wished to fly. So this is good that I can travel with them if I need to)

The kids used the in flight entertainment and once they were involved with their shows it was hard to get their attention. It kept them occupied for the flight and they really enjoyed the service that was offered. We used the free Virgin App and connected to their wifi, aside from announcements the service was non stop. They paused it to make sure everyone heard any important messages.

Before we took off from Sydney Airport, the kids were busy with their in flight entertainment on the iPhone and iPad and then the alert to make sure you have your seat belts on sounded. Lillian yelled at the top of her lungs, “What is wrong! What was that!” I told her to stop yelling and that all was fine that it was just saying to keep your seat belts on. Julia signaled to me with an up arrow finger asking without talking if we were up in the air. I said no.

I was thankful the confusion about the seat belt alert did not start a panic.

The Beach

Once we arrived it did not stop raining and it was big down pours of rain! Yes we went to Coffs Harbour for a summer holiday and time at the beach to then have heaps of rain. We were lucky to work around the afternoon storms and managed to get to the beach about three times on our holiday.

I love the sea and it feels so refreshing to swim at the beach and makes me miss my childhood home, Queensland. The girls loved it and really enjoyed being in the water. The last time we were here, they did not know that the water was salt and drank some. This time they did not make this mistake.  I was very pleased the kids enjoy the beach as much as I do.

Off to the Movies

Due to the rain, we all went to the movies as everything was soggy and wet. Grandma, Nana, the kids and I saw Big Hero 6 and it was a fabulous film. Very funny and entertaining. Adults will love it as much as the kids.

The kids with Baymax from Big Hero 6
The kids with Baymax from Big Hero 6

Off course paying for tickets to the movies made the sun come out and we were able to go to the beach again. Yes more time at the beach!

 

Spring Loaded Indoor Play Centre

Fun jumping! #fun #trampolines #holidays #schoolholidays #kids

A video posted by Suzanne (@mummytotwinsblog) on

One of grandma’s friends from work told us about a place called Spring Loaded. It is an indoor play centre with a difference. They have gymnastic like equipment and it is all safe with mats everywhere. You do have to sign a disclaimer when you enter, but I think as long as the kids are careful all should be good.  

Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor Rock Climbing

 

Solitary Islands Aquarium

The kids had a blast at The Solitary Islands Aquarium. They touched starfish and other animals. They caught fish and looked through a microscope. The guides at the aquarium were very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot from our visit. I had no idea that octopus lay so many eggs, thousands to be precise and that the male octopus give the sperm to the female octopus via a tube and from distance to ensure they don’t get eaten or killed by the female. Who knew!  

  Octopus getting a snack. #aquarium #octopus #kids #coffsharbour   A video posted by Suzanne (@mummytotwinsblog) on

Holding a starfish
Holding a starfish

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

The girls were very excited that we might see the fireworks. We stayed up and were lucky enough to see them from Grandma and Grandad’s balcony at home. How amazing was it that it was a clear night or not that cloudy to allow a better view. See the videos below as the kids enjoy the night.

Amazing fireworks #NewYearsEve #NYE2015 #kids A video posted by Suzanne (@mummytotwinsblog) on

  The kids see New Year’s Eve Fireworks #fireworks #NewYearsEve #NYE2015 #kids   A video posted by Suzanne (@mummytotwinsblog) on


Of course it was nice to catch up with the kids grandparents and to see my mum their other set of grandparents as well. It was a good trip and we all had fun. It is great to be home.

However I have a messy house as per usual to sort out, I have nearly done the washing but need to put things away and due to holidays have been trying to keep two kids busy and entertained. Yesterday we caught up with my sister and her baby. Nana and Opa were staying with them for a week so that was good that we could all catch up again. The day before due to a massive storm here I took the kids to an indoor play centre to run off some energy. Today is the only day home for a rest.

What have you been up to these school holidays?

Stay tuned for our next adventure at the Maritime Museum and our stay in the city on Friday night.

 

Categories
5 years and beyond

Packing Mistakes

This would have been what it would have looked like if I had my swimsuit, Really! Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This would have been what it would have looked like if I had my swimsuit, Really! Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now as you all know, we have recently come back from a fabulous trip to the Gold Coast. It was fun and amazing, however I forgot two essentials, they were:

1. My swimmers

2. My business cards

I got all beach ready to then have to wear shorts and t-shirt to the beach. Not glam or comfortable but at least this allowed me to exerpeince the sea and have a bit of fun. Still upset about this. I got everyone’s swim suit and clothes organised and forgot mine! Have you done this? Talk about a mother thing to do. Next time I will sort my swimmers out first and as I think about it, I WILL PUT THEM IN THE SUITCASE RATHER THAN DO IT LATER!

While at the Gold Coast I was attending the Problogger Conference and only realised the night before it started that I did not have my business cards. Where were they? Well they were safe at home on my desk, doing NOTHING! Annoying to say the least.

Tears were shed, Many words not fit to print were uttered and yelled, and just felt like a stupid idiot forgetting them as I was so looking forward to making new contacts. Oh well, the only saving grace here was technology. I had my phone and tablet and this allowed me to follow new contacts on twitter or via Facebook and therefore allowed me not to be too upset about not having my business cards on me.

What have you left at home to only realise later that you really needed or wanted to have it? Were you annoyed? Could you get a replacement for the thing/things you left at home? Send in your comments.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Mountains V’s Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.

Categories
4 years and beyond Uncategorised

Mountains V's Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.