Last night after our BBQ with friends a man came in and said his hellos. He was an astronomer, and he had come to stay to look at the stars. The weather was still, and there was no wind. The sky was bright and you could see all the stars with the naked eye. It was amazing!
The other amazing thing was this lovely man said that he would be happy to show us what he was looking at and give a talk while he set up his telescope. I must say it was not what I expected. I had a vision that the telescope would be like the ones you buy off the shelf. No this was not to be.
The girls waiting for the telescope to get set up. They were very curious about what the astronomer was doing.
His telescope was HUGE and I am sure you are thinking yeah right! However it had a big wooden brackets and circular additions to allow it to swivel around. I did not realise that you could make your own telescope, however if you know what you are doing and have over 30 years of experience like this man did I am sure you can do it.
Just picture it. It is pitch black, there is a group of mainly men, a couple of women, and 2 kids. We were all rather jolly and silly by this time so there were a lot of jokes about Uranus…Yes it was done to death. The poor astronomer has probably heard these types of jokes too many times. However he was polite and nice and laughed them off.
The twins were fascinated how the telescope got put together and its size. They were learning about the stories of the stars, the milky way and the southern cross. We also learnt that there was a second southern cross created by the devil to fool us. I had no idea until last night. Star gazing is fascinating and exposing kids to the great galaxies and universes is a great thing.
Getting the telescope ready
Once the telescope was all set up, it was then pointed in the direction of Saturn. Each person was kindly given the chance to see the rings on Saturn and the moon Titan. The girls were amazed and at first Julia was asked what she saw. She said nothing but the lens had to be adjusted. Once it was fixed, she saw Saturn and Titan fine. Lillian was amazed that she was able to see a planet through a telescope and was happy that she and daddy were the only two people who saw shooting stars. Yes I missed this and Julia also.
We were very lucky to have had this opportunity and I am pleased the girls had this experience. Have you taken your children to the observatory to look at the stars? Sydney Observatory have some wonderful things on these school holidays. Wish we could do them all!
Do you love gazing at the stars? Do your kids? What is your favourite thing to do with the kids and star watching? Let us know.
Today is a big day. Kids are at school then off to after school care. You wonder what I will be doing? I am leading a glamorous life and of course I will be cleaning, scrubbing and doing housework!
The house needs a spruce up before the weekend. The twins have their birthday on Saturday and we might have family and friends drop by. Due to this and of course being flat out have a clean house might be a good idea.
I think after I calm down from the big week I might need to have them in care again so that I can spend my time doing something I like.
A bubble bath? Spending my gift vouchers at the shops? Sleeping? Working on the blog?
A maid would make things easy, but due to no funds to pay a maid I am her currently! Yes not ideal but cheaper.
Wish me well and I hope I get a lot done.
Stay tuned for more about this years birthday party for the girls.
This post was originally created for a Father’s Day tutorial. However this could be applied for Christmas gifts, birthdays and anything at all. Use it to create some great presents for Christmas.
I do have something organised for hubby for Father’s Day. However I thought it might be nice for the twins to do something creative for daddy themselves. I have had some friends do things with sharpie pens and I have always been curious. Online I saw that you can decorate a mug/cup with sharpie pens, then bake it and all good to use. How amazing and interesting. Will it work? The only way is to give it a go.
So I got the kids some sharpie pens from the shop and a white mug each and then each child had to decorate them. I told them that they can do whatever design they wished to. One child was very expressive and creative and wanted to colour the whole mug in and the other was trying to draw and write more on the mug. Interesting the difference. It did not matter what they created, it was an expression of them to their daddy.
What do you need?
1. Sharpie Pens. I purchased mine individually as this worked out a little cheaper. You can get a pack of 12 for about $20. Packs I saw for less varied between $14 or more.
2. A cup or a mug to decorate. I choose to have white mugs as then the colours from the pens will show up more
3. An oven to bake the mugs in
Concentrating on her creation for daddy.
What is the process?
1. Once you have all your materials ready you can then start.
2. Decorate your mugs
3. Finalise your decoration and once happy you are ready to bake in the oven.
4. Bake in the oven for 30mins at 180°C or 356°F
Once baked you are good to use the cup. Might need to wait a bit and hand wash carefully to make sure it is all clean to use. As I have never done this before I am keen to see how they go. I would not put in the dishwasher.
Happy creating and this is a great cheap last minute gift for Father’s Day. Have fun!
Finished mugs ready to be baked
Note: Some colours after it was baked have changed. The gold seems to have turned into brown. Maybe I need to get different sharpies next time.
Kids are sitting playing on the floor and then in the next minute there is screaming, crying and they are hurt. I race in and try and understand what had happened.
Beware the dangerous floor. Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
After they calm down a bit I finally find out they have fallen over. YES, fallen while they were sitting on the floor. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? Cut legs, hurt feet and bruises. I really don’t get how they can get so hurt from sitting down? Does this happen to you? This has been happening for years now and it is still making me scratch my head to understand how it happens.
I don’t know if my kids are a talented lot, or if this is something that all kids do? Do your kids manage to fall over when on the floor? What a talented feet have they mastered that they still manage to hurt themselves. I know it is not a skill that is a good thing to have.
I am still at a loss to explain how it happens. Do you have any insight into this? Can you explain why they can fall so close to the floor already? It really is a mystery. Send in your comments.
My girls are obsessed with Katy Perry. They just adore her. I would have loved to have gone to her concert but my girls are six next month, tickets are expensive, not sure they would be able to handle crowds and think that might be a bit young for concert going. When they are older, of course. However for now, we have concerts in our living room.
Today on Kidspot I saw the below video. It shows a little girl crying and upset but as soon as Katy Perry’s Dark Horse comes on the joy and happiness in her face is a delight to see.
Do your kids have a song that they just adore? Is it something from Katy Perry? Or another artist? When you put the song on do they just stop and enjoy the music?
Did you have a Knitting Nancy or knitting doll as a kid? I did. When I lived in Townsville we went to the boat club for their annual Christmas party. Santa Claus arrived by helicopter and presented all kids there with a gift. I got a Knitting Nancy and loved it!
This is the Knitting Nancy I had as a child.
I had to drop the kids off early at school to be home at a certain time to work on things. Due to the twins being early for class they have taken to going to the library to look at books and to colour in. One of the teachers gave Julia a home made knitting doll well, not really a doll but more of a version with a toilet roll holder and paddle pop sticks. She is loving it. She is now taking her knitting everywhere and has announced to hubby that she is going to make him a scarf.
Julia’s knitting. She has done such a great job so far.Look nearly poking out of the holder. Julia is very proud of the fact that she is creating more and more each time. Daddy will have a scarf soon.What her DIY sewing doll looks like. Such vibrant pink wool!
Both kids seem very interested in knitting and this technique to create things. I have ordered both kids a wooden doll knitter and in fact they are Fairy Knitting Dolls below that I have purchased from Gumnut Toys
These are the fairy knitting dolls that I have ordered for the twins. Cannot wait till they turn up!
As the above images have shown you can do this type of knitting without any fancy tools or devices. You can make your own. I love this. I searched the internet and found a great DIY Post from Heidi from Hands Occupied. She gives a great guide on How to create a DIY Knitting Loom & Knit with it.
Have you created one of these DIY looms/knitting dolls? I am amazed that Julia is getting such joy doing this knitting and task. She is learning a new skill and creating something at the same time. Her sister also is keen and has given it a go. I loved my Knitting Nancy as a kid. I created such wonderful creations, mainly big snakes. What have you created or remember you made with yours?
With many children sitting and watching screens these days, doing something with your hands and creative is a great idea. I hope that I can remember how to work the knitting fairies when they turn up. I also had no idea that the girls would love doing this. I thank the teacher at the school for giving the girls something to keep them busy, creative and a new skill to learn.
Julia loves it and is even taking her knitting to bed to do it before she falls asleep. So cute to watch really. Such a fussy pot now with her knitting and no one can touch it. I secretly took the pictures of her knitting and have put it back carefully in the bag in her room. Yes I don’t want to get into trouble!
What have your kids tried that you did as a kid? I think that this type of toy is timeless. What are your thoughts?
Do your kids love Yo Gabba Gabba? Mine do and in fact they are rather obsessed with the show and of course the characters. When the girls were about two we took them to see Yo Gabba Gabba at the Opera House. They were so happy and hysterical when their favourite characters graced the stage. At the time Lillian’s fav was Foofa and it has remained. Julia loved Muno, and still does but now is wanting everything Toodee.
I of course was online and fell across an advertisement saying that Yo Gabba Gabba was going to be in Sydney. Yes another show! It was going to be at Luna Park and we were all lucky to attend last Saturday the 28th, and how amazing it worked in being the first weekend of the school holidays.
So what do you do for your very obsessed kids who want to look the part when they attend the concert of their dreams? You make each child a t-shirt with their favourite character on it. Yes that is what I did! What a nice mummy I am.
Sew Yo Gabba Gabba Shirts in 5 Easy Steps
Here are the instructions on how I created these super wonderful shirts that would make any child obsessed with Gabbaland amazingly happy. Trust me, the twins thinks they are amazing.
What To Do:
Disclaimer: I am not selling these shirts or profiting by the Yo Gabba Gabba characters. I am just a mum that wanted to do something special for her kids.
Step 1: Pick shirts that are similar colours for the character you are wanting to add to the shirt/long sleeve top. I made sure to pick a bigger size as I did not want to do all this work and have the girls grow out of them too quickly.
Step 2: Find a picture of the character that you would like, Muno, Plex, Toodee, Foofa, Brobee, or DJ Lance Rock. I found that having just a head shot and limiting it to just top shoulders was best. This allowed me to Just focus on the face and spend time getting that right.
Once I had the picture of the character I made the image bigger in Photoshop. Once I had this image the right size, I then printed it out. I found printing with Microsoft word gave me the right alignment on the a4 sheet better than just printing the image itself. To make it easier I created a word doc of each character and then all I had to do was print.
I used these pictures, but you can find them all online if you do a simple Google search.
Step 3: You will need to print the same character several times. The reason for this is so that you can cut out all shapes that go into the character, eyes, pupil for the eyes, body, nose, mouth, teeth, whiskers, flower and so on. Think about what you need for each material colour and cut it out accordingly.
All the bits to make Foofa out of material. Getting there.All the bits to make a material Toodee. Looking good so far.
NOTE: Make sure to wash your fabric before use. You don’t want to spend all this time to then wash it and it shrinks or the colour in the fabric runs. I used cord for the dark pink on the Foofa shirt and it is fraying more than the Toodee shirt. Next time I will pick just plain cotton material and make the patch in that before I sew it on the shirt.
Step 4: Sew the bits to make the character. Do all the creating before you attach it to the shirt. It can get a bit fiddly but stick with it. You will be amazed at yourself when you are done. Trust me!
Step 5: Once you have your character all finished, pin to the shirt and sew it on. Now you should have finished shirts or one if you just making one. I have to do things in twos.
See the finished product
Here are the girls before the show at Luna Park wearing their new shirts mummy made
Happy girls with their new Toodee and Foofa shirts.
Here are some pictures of the day at Luna Park
Amazed and happy to be at the Yo Gabba Gabba ShowThe girls took their toys that we got at the last Gabba Show with them. They wanted Muno and Foofa to be there with them. While the kids were dancing Foofa and Muno had a rest.
DANCING TO MUSIC IS AWESOME!
How cool to be so close to DJ Lance Rock and all the characters from Gabbaland.We had a 4pm show at Luna Park and when we left it was dark. The ferry trip was amazing for the twins. They loved seeing the city lit up.Managed a great shot of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city while on the ferry. Hubby did a great job with these shots.
How was your Mother’s Day? Mine was lovely. The twins created cards at school and were very secretive about them. I was told not to touch their bags on Friday and that they will organize, well that is a first. It was only due to the cards being in the bags and the kids needing to find a place to put them so I will not see till Mother’s Day.
The twins secured a place for their secret surprise for me and I was told to stay away from the oven. The kids have a set of draws they call the oven and it is in their room. Not an actual oven. The surprises were put in the draws and I was told to stay away! I did explain that when you hide things you don’t tell the person you are hiding the secret from where your hiding spot is. They did not get this and were more than happy to tell me where it was. Very funny!
The twins Mother’s Day cards they made at school
Yesterday morning I got woken by Julia excited about the cards and telling me to get up and go into their room so I can get the surprise. I went to their room with two very excited girls to be presented lovely sparkly cards that they decorated and wrote in themselves. I loved it and it is wonderful to have cards written in their own hand writing. They did a picture of something they like doing with mummy and underneath the teacher wrote what it was.
Lillian’s card for Mother’s Day
Each child’s picture and activity was different and very them. Lillian loves swimming with mummy and Julia loves reading stories and books. I thanked the girls for their excellent cards and told them how proud I was of them and keeping the secrets. My clever girls are doing very well with their art and writing. Did you get some great cards that were created by the kids? Did they have a lot of glitter on them? Mine did.
Julia’s card for Mother’s Day
I then opened my presents to discover I have bright pink slippers and speakers for the computer. I have not had speakers for ages so finally getting some will be nice.
My stylish and warm pink slippers!
Yesterday we also visited family and had a lovely lunch with my nana, aunties, sister, mum and cousins. It was a great day but a long one.
How was your Mother’s Day? Did you have a good day? Was it relaxing? Let us know.
Term one for Kindy is over.Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Term one has ended. Yes the kids have survived their first term at Kindy and so have I. Who knew there would be so many notes home, events, things to do and of course the magic of hearing your child read. It has truly been an eventful time.
Not only have they grown with their education, the girls have grown more height wise. We are not huge so don’t think that we have had a massive growth spurt. However it is just enough to have to tell the kids to sit down when I brush their hair. The extra height is also giving the twins an edge to get into more areas of the house. Not a major fan of this new found talent but they think they are super clever.
I must admit that I am keen to have sleep ins in the holidays and to see if I can get some things done around the house. Holidays have started in style with a trip to the movies. Yes, kids and I went to see the new Muppets film, “The Muppets Most Wanted“. It was funny in parts and the kids loved it so that is the main thing.
The one thing that I will not miss is the morning melt downs; the screaming when I ask kids to brush their hair, to find the other school shoe and where oh where is their reader for school? Or the school hat? It is not me that is going to school and I don’t care if you don’t have your hat and cannot play outside. It will be so nice to not worry about any of this for the next two weeks.
What about you? Have you survived the first term of Kindy? Are you thankful for the holidays? Will you get a sleep in? I might not, but not having to be anywhere for a certain time is relaxing enough. Send in your comments.
UPDATE: The Opera was put on hold. Once cast member broke their leg and the replacement is having a baby. So it has been rescheduled for next term. Glad we won’t miss it but was looking forward to it.
This is my post to make you all jealous. Yes you read that right. I fear that this will make you all green with envy. Just what about you ask and wonder?
Next Friday I am off to see Opera Australia perform “The Barber of Seville” at the twins school. Yes the opera! The Australian Opera is coming to perform. Not only are they going to showcase a wonderful story to the kids and open them up to costumes, the stage and great performances but they are allowing parents to tag along free! Yes FREE!
Well as long as I can find a seat that is. Would sitting on the floor be o.k if I was not in the way? How early is too early to wait to make sure I get seat? Should I turn up 30mins before the performance? Not sure what to do here….there might be heaps of interest and maybe none.
I have paid for the kids to go and now I am super excited for my day at the opera. Should I dress up? Or just wear jeans and a t-shirt? I was thinking of the big hat and annoying people behind me with my swanky outfit, but that will not be happening. I have no swanky big hat and don’t think I can muster up a fancy outfit even in a weeks notice. Maybe smart casual and some makeup is what is going to actually happen.
My nana (the girls GG) loves going to the Opera House due to loving Opera, but that is not the only reason. One major reason is that they have all sorts of people come to their performances of Opera, comedy, symphony and more. Dress is not a major thing that is noted. Nana loves it that she can be with people in thongs, jeans and a t-shirt who are passionate about the arts, you also get people who are in designer frocks and all the accessories that go with it.
It is great that the Australian Opera is giving the kids a chance to experience opera and these types of performances. I grew up going to the theatre and saw many operas so I know it is going to make an impression. Making art available for all kids to experience is a good thing and many kids don’t get the opportunity to go to the opera or even a live performance of a play.
I bet you are now very jealous of me going to the opera next Friday while you might be at work or at lunch. I will think of you while having a nice pleasant midday matinee performance of “The Barber of Seville”. Wish me luck in getting a seat for the show next Friday, and then I will be able to enjoy it in style rather than trying to get room on the floor.
What have you been jealous of lately? Has someone won something? Did a certain someone get tickets or go somewhere you have always wanted to go? Let us know.
The other day one of my girls asked what fog was again. I replied saying, “It is low lying cloud” Both girls said, Oh yes that’s right it is cloud. We forgot!
Foggy Day in the Blue Mountains
One of the girls then said the following:
“That fog is lazy mummy! It does not want to go into the sky and would rather be on the ground! Lazy Fog!”
Maybe she is right? Fog could be the lazy clouds that want to lie about and do nothing? The clouds that are in the sky are achievers and go getters? Maybe the clouds that are fog are just taking a well deserved break? Everyone needs time out don’t you think? This announcement that their is lazy fog made us all giggle and laugh for a while. It was a very funny moment.
Have you had moments that you have looked at things differently? The child who told me about the lazy clouds asked if she was right. I did not have the heart to tell her that her theory might not be 100% and thought it was a clever way to explain it.
What has changed your thinking or view on things? Was it something your little ones said? Or your partner/friends. Let us know.
Last night the twins had their first disco at school. Yes not even in the second term and the Kindy kids are dancing the night away. We had an hour to dance and just go crazy. Believe me it was chaos and crazy rained in that one hour!
Maybe it was the cupcakes fault?
Just picture it, hyped up kids with cakes and cupcakes on offer. It was noisy and just like any disco it was loud and dark. I did attempt to keep an eye on both kids but I lost one or both from time to time. When found they were with mates or outside getting yet another cupcake.
Yum this cupcake is amazing!
Check out our bling!
The girls got glow in the dark hello kitty necklaces, and funny glow in the dark rings. I loved the rings, they looked amazing and when driving home made me look like my car was the police. Word of warning: If you have these rings on your fingers when driving, you might freak yourself out that there are flashing lights following you. It is not following you but rather it is you and in your car! Take them off in future. You have been warned.
Our disco bling!
Now you thought the place was going off, and you are right. But it went even crazier with the introduction of this song:
“I came to dance-dance-dance-dance
I hit the floor cause that’s my plans plans plans plans
I’m wearing all my favorite brands brands brands brands
Give me some space for both my hands hands hands hands.
Yeah, yeah.
Cause it goes on and on and on.
And it goes on and on and on.
Yeah.”
Dynamite by Taio Cruz came on which is a song featured in the film Hop. The place erupted with kids going wild! My kids were dancing with their hands in the air and jumping everywhere!
The disco was a hit. Kids were tired and very ready for bed when I got home. The cupcakes I made for the bake sale were eaten and must have been successful as I have had no complaints.
My amazing cupcakes
Now kids are asking when the next disco is on. Oh gosh! I have party animals already and they are only five! Do your kids love going to discos? When was their first? The twins love creating discos at home. They turn the lights off, music loud, and their lady bug night light that puts stars and moons on the wall and ceiling.
The kids were so excited and amazed when we got back from the zoo last Saturday. Their toys had been up to mischief, or should I say the staff ( we were staying at the Cremorne Point Manor) had arranged the kids toys like they had a lot of fun while we were out. When we got back the toys were in different positions and the twins could not stop giggling and laughing at how funny it was.
Teddies being sillyHow did Rabbity get over there?Mac Packa can climb a bunk bed
It was a delight to see the kids scream with joy and tell us to come and see what their toys were up to. Very funny.
Thanks to the staff that created this bit of fun it was magical for the girls. I am very pleased that the hotel had a sense of humour and the kids loved it! I forgot to add this to my post about our getaway.
Hubby and I took the kids away for the weekend. Well it was mainly due to winning a competition from BoundRound, but I am claiming it was all me to the kids.
So what did I win?
Well I was lucky to get a family pass to Taronga Zoo and two night’s accommodation at The Cremorne Point Manor. What an amazing prize and how lovely that we were able to stay close by when visiting the zoo.
What was it like?
Hubby took Friday off to make it a long weekend, and after kids finished school that day we continued onto the city to check into the hotel. As we drew nearer to the Cremorne Point Manor the houses got more stately and larger.
I would say they were not houses, more like mansions. Some were just amazing and I was drooling all the way to our destination. When I make it rich, I know where I want to buy some real estate. Pity that my starting bid would never be close enough! I suppose I need to keep on dreaming.
On arrival the staff at The Cremorne Point Manor were lovely and the place, room and everything was just wonderful. The room was amazing and just right for us and the twins.
Our room at the Cremorne Point Manor
We stayed in the family suite and it was just perfect. It gave the kids space and us as well. It was so nice to have our room separate from the kids. The blurb below is from the Cremorne Point Manor’s website:
“The family suite consists of a Queen Bed in one room, and a bunk bed and single bed in the other room. With an ensuite bathroom. This is a perfect room for a family or group of friends. The doors can be closed to allow Parents some peace or left open if you have small children.”
Kids room at the Cremorne Point Manor
Dinner on Valentines
After we settled into our room we rested and then changed to go out to dinner. We decided to have dinner at Mosman Rowers as it was close and caught the ferry one stop and walked the rest of the way.
While we were waiting for the ferry we spied a possum that was not shy about people and daylight. He was busy munching on leaves and other plants and was not bothered by people passing or the kids running around. This possum allowed us to take some pictures of it and seemed to be posing for the camera.
The posing possum
Waiting for the ferryWaiting to go to dinner
The twins had never been on a ferry before so this was a great experience. It was a shame we were only going one stop but they had fun none the less. Dinner was very tasty at Mosman Rowers and the mains came out fast.
Dinner at Mosman Rowers
However there was a big mix up with dessert for hubby and I and we waited a while and he finally got his and they forgot about mine. We could not wait as it was very late at this stage. When you have kids that are tired and over it, you have to call it a night. On the whole it was good but was upset about missing out on my much waited for dessert. The lady that served us at the bar, gave us a free wine each while we waited, and we thanked her, although we had to leave due to the kids.
Luck or planned? Our number for dinner was 14 and it was the 14th, Valentines actually
We decided to walk back to the hotel and as it was not that far was a good idea. It was a balmy and nice night to have an evening walk. Although kids were tired and whingey they did well to get back to the hotel on foot. I think they loved the adventure.
Our day at Taronga Zoo
The kids were taken with the ferry from yesterday but to get one to the zoo we would need to get it from Circular Quay. As we were only a 10 minute drive and the weather was rainy the decision was to drive. Driving also allowed us to be relaxed at the end of the day knowing that we could get in the car and drive quickly back to the hotel.
Just arrived at the zoo
The twins were very excited about going to the zoo and have told everyone at Kindy that they were going. I also have a song in the car called, “Daddies taking us to the Zoo tomorrow” then it says, “Mummies taking us to the zoo tomorrow” So of course they were singing it all the time. So yes they were very happy to go and see all the animals.
What animals did the kids want to see?
One animal that was on the list to see was a unicorn. I did mention that this might not be there. Yes I know it would not be there, rather than might. I was trying to break it to them gently. So as you probably guessed, we did not see a unicorn. However others that were on the list that we did see were: Zebra, Elephant, Hippo, Monkeys and Crocodiles, and so on.
What was it like when we got to the zoo?
As it was a day of rain and very overcast, I borrowed some umbrellas from the hotel. The morning is when it rained the most but it was mostly heavier drizzle and not that bad. Just enough to get you wet. After a while it passed and most of the day it was not raining so not too bad considering. Hubby purchased a rain coat from the Zoo shop and we were right to go about seeing all the animals.
When we first arrived we went on the sky safari which is the cable car that gives you a bird’s eye view of the zoo and all the animals. The kids loved it and we did a round trip.
What shows/talks did we see?
We went to the elephant talk, the seal show and the penguin talk.
Penguins
How did the kids go walking everywhere?
The kids were very good. I was wearing my fitbit for both days and the day at the zoo I walked well over 10,000 steps so that must have been for hubby and the twins also. Although they were very good they did whinge about their feet and how tired they were. These are the things that were said!
“My feet are sore!”
“My feet are on fire!”
“When are we going back to the hotel mummy?” All while saying what animal they want to see next.
What was the food like?
I did think that it would all be deep fried and little choice of what to get. Mostly my experience with these types of outings I am annoyed at the lack of healthy choices.
Taronga Zoo had plenty of fresh and healthy options. They had yummy and tasty food that hubby and I were raving about how great it was and a pleasant change.
My only disappointment was due to the kids complaining that they were hungry and then not eating anything that was given to them.
We ate at The Taronga Food Market. Hubby and I had the pulled beef chipotle burritos and they were so yummy I could have had another. Kids had a salad and an apple with fruit juice.
There was fruit to pack so you can go and see the rest of the zoo, or you can sit and have lunch if you wish, they have thought of everyone.
Zoo Shop
A word of warning. Make sure to keep an eye on your kids. Mine were so taken with the moving toy animals (tigers) in the window that they fell. One of my girls had to pat them and this made it fall! Yes they are life sized and we had to get two staff members to help us put them back where they should be. Great shop but such a joy for kids. I only took my eyes of them for a second. You have been warned! Staff were great about it, and I’m sure this happens all the time from their reaction.
The kids and I waiting for dinner at The Oaks
Dinner after the zoo
After the zoo we were very tired as you can imagine. We walked all of the zoo and kids were very good although at times annoying due to them whinging but very good considering they are not used to walking great distances.
We got to the car and then made our way back to the hotel. After such a big day, we had a rest and then showered and got ready to go to dinner.
Our dinner destination was The Oaks. It was lovely and although they said they were not very busy they looked hectic. I suppose since there were still tables available in the courtyard and elsewhere that might be the case.
Kids had a cheese pizza, hubby had a steak and I had a burger. I think after such a big day out exploring we were all very hungry. Service was great, and there was nothing to complain about. We had a great time and it was a good place to get a quick meal.
Inside the Cremorne Point Manor
Thanks to everyone for making our weekend getaway possible
I would like to thank BoundRound, The Cremorne Point Manor and Taronga Zoo for making this weekend possible. It was amazing that I won, and could take the kids to the zoo and staying so close made it much easier, especially when we live away from the city. It was a lovely to give the kids this experience and I would love to do it again one day soon.
Yesterday when I picked up the twins from school I learnt that Lillian was stressed. Yes stressed!!!! Julia had an older girl buddy and both girls have been hanging with her and this girls bestie. This bestie had a mood ring. She allowed the twins to have a go and it concluded that Lillian was indeed stressed. Gosh, if she is stressed now what will it be like when she is older. I did explain that this is just a bit of fun and the colour changes due to your body heat. The girls did not believe me and said, “You are wrong mummy, Lillian is stressed, the ring said!” O>K…. fine!
Second Tale
Wednesday I gave each child a $2 coin so that they could go to the canteen. When I picked them up that afternoon I found out how they used their money.
Julia was so happy and told me, “Mummy they gave me money!” I then explained that this was change from your money. She thought that she got more and they were so great to give her more. I could not help but have a chuckle at this.
I then asked what each child purchased with their money. Both of them told me that they got watermelon. Wow, how great that they chose something good for them, the girls love watermelon.
I could see how big they felt with their own money and going off to the canteen all by themselves. They both looked so proud of themselves and it was great to witness.
How are your kids going at school?
How is school going for your kids? Do you have any funny stories so far? If so share them. Hope your kids are loving school and having a great time.
The girls have taken to big school very well, and are enjoying it. On the first day there was a little confusion with one child. She did not understand when they all walked out the room at the end of the day and got their bags that the school day was done.
She raced out upset, crying and very shaken. She then told us after asking for a while what was the matter? she then told us, “They left her!”, “Even the teacher did not help me with my bag!” I was not sure how one child knew what to do and the others, and of course my other little girl did not. I can only imagine that she was involved in her colouring or activity that she did not hear the instruction. Then when the kids walked out of the room she was of course thinking they were coming back. We of course consoled her and explained that it was the end of the school day and no one was leaving her.
So far the kids like school, but I do think it is making them exhausted. This is great if they just got home and crashed out. Not to be. They fit it and stay up! This in turn creates snarkiness, anger, and both of them being awful to each other. This charming behaviour then does not help anyone, and gets me and hubby upset.
The twins had their swimming lesson today and I hoped that this would have knocked them out by the time we got home. No, they had to wait until the limits were pushed and everyone was getting into trouble.
Although it was a disaster tonight they fell asleep quite quickly. Maybe next week will be different. My poor little babies are so tired. They are sleeping in the morning and not helping themselves by staying up late.
I am putting them to bed at a reasonable hour, but they muck up. Did your kids/child do this when they first started school?
I am pleased that they are meeting new kids and making friends. However I was told today one of our girls got told to stop making popping noises with her mouth and finger. She is very clever now doing it, but when the teacher is talking not a good idea. The other child joined in other kids making zapping noises with her mouth and was told to refrain from the teacher as well. Day 3 and they are already being told not to do something.
They are little and don’t so are still pushing limits and learning the rules. Let me know your stories and how your little one is going at their first taste of big school.
Dora and Julia watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The girls are now fans of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles“. I did think parts of it would be scary for them but they have embraced the action and the Ninja Turtles killing the badies. The twins do things most kids their age do, dress up, play make believe and watch cartoons. Lately the cartoons have been very slanted towards princesses but we do have diet of The Octonauts, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and now the Ninja Turtles.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a Dora doll for both the girls. This Dora doll allows the child to play with different hair styles and brush the hair. Since getting these dolls the girls have brushed Dora’s hair nonstop. You might be asking, what does this have to do with the Ninja Turtles? Well it does.
Making sure Dora’s hair is brushed, while watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
While the girls watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles they brush Dora’s hair, make sure she is cared for and dressed correctly.
It is very interesting. They are busy making sure Dora is looked after while they are yelling at the screen to kill the bad guy. It is a very strange indeed.
Have you had moments like this? Send in your comments.
Dora is looking nice and smart with her hair neatly brushed.Checking how it is all looking. Yes she is doing a great job!
I want that book MUMMY! Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It is another rainy day. After my visit to the chiropractor I took kids to get a hot chocolate and I had a relaxing camomile tea. After we finished our drinks I thought spending some time at the library reading some books would be a good idea.
My plan worked to a point and then it didn’t. What happened you ask? Well…
I told one kid that she could borrow a book and then the other wanted to borrow the one we just read. I said fine. I had just finished “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” before. I told the kids that we had read enough and should go home to get something to eat and do other fun things.
Now here is where it gets interesting and annoying. Remember we are in a library where you need to be quiet.
I put the Peter Rabbit book back on the shelves and took the other 2 books with me. Then the world ended. Shrieks, Screams, Yelling and of course crying! Did I say yelling and screaming! Oh god it was bad! It was mortifying!
I told the twins that we already have this book at home and why borrow it when we already have it. They did not want to listen and were not doing as they were told. I also told them that they need to stop getting the book back as we don’t need to borrow it.
As they were not listening I then said we could not borrow anymore books as we already have some at home that we are yet to read, and they were acting up terribly so they were not due to get anything nice due to bad behaviour.
This of course made matters worse and then I walked out of the library with 2 banshee like creatures following me, screaming the place down.
You might think this is terrible enough. However it does not stop there. My dramatic exit was not to be the end of the story. I realised after leaving I had left the kids jackets on the floor of the kids area in the library. Yes I had to go in again and of course since it is just me with the kids, they had to come in with me again. SHIT!
They of course still carried on terribly, so I told them that they need to behave. I finally managed to get out, to the car and home. While in the car both kids were crying and upset and kept it up for a while.
Kids did not start off with such bad behaviour at the library and while we were there reading the stories there was a baby screaming the place down. I thought how rude of the parent, but understood. Then it was my turn to do the same. It was an embarrassing situation and I did the only thing anyone would have done. Left and made kids go to their room after we got home.
How has school holidays been for you? Have your kids been well behaved? Or have you got banshees at the moment? Send in your stories.
