The final stretch before the holidays is always a blur. With the clock ticking down, it’s hard not to daydream about the freedom that’s just around the corner. Read my full poem below, a different take on “Twas the Night Before Christmas”:
Twas The Night Before Holidays
Twas the night before the last day of work, and all through the place, Not a task was unfinished, not a deadline to chase. The emails were queued in the inbox with care, In hopes that tomorrow, none would be there.
The workers were nestled all snug at their desks, While visions of holidays freed them from stress. And I in my summer dress, and you in your tee, Knew the end was so near, it was hard not to flee.
When out on the street, there arose such a clatter, It was just the sound of a phone call that didn’t matter! I sprang from my seat to shut down my screen, And knew in a moment: it’s time for the dream!
The office was silent, the work almost done, Tomorrow’s the day that the holidays come. So here’s to the eve of our last work-filled night, Happy last day tomorrow—and to all, a good night! ✨🎉
I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.
I love summer.
I love holidays.
However I am over the craziness of the school holidays and keen for kids to go back to school. There I said it. Lately everything is a drama, and I am so over it.
When is my turn to take a holiday????? I have been trying to use positive thought power to attract a family holiday to Fiji maybe, or possibly a working holiday just for me to Queensland or Melbourne. Who knows… I am just dreaming and putting it out to the universe at the moment.
I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.
One thing that I am not looking forward to is the weather getting cooler but one BIG thing that is making me smile is the hours that will be mine when kids and baby are at school and care.
Soon I will have some uninterrupted time. This time will be quiet. No kids yelling, no kids arguing and no baby demanding cuddles or screaming and crying. The joy of soon having two days to myself, aside from school pick up and drop off.
The girls start grade three on Monday and due to the baby being in care on the Tuesday I have organised something for me.
I’ve made an appointment to get my hair done. Yes some pamper time for mummy. It will be relaxing and so nice to do something for me and to be on my own for a change.
Are you looking forward to school going back? Are you over the kids acting feral and crazy lately? I know I am. I am longing for some lovely time to just be at home and to get things done. It could be blogging, sorting things out with the house or just sitting down and having some quiet time for me.
What are you wanting to do when kids go back to school? Let me know.
I think I might have end of yearitis. It could be exhaustion, or maybe it could be called being very over term 4. I don’t know if I have the itis, but I do know that I don’t want to have to go to school drop offs and pick ups anymore, I am over all the after school activities and my brain is now telling me it is summer holidays.
Although my brain is thinking it is summer holidays it is not officially holidays at all. I even thought yesterday was Friday for part of the day, I was hoping that today was the weekend but it was indeed Tuesday and the kids needed to still be taken to school.
You can imagine my annoyance at the fact that Monday was not Friday and Tuesday was not the weekend. No sleeping in and no holidays just yet.
On holidays well wishing I was on holidays and relaxing in my backyard.
I really want to just stay at home and potter around and do whatever I want, well with kids as well so maybe the doing whatever I want will never happen. Regardless of doing things that I have been wanting to get to for ages, at least I will not have to pack school lunches, drop kids and pick them up from school and of course taxi everyone to their after school activities. I could just stay at home. I might even still be in my pj’s and not bother to change all day? Maybe that is something that can happen.
I love not having to be anywhere urgently or needing to be somewhere at all. I like the days where you can just have a relaxing fun day at home and everyone has a relaxing enjoyable time. Although some of these moments are short-lived due to the girls claiming they are bored and then suddenly wanting me to take them out which will require a huge drive in the car.
Tomorrow night hubby, the baby and I are off to the local high school to see the girls dance in the junior dance group. I have heard that it is a mixture of many different dances and one kid even told me that there is the chicken dance in there as well. It will be nice to see the girls dance as they have been very busy practicing each week.
End of year dances are a huge clue that the school is getting ready to wind up activities for the year. I am thankful for this as I would love to just be left alone for a bit and not have to take kids or people anywhere for a while. I do think that this is not going to be the case as my kids like to go places even if it is to someones house for a playdate.
I don’t think it is just me that is feeling like this. The twins have been overtired, yelling and carrying on more than usual. I am putting it down to they are over school, very tired and really need the holidays to start.
Are you wanting the holidays to start? Do you think you have end of yearitis too? Do you think they feel like they have started already?
Having warmer weather always makes me want to be on holiday. Have you noticed that your kids are over it all too?
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
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
My Christmas wishes to you. Thanks for following the blog and spending time online with me this year. 2015 is going to be bigger and better so stay tuned for some more fun.
Have a fabulous Christmas and stay safe. I hope Santa brings you what you have been secretly wishing for this year. I’m sure you are all on Santa’s nice list!
If your family is anything like mine, taking vacations with kids is always an adventure. While it can be lots of fun, there are always unexpected events and problems. One of the biggest challenges is to keep everyone healthy. I’ve found that there are certain practices that can keep the whole family healthier and happier when we’re traveling together.
Tip 1: If you are going to a theme park, it’s very important that the kids are well rested. That’s why I am rather fussy about where we stay. It’s not always a good idea to choose the cheapest motel or hotel in the area. Some of these places are not really family friendly. They may be noisy at night, for example. So when you are searching through a prime location amongst many Orlando and Walt Disney World hotels, I always look for places that have quiet hours policy so I know that the kids will be able to get a good night’s sleep. This make them much better company as we take on the theme parks and other adventures.
Tip 2: Many restaurants in America tend to serve very large portions. This is not the healthiest way to eat, and it can make everyone feel tired and sluggish. Additionally, it’s not very good if you’re trying to stick to a diet! That’s why I always ask to take home leftovers at the end of dinner! That way I don’t overeat and I can always refrigerate the meal back at the hotel and have a nice lunch for the next day and save a littlemoney also!
Tip 3: Always prepare a hygiene kit before you leave for your trip. This should include hand sanitizers, sanitary wipes and face masks. You can use these items when soap and water is not available for washing. Face-masks are useful if the air is polluted or there are sick people nearby. This isn’t hard to put together, and it can help to keep the whole family healthier.
Tip 4: When traveling with a baby or very young child, it’s best to give yourself enough room. If possible, find a hotel room that has an extra room for the baby. This will make it easier for the baby to sleep and will give the rest of the family some freedom to make a little noise without waking the little one.
Tip 5:Young children are especially prone to ear pain when flying. The tubes in their ears are more sensitive to changes in air pressure. That’s why you should bring along some items to prevent or treat ear problems. Gum or hard candy are useful for preventing ear discomfort. This works for adults as well, but it’s even more important for kids. You should also bring ear-drops and children’s aspirin in case they do experience any pain.
These are some of the hints and tricks that I use when traveling with kids. I have found that making such preparations makes a big difference. By keeping everyone healthy, safe and well rested we all have a better time on our vacation.
Kendra Thornton – Guest Blogger
Kendra is a Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3 wonderful kids.
