Gingerbread Boxes!

Last year we made a gingerbread house(from scratch), it was fiddly and a lot of work but after all the sweat and yes there where tears it was well worth it, we were so proud of our creation, so much so we where hesitant to eat it.
Heres a pic : ) .... I wasnt a blogger then.

2010 Gingerbread House

This year as we where looking through Christmas Recipes, we came across gingerbread boxes and we liked that idea for something different(and secretly a bit easier).

Although still fiddly as assembling these creations are, it was once again fun and memorable.What child wouldn't love melted chocolate and a whole heap of lollies to be creative with?

They look very "home made" but I'm sure they will taste wonderful as we used the same recipe as last year and it was delicious! J(8) sampled a few biscuits this morning made from remaining dough and assures me the dough is spot on.

We also ticked off some learning outcomes, as homeschoolers we are always looking for the learning in everything we do. Maths was definitely required, although it seems we somewhat failed in that department as
some of the sides did not match up!

Even our little toddler C(22 months) got in on the action, although she did more eating than creating.

My dancing Queen

My daughter (7) has been dancing since the beginning of the year.
Dance has done amazing things for her confidence and co-ordination amongst many other things.

Last week she performed in her dance schools end of year concert.
I now know what it's like to be a 'dance Mum'. The rehearsals, the photo shoots, the preparing all the bits and pieces, the hair and make up!!!

I am now a 'pro' at this dance Mum thing (thankful I had a friend in the same predicament for support) and quite confident next year will be a breeze. I must also mention my sister, the children's wonderful Aunt(Tata) and godmother helped in the preparations and just general moral support.

Included in her audience was her grandma, her brother, her auntie and uncle and of course Mummy and Daddy.

When it came her turn-Beginner Jazz performing Conga the years started welling up. To see her beautiful smiling face, she didn't even have to dance to make me proud. I already was.
She danced her little heart out and those little wandering eyes looking out for Mummy and Daddy were just adorable.
Tissues were required by the end.

Daddy presented her with a rose on the final night when she also received her very first trophy, which now has a proud spot in her room.

I am happy(I think) to say she now has the performing bug and can't wait to do it all again in 2012 and is asking to do more dance styles!!!

Job 21 vs 11

They send forth their little ones like a flock and their children dance

Snow men bells

With a toddler in the house we need quick, easy not too involved craft. We purchased some craft kits from Riot.

This involved a little cutting, some assembling and gluing

And they look great on the tree!

James 1 vs 17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Palm Beach

Another one of our favourite holiday spots is Royal Palm at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. We have been going there since my oldest was about 3 months old so over 8 years now. Some of the apartments have been renovated and modernised and the pool area has been refurbished.

If you ask you can get 2 bedroom units that sleep 5 from $100 a night(usually for a min of 3 night stay) to get that price and $125 a night for a refurbished one on a higher level(which is what we like) just remember my tip:Ask for their best price.

Our recent 5 night stay was lovely and relaxing. The kids have an absolute ball and mummy and daddy have a relaxing time. With all the swimming, fresh air and sun, the kids sleep really well.

The balcony's are ocean front and you look out right into the ocean(spectacular views) and often if it is the right time of the year you will see dolphins and whales like we did.

Each day consisted of a walk and swim on the beach, swimming and relaxing by the pool and spa, day time naps and eating yummy food.

One night we had promised the kids we would take them for a night out on the town(surfers paradise) and go to Timezone and go out to a restaurant for dinner. For $30 we loaded our timezone card (Which gives you $35 of tokens and a special rate on all the games), this gave the whole family 2 hours of fun and the kids walked away with a few little prizes each that they had won with tickets. The surfers paradise one has been upgraded and has lots of very cool games and little rides for the young and old.

After pooping ourselves out at timezone we walked around looking for a place to eat and found a fairly new restaurant called Vapianos. It has a very modern and different feel about it. The waiter who welcomed us was very friendly and helpful getting us a high chair and BIG colouring in and activity sheets with crayon cups for the kids.
A different concept, you receive a card on arrival and you go up to each area and order your food and you can watch the pasta, pizza, bread, salad and starters chef make your food. You just swipe your card and at the end of your meal you pay for it. Hope this makes sense.
Not sure this style would suit everyone but we liked it. I also liked the fresh herb garden and herbs on the tables that you are welcome to add to your meal.
The pizza and pastas where reasonably priced and very fresh tasting, we had an enjoyable dining experience here.

One afternoon after a lovely few hours in the sun and a small afternoon nap, we went for a late lunch to the surf life saving club at Currumbin. Such a lovely spot. The food is OK, typical pub like seafood but the view and the location is spectacular. The kids menue is good value for under $10 they get a meal, with drink and ice cream with topping and a activity bag with things to do and some lollies.

All in all a lovely holiday, we all came back a little browner and a lot more relaxed!

LOVE FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Proud Mum!

It is so beautiful to see your children blossom and gain confidence over the years. My daughter(7) has been quite shy and reserved but in this last year we have witnessed her come out of her shell and it is quite amazing to watch.

She is constantly surprising me like just the other day we were at a fiesta and a lady gave her a helium balloon and just as the lady walked away she accidentally let go. She was upset to lose this balloon so I Suggested she run over to the lady who was now a good 15 or more metres away from where we were sitting and ask her for another one. The little girl we know and love would normally shy away from such a task and possibly even whine till one of us gave in and did it for her. BUT NO, she ran straight over and asked the lady ALL BY HERSELF!!!
I was so proud of her...

Today she performed as an angel in a small nativity performance that the homeschool group at sisterhood kids had been working on for a couple of weeks. She didn't have a "talking" part and didn't have to do much but the fact that she confidently stood on stage singing with the group and moving on cue was enough to make me the proudest mum in the room.

After the performance the kids said to me that prior to going on stage they were quite nervous, but that they had so much fun and want to do it again.
I also must note cos I thought it was so cute, my daughter(R) said "I really wanted to smile Mummy, but there were just so many people"

She has her first dance performance for her dance school's end of year concert coming up in 3 weeks and I know she will have the time of her life and once again I will be the proudest mum in the room. Post will be up soon about my first year as a 'dance mum'

Love watching my children learn and grow everyday....

Stanthorpe

Last month we attended my good Friend Liz's wedding. As it was in Stanthorpe(about a 3 hour drive away) we decided to make a holiday of it and stay for 3 nights in the region, we do love the area.

Day 1:Spent travelling to Stanthorpe, only stopping once at Aratula for a toilet stop and lunch and to switch drivers. Liz's wedding was beautiful and it was such an honour to share in her beautiful day with her and her gorgeous children. It was FREEZING and wet but such an atmosphere of love and friendship helped keep everyone warm.

We stayed at a beautiful 3 bedroom cottage named Grice Lane Cottage. Upon arrival it doesn't look like much but when you open the front door you can tell every detail has been thought of to make your stay a pleasant one. The well stocked pantry and fridge and the complimentary bottle of a local wine, the linen and the decor definitely all help make this place a home away from home.
Other useful family friendly features are the toys, DVD's, games, books and magazines, high chair, porta cot and even bikes in the shed!

We had the most comfy night sleeps in the most comfortable beds! The rooms were so warm, modern yet cosy and everything is clean and fairly new.

Okay enough about the house....but it is definitely brag worthy! oh and I forgot to mention that the rates are also very family friendly especially mid week and off season.
My tip when booking holiday accommodation:(I have done a lot of this!)Make sure when you contact them you are very polite and ask what is their "best rate" for a family? Then negotiate a little if you are game. During quiet times you usually have more bargaining power and if you are loyal to the one place or a couple of your favourites you will find they look after you.

Day 2:We visited several wineries(Kominos, Ridgemill, Lucas), the dairy shop to try some cheese and walked away with 3 local cheeses, quince jelly-also local by Jam works and they yummy apple juice from Suttons(it is divine). We also visited the lavendar farm as my Mum loves Lavendar and it had a small petting Zoo which was an added bonus for the kids. After out r BIG day out we made the most of the fading sun and had a bike ride around the property and then chilled out by the fire enjoying some of our local produce and a glass or two of a local drop.

Day 3:We decided to start our day a bit earlier this day. We went to Giraween National Park and did a bush walk. We stopped in at Ridgemill Estate winery for a tasting and stopping at the chocolate shop to pick up some goodies. We had to get some Rocky Road because theirs is the BEST and I loke a good rocky road.  Lunch was at one of our favourite spots Fellsburg winery, which is located at the top of a hill and has breathtaking views and the cellar door and restaurant take full advantage of this.
We ordered a couple of pizza's which they make all fresh on premises including the dough(in a thermomix I may add!!!) and after tasting the wines we let mum choose her favourite a Merlot to go with our lunch. We nearly polished that one off between us!!
We had to leave room for dessert as up the road was our favourite place(oops I said that Fellsburg was) The Bramble Patch, OMG they make the most amazing berry desserts. During season you can actually pick the berries. We shared a couple of ice burgerers and a berry sundae accompanied with a cappuccino. YUMMO!
Actually my mouth is watering as I write this and I would love to eat one right now.

Hubby is telling me now that I need to add that on our way home we had a storm and it started sleeting, our windscreen was covered in ice! ?Crazy Stanthorpe weather, reminds us a bit of Tassie. I am not a "hows the weather" sort of person however I am definitely married to one!! HE loves talking about and is intrigued by changes in the weather.
Upon arriving at our cottage the thunder and lightening had intensified so much so that as Rob was unpacking the car he nearly dropped to the ground as a bolt of lightening and very loud crack of thunder hit the power line that provided our property with power.
Happy that we could start a fire and enjoy the peace and quiet for a little while, my mum was quietly trying to work out how she would cook her famous lamb casserole(which may I add is so yummy) with no power. She was thinking the outside BBQ by torch and candle light. I wasn't sure of this and as I was now very much looking forward to my mums lamb I called the power company to ensure power would be restored. Thankfully I did because they weren't even aware of the situation so within 2 hours we had the workers out restoring power and yes mum could cook the lamb. We didn't eat till after 8pm but hey we are on holidays it doesn't really matter! Mums Lamb tasted very nice accompanied by a local cabernet franc(Something a bit different but nice)

Happy that we had a late checkout(definitely another plus) we had a lovely morning. Going for another ride around the property, playing games, relaxing with a cup of tea and slowly packing our things. We had an early lunch(leftover lamb) and headed on our way home.

What a perfect way to spend 3 days and I'm sure when hubby or Mum read this they will say I left bits out but seriously there where so many highlights I'm bound to forget a few.

We loved Grice Lane so much we have decided to go back and take my sister and brother in law at the end of the year. Very much looking forward to this!

NEW Camping Stuff!!!

I am very excited!!!
A few of my good friends gave me a Anaconda Gift Card for my 30th birthday a few months ago and today I finally spent it.

I bought a camping fan(with an inbuilt stand and lamp) which Im sure will come in handy for the warmer months ahead and those of you who know me know I like sleeping with "white" noise :) this will make for a more comfy camping experience.

I also bought a NEW chair. IT is comfy, padded in all the right places, has a zipped up and non zipped insulated bits on the arm rests for keeping drinks and food cold AND it has detachable foot rest-ahhhhhh.....bliss....cant wait to try it out!

And with a few dollars I had left I purchased 2 inflatable mats that we can use in the creek at only $4 each(on sale) I couldnt resist.

Only 5 more sleeps till I can try out my new camping stuff!!!

Our french friend visits

Phillipe is a family friend from France. He loves Australia and tries to get over here as often as he can.

He made a month long visit this July and we were so happy to have him here. We managed to show him around a bit between his own travel plans.

We had a lovely day at springbrook. We bush walked, took photos of view and wildlife. We had a wildfire BBQ and toasted marshmallows.
Love seeing these places we have been so often through different eyes and perspective.

We told Phillip about our new found love for camping and he was so enthusiastic about it we planned a weekend camping trip at Mt Barney.

It was July so it was freezing cold but 'French' man did not believe 'Aussie' man when we told him it would be cold.
Poor fella was freezing when he went to bed with shirt and boxer shorts. And only a light summer sleeping bag.

He has a great sense of humor and adventure so he was able to laugh about his cold night in the tent the following morning.

We spent the day at the creek, making damper in the camp oven and getting to know each other better.

Phillipe is like family. He is our connection to our mothers French background(our heritage) and we know that when we go to visit France one day we have a hospitable friend in him.

Lots of special family memories the month of Phillipes visit.

Au revoir!!!

Day trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Our family love going for drives and day trips.

With fuel getting so expensive, it was $1.50 a litre this week! our day trips were few and far between as a day out on the road could cost us anywhere from $50 to $100....we made the hard but right decision to sell our much loved BIG 4wd and downsize to a small hatch. The beauty of this is the car is that it uses next to no fuel and is much cheaper to keep on the road in general so we can go back to doing what we love. We have to sacrifice the "4wd" adventures for now but we have done our fair share in the past 6 years anyway.

This one Saturday in particular we decided to head to Montville/Maleny area. Stopping at a Glass House Mountain on the way for a small but very steep walk!

Little C did little steps up this steep climb. The older 2 powered there way to the top with very little whining.

When we got to the top there was a tower with stairs to climb to get a better view. C didn't hesitate and went straight up.

View from the top!

I much prefer it down here. Not so high and scary and I can still see the view.

After our walk we headed to Maleny and had some lunch at a very nice cafe which served yummy food, that was reasonably priced and very family friendly.We browsed the shops(so many things to look at) and managed to leave with not too many shopping bags.

On our way home we stopped at this awesome park on Steve Irwin Way at Landsborough

What was only meant to be a ten minute stretch the leg toilet and nappy change stop ended in a long but fun park play. Shame this park isn't closer, it is very well designed and suitable for the littlest of ones to the biggest of kids

And there we have it yet another perfect family day in the Great South East!

Clean Fridge!

This is a very random blog post but as I was sitting here on my computer looking at various websites and feeling up to date with most nagging things I looked over at my fridge(which is next to my laptop) and smiled.

Do you know why I smiled? Because it was clean!

This morning my in laws were over for morning tea and my MIL put the milk away in the fridge and made a very innocent comment that your fridge will last longer if you keep it clean. I am trying not to giggle here..... It is probably true and to her defense and my honesty my fridge was very overdue for a clean. Not high on my priority list of things to do lately.

I  sweep, do the dishes, make the beds, wash the clothes and do general tidying everyday BUT these types of jobs go in the "I wait till it really bugs me" basket. After my in laws left, funnily enough my fridge started to bug me. It was probably a good time to clean it too as we are going away and it is nearly empty.

It only took me half an hour but its still not a fun job and especially not when the toddler(the very cute toddler) comes over with a sponge thinking she is helping but she is actually not.

Now I have a clean fridge to fill when we get back from holidays : )

Usually these types of "so not fun to do " jobs are also very satisfying when complete.....hmmmm strange.

Day 10 of the 10 days that was....

Horse Riding! Like I said "are my kids blessed or what?"

Day 10, I had organised for our home school group a 1/2 day horse riding experience. We had been to Nel's Horse riding School before, for R's birthday, however J had never been before. I was very impressed from previous experience with Janelle and how she organises the day and her manner with the kids.

We started the day with having our good friends over for a play and to share some lunch with before we went for the afternoon session. We had a lovely morning playing, chatting and sharing food. It's great to have friends at your home.

So....did they have a good time? do they want to do it again?

The photos will speak for themselves....

Day 9 in the 10 days that was.....GOMA

On day 9 we headed off to the city for the day mainly to visit the gallery of Modern Art, we were lucky enough to have another homeschooling family come along with us. Between us we had 6 children, that's enough for an excursion.

We are aiming to visit GOMA each time the exhibition changes, as it has proved in the past to be good value(its free unless you want to go into the separate exhibition-but always check if its suitable for little ones). Its a great educational and hands on cultural experience for the children and just a lovely relaxing day out for all. The last time we went it was the 21st century and this time it is Surrealism.
J and R always get excited when we say we are going to the "city". We are by no means country people but they still class the big smoke as an exciting adventure and big day out! I love this.

We started off in the children's area where there were quite a few tables/activity centres set up with lots for the kids to do. We started each activity by reading about the history of the art and the concept behind it, followed by the directions of what to do.

 

These were fun. They started with paper that had 2 ink blobs on them. They had to turn the page around till they could see something or think of something they could create from it. We talked about how you can also do this looking at clouds.

C loved this one. They had an A3 size blank paper and lots of small card. They could rip the pieces and glue them to make their own piece of art.

We didn't take any art home as the kids just wanted to hang their art up on the wall. They loved seeing their art on display for all to see and appreciate.

This one was fun. The children picked a landscape and then had lots of different cut outs of various objects/animals that they could glue on.

J's

R's

 Building Sculptures!!!

Once we finished all the hands on activities, we stopped for a snack by the river. The kids had a quick run around.



Then we wandered the gallery, appreciating the different art works.

We finished the day with a walk to southbank for afternoon tea and a play!

Thats a BIG day for a 19month old!