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....