Pooh

 

I realised that Isaac knows about Winnie the Pooh from pictures or toys but he's never read any books or seen any of the animations. So today we jumped on YouTube and I kept him occupied with some Winnie the Pooh while I folded the washing. The one we watched can be found here. He asked to watch it a second time so I think he enjoyed it. It certainly brought back some memories for me and I had a few little giggles as well.

Celebrity Apprentice

I headed to the shops again today but with the boys this time. Isaac needed new shoes and it was a hot day so we spent some time on the play equipment in the centre. While we were there we discovered they were filming for celebrity apprentice. We only stayed around for about 5 minutes so I'm not sure exactly what the challenge was. Isaac just liked watching the camera on the big crane going across the audience.

The only contestants we saw were Tania Zaetta, Lauryn eagle (I didn't know who she was until I looked her up), Charlotte Dawson and Patti Newton. I did see security tags for other 'celebs' like Dicko, David Hasselhoff and Marion from Masterchef. I must say, I didn't watch last season and am probably unlikely to watch this one either.

Retail therapy

 
My lovely husband spent the morning at home with the boys today while I headed out for some shopping.

We only live about 5 minutes away from Westfield Parramatta but I much prefer shopping at the new Top Ryde shopping centre. It's new, it's not as big or busy and the mix of outdoor and indoor is a winner for me. All up, I shopped for a little over three hours and got lots of lovely new things... for me!

Date night

 

Darren and I try to get out at least once a month for a date night. Tonight it was dinner and bowling. Unfortunately the teppanyaki restaurant we planned to go to was closed for a few weeks so we'll try that one next month. We had such a fun night and it's so nice to be able to spend some time together without the distraction of the kids.

A big thanks to my mum who makes it possible by minding the boys for us.

Sleep tight

 

I love checking on the boys before I go to bed each night. Watching them sleep always makes me smile no matter what the day has thrown at us.

Australia Day

We celebrated Australia Day today with the traditional aussie BBQ. On the menu? Lamb of course. Unfortunately the famous Australian sun didn't make an appearance in Sydney today but it was still humid enough for Isaac to get to spend some time in the pool. 

Chores

After a pretty busy few days we spent today lazing around the house. It gave me a chance to catch up on those mundane but necessary tasks like pay bills and do the washing that has piled up because of all the rain. So, not a very exciting day but a productive one.

Mini golf

With the addition of Noah to our family late last year I am consciously trying to make sure I spend some regular, quality time with Isaac where he gets me all to himself. One of the chances I get to do this is when Nanna comes to visit on Tuesdays.  

I was struggling to find something fun for us to do today and everything that came to mind was an outdoor activity. Anyone in Sydney knows that today was not an outdoorsy day. With the help of my trusty friend Google (this is not a sponsored post) I found a very cool indoor putt putt golf place in Penrith. So, after swimming we went to Nanna's for some lunch and while Noah stayed with Nanna, Isaac and I headed off for some fun.

This place is great. There are six different sections each with their own theme including a jungle, pirates, haunted house and aliens. The scenes and props were all very cool with lots of movement and sounds. Isaac says he liked the haunted house room the best. What a fun way to spend the afternoon and a bargain too because kids 3 and under are free.

Play date

We had a lovely visit from Sarah and Ali this morning and they brought manoushe for breakfast which was very yummy. We spent a relaxing morning chatting and playing a bit in the backyard.

It was great to catch up with them both before Sarah finishes her maternity leave next week. I'll be back at work with her before I know it :)

Hip hip hooray!

It's mum's birthday tomorrow so we had a small celebration today. We started with lunch at Panthers and then headed back to her place for a chill out and some yummy cake. Just a shame Tennille couldn't be there too.

Happy birthday mum and thanks for everything you do for us.

Sleepovers

Isaac's bed is empty tonight because he's gone for his first sleepover at Uncle Michael and Aunty Sheree's new house. He was so excited about it that when he came into our room first thing this morning he was already half dressed and said "I'm getting ready to go to Uncle Michael's".

It's nice to have family around us that are willing to spend time with Isaac (and I'm sure Noah when he gets older) and that Isaac loves being around. He gets spoilt and Darren and I get a bit of a break to recharge.

Take-away Friday

Before I went on maternity leave Darren, Isaac and I would all travel into the city together for work and daycare. After a long week neither one of us felt like cooking so Friday night was traditionally our take-away night. Not too long ago we discovered a great little fish and chip shop right on our way home at Ermington. They do the best batter on the fish! We used to ring ahead to place our order so all that was required was a quick park and grab.

Well tonight I couldn't decide what to do for dinner and wasn't in the mood for cooking (I never usually am to be honest) so, although it's a bit out of the way, I went to Ermington to pick up some fish and chips. It is take-away Friday after all.

Whiz kid

 

This is the second week Isaac has been catching the train to daycare with dad and I'm told he's becoming quite the whiz on his new bike. I meet them at the station of an afternoon and I love seeing the big smile on his face as he rides around the corner. I think it's a combination of excitement and pride in himself. It's cliche I know but he's growing up so quickly.

Playgrounds

I took the boys to Nurragingy Reserve today. I'd read about a new playground that was designed by a children's playground expert and sounded like it might be something a bit different. Unfortunatley, we were more than a little disappointed when we got there. 

We packed back into the car and decided to drive around the reserve a bit more. We ended up finding a nice little playground and spent a few hours playing and having morning tea. Isaac really enjoyed himself but as you can see by the photo, Noah had his moments.

In the process today, I found a crowdsourcing website called Playground Finder. You can search for playgrounds in your area, rate them and add any that aren't already listed. I've already rated a few playgrounds we've been to recently and found a few others I'd like to take Isaac to over the next few weeks and months.

A little bit crafty

Tuesday's are usually spent with Nanna and today she bought some things to add to our art and craft box. Isaac loved sticking all the new bits and pieces onto his Peppa Pig pictures (and the washing machine).

Thanks Nanna.

Couch potato

I've been sick today so I've spent the evening on the couch flicking through the golden globe awards I taped earlier today. In the process I realised how many tv shows and movies I don't know anything about. Good thing or bad?

Puzzles

I spent some time today doing puzzles with Isaac. It's something I enjoy doing with him because firstly I'm always amazed at how good he is at them but also because I'm not very good at playing boys things like cars, trains and fire trucks.

Kindle and Cake

I got to take some time out this afternoon and went to my new favourite cafe, Mars Hill. It was nice to sit with my kindle and some cake to relax and recharge.

New York, New York

My sister is off to New York for a month tomorrow so she held a somewhat impromptu dinner party tonight. Everyone is so busy these days that it was nice to have the whole Scicluna gang together eating way too much food (in true Tennille style) and having a few laughs.

Thank you and bon voyage!

Little indulgences

It's amazing how much better you feel after a good haircut. The last time I visited my hairdresser was about a week before Noah was born and he's 11 weeks old today so needless to say my visit tonight was long overdue.

I've been going to this place for about a year now and, while it's on the expensive side, the little touches to their service mean I keep going back. For one, they offer a wide variety of complimentary drinks and sorbet (yes, sorbet at the hairdresser) but the best part is the head massage. If you get a treatment, they massage the whole time it's in which is like 10 minutes! With two little boys, there are some days I don't even run a brush through my hair so it's nice to have this little indulgence every now and then.

Family tree (part 1)

Isaac has been talking alot lately about family and trying to piece together all the different relationships. He now understands that grandma is dad's mum and that nanna is mum's mum but he gets a little more confused with the next generation. It's also harder for him when his dad's side of the family is from Melbourne meaning he doesn't get to see his grandparents or great grandparents very often. So today we started working on a family tree together. We've only been able to get half way with the photos we had printed out but we'll hopefully get some more printed over the weekend and finish it off next week.

Spunk

After swimming today we stopped by the hairdresser for a long overdue snip. The portable DVD player at the salon means Isaac enjoys his visits to the hairdresser and stays still long enough to get the job done.

Summer days

Isaac was so excited today when I decided to get the 'big pool' out of the garage and set it up for him. For ease, I usually just fill up the other side of his sand pit clam shell on hot days but today I decided to take the time and fill up the bigger pool. He was so excited as we filled it up and when he was finally able to jump in he yelled "I love it. Thank you so, so much mummy". To see him so excited and grateful definitely makes all the effort (and water) worth it.

A day of rest and relaxation

I spent the morning with Noah while Darren took Isaac out to practice his bike riding and for a spot of grocery shopping. It allowed me to have a bit of a nap while Noah slept but it also meant that Isaac could have some valuable one on one time with Dad which he said tonight he 'loveded'. Now that Noah is sleeping through the night he's a very happy baby in the mornings so I've been able to take some pretty cute photos of him lately including this one.

During the afternoon Darren and I chilled out listening to some classic albums starting with Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and then took a trip through the Beatles collection. I was impressed to learn they released 12 albums in the space of only 10 years. I knew they had a lot of songs but that many albums in such a short time is unheard of today. We've talked recently about having more music in our house both for the general mood of the place but also to give the boys access to these types of classic tunes. I'd read an article a while ago that suggested the rise of personal music players such as iPods etc has meant that the different generations aren't exposed to each others music anymore. I have to agree and think it's good to have an appreciation for all different types of music, young and old.

Splish splash

Hippo got his first swim of the summer today. The water turned out to be a bit cold so Isaac didn't stay in for too long. I think Darren enjoyed it though after a day of caching with 'the bad man'.

Isaac has developed a recent fear of deep water so I hope the weather allows us to spend a bit more time in the pool over the next few weeks to help build his confidence. After all, he is a water sign.

My, what a Darling Harbour we have

I couldn't decide on just one photo for today so I merged four into one - is that cheating?

Today the boys and I headed into the city to meet Darren and some friends from New Zealand for lunch. We started out at King Street Brewhouse on King Street wharf then after lunch we thought we'd take Isaac to the new playground at Darling Harbour. We forgot to take the skateboard attachment for the pram so it was quite a hike between the restaurant and the playground for a four year old. After stopping every 10 steps to take in something new, we reached kid heaven. There were a few carnival type rides set up so Isaac and I went on the carousel. Of course he wanted to sit in the car of the carousel not on one of the horses.

Then to the new playground which, I have to say, is quite impressive. Isaac really liked the water area where they had water wheels, canals, fountains and lots more. Luckily I'd taken a change of clothes. The playground was packed and I can see why. There's so much for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Next stop ice cream and then Isaac and I took the train that takes you around the Harbour back to King Street wharf. Judging by the smile on Isaac's face, I think this was the highlight of his day. I was surprised by all the work that's been done between IMAX and the Chinese gardens, it's been a while since I've been down that end of town. There's also no shortage of restaurants around the harbour!

What a lovely way to spend the afternoon. We're all exhausted and will definitely sleep well tonight :)

Mezze madness

Not long ago my sister moved about 10 minutes up the road from me and recently we've started a bit of a tradition - mezze and Graham Norton.

Tonight she put on quite a spread and I'm suitably stuffed. Graham Norton was also a 'best of' so there were quite a few laughs. A great way to end the day ... family, food and funnies :)

Chill out

I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday. After the boys finally went to sleep I just wanted to flake out on the lounge. Not one of my better days as a mum I have to say. On the positive side I did get the chance to recharge a bit in the car park of my local McDonalds while Noah was asleep. It was a hot day in Sydney so a nice cold drink and a few tunes was just what the doctor ordered. The tunes were also from an album with a reminder to "chill out mum".

New skills

 

While there are times I bemoan Geocaching (particularly after hearing 'just one more' one too many times on the way home from a driving holiday) I really like that it gets us out and about. In addition to the normal 'game' there are often events held where cachers get together to meet and discuss all things Geocaching. There was one such event tonight at a park I knew would be good for Isaac to get in some practice on his new bike. He did ride a little but spent more time chasing after his new Geocaching friend Toby. He also managed to convince one of the dads at the park (not a Geocacher) to let him have a ride on his scooter - that kid will talk to anyone about anything. I think that's mostly a good thing :)

Al fresco

 

With summer finally arriving I decided it would be nice to eat dinner outside tonight. Isaac always finds it a novelty and, as we were having tacos, I thought it would be an even better idea because of the inevitable mess that was going to be made.

Captain Isaac

What started as a quick trip to the corner shop turned into a full blown grocery shop when I realised Coles was open today. Trying to keep a nearly 4 year old interested in the supermarket is always a challenge.

I usually get him one of the little trolleys for kids and have him put things in it on the way round but he didn't want one today. Instead he wanted to sit in the big trolley so given his big imagination I told him he could steer the shopping trolley ship. Captain Isaac navigated us from island to island as we gathered all our supplies. We stopped at bread island and peanut butter island to name a few and finished up at checkout island. He even spoke in a pirate voice the whole way round, very cute.

... actually 366 in 2012

I've wanted to do this for a few years but am finally committing myself to it in 2012. I'll post a photo each day of the year which, 2012 being a leap year, will actually be 366 photos. This is part of a wider resolution to  'lighten up' a bit more and be happier (whatever that means) so this project will focus on the positives in every day.

Hopefully the process will mean I concentrate less on the negative, challenging events that can get us down and appreciate the things I do have a bit more.

Hope you enjoy the ride (and give me a prod if ever I get slack and forget to post a photo).