Mum's clues
As mentioned BP and I are taking turns going out with each of our children one on one….which has been such a worthwhile activity. When I went to the mall with Miss E we had such a laugh and fun together, without having to worry what the boys are doing around us!!!
This week up was me and our 5 year old. I planted 10 ‘Mum’s clues’ around our neighbourhood, leading to a small lolly bag at the end.
Clue no. 4: “Have a milkshake and wait for your next clue”
Was our chat time here waiting for the next clue to arrive (Had cued up the waiter)
Clue no. 7: “The key to post box 589”
He threw back his head and burst into laughter at this one
Not much walking, he wanted sprint from clue to clue!
This week up was me and our 5 year old. I planted 10 ‘Mum’s clues’ around our neighbourhood, leading to a small lolly bag at the end.
Clue no. 4: “Have a milkshake and wait for your next clue” Was our chat time here waiting for the next clue to arrive (Had cued up the waiter)
Clue no. 7: “The key to post box 589”
He threw back his head and burst into laughter at this one
Not much walking, he wanted sprint from clue to clue!
Labels: family fun
Creative Play...
An excerpt from our swim school's newsletter:
"Playing is a powerful way for children to develop creativity, initiative and imagination!
...getting your kids to begin developing their imagination doesn't have to be difficult. Try showing your children how:
~A long blue silk scarf can be a waterfall, a river, a cape, a pirate bandana, a kite (Tied to the stick to run with), or a mermaids tail...
~The sandpit can be a pirates cove with buried treasure, a bakery (Add old muffin tins, bowls spoons and measuring cups);a dinosaur garden (Use a large blue bowl of water for a pond and add a few fern leaves, sticks and rocks)
~A big cardboard box can be a rocket, a boat, a magic car or a gingerbread house..."
AND!!!!!When a 10 year girl doesn't have a little sister... her 3 year old brother gets dressed up as Britney Spears instead!
"Playing is a powerful way for children to develop creativity, initiative and imagination!
...getting your kids to begin developing their imagination doesn't have to be difficult. Try showing your children how:
~A long blue silk scarf can be a waterfall, a river, a cape, a pirate bandana, a kite (Tied to the stick to run with), or a mermaids tail...
~The sandpit can be a pirates cove with buried treasure, a bakery (Add old muffin tins, bowls spoons and measuring cups);a dinosaur garden (Use a large blue bowl of water for a pond and add a few fern leaves, sticks and rocks)
~A big cardboard box can be a rocket, a boat, a magic car or a gingerbread house..."
AND!!!!!When a 10 year girl doesn't have a little sister... her 3 year old brother gets dressed up as Britney Spears instead!
Labels: family fun
Activities for Aussie Kids
Sandy a work at home mother with two kids wrote to me asking I make mention of her website ozkidsactivities
“This website is a one stop online directory for kid’s activities, classes, birthday party venues/entertainers, sports activities and other entertainment options. The site has over 4000 listings across all states in Australia.”
Already found a few places I'd like take the kids...
“This website is a one stop online directory for kid’s activities, classes, birthday party venues/entertainers, sports activities and other entertainment options. The site has over 4000 listings across all states in Australia.”
Already found a few places I'd like take the kids...
Labels: family fun
Don't forget to be a goof-ball!
Keep laughing…
Wear a silly outfit, sing a crazy song, walk a funny way.
Last year we wrote 58 things we love about Pa (My dad) for his birthday of that number. Up near the top of our kids lists were “I love it when Pa skips.” Uninhibited Pa will often do his crazy skip down the road to crack them all up!
My grandfather too when we were kids would have us in fits of laughter by putting his false Teeth behind his ears as he drove
Try it… turn on some music and dance with the kids, lift one up for a piggy-back and run up and down the hall, jump on the trampoline……have fun and LAUGH!
Wear a silly outfit, sing a crazy song, walk a funny way.
Last year we wrote 58 things we love about Pa (My dad) for his birthday of that number. Up near the top of our kids lists were “I love it when Pa skips.” Uninhibited Pa will often do his crazy skip down the road to crack them all up!
My grandfather too when we were kids would have us in fits of laughter by putting his false Teeth behind his ears as he drove
Try it… turn on some music and dance with the kids, lift one up for a piggy-back and run up and down the hall, jump on the trampoline……have fun and LAUGH!
Labels: family fun
More Sardines
Funny
“Quick kids tidy the lounge and we can have a game of sardines before bed”
………………….And when it came to BP’s turn to hide…………………
We looked AND looked, running in and out of every room…
Finally begging for mercy, yelling for him to give us an; “Ooo Whoo”
Laughing and laughing to find him up here:
“Quick kids tidy the lounge and we can have a game of sardines before bed”
………………….And when it came to BP’s turn to hide…………………
We looked AND looked, running in and out of every room…
Finally begging for mercy, yelling for him to give us an; “Ooo Whoo”
Laughing and laughing to find him up here:
Labels: family fun
School fete...
Fun on Sunday...The Hooley Dooleys performed as did MissE with her dance group and band-a NOISE only parents can love! Rides, activity, stalls to browse and tasty treats to eat
Labels: family fun
Funny family stories:
Recounting silly family stories and funny memories….
We laugh at all the crazy jokes my brother (quite the larrikin) used to play on us when we were kids:
He’d somehow convince us to let him tie us upside down from a tree…and then walk away!
He’d string rope from our bikes with undies attached, so we’d bike off to school with our underwear trailing behind
And again with undies; he once stuffed our pencil cases full of them to surprise us when we opened them at school!
We laugh at all the crazy jokes my brother (quite the larrikin) used to play on us when we were kids:
He’d somehow convince us to let him tie us upside down from a tree…and then walk away!
He’d string rope from our bikes with undies attached, so we’d bike off to school with our underwear trailing behind
And again with undies; he once stuffed our pencil cases full of them to surprise us when we opened them at school!
Labels: family fun
Sardines
The kid’s favourite game these holidays…
Played the opposite way round to hide and seek:
One child runs off and hides…while the others count 1…2…3…4…5………
“Coming ready or not!”
All going their separate ways to seek out the hidden child and sneak in beside
Squashed in the hiding spot like sardines until the last child discovers them
First to find hidden child, the one who hides next time round!
Played the opposite way round to hide and seek:
One child runs off and hides…while the others count 1…2…3…4…5………
“Coming ready or not!”
All going their separate ways to seek out the hidden child and sneak in beside
Squashed in the hiding spot like sardines until the last child discovers them
First to find hidden child, the one who hides next time round!
Labels: family fun
Movie memories
Nice…the kids and I all snuggled under blanket on the couch watching 'Princess Diaries 2' last night -BP working through the night on a big demo job
'Princess Diaries 1'-Yep I almost know it verbatim…one the latest cars BP scored, relatively cheap yet decked out with TV screens, Nintendo and video player…Princess Diaries being one of the few video cassettes we actually have left that the kids want to watch… HENCE being played over and over and over again in the car. Our three year old even quotes it… O my, forever etched as a childhood memory I’m sure!
'Princess Diaries 1'-Yep I almost know it verbatim…one the latest cars BP scored, relatively cheap yet decked out with TV screens, Nintendo and video player…Princess Diaries being one of the few video cassettes we actually have left that the kids want to watch… HENCE being played over and over and over again in the car. Our three year old even quotes it… O my, forever etched as a childhood memory I’m sure!
Labels: family fun
$2 gift exchange
Little friends who live up the road, often pop into our house after-school and last night joined us for dinner at Ikea and wander around the mall…
When we arrived I put a $2 coin in everyone’s hot little hand, and we all drew a name (On little bits of paper) from BP’s…, the idea being not to tell who got who, but buy a $2 something for that person as we graced (or mobbed?!) the shops.
A cute gift giving session after...And bonus: Didn’t here a “Mum can I have this…” all night!
Labels: family fun
Create Memories
BP and I were spoilt to a wonderful night away in the city on Friday night as part of a retreat thingy our church hosted…
Anyway while there mingling and chatting we met a stunning 60 year old called ‘Betty’ Just the nicest lady to talk to, and during conversation offering BP and I a tidbit of advice as parents of 4….
‘Create Memories’ she emphasized to us, regretting that in the busyness of simply doing life when her kids were littlies she’d neglected carve out those special moments…highlighting that now when her daughter-in-law umm’s and ahhs about taking the kids to the circus or on holiday, she urges her; "Just do it!"
Create a memory TODAY!
Turn up the music and jump on the couches with pretend microphones, pretend the cars an aeroplane preparing for take off as you exit the school car park, skip down the street, have dinner back to front, whistle while you work...
Anyway while there mingling and chatting we met a stunning 60 year old called ‘Betty’ Just the nicest lady to talk to, and during conversation offering BP and I a tidbit of advice as parents of 4….
‘Create Memories’ she emphasized to us, regretting that in the busyness of simply doing life when her kids were littlies she’d neglected carve out those special moments…highlighting that now when her daughter-in-law umm’s and ahhs about taking the kids to the circus or on holiday, she urges her; "Just do it!"
Create a memory TODAY!
Turn up the music and jump on the couches with pretend microphones, pretend the cars an aeroplane preparing for take off as you exit the school car park, skip down the street, have dinner back to front, whistle while you work...
Labels: family fun
SPOT-O
Yellow car alert
Our kids entertain themselves in the car spying out yellow cars…
BP and I now yelling; “SPOT-O”when we see one too!
Our kids entertain themselves in the car spying out yellow cars…
BP and I now yelling; “SPOT-O”when we see one too!
Labels: family fun
Family night/day:
Once in a crazy-busy season where BP and I both had enough on our plates to keep us going and never stopping we purposely set aside Thursday nights as “Family Nights” The kids wrote an extensive list of things they’d like to do together: and we did them!
Activities included:
Making a town out of Lego,
A family dance… all boogying down in our dimly lit lounge
Bake and decorate a cake together,
A game of soccer
Movie night,
Go out for dinner
And over a few Thursdays with BPs expertise we built and painted bookends that still take pride of place today
Just a really relaxed fun night…no heavies or forcing compliance BUT rather just enjoying each others company and time together
BPs work schedule is now completely unpredictable, but we still shift and shuffle to prioritise family time/days together …we’re addicted!
Labels: family fun
Laugh and play!
The following excerpt from Parents Inc
Where a mother of three writes:
“A few weekends ago, I had the chance to go away - just me and my ten-year-old daughter - for two whole days. We went to a tiny bach at Waiwera and spent the time just being together.
We played Canasta ferociously. I hadn't played since my teenage years, and other than Chess, it is the only game I remember my late parents playing. My daughter is better at this game than I am. She is a better tactician and reads my 'poker-face' (excuse the mix of games here) as if my cards were transparent. She delighted in my weeping and wailing, and I delighted in her skill, memory and tactics.
We found a storm water drain that trickled warm water over the sand as far as the sea. We spent at least two solid hours creating rivers and moats,
dams and islands. We yelled frantic instructions at each other. "Dig here." "Make a pile here." "Faster, faster, it's all being swept away." We didn't ponder where the water had come from, but we did wash our hands somewhat thoroughly!
We threw and caught tennis balls and frisbees. We bounced on a trampoline.
We walked together and admired the sunset and the sparrows and the trees and the shells.
We lit candles and meditated. Sometimes - and I consider this a major achievement from two noisy, gregarious, fun-loving people - we managed a silence of ten minutes.
We farewelled our holiday with an adventure playground visit and a three flavoured ice-cream.
As we drove back to Auckland, and to our usually hectic lives, my daughter said "Thanks Mum, that is the best holiday we've ever had.". It was a lovely compliment. Yet, I felt sad and remorseful. It was such a simple break and yet, in the raising of three children, I could not remember another time of such peace and enchantment.
I regretted the number of times I had been too busy to laugh and play with my children.
I would like to think I learned something and that I will make changes.”
Makes me want to take my almost 10 year old daughter away-now there’s a good idea for her up and coming birthday!
Where a mother of three writes:
“A few weekends ago, I had the chance to go away - just me and my ten-year-old daughter - for two whole days. We went to a tiny bach at Waiwera and spent the time just being together.
We played Canasta ferociously. I hadn't played since my teenage years, and other than Chess, it is the only game I remember my late parents playing. My daughter is better at this game than I am. She is a better tactician and reads my 'poker-face' (excuse the mix of games here) as if my cards were transparent. She delighted in my weeping and wailing, and I delighted in her skill, memory and tactics.
We found a storm water drain that trickled warm water over the sand as far as the sea. We spent at least two solid hours creating rivers and moats,
dams and islands. We yelled frantic instructions at each other. "Dig here." "Make a pile here." "Faster, faster, it's all being swept away." We didn't ponder where the water had come from, but we did wash our hands somewhat thoroughly!
We threw and caught tennis balls and frisbees. We bounced on a trampoline.
We walked together and admired the sunset and the sparrows and the trees and the shells.
We lit candles and meditated. Sometimes - and I consider this a major achievement from two noisy, gregarious, fun-loving people - we managed a silence of ten minutes.
We farewelled our holiday with an adventure playground visit and a three flavoured ice-cream.
As we drove back to Auckland, and to our usually hectic lives, my daughter said "Thanks Mum, that is the best holiday we've ever had.". It was a lovely compliment. Yet, I felt sad and remorseful. It was such a simple break and yet, in the raising of three children, I could not remember another time of such peace and enchantment.
I regretted the number of times I had been too busy to laugh and play with my children.
I would like to think I learned something and that I will make changes.”
Makes me want to take my almost 10 year old daughter away-now there’s a good idea for her up and coming birthday!
Labels: family fun
Olympic Park
Been so much activity since the troops arrived home from camp… swimming, parties , shopping, dinners with friends,church and Whale beach!
Today we took J for a 1 hour skateboarding clinic at Monster Skate Park, which he loved…back again tomorrow
There’s so much on for kids to do within Sydney’s Olympic Park during the holidays…
YAHOO the water around the Olympic ring was on, the kids running in and out… MissE cartwheeling in the middle!
Today we took J for a 1 hour skateboarding clinic at Monster Skate Park, which he loved…back again tomorrow
There’s so much on for kids to do within Sydney’s Olympic Park during the holidays…YAHOO the water around the Olympic ring was on, the kids running in and out… MissE cartwheeling in the middle!
Labels: family fun
Spring free happy
Gave the kids an early Christmas present this morning…
A Springfree trampoline
Quite pricey but so worth it
Our cheapo trampoline we got about 3 years ago has been bounced on nearly everyday, but now looking more like a danger zone
A Springfree trampoline
Quite pricey but so worth it
Our cheapo trampoline we got about 3 years ago has been bounced on nearly everyday, but now looking more like a danger zone
Labels: family fun
T-Time
Dinner table fun
The kids requested another Alphabet themed dinner….so I randomly selected ‘T’
They love helping each other get in costume…
ATooth and Tooth-Fairy and we also had two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
I put on a pair of specs, and pencil behind my ear, quickly becoming a teacher and as BP came in just as dinner was served we simply labeled him ‘Terrrific!”
To tantalise taste-buds:
Taco’s
Tropical juice and
Two- fruit tart for dessert
Thought T-bone steaks and ‘tat-oes’ would be a good option too!
The kids requested another Alphabet themed dinner….so I randomly selected ‘T’They love helping each other get in costume…
ATooth and Tooth-Fairy and we also had two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
I put on a pair of specs, and pencil behind my ear, quickly becoming a teacher and as BP came in just as dinner was served we simply labeled him ‘Terrrific!”
To tantalise taste-buds:
Taco’s
Tropical juice and
Two- fruit tart for dessert
Thought T-bone steaks and ‘tat-oes’ would be a good option too!
Labels: family fun
10 pin bowling
After a busy working week and funeral yesterday... decided to go out and have some fun with the kids last night…
We had the bumpers up for the kids so the balls needn't live in the gutters.
J blitzed us all winning both games with scores of 112 and 100. As soon as letting go of the ball he'd turn around and run away much to BPs amusement, and at one stage was on the floor doing sit-ups in effort to keep his winning streak!
We had the bumpers up for the kids so the balls needn't live in the gutters.J blitzed us all winning both games with scores of 112 and 100. As soon as letting go of the ball he'd turn around and run away much to BPs amusement, and at one stage was on the floor doing sit-ups in effort to keep his winning streak!
Labels: family fun
Spring forward
Daylight saving begins here today-Yay
Looking forward to BBQs and with friends and family, evening walks and outings, the kids, running around playing until late, AND the mornings being darker…sleep on kids!
I used to confuse myself trying to work out whether the clocks go 1 hour forward or back…
Until dad filled me in on this lil’ reminder:
“Spring forward and fall back”
Whoah and it’s nearly lunchtime already!
Off later into the city-
Picking up MissE from the Opera house….she’s been practicing there today for a school spectacular tomorrow night,
And then out for dinner and evening church
Looking forward to BBQs and with friends and family, evening walks and outings, the kids, running around playing until late, AND the mornings being darker…sleep on kids!
I used to confuse myself trying to work out whether the clocks go 1 hour forward or back…
Until dad filled me in on this lil’ reminder:
“Spring forward and fall back”
Whoah and it’s nearly lunchtime already!
Off later into the city-
Picking up MissE from the Opera house….she’s been practicing there today for a school spectacular tomorrow night,
And then out for dinner and evening church
Labels: family fun
Family connections!
Just got home from a family connect group, we go to fortnightly on a Friday night
It’s so great connecting with the same families on a regular basis and the kids LOOOOVVVVE it!!!! Get this the family who host it came from NZ the same year we did and have four children; 9, 7, 4 and 2, the exact same ages as our kids… So they all have a ball!
Last Sunday we went to their house after church for a BBQ and ended up staying the whole day. For dinner the dad made some pizza dough, floured their huge table and we all gathered around and shaped and made our own pizzas together-Fun!
It’s so great connecting with the same families on a regular basis and the kids LOOOOVVVVE it!!!! Get this the family who host it came from NZ the same year we did and have four children; 9, 7, 4 and 2, the exact same ages as our kids… So they all have a ball!
Last Sunday we went to their house after church for a BBQ and ended up staying the whole day. For dinner the dad made some pizza dough, floured their huge table and we all gathered around and shaped and made our own pizzas together-Fun!
Labels: family fun
Tagging along
BPs got a small demo job on in Canberra (Australia’s capital, 3 hours south of Sydney) on Monday night so we’re all heading down with him.
Will get to enjoy this arvo, Monday and Tuesday…and then be back
Got a couple of things in mind to do: There a ‘3 in fun’ family pass to Questacon, Cockington Green and the Australian Institute of Sports that should be a go-er!
BPs just packing his tools and then we’re away…
Talk soon…probably all about it!
Will get to enjoy this arvo, Monday and Tuesday…and then be back
Got a couple of things in mind to do: There a ‘3 in fun’ family pass to Questacon, Cockington Green and the Australian Institute of Sports that should be a go-er!
BPs just packing his tools and then we’re away…
Talk soon…probably all about it!
Labels: family fun
Random family guff:
What were we thinking?
Took the kids on Monday night to see ‘Nacho Libre’ (or is it Libre Nacho?) Master 4 wearing a big cross around his neck so he can be like the hero ‘Nacho’; the overweight, wresting Monk!
Ha-Ha So funny!
This morning we waited in the car while BP collected mail from his post-office box
I watch as he reappears from around the corner, reading an item of mail as he walks towards the car…
Well should I say ‘A’ car! As he sides up the car in front of us;
I’m thinking ‘No way, he isn't, he's not...Hahaha HE IS,as he opens the door and sits down next to an unsuspecting (And probably somewhat bewildered!) passenger
A plate of play-dough delicacies that kept the kids amused for a long while yesterday
And a sight that always tickles my cute meter fancy:
2 year old lining up his computer next to BP’s:
Took the kids on Monday night to see ‘Nacho Libre’ (or is it Libre Nacho?) Master 4 wearing a big cross around his neck so he can be like the hero ‘Nacho’; the overweight, wresting Monk!
Ha-Ha So funny!
This morning we waited in the car while BP collected mail from his post-office box
I watch as he reappears from around the corner, reading an item of mail as he walks towards the car…
Well should I say ‘A’ car! As he sides up the car in front of us;
I’m thinking ‘No way, he isn't, he's not...Hahaha HE IS,as he opens the door and sits down next to an unsuspecting (And probably somewhat bewildered!) passenger
A plate of play-dough delicacies that kept the kids amused for a long while yesterday
And a sight that always tickles my cute meter fancy:
2 year old lining up his computer next to BP’s:
Labels: family fun
Happy campers!
Spring school holidays have kicked off today with a back-yard camp-out!Setting up tent,keeping them amused for a large part of the day...
Just kissed 2 lil little faces poking out the top of their sleeping bags goodnight (They're as snug as a bug) and BP’s sneaking out later to join them for the night
As you can see it's only a very small tent J got for his birthday...
My turn tommorrow to sleep with the other two ...had better get a good sleep tonight!
Labels: family fun
3 steps to an active volcano...
Science in our own backyard:
EJ got “Make a volcano kit” for his birthday, waayyy back in March. Between now and then WE HAVE cast the volcano out of plaster, and EJ painted it…but have only JUST got around to making it erupt!
The kids here i think by how far they're standing back expecting a MAJOR blow!
Here’s how:
Gather together A Water bottle, 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda and 1 cup of vinegar (Colored with red food colouring if you want/can?)
1. No volcano plaster cast required…Simply go outside with the kids and mound and shape some moist soil around the bottle to form a mountain. (Being careful not to let any dirt slip into the bottle) OR if you’re really keen make a Paper Mache volcano around the bottle
2. Once the volcano is ready for action pour in one tablespoon of baking soda into the bottle.
3. Then tip the cup of vinegar into the bottle and watch the foam bubble out the top and run down the sides like lava from a volcano.
And the science:
Some chemistry..."Mixing baking soda and vinegar produces a chemical reaction in which carbon dioxide gas is created - the same gas that bubbles in a real volcano. The gas bubbles build in the bottle, forcing the liquid 'lava' mixture out of the bottle and down the sides of your volcano.”
EJ got “Make a volcano kit” for his birthday, waayyy back in March. Between now and then WE HAVE cast the volcano out of plaster, and EJ painted it…but have only JUST got around to making it erupt!
The kids here i think by how far they're standing back expecting a MAJOR blow!
Here’s how:
Gather together A Water bottle, 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda and 1 cup of vinegar (Colored with red food colouring if you want/can?)
1. No volcano plaster cast required…Simply go outside with the kids and mound and shape some moist soil around the bottle to form a mountain. (Being careful not to let any dirt slip into the bottle) OR if you’re really keen make a Paper Mache volcano around the bottle
2. Once the volcano is ready for action pour in one tablespoon of baking soda into the bottle.
3. Then tip the cup of vinegar into the bottle and watch the foam bubble out the top and run down the sides like lava from a volcano.
And the science:
Some chemistry..."Mixing baking soda and vinegar produces a chemical reaction in which carbon dioxide gas is created - the same gas that bubbles in a real volcano. The gas bubbles build in the bottle, forcing the liquid 'lava' mixture out of the bottle and down the sides of your volcano.”
Labels: family fun
mobile phones 4 all
Went to Optus today to get BP’s faulty phone looked at. While there we cheekily asked if they had any dummy phones out the back that the kids could have
They were more than happy to hand over some their ex display phones
When they gave four year old his they laughed when he queried (in his little lisp) “Does it have a sim card in it"...
It doesn’t!!! But no worries the kids have had lot's of fun carrying around their phones;flipping them open and pretending to chat to friends and neighbours
They were more than happy to hand over some their ex display phones
When they gave four year old his they laughed when he queried (in his little lisp) “Does it have a sim card in it"...
It doesn’t!!! But no worries the kids have had lot's of fun carrying around their phones;flipping them open and pretending to chat to friends and neighbours
Labels: family fun
The fete was great
O6 School fete today, lots of fun and rides…
BP and I took our turn helping on the tables our kids classes were responsible for: BP on the raffle, me on the Tombola.
Now at home and our daughter has recreated the ‘Fairyland’ experience for her brothers…sure they’ll be delighted?!
2/3 have entered...lets take a peek:
BP and I took our turn helping on the tables our kids classes were responsible for: BP on the raffle, me on the Tombola.
Now at home and our daughter has recreated the ‘Fairyland’ experience for her brothers…sure they’ll be delighted?!
2/3 have entered...lets take a peek:
Labels: family fun
LET'S GO...
July 15th 2006
Another overcast, drizzly day today...
After a morning indoors with the kids we decided it was time to put on jackets and go out!!!
Headed off to the Australian Museum, hadn’t been before...
And later to a Sushi Train;the kids enjoying selecting and grabbing the plates of their choice off the moving conveyer-belt
Another overcast, drizzly day today...
After a morning indoors with the kids we decided it was time to put on jackets and go out!!!
Headed off to the Australian Museum, hadn’t been before...
And later to a Sushi Train;the kids enjoying selecting and grabbing the plates of their choice off the moving conveyer-belt
Labels: family fun
MAKE AND PLAY DOUGH
Today:Walked the kids around to the pools for the last of their holiday swim school intensive. Napped on the couch…kids watched a movie, vacuumed and tidied…And then as it’s a dismal day… some inside play:The kids made and played PLAYDOUGH:
PLAY DOUGH RECIPE:
1/2 cup of salt
1 cup of flour
1 Tablespoon of cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon of oil
1 cup of water
food coloring
Combine ingredients in a pot
Heat very gently, stirring the whole time.
Warm until a good texture- if too goopy, add a tiny bit more flour.
Let cool- and voila!
Store in a plastic container in the fridge. Will keep for a while.
You can also add a little sprinkle of glitter to make it fancy
PLAY DOUGH RECIPE: 1/2 cup of salt
1 cup of flour
1 Tablespoon of cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon of oil
1 cup of water
food coloring
Combine ingredients in a pot
Heat very gently, stirring the whole time.
Warm until a good texture- if too goopy, add a tiny bit more flour.
Let cool- and voila!
Store in a plastic container in the fridge. Will keep for a while.
You can also add a little sprinkle of glitter to make it fancy
Labels: family fun
TONIGHT I WAS ACCEBER
July 13th 2006
Making coming to the table fun:
BACK TO FRONT DINNER:
Dinner-time fun at the drop of a hat...as simple as turning the norm upside down!
Tonight we came to the table with our clothes back-to –front (and undies on a few heads!)
Ready for dinner served the wrong way around:
Starting with a cuppa and after-dinner mint,
Followed by dessert,
Then mains
And concluding our meal with grace!
Our daughter made place cards for the table with our names spelt backwards…
Making coming to the table fun:
BACK TO FRONT DINNER:
Dinner-time fun at the drop of a hat...as simple as turning the norm upside down!
Tonight we came to the table with our clothes back-to –front (and undies on a few heads!)
Ready for dinner served the wrong way around:
Starting with a cuppa and after-dinner mint,
Followed by dessert,
Then mains
And concluding our meal with grace!
Our daughter made place cards for the table with our names spelt backwards…
Labels: family fun
KEEPING IN TOUCH
June 27th 2006
YAY my mum arrived yesterday on her way back to London from the NZ
Been spoilt rotten yet again!
Today we out shopping and she bought me lots of nice bits and pieces
Tonight it was out for a meal...discovering this delicious, beautifully set Thai restaurant, singing the praises of nearly every mouthful as we ate! Was so fresh and immmm the flavours
With an international family one of the fun rituals when mum comes through is sitting down for “Video time”
We all gather excitedly in front of the TV to watch the footage of the cousins in both London and New Zealand.
The kids chat to each other through the screen and even though they don’t see their cousin’s face to face very often, the connection is strong!
YAY my mum arrived yesterday on her way back to London from the NZ
Been spoilt rotten yet again!
Today we out shopping and she bought me lots of nice bits and pieces
Tonight it was out for a meal...discovering this delicious, beautifully set Thai restaurant, singing the praises of nearly every mouthful as we ate! Was so fresh and immmm the flavours
With an international family one of the fun rituals when mum comes through is sitting down for “Video time”
We all gather excitedly in front of the TV to watch the footage of the cousins in both London and New Zealand.
The kids chat to each other through the screen and even though they don’t see their cousin’s face to face very often, the connection is strong!
Labels: family fun
FUN FOR FREE!
June 19th 2006
There’s always lots of fun to be had out there for free!
Got the kids to construct a list of stuff they’d like to do…with a $0 budget
All four contributed and then handed the list to us to work out what goes where for a morning of non-stop-fun:
While we packed a picnic breakfast they made crazy cats
Then off to the park for breakfast
Bike riding,
Rugby passes and a game of soccer
Borders Book Shop to browse through books
To the pet shop
And then home by lunchtime for BP’s chicken noodle soup!
There’s always lots of fun to be had out there for free!
Got the kids to construct a list of stuff they’d like to do…with a $0 budget
All four contributed and then handed the list to us to work out what goes where for a morning of non-stop-fun:
While we packed a picnic breakfast they made crazy cats
Then off to the park for breakfastBike riding,
Rugby passes and a game of soccer
Borders Book Shop to browse through books
To the pet shop And then home by lunchtime for BP’s chicken noodle soup!
Labels: family fun
THE ABC'S OF WAITING FOR DINNER
Saturday night at ‘Pancakes on the Rocks’ for dinner:
…when paper and crayons were put on the table our daughter remembered a game we played when there last… followed by a few of their own:
A-Z race:
Write down the side of the page: A through to Z
Choose a topic …good ones; country, food or animal, girls/boys names
Then go for it…listing one name per letter
Alphabet people:
Taking turns we worked our way through the alphabet… forming a sentence that included a name, country, food and animal beginning with each letter
E.g. my name is Gertrude
I come from Germany
My favourite animal is giraffes
And I love eating gherkins
Alliteration:
Before dinner was served J came up with a few alliterated sentences about us all
And then... alphabet soup for dinner,just joking! Pizzas and happy face pancakes-YUM!
…when paper and crayons were put on the table our daughter remembered a game we played when there last… followed by a few of their own:
A-Z race:
Write down the side of the page: A through to Z
Choose a topic …good ones; country, food or animal, girls/boys names
Then go for it…listing one name per letter
Alphabet people:Taking turns we worked our way through the alphabet… forming a sentence that included a name, country, food and animal beginning with each letter
E.g. my name is Gertrude
I come from Germany
My favourite animal is giraffes
And I love eating gherkins
Alliteration:
Before dinner was served J came up with a few alliterated sentences about us all
And then... alphabet soup for dinner,just joking! Pizzas and happy face pancakes-YUM!
Labels: family fun
6 YEARS HERE
May 6th 2006
Blah! …for the 3rd time now I’ve just caught our baby on the bench spreading vegemite on wait for it, a ginger-nut biscuit…Oh the taste sensation??!
Today marks 6 years in Sydney…we moved here from Auckland NZ on May the 6th, 2006
Later this year we plan (As we have for the last 4 years!) on getting Australian passports and becoming dual citizens. The shortest queue at the airport will then determine which passports we pull out between here and there
We enjoyed a beautiful autumn’s day today,this side of the world… going into the city to a place called ‘The Rocks’
Stopping in at ‘Sticky’ we watched lollipops being made from start to finish…during which candy was offered to anyone who’d sing a song.
Instantaneously we broke out into chorus:
“Give me a home among the gum trees, with lots of plum trees,
A sheep or two and a kangaroo…”
…and had made for us one enormous candy heart!
(The sugar rush is happening now as the kid’s whiz about the house around me)
After lunch in a sunny square listening to a jazz band we trekked up and across Sydney's Harbour Bridge
Here’s BP climbing the stairs and taking in the view with J from the top
A great day together… the kids were awesome!
Now... am feeling VERY keen to “wash them and feed them and put them to bed!”
Blah! …for the 3rd time now I’ve just caught our baby on the bench spreading vegemite on wait for it, a ginger-nut biscuit…Oh the taste sensation??!
Today marks 6 years in Sydney…we moved here from Auckland NZ on May the 6th, 2006
Later this year we plan (As we have for the last 4 years!) on getting Australian passports and becoming dual citizens. The shortest queue at the airport will then determine which passports we pull out between here and there
We enjoyed a beautiful autumn’s day today,this side of the world… going into the city to a place called ‘The Rocks’
Stopping in at ‘Sticky’ we watched lollipops being made from start to finish…during which candy was offered to anyone who’d sing a song.
Instantaneously we broke out into chorus:
“Give me a home among the gum trees, with lots of plum trees,
A sheep or two and a kangaroo…”
…and had made for us one enormous candy heart!
(The sugar rush is happening now as the kid’s whiz about the house around me)
After lunch in a sunny square listening to a jazz band we trekked up and across Sydney's Harbour Bridge
Here’s BP climbing the stairs and taking in the view with J from the top
A great day together… the kids were awesome!
Now... am feeling VERY keen to “wash them and feed them and put them to bed!”
Labels: family fun
RED PLATE
Today I remembered the red plate I’d bought a month back with this idea in mind:
A special PLATE (one with stars, red, striped or whatever) for those momentous occasions and achievements i.e. voted class captain, can count to 10, for the birthday boy/girl etc
The plate is set in the honoree’s spot and later glasses are raised and/or speeches made to them.
What a nice change of tune hearing the kids complimenting each other…that’s almost reason enough to celebrate!
Tonight the red plate was set for our 4 year old… who can now write his name all by himself!!!!
A special PLATE (one with stars, red, striped or whatever) for those momentous occasions and achievements i.e. voted class captain, can count to 10, for the birthday boy/girl etc
The plate is set in the honoree’s spot and later glasses are raised and/or speeches made to them.
What a nice change of tune hearing the kids complimenting each other…that’s almost reason enough to celebrate!
Tonight the red plate was set for our 4 year old… who can now write his name all by himself!!!!
Labels: family fun
HANGING OUT AND READING
March 19th 2006
Yesterday:
No it’s not all postcard moments but BP and I keep commenting to each other that we’re SO enjoying hanging out with our kids.
A simple outing to buy BP a new tie on Saturday with the whole gang was such a nice time...stopping for lunch at Ikea and chatting around the table, all crowded around our youngest on the floor as he excitedly tries on a new pair of shoes while we laugh at the look on his little ‘shoe mad’ face
JUST being together was the best part!!!
Like that night watching the Commonwealth games,with the kids(Close your ears my kiwi friends)waving Australian flags and cheering Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie!
Today:
Was wiping the kitchen benches laughing to myself that I used to take my tiny first baby to the library to swap books!
Then at the computer i read the latest entry by 'Loobylu'(Great award winning blog)about the importance of reading to your kids,recommending 10 minutes a day
And honestly while at the computer and without prompting number four (who has not been read to nearly enough) jumps on my lap with a book in hand.
Okay I’m booked-I need read to him more!
Yesterday:
No it’s not all postcard moments but BP and I keep commenting to each other that we’re SO enjoying hanging out with our kids.
A simple outing to buy BP a new tie on Saturday with the whole gang was such a nice time...stopping for lunch at Ikea and chatting around the table, all crowded around our youngest on the floor as he excitedly tries on a new pair of shoes while we laugh at the look on his little ‘shoe mad’ face
JUST being together was the best part!!!
Like that night watching the Commonwealth games,with the kids(Close your ears my kiwi friends)waving Australian flags and cheering Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie!
Today:
Was wiping the kitchen benches laughing to myself that I used to take my tiny first baby to the library to swap books!
Then at the computer i read the latest entry by 'Loobylu'(Great award winning blog)about the importance of reading to your kids,recommending 10 minutes a day
And honestly while at the computer and without prompting number four (who has not been read to nearly enough) jumps on my lap with a book in hand.
Okay I’m booked-I need read to him more!
Labels: family fun
A DOG AND A CAT
March 25th 2006
The kids (who've been LONGING for rain) raced outside this morning at the first drop to put up their new umbrellas.
Can't let a few drops of rain stop our walking to and from school
Look too at this:
Our 9 year old took the basic panda pattern and made this lil cat to put in a card to give to her friend- cute huh
The kids (who've been LONGING for rain) raced outside this morning at the first drop to put up their new umbrellas.
Can't let a few drops of rain stop our walking to and from school
Look too at this:
Our 9 year old took the basic panda pattern and made this lil cat to put in a card to give to her friend- cute huh
Labels: family fun
OODLES OF NOODLES
March 4th 2006
Making coming to the table fun!
‘Noodles’:
1. n A narrow ribbon like strip of dried dough, usually made of flour, eggs and water
2. n. slang Same as harebrained meaning SILLY(!!)
As simple as bowlfuls of noodles, pipe-cleaners scattered over the table, and a round robin of joke telling!
Variation: Picking up on the other ‘noodles’ slang definition which refers to ones head/intelligence i.e. “Use your noodle” and having some kind of brain teasers or quiz?!
Making coming to the table fun!
‘Noodles’:
1. n A narrow ribbon like strip of dried dough, usually made of flour, eggs and water
2. n. slang Same as harebrained meaning SILLY(!!)
As simple as bowlfuls of noodles, pipe-cleaners scattered over the table, and a round robin of joke telling!
Variation: Picking up on the other ‘noodles’ slang definition which refers to ones head/intelligence i.e. “Use your noodle” and having some kind of brain teasers or quiz?!
Labels: family fun
WHERE THERE IS WATER
February 27th 2006
There’s always lots of FUN out there to be had for FREE:
Old bread fun:
*After school on Friday we took the kids to a nearby pond to feed the ducks…
Not only ducks; but below the murky waters we also saw huge fish, an eel (eek) and a turtle which compared to the rest seemed so relaxed…just chillin baby!
Treasure Island:
*On Saturday morning we opened our eyes to beautiful blue skies… so grabbed boogie boards (A bread roll for the road) and headed straight for the beach.
After fun in the surf we walked around to an estuary which flowed under a bridge to another sandy shore …AND our adventure as explorers began: mission Treasure Island!
The older two with great enthusiasm to reach ‘the island’ got themselves there while BP and I swam towing the little ones with cute beaming faces on boards behind.
On the way home from the beach… after stopping to look at some handmade furniture shops with a sticker ‘Sold to Russell Crowe” on one table, we had lunch at Hills Garden Centre (Okay we did spend some money!). For those who live in Sydney it’s great there…you can have a cuppa and adult conversation on the deck while the kids amuse themselves in the adjoining playground.
After an afternoon relax and later a walk around the neighbourhood we all agreed that night when out for gelato (What piggies!) that the whole day from start to finish was definitely one of those best- days- together kind of day!
There’s always lots of FUN out there to be had for FREE:
Old bread fun:
*After school on Friday we took the kids to a nearby pond to feed the ducks…
Not only ducks; but below the murky waters we also saw huge fish, an eel (eek) and a turtle which compared to the rest seemed so relaxed…just chillin baby!
Treasure Island:
*On Saturday morning we opened our eyes to beautiful blue skies… so grabbed boogie boards (A bread roll for the road) and headed straight for the beach.
After fun in the surf we walked around to an estuary which flowed under a bridge to another sandy shore …AND our adventure as explorers began: mission Treasure Island!
The older two with great enthusiasm to reach ‘the island’ got themselves there while BP and I swam towing the little ones with cute beaming faces on boards behind.
On the way home from the beach… after stopping to look at some handmade furniture shops with a sticker ‘Sold to Russell Crowe” on one table, we had lunch at Hills Garden Centre (Okay we did spend some money!). For those who live in Sydney it’s great there…you can have a cuppa and adult conversation on the deck while the kids amuse themselves in the adjoining playground.
After an afternoon relax and later a walk around the neighbourhood we all agreed that night when out for gelato (What piggies!) that the whole day from start to finish was definitely one of those best- days- together kind of day!
Labels: family fun
PJ DAY
Its 2:55 Saturday afternoon and we’re still in our pajamas!!!!...
BP was up and out of here to work at the crack of dawn; it’s dismal outside and I have neither up-and-go, nor money to burn… SO at the kids request we:
Turned the lounge up-side-down making huts:
Sprawled across my bed and browsed through photo albums
The older two stitched, and stuffed their own little toys; here's ‘Moppy- Sweet’ and ‘Pete’:
Put the bread-maker in motion… then shaped and baked dough creations
NOW: baby is asleep, the kids settled in front of a movie and BPs truck is beeping as it reverses up the driveway...PJ day is ending for me, I'm off to a baby shower so HAD BETTER get dressed!
BP was up and out of here to work at the crack of dawn; it’s dismal outside and I have neither up-and-go, nor money to burn… SO at the kids request we:
Turned the lounge up-side-down making huts:
Sprawled across my bed and browsed through photo albumsThe older two stitched, and stuffed their own little toys; here's ‘Moppy- Sweet’ and ‘Pete’:
Put the bread-maker in motion… then shaped and baked dough creations
NOW: baby is asleep, the kids settled in front of a movie and BPs truck is beeping as it reverses up the driveway...PJ day is ending for me, I'm off to a baby shower so HAD BETTER get dressed!Labels: family fun
O FOR A SHOW
My kids (quite the performers)have these holidays have enjoyed putting on a show or two; well actually probably more like a dozen… and a nudge in my husband’s side to act interested and not walk away at half time!A few of their shows were so praiseworthy (Cute!) we decided to take photos of them in action and print and turn them into books.
My mother also videoed showtime during a recent trip to Sydney and apparently the NZ screenings are getting rave reviews and heaps of laughs.
After being a enthusiastic spectator to many of their plays, yesterday I misheard an invite for my daughter to go to a friend’s house ‘for a play’…… asking her what play they were going to practice; “Oh yeah ‘play’ actually means run around and play games too!
For hours of entertainment: throw together an assortment of fabrics and colour and let their imaginations go wild. One piece of fabric in our dress-up box has transformed into a butterfly, candy, princess, dragon, vegetable shop, picnic rug and…of course with 3 boys a super-hero cape!
Labels: family fun
LAUGH OUT LOUD
October 2005
Visitors to our place lately have been bombarded with a barrage of jokes courtesy of the kids! My daughter especially is a walking joke book...
Our 3 year olds even caught on; getting a laugh with his back- to- front joke renditions,……so thought I’d better get with the program too!
I often have a good laugh with friends but decided I needed to let ‘commando mum’ chill a bit and have more moments of hilarity with my children!
When my brothers and I were teenagers, one meal time (I can’t remember what provoked it?) my mother began a massive family jelly-war… by the time our dessert bowls were empty, jelly was dripping down from heads, walls… and the roof!
For a not so messy laugh; I’ve been recounting amusing things I’ve seen or heard to the kids and what may produce a snigger from an adult has them in stitches!
But thrill of thrills, it’s contagious… my ears now prick up at the beautiful sound of my children reeling in laughter as they share funny moments and jokes together
Visitors to our place lately have been bombarded with a barrage of jokes courtesy of the kids! My daughter especially is a walking joke book...
Our 3 year olds even caught on; getting a laugh with his back- to- front joke renditions,……so thought I’d better get with the program too!
I often have a good laugh with friends but decided I needed to let ‘commando mum’ chill a bit and have more moments of hilarity with my children!
When my brothers and I were teenagers, one meal time (I can’t remember what provoked it?) my mother began a massive family jelly-war… by the time our dessert bowls were empty, jelly was dripping down from heads, walls… and the roof!
For a not so messy laugh; I’ve been recounting amusing things I’ve seen or heard to the kids and what may produce a snigger from an adult has them in stitches!
But thrill of thrills, it’s contagious… my ears now prick up at the beautiful sound of my children reeling in laughter as they share funny moments and jokes together
Labels: family fun