A Secret Holiday

In September 2012, I booked flights for us to go to Queensland. Today, we finally headed off on our holiday. While my older boys knew that we were going, we kept it a secret from 8 year old Jacob. At first it was to simply save us from the constant "how much longer???" questions that none of us were willing to listen to for months on end. After a while, we decided that it would be fun to surprise him with the holiday.

He has talked about the last time we went to Queensland a lot over the last few years and reminds us in great detail about just how much fun he had and that he would love to go back. So, this morning, which was a miserable, cold Melbourne day, we headed off on what he thought was a special day trip since Zac had come home from Uni for a few days.

To see his reaction watch the video below :)

Sunday Sessions

Today, I’m linking up with Sunday Sessions hosted by Cass Can Sew.

I have a guilty little pleasure that I indulge in every night when I drive to work – Richard Mercer’s “Love Song Dedications” on Mix.  The few weeks he was off the air over the holidays, I station flicked or popped a CD in my car. For the 40 minutes I’m in the car driving to work, I’m in a happy place, listening to his deep, soothing voice and endless love songs. Yes I know I’m a big old sap.

Here are a few of my favourites

Footloose Flash Mob by Panorama Theatre Company

This year, Zac will be playing the part of Bickle in Panorama Theatre Company’s production of “Footloose”.  As always, we have taken him to rehearsal after rehearsal, so when we were told they would be performing a sneak preview at the Mayor’s Picnic today, I couldn’t wait. But, this is a theatre company, so this was no ordinary sneak peek.

To promote “Footloose”, the cast flash mobbed the Mayor’s Picnic at the George Pentland Botanic Gardens and it was awesome.  I just wish I had been able to get into a better position early so I didn’t end up with shaky video at the start :( 

Since I’m such a good sharer, here is the Panorama Theatre Company’s "Footloose” Flash Mob video

And, just a few more happy snaps of the day including the cast photo.

If you would like to see Panorama Theatre Company’s production of “Footloose”, tickets are available from the Frankston Arts Centre website. Hope to see you there :)

Performances dates: 
Friday 5th October 7:30pm
Saturday 6th October 7:30pm
Sunday 7th October 1:30pm
Friday 12th October 7:30pm
Saturday 13th October 1:30pm & 7:30pm

Disney/Pixar’s Brave

 

Last weekend we were lucky enough to be invited to a preview of Disney/Pixar’s new film “Brave”. now, I’m not ashamed to admit, I’m a massive sucker for a kids movie, so I was nearly more excited than the kids to go and see it.  We decided to make a bit of an adventure of the day and take the train ride in. For the record, 1 hour and 4 minutes on a train with two excited kids feels like an eternity!

We arrived in time to see the fantastic bagpipe players and Scottish dancers performing who were wonderful.  The kids were then told about the face painting so off they went to get their faces decked out in Scottish clan and Brave pictures.

Of course, they both then had the photo taken in front of the very awesome looking Brave display.

Then it was off to see the movie in 3D.  This was my friend Fiona’s very first 3D movie so we won’t mention what happened to her when she need to take Steph for a loo run during the movie. Let’s just say that her depth perception was a little off and she nearly became very friendly with some people sitting along the aisles :)

Brave is a wonderful movie.  It was refreshing to see a kids movie with a strong female character who doesn’t need the “prince” to save her.  Brave is the 10th Disney/Pixar film and stars voices from Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson.  It follows the story of Merida, a young fiery red head teenager who struggles with finding herself, with creating her own destiny. It’s a story of courage and above all true bravery. Brave is rated PG and opens nationwide on 21st June 2012 in 3D and 2D

To find out even more, visit the Brave section of the Disney website HERE

Thanks to the very cool goodie bags the kids got, the ride home on the train was a lot quieter *sigh*

Thanks to the wonderful people at Disney/Pixar and Mango, here are some colouring sheets for you to print out for your kids to enjoy (or you, I know I love a good colouring-in activity)

Brave Activity Sheets

Driver Dan’s Story Train: Review & Giveaway!

Now, I’m the first to admit most kids shows drive me completely bonkers. There are very few that I don’t mind watching and a few more that I can tolerate hearing in the background. After watching a few episodes of “Driver Dan’s Story Train” I have decided this goes in the happy to watch pile. It doesn’t hurt that there are absolutely adorable characters like Sweetie the Panda, Loopy the Stegosaurs and of course Driver Dan the loveable lion.
I really liked the fact that Driver Dan encourages interaction with his stories. Having favourite parts of the story re-enacted by children is quite fun and for us that lead to a conversation about what Jacob’s favourite part was – complete with a re-enactment!

Official Press Release

Driver Dan Puts Story Time on Track

How do you get a young child interested in learning? All it takes is a friendly lion, a little imagination, and a great story book, all of which is part of the must-see DVD series Driver Dan’s story Train, chugging onto shelves this November.

Driver Dan’s Story Train, is written by well known children’s author Rebecca Elgarm. The program uses interactive characters, simple plot lines, and a focus on imagination to bring reading alive for little ones aged 3-5.

However, it’s not just a love of reading that is encouraged through the program. Driver
Dan’s Story Train consists of different personalities, from Tallulah- the cautious and at
times shy toy elephant who is always there for her friends, to Loopy, a dinosaur with a
flair for excitement and adventure. But Driver Dan teaches that every personality adds
value to friendship and fun- helping kids to be comfortable with who they are, as well as
encouraging imaginative thinking and individuality.

With a problem to be solved and a lesson to be learnt in each episode, children develop
basic problem solving skills through interaction and the art of story telling.

As the old story goes- buy a kid an expensive toy and they will play with the box. Driver
Dan’s Story Train is the perfect example of how when it comes to kids- simplicity is best.
A lion, a train, and a story book is all you need to educate, entertain and help develop a
young and imaginative mind.

So why not pick up a Driver Dan’s Story Train DVD for your little ticker this November?
With any luck- they won’t need to play with the box.

Giveaway!!!!To enter my giveaway for a copy of the DVD “Driver Dan’s Story Train - Vrooms Go Crash and other Play-a-Long Stories”, simply leave a comment on my blog telling me who your favourite childhood character was/is. For an extra entry, simply share this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter and comment to tell me you have. Giveaway closes 5pm EDST Friday the 25th November, 2011. The winner will be announced on my blog on Saturday 26th November. If the winner doesn’t reply or is not contactable by Friday the 2nd December, I will redraw the winner. Good Luck everyone and I can’t wait to read all your answers!

OK, I had to add a picture of Sweetie – she’s so flipping CUTE!!!

A World Without Nurses

Just thought I would share this great video made by AusmedEducation.

Tangled: A Review and GIVEAWAY!!

 

If there’s one thing I love doing, it’s snuggling up on the couch to watch a good movie. It seems Jacob shares my passion for this, so when a copy of Tangled arrived for us to review it was couch, popcorn, blanket, GO!

Tangled is Rapunzel with attitude! For a girl who has been lived in a tower her whole life, she can certainly take care of herself. Fantastic characters like Maximus the stallion and Pascal the chameleon add to the wonderful adventure. And we can’t forget the handsome thief, Flynn who helps Rapunzel escape to the “dangerous outside world”. 

Not only is Tangled a fantastic movie, it has an equally beautiful soundtrack that features songs like “I see the light”

Jacob loved the movie - declaring it “not just a girl movie!” When I asked him if he had a favourite part his answer was “all the parts with Maximus - he’s a really awesome horse!”

Tangled is available NOW and the RRP for the Tangled Blu-ray and DVD is $49.95

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of the DVD courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment via Aussie Mummy Bloggers. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

So, if you’ve read right down to here, you must want to know about the giveaway.

For your chance to win a copy of Tangled, leave me a comment telling me what your favourite Disney movie is.

For an extra entry, share my giveaway (blog it, Facebook it, tweet it, etc.)and leave a separate comment telling me how you’ve shared.

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only and will close on Friday the 15th July at 5PM EST.  Please make sure you leave a way for me to contact you if you win!

Good Luck!

Because They’re Cute!

I know Mother’s day was back in May, but I just have to share the wonderful performance that was part of our Mother’s Day afternoon tea at school.

Enjoy!!

 

Beautiful Flood Relief Song by Pete O’Brien - We All Live In The Same Town

Have a listen to this beautiful, haunting song by Pete O’Brien accompanied by residents of Bundaberg’s photos of their beloved town.

Pete’s profession version of “We All Live In The Same Town” is available for download on iTunes and all proceeds go the Queensland Flood Relief.
Please grab yourself a copy of this wonderful song while helping the victims of the floods.

Jacob and the Over-Sized Tennis Ball

Jacob has been practicing over and over to learn to bounce a ball under his leg after seeing it on television. Well, he’s done it - thanks to an over-sized tennis ball from Nana :)

Gooooooooooo Jacob!!!!

OMG! Do you see what my children do to me!!

Zachary was lucky enough to get a laptop for Christmas. He was showing me the cool stuff his webcam could do this afternoon - just after I woke up after working night shift! Must say, he didn’t lie - I clearly asked him not to take photos, which he didn’t. Hmmmmmm… so here it is, and it’s not pretty :)

 

Swimming Fun Day

Jacob loves his swimming lessons - just as well since we have a pool in the back yard. He has only been going for two terms and the water confidence he has gained in that time has been amazing! He has gone from a little boy who didn’t even let you wash his hair without tears to this………

And this………

 

Merry Christmas from Kinder :)

There is nothing cuter than kindergarten children putting on a concert for their families! And of course, for your viewing pleasure, I present our kinder class performing The Little Drummer Boy - featuring Jacob as the Little Drummer Boy :)

Little Drummer Boy

Worry Doll

Jacob asked if he could tell everybody about his worry doll - so here is the very short video :) Enjoy.

A vlog you have to see!

Loving the vlogs from Natalie Tran!! She popped up one day on my YouTube box on my Google homepage and I've been a fan ever since! Check out her latest vlog below.
Enjoy!!

Meet Me On Monday

Hosted by Java at Never Growing Old
Questions:
1.  Do you eat Sushi?
2.  What kind of bath soap do you use?
3.  How often do you talk to your Mom?
4.  What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis?
5.  Did you start Christmas shopping yet?

---

1.  Do you eat Sushi?
Have tried it and don’t mind it but it’s not something I think “Ooohhh must get myself some sushi!!”


2.  What kind of bath soap do you use?

I’ve been using the Palmolive Naturals Nutri - Fruit. They were on special and smelt yummo so I stocked up on a few (that’s a win for me!)
They come in three different scents:

• Palmolive Naturals Nutra-Fruit Pomegranate
  
• Palmolive Naturals Nutra-Fruit Mandarin
  
• Palmolive Naturals Nutra-Fruit Kiwi

3.  How often do you talk to your Mom? I talk to My mum nearly every second day - sometimes more. I love her to pieces.

4.  What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis? LOL! I had this question in the 30 day meme I have been doing.  Basically, I lurve TV! I’m the person who will have hours and hours of TV recorded to watch later because the TV schedule clashes and I can’t miss a thing!
5.  Did you start Christmas shopping yet? I Christmas shop throughout the year so by December I’m pretty much done.

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Directly from Java's Blog Time to link up and meet!! This is a blog hop so if you want to put the linky on your post just click the "Get the Code" at the bottom of the linky. Your link MUST include your Meet Me On Monday post or it will be deleted! Remember if you don't have a blog or if you just want to post your answers in the comment section then that is fine too!

Bowling!

While everyone else was betting on and watching “the race that stops a nation” ie. The Melbourne Cup, we took Jacob and Christian bowling. Now we have been a bowling family for years and years (in fact it’s where I met my husband awwwwww) but I love how excited the kids still get when they get the chance to throw a few down the lanes.

Jacob loved the special little shoes and he could put them on all by himself since they had Velcro straps!

Christian getting some great pin action!!

And when you video kids, you never know just what you may capture. All I wanted to do was get a little clip of Jacob bowling. I was just about to press “stop” and well, see for yourself what happened.

And of course there’s nothing better than a little healthy competition between brothers :)

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1

Yeah!!!! I’ve just bought tickets for Zachary and I to see the next instalment of Harry Potter! We’ve seen every one on opening day and had decided that for the “finale” we were going to see it in Gold Class. 

So at 12:01AM on Thursday 18th of November, Zachary and I will be sitting in luxury waiting for the first half of the end of our Harry Potter journey.

Running in the rain.

Really, what else would you expect a five year old to do when there’s no power and it’s raining…………………….