Blackbutt Reserve

We decided to have a family day out on Saturday and head over to Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle, NSW. Blackbutt Reserve has a bunch of different walking trails, picnic areas, a native animal wildlife walk and a great playground for the kids.

Once we arrived we decided to go on the wildlife walk and look at all the animals. I wasn't expecting a lot considering it is free, but it was great and Lachlan loved it. We saw many different animals including koalas, birds, snakes, kangaroos, wombats and lizards.

Next we headed off on a 2.4km walk, even though Lachlan insisted we run.

Unfortunately Lachlan hasn't yet learnt how to control his downhill running.

After cleaning up his cut, we headed to the playground.

Did I mention that he loves music? If he has an opportunity to play an instrument, he will take it. If any other child decides they would like a turn of the instrument, you can bet he won't give it up easily.  I am sure as soon as he is old enough he will insist on guitar and drum lessons.

Its the simple things in life...

After we had finished at the Reserve, we made a stop for lunch and visited the pet shop before heading home. We will definitely be back!

Rainy Day

Rainy days are my favorite, and I'm not talking days where it just showers here and there; I'm talking all day torrential rain with thunder and lightening, listening to the raindrops on the roof while you're drifting off to sleep; the whole shabang. It seems like it has been raining non stop for the past week, not that it's a bad thing as we haven't had rain in almost two months. Since Lachlan isn't the kind to miss out on getting dirty, he embraced the rain with full enthusiasm, after all isn't splashing in puddles what its all about?

Trying out his new scooter. This will be an essential for future camping trips. He loves to go 'super-faster' (his words, not mine).

His day would not be complete without digging in his sandpit. It's the only thing that will keep him amused for more than 20 minutes.

On another note, the book I ordered arrived today, I have been eyeing this book up for months now ever since I saw it on my favourite family blog 71Toes (written by her and her mother). I finally found an american company who would ship it to me for cheap (Thank you Abebooks!). I have only read the first few pages, but I can already tell its going to be a great book.

Swimming, Soocer and Sickness

What a week it has been! I have been busy putting together my meal planning and shopping organiser to hang behind the pantry door (more on that later) and looking after my little sick man. Somehow he caught some type of gastro, so has been vomiting for the past two days. I'm trying as hard as I can to a) get him to keep some liquids down and b) not fall asleep on the couch during the day (this one is tough! Especially when you're running on little sleep). You can always tell when he is unwell as he will sit or lay down for an extended period of time without needing to fidget or jump on every bit of furniture. As always, there is a light at the end of the tunnel with these things and hopefully it will pass before we go camping next weekend. I'm just praying that he doesn't pass it on to me.

For some reason this week he seems to have grown up so much

Did I mention that this kid loves his sports? He would spend all day outside just kicking a soccer ball around if he could.

Of course soccer wouldn't be complete without some hand stand attempts..

Or a quick mow and whippersnip (worth their weight in gold these toys)

He also loves to swim and jump into the pool, and be thrown as high in the air as possible.

I pulled out a plastic tool set that Santa had forgotten about, which kept him amused for a good 40 minutes hammering in the 'nails' and pulling them back out. Thank you Santa.

Then came the sickness.

I have no idea where he caught it from, but being power spewed on is not fun at all. I'm hoping it ends soon!

Best Children's Books for Toddler Boys

Lachlan absolutely loves books, and we read to him every night before bed. He loves being read to and I love taking the time to snuggle in bed and read to him. We began reading to him when he was a baby and have continued to make it part of his daily routine. In my opinion, children can never have enough books to read! Below are his favourite books so far:

A Bigger Digger


Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site


The Goodnight Train


Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo


I Love You, Stinky Face


Christmas Themed:
Santa Claus