New Zealand Trip Oct/Nov 2014

We just got home from spending two weeks visiting family in New Zealand. I didn't take many photos at all, instead I took the Go Pro with me everywhere and filmed instead. I swear that thing was the best investment. I enjoyed some delicious food while still making time to work out. We went on a ton of bush walks and tried to stay as active as possible. We went to the stock cars, spent time with family and enjoyed lots of fireworks.

Our holiday in pictures with a 10 minute video at the end :-)

Blue Mountains

I dreaded the 4 hour car ride from our home to the Blue Mountains with a 3 year old in tow. Thankfully he did amazing in the car (this is coming from a child who used to scream blue murder every car ride from birth-2 years). To say I was proud was an understatement.

Once we arrived at the blue mountains, we checked in to the campsite, set up the camper and then hopped in the car and headed for Govetts Leap Lookout.

When Lachlan first saw the lookout he said "Wow, its beautiful Mum! Can we go to the park now?".

Lachlan noticed a walking trail (one of many to come over the next few days) and declared that we walk it. So we walked down and down and down a little bit more until we reached another lookout. Unfortunately we had to walk all the way back up the steps. Good thing I am all for a good workout!

The next day we headed to the Three Sisters Lookout and Scenic World. Here are some pictures from the Three Sisters Lookout. Yes my son was mid tantrum (got to love those terrible threes!).

Scenic World was great and we went on everything. Thankfully we got there early because it was jam packed when we went to leave at 11am.

We went on the worlds steepest railway - that thing was no joke!

We also went on a beautiful waterfall walk.

The next day we set off to Jenolan Caves. The drive in was harrowing to say the least. Most of it was only one lane so meeting cars along the way was difficult.

We decided to visit the Orient cave and it did not disappoint. I was surprised at just how many children were on the tour. Thankfully Lachlan loved it too and was so well behaved, especially given the length of the tour (2 hours) and the slow moving pace.

We had every intention to eat smores at night but by 6pm it was just way too cold to think about sitting outside. So we just ate the marshmallows and chocolate inside the camper by the warmth of the heater (and by we I mean me).

By the last day I was ready to kill the barking owls that started up at 5.15 every morning. I thought it was a dog barking, turns out I was wrong.

Here are a few pictures from a small lookout we found in Blackheath.

Here is a little video I put together of our little holiday.

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!