Beaching.

Today, we arrived at our annual 'Summer holiday'.

Before checking into our 'usual' hotel room, we christened our holiday with a quick beach play, followed by a Sushi lunch and a swim in the hotel pool.

From there, we unpacked bags and got set up in our room. Ryder and I did a big grocery shop and..... a trip to the bottle shop of course.

Chris took Ella and Jayden to the 'American Candy Store' and back to the swimming the pool, while Ryder and I went to Starbucks to stock up on my favourite instant coffee granules.

And then we finished off the day with a lazy dinner or picky foods and antipasto out on the deck, overlooking the coastline.

Perfection I tell you!

I have been looking so forward to this week.

A week of sun-kissed babies, long swims in the pool, sandy toes and salt-crusted cheeks. I can't wait to devour all things summer, have family come and stay. And seep this holiday for everything it's worth!

I do love me some summery goodness!!

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Tonight, after I put Ryder down to sleep in his portacot and poured myself a Mojito, I drank in the serenity of this place. I love our new tradition of coming here, to this exact hotel, and exact room, every summer.

Even though clouds littered the sky this evening and rain drops sporadically fell, I still admired the beauty of this place. I breathed in the salty beach air and exhaled. Ready for a week of nothing.....as well as a week of so much!

I love summer.

And summer holidays!

Cheers!

Traveling with Kids. My tips.

Now, I know I am not a hugely experienced traveler. And I am only a Mother of two. But as someone who has taken on a few trips with kids in tow, I thought I'd share my tips on not only how to travel with kids, but how to enjoy it too.....

In 2011, I took on a lot of USA and Canada {and the New Zealand airport} on my own - with 3 year old Ella ....whilst heavily pregnant with Ryder. Ella and I {and my huge baby bump} took on 10 flights over 3 weeks and crammed a WHOLE LOT into that trip.

In 2012, I again solo-parent-style traveled. With 4 year old Ella and 6month old Ryder, I enjoyed a week in Cairns - a 2.5 hour flight ride away. In August of 2012, Chris & I took the kids to Hamilton Island for a week of fun and adventure {a 1.5 hr flight away} and then in November, we tackled our first overseas trip with both kids - to Japan {9 hour flights}.

Although stressful I actually enjoy traveling with my kids by my side. I feel more complete when we're altogether and I want to show them the world - teach them different ways of life, absorb them into different cultures, allow them to experience famous landmarks, demonstrate difference and gratitude and open their eyes to the big wide world around them!

Hey, don't get me wrong.....like *most* parents, I dream of going on extravagant holidays without the kids - just Chris & I in Paris, or exploring New York. A buzzy weekend of shopping and shows and cocktails in Las Vegas or a week of beach laying in Thailand. The thought of really relaxing and seeing other places without kids is very inviting. But not for me just yet. Maybe in the future once my kids are not bubs?!

Anyways..... here's a few tips to make traveling with kids a little easier....

1. Snacks! And plenty of them! - Is it just my kids, or are your kids hungry ALL.THE.TIME? So, having snacks and a good variety of them is vital to maintaining happy, busy kids....especially during flights, waiting periods, train trips, etc :) When we went to Japan, I made sure I packed enough snacks to last the first few days - so I knew I had time up my sleeve to suss out the area and the shopping and source other snacks that my kids would eat. {you know....new country...new food - not everything is easy to buy or going to be enjoyed by children}
2. Think ahead of every possible outcome! - I know we can't predict how a day is going to pan out! But we can have some simple solutions for 'common' situations. Such as: spare clothes for the kids; in case of spills or stains, a change in weather / temperature or pyjamas packed in case a late night is had etc. Think about how many baby bottles you'll need for the trip or day ahead and add an extra "just in case!". Have more than enough nappies and wipes and spare undies. Pack blankies and comforters in case delays are experienced and you're out longer than originally planned! Sometimes having too much in your backpack....is better than not having your emergency supplies on hand!
3. Don't overpack! - I know that is a complete contradiction to Point Number 2!! If you know there is a washing machine in the hotel or the accommodation; unpack half of your clothing!!! You or your partner spending 40minutes in a hotel Laundromat is much easier than lugging 5 full suitcases around. When traveling with kids, you're most likely having to lug around extras such as: porta-cots, prams, car seats etc. So sharing suitcases by packing lightly really helps with getting around easily and quickly....especially through busy airport terminals.
4. Find out what your planes & airlines have on offer! - Don't just assume that every flight has built-in TV's, games, food etc. Our flights to Japan, although international, did not include any of those extras {well, they were available....at an EXTRA cost!}. So having our own packed snacks, drinks, iPad's, colouring books and toys were a HUGE life-saver.   
5. Plan a lot of activities around the kids....but also do what YOU want to do!! - For example, a lot of our Japan holiday was about the kids. We did Disneyland and Aquariums and Universal Studios {however we loved all of these things too!} but it's also ok to do 'more adult-like' things as well. Going to a museum, art gallery, cafe, or famous place of interest is also educational and eye-opening for kids too. When I took Ella to the USA, I wanted to do a few certain things that aren't directly aimed at children but ended up being such an amazing experience for her....memories she still recalls so vividly today - like watching a show on Broadway and going up the Empire State Building.
6. Be as organised as possible....but also go with the flow!! - traveling with kids and making it run as smoothly as possible, means being organised. Have most things pre-booked and thought out. Know how you're getting from A to B and back again. Have access to timetables and costings and itineraries, and stick to a routine as much as able to. BUT....accept that when there a kids involved, there is also a need to make changes! Go with the flow with how you'll fill some days. Let your kids 'run the show' when need be. If they're getting run down or tired or overstimualted...acknowledge that! Make changes to accommodate their needs too. Allow them to rest and recover....but also to play and have fun....let them still be kids! 

Six little tips that I picked up a long my travels recently :)

Do you have any others to add to the list?? Please share :)

Are you planning any travel anytime soon? If only USA was a little closer to Aus....and a whole lot cheaper to get there....as I'm DYING to get back there to explore some more! LOVED that place!!!!!! LOVED it!

One can dream!! :)

Our Last Few Days in Japan.

After leaving Tokyo, on the bullet train, we headed back to Osaka for two more days.

We again stayed in the Universal Studios Port Hotel and devoured our last days of being in the culture of Japan and with Chris's brother: Matt. We checked in at around 1pm. And once we were cozied into our room, we got Ryder settled for an afternoon nap...to then discover we were in a smoking room. Although the room was spotless....the curtains and carpet and bedding wreaked with cigarette smoke. I came down with a headache and Ella with hayfever, so Chris requested we moved. Within minutes; a concierge was at our door and took us to another level and a non-smoking room. Ahh much better. {we're high maintenance I know!}

Ryder napped, baths were had and then Chris, Matt and Ella headed into USJ Park to do some rides and have some fun, while I had a stroll around and did a little spot of shopping with Ryder. The area looked so beautiful at night time. The glowing city skyline and fairy lights in every tree - along every path. With Christmas music blaring and the icey-cold air; nights in Japan seemed to come alive.

Chris called me at around 7pm telling me to meet them there, as there was some rides he wanted me to experience before the park closed for the night.

Matt paced the park with Ryder in the pram whilst Ella, Chris and I went on the Jurassic Park ride, Spiderman and Space Odyssey. Oh.My.Tootin.Gawd! Seriously, the BEST thrill rides I HAVE EVER BEEN ON! So stimulating, so scary, but so much fun! I still can't believe Ella went on them {many MANY times}. They were crazy! I haven't screamed and laughed that much in so long! It was awesome!!! Maybe one of the most gratifying nights of the trip?! {big call, I know!}

All adrenalin buzzed and high on life, we watched the parade again and then headed over to Bubba Gumps for a late dinner. After devouring huge 'American' meals and delicious cocktails, we headed back to the hotel to call it a night!

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Our last day in Japan was just as full and exciting. We weren't boarding our flight home until 9pm; so we had a whole day to fill. Again, a spot of shopping, more dining and USJ {again!}. Ella and I went on the Space ride {again}, and JAWS! We indulged on more caramel popcorn and seeped in the last of the wintery goodness and travel experiences.

It was sad to say goodbye to Matt, after spending such fun, quality time with him! But also enticing in the prospect that we will see him again, yet.... where is the potentially exciting part?! Will it be back home in Aus? Or maybe back in Japan if he takes the performing contract again? Or maybe... just maybe in NEW YORK CITY?!

By the time we boarded our flight later that night, with two very tired kids {and in Business Class....a last minute upgrade!! HELLO!!} we were exhausted and ready for the comforts of home and routine once again. Nine hours later, and NO sleep; we landed back on the Gold Coast and into the brunt of an Australian summer :)

Our trip was truly awesome! I'm so amazed at how much we crammed into those 12 days.....but am excited about how much we didn't do - yet one day WILL! I'm proud of Chris & I for taking the jump and traveling with young kids, and I am in love with the change in perspective that traveling gives you. 

WHAT A TRIP!!!

You can read my other posts from Japan here:

We're in Japan, **** Universal Studios, ***** Kyoto, **** Observations ***** Tokyo Disneyland.

Thanks for following my posts along the way! I truly recommend Japan for a family holiday destination, if you're considering places to go!!

Santa Came.

Ella woke at 5:30am Christmas morning. Her fast footsteps pounding down the hallway to our room awoke me, before her excited whispers did. Ryder was already in bed with us....I had brought him in around 1am during one of his wakings.

"You HAVE to come downstairs Mummy! You just HAVE TO!! He's been! Santa has really been!" she said as she tugged at my arm.

So, the four of us headed down.....

Sure enough....Santa had been :) He had left a note congratulating Ella on her great sleeping of recent times and Ryder on his eating habits :) He left messages about Christmas Spirit and advice on doing what's right!

He had drunk the milk, eaten the choc ball and allowed his reindeers to nibble the carrot.

And of course....left an abundance of gifts....

Ella wrote on her Christmas wish-list many weeks ago, that she wanted a rocking horse. She had mentioned it MANY times during the year and now she was still persisting that Santa please bring her one.

That good ole' jolly man in the red suit..... He delivered!

To say she was excited is under statement.

She was beaming!!

Ryder, completely unaware of what was actually happening, was quite happy to play with packaging, wrapping paper and sister's new pony :)

And he rocked it out on his new guitar from Leap Frog. {which I scored in a comp on Kate's blog} Yay! Free gifts are always a bonus, especially this time of year!

We then enjoyed a home cooked breakfast feast of eggs and salami and vegetables. Followed by strong coffee and a few gingerbread cookies.

The four of us then devoured all the presents under the tree. Presents to and from each other, and from cousins and Grandparents too.

I scored an iPad Mini from Chris....with a pink case and a SIM Card pack. Lucky me, I know!

From our families, I also got a Kardashian handbag, a new blender and some Gold Class Movie Tickets {that come with babysitting...yay!} Very spoilt!

And Ella's gifts that she picked, paid for and wrapped herself for Chris & I? I got a gorgeous oversized coffee/tea mug and saucer with the Eiffel Tower on it, and Chris: a fabulous Christmas Shirt :)))))) She was itching for us to open them first! Our sweet little lady!

The aftermath.

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At lunchtime, we headed down the coast to spend the rest of the day with Chris's family. A huge chunk of the Chadwick family from Melbourne are up for this week and renting a holiday house on the coast. We all gathered in force to enjoy the special day together. Catching up with this side of the family was something I was so very much looking forward to.

We drunk my famous berry punch and ate way too much!! We laughed and connected. We cuddled and played and swam in the pool. We watched family movies and huddled over the Chadwick Family Tree. We listened to Pa {Ken} talk about his memories and past experiences. He sung us his favourite lyrics...full of meaning.

My kids were happy, and loved and surrounded by their blood heritage.

A great day was had!!! A great day indeed.

I passed out at 7:45pm putting Ryder to bed!

Absolutely exhausted :)

And awoke the next morning on Boxing Day feeling VERY poorly. Feverish and congested. All fluey and gross.

Completely run down! This Mumma finally hit the wall after a very busy December!!!

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So, yesterday was spent at home. Napping and swimming and being with my three Loves. I sorted through Ella's whole room - filling bags for charity and of rubbish. Bags of clothes to giveaway to smaller family members and friends. It felt good to clean out the clutter {again} and make room for the new toys and clothes. A refreshing way to end the year!

How was your Christmas Day? I hope it was rich with memories and happiness.

Day One - of being 30 & on holiday.

Yesterday I turned thirty. We rung in my special day at midnight - dancing, drinking, celebrating, loving, laughing & living it up at my best friend; Monica's; thirtieth bash. She put on an amazing party. She's good like that. And although, us girls *may have* hogged the photo booth most of the night and I *may have* done a Sambuca shot - the first in MANY years, it truly was a fun FUN night! I danced on a dance floor with friends, clinked champagne glasses, cheered, cried, reminisced and reflected. And as Chris & I scurried through the cold carpark after the party, holding hands - childfree; me with my heels in my hands, no longer on foot, I smiled. Being 30 is going to rock! I can just feel it.

Thirty started with a bang.

Yesterday then followed on with other lovelies: happy kids, visiting family, cake, presents, girlfriends around for a pizza dinner and more champers.... & packing for our family holiday! Our family holiday that began TODAY!

After a morning of packing, cleaning, organising & ticking off 'don't forget' lists {yet I still forgot so much haaa}, we headed to the Brisbane Airport - the 4 of us. My favourite 3 by my side. And we boarded flight DJ1497 - Hamilton Island bound.

The flight was fairly smooth. I had my usual micro panic attack on take-off, but calmed once the plane did. Ryder passed out in my lap on take-off & woke just as we started to descend for landing....perfection!

And although the weather here was ever-so-slightly overcast this afternoon......it's still paradise....

This trip was my 30th Birthday Gift from Chris! What a man! I tell you what!!!!!

I spent my whole 20's with him. We met when I was a mere baby-faced nineteen year old. And although, we {ike all couples, I'd like to assume}, had our down's & hard times, we also had a HEAP of great times. He's stood by me through a decade of growth & change. Seriously - Cheers to him, and the joy he brings into my life. No he doesn't do night feeds with baby, or pick up his wet towel off the bathroom floor.......but he makes me laugh, loves me BIG, works hard to provide a good life for me, and treats me like a Princess......like last-minute trips to Paradise....just for turning 30! I love you Chris xx. I really, truly do.

Once we were settled into the hotel, we set out on foot to explore the local area.

We scoured the shoreline for shells & treasures. We enjoyed the balmy weather.

After a rough few weeks with Ryder, today he was a champ. He went-with-the-flow, flirted with strangers, showed off his love of travel, and made the already hard job of traveling with kids....that little bit easier :) His giggles of delight could be heard across the crumpling water, as his Daddy splashed.....

And he loved having his delicious little toes dipped into the ocean.....

I'm hoping this fresh sea air and salty goodness will clear out the snot, germs and congestion we've all been suffering....once & for all for the season :)

These three make me whole. Welcome to the centre of my universe:

We then ventured on. Along the beach, into the dining area, and discovered some more amazing pools, which we'll definitely be testing out this week :)

A bar stop to re-hydrate....of course.

And made creative use of a bar table. My little bongo playing groover:

Chris & Ella {and Barbie Mermaid} had a quick dip in the Hotel's pool before dinner.

This little man is a water-loving-baby! No fear of it at all. Unlike Ella at that age {and still to a degree now} is so cautious of water. But not Ryder. Ryder just wants in!!

And now.....

We're back in the hotel room after a divine dinner in the pool-side restaurant. Kids eat free here {you NEED to come here....seriously}.....Don't you worry....we ensured Ella had a lovely big serving of fish n chips, frog in the pond & pink lemonade. hey....we're on holidays.....and it was FREE!

The kids are asleep. Ryder in the porta-cot by our bedside - his big sister in a queen bed all to her self - all 4 of us in the same room. Just as it should be :) Chris & I are now outside on the patio - iPadding, blogging, listening to Train's new album and breathing in the magic of the Whitsundays!

Lucky. Loved. And loving it! Signing off now - for an early one.

See you tomorrow for Day 2 :) {and Bookworms post coming this week too}

Celebrating Life DISNEY style.

Wow, we're in July already!! Can you believe it? We're half way through the year already! It's winter....but some days, you just wouldn't know it here.....coz we still get to enjoy fun in the sun & ice cream:

Just a couple of months ago, I was struggling so miserably with all-day morning-sickness, and although I'm not one to wish my life away....I was sure as hell wishing away those months & holding on to hope that the sickness would relieve & life would return to some sort of normalcy & a beautiful baby would greet us at the end of it all :) And...now...it's July! I'm 23weeks pregnant!! I have my energy & a zest for life again. My bubba is growing nicely, our trip is just 4 weeks away & the school holidays have been GREAT! 

Chris celebrated his birthday last Tuesday! We went out on Sunday night with family & friends to commemorate his special day, and then stayed home for some family time on his actual special day! Ella & I made his favourite dinner, baked him a chocolate mud cake {even though he doesn't even like cake....let alone chocolate cake lol}, decorated the house with balloons & set the table ready for a party for 3. It was nice! Ella loves LIFE! Like most toddler, she embraces life for all it's grace & glory & lives it 100%! She loves to celebrate & the girl loves to PARTY! So, as we celebrated Chris's 37th year of life, I smiled & cherished all that we have at this moment! I'm so very grateful! 

On Friday, my Mum took Ella & I to Disney On Ice! IT.WAS.AWESOME!! I've been to a Disney On Ice once before when I was about 13yrs old with some friends & I also saw Cinderella on Ice a few years ago. But this one was PURE MAGIC! I don't know if it was the pregnancy hormones or because I'm weakening in my old age or if it's because I see the world in a whole new light now.....but the show was so entertaining & I even shed a tear....a happy tear of course!

{Above: My Mum & Ella: aka Tinkerbell, walking into the Centre}

{Above: My girl & I waiting for the show to begin!}

{Above: Mum & Ella....and one of Ella's scores for the day: a $30 Princess Light Wand! Total rip off....but hey, how often do we get to be Tinkerbell at Disney On Ice?}

Ella was in complete awe the whole time! She clapped & cheered & was screaming out at the top of her lungs "Just kiss her" to the prince in the Little Mermaid :) She loved it! And so did Mum & I :)

Today, Monday, Kirsty & I packed 3 kids, 3 esky bags, 2 nappy bags, a stroller, several grocery bags & the NavMan into her car & the 5 of us headed into the Northside of town to meet our lovely friend Kim & her 2 kidlets! It was the first time we went to this park....and Oh.My.Goodness. we'll be back!! It was so cool! The kids had an absolute blast! Four hours later, we re-packed the car, however this time with empty eskies & VERY dirty yet VERY content kids back into the car & headed home! IT WAS FUN!! One of those perfect days really!

{Sophie, Jet & Ella}

These three have been friends since babyhood. Ella was 6 weeks old, when I nervously stepped foot into the local health centre & joined a New Mother's Group! One of the best decisions I ever made....coz Ella has lifetime friends from it...and so do I :) 

And below: This is one of their first park play dates back in 2008 when these kindred little souls, were just getting to know each other :)

{Ella, Jet & Sophie in 2008!}

And now in mid 2011, that 3 has grown to 5....and later this year I can't wait to see our little man in his pram, making it 6, amongst this crew :)

It's been a great week!

School holidays ROCK....even if it's only teachers & kids who agree with me lol! I love being off work with my little lady! We've been busy enjoying life, seeping it all in & I couldn't be happier! We've baked & played & rekindled friendships & slept in {well....kind of}, we've laughed & loved & everything else in between! I wonder what this week will bring?