Saturday 26 July 2008
Slackers !
Friday 28 March 2008
A week in Bargara
So a few days after Claire, Rob and Emma left we headed up North with Gary's parents to Bargara. Bargara is about 3 hours north from the Sunshine Coast and is on the coastline. We chose there as at this time of year it is the wet season in the Whitsundays so not the optimal time to be heading that far north. We had also heard about the Mon Repos turtle experience which we were very keen to experience.
We had five nights / six days up there in a lovely 4 bedroom apartment over looking the beach. Although slightly windy the weather was otherwise perfect, mostly blue skies and around 29 degrees most days. Most of the week was spent truly relaxing with visits to beaches, parks and cafes, a rest time in the afternoon for both the kids and us. It is such a treat to sit down in the afternoon with a book and know there is nothing you NEED to do.
The highlight for all of us was the Mon Repos's turtle experience. Mon Repos is a conservation park / beach that is the largest nesting ground of the loggerhead turtles. It's a luck of the draw whether you manage to see the turtles either laying or hatching. We were in the first group of 50 to head out to the beach on our little expedition. We headed out with no torches and limited light from the pathway and guide to look for the action. We walked a little way along the beach until the site of a hatching was located, having kids was fantastic as we ended up sitting at the front of the circle watching the erupting turtles. It was like watching a volcano erupting except it wasn't from a mound but rather flat sand that ended up as a hole. Amazing! The hatching we viewed produced 114 live turtles (and about 12 that didn't survive). Turtles follow the light from the horizon to get to the sea (NB the limited light we could produce) so with the use of torches, the guides guided the turtles to a safe enclosure while they continued telling us about them and bringing one round for us to see close up and hold. Caitlin and Ryan were mesmerised and extremely gentle. After this we formed two lines out to sea with some volunteers to stand making a tunnel with their legs, pointing the torches so the hatching's could run out to sea. Caitlin and Gary were the beginning of the tunnel, Caitlin was amazing and ever so still. I thought she might freak out with 114 little creatures running at her and over her feet but no she was incredible and blown away by the whole experience. The whole night was even more special for the kids as they didn't get to bed until 9.30 - what a treat. During the busy season some groups don't get out to the beach until midnight, not sure they could have coped with that, so we were very lucky.
So all in all it was a lovely, relaxing and fun time away. Maybe next time we'll head up during the laying season.
Ticey Treats Come to visit
So with the very warm day out of the way the rest of the week was back to the unusual summer that the Sunshine Coast has experienced this year. Hardly "beautiful one day perfect the next". We had a wonderful week with our visitors. Caitlin and Ryan adored Emma (as well as Claire and Rob) although Ryan did get a little grumpy with being called 'boyfriend Alex' oh the competition. Claire and I managed a chic flick and girly lunch out which was fantastic and the boys got a rugby game in with the pre-season match of Warriors vs Manly.
Haven't uploaded photos but you can check them out on http://ticeytreats.blogspot.com/2008/03/week-on-sunshine-coast.html
Wednesday 12 March 2008
Grandma and Grandad Ward Arrive
Gary and his parents enjoying the warmth of Mooloolaba Beach.
Grandma and Caitlin enjoying time together
Ryan showing Grandad the playground
We have had a wonderful month, highlighted by a trip away (which I will blog about soon) and individual time with the Grandparents. Both kids have had a couple of nights staying at Grandma and Grandad's apartment with lots of spoiling and quality time.
Sunday 17 February 2008
A New Era
In the first three weeks she has had sports with the sports teacher once or twice a week, music with the music teacher, sung Twinkle twinkle little star in Italian, a long with all the other stuff that goes on in the classroom. Currently they are learning to spell a child's name each day with "letterland", she is hanging out to have here name done - maybe this week. She has made lots of friends and has found another level of confidence, so far she is happy speaking in front of the class (in a circle on the mat) which for Caitlin is a massive leap forward.
And this is our "big preschool boy". He was so excited heading off to preschool on the first day. Absolutely no separation anxiety, waving us good-bye from the sandpit. He was great for the first four days but the 5th and 6th days he was clingy and had a cry, but fingers crossed that is out of the way as he was fine again on Friday. The joy of different personalities is that we actually get to hear about what Ryan is doing at preschool as with Caitlin it was like getting blood from a stone sometimes. Ryan's preschool career will be based around the sandpit, most days I pick him up that is where I will find him.
We are all very happy with the settling in process. They have both changed so much and are extremely settled which always makes for a happy relaxed time.
The other thing that surprises me (more about me than the others) is that we/I am not rushing in the morning to get out the door, usually we are ready and waiting half an hour before it's time to go and I have done and hung a load of washing and sometimes even gone for my walk! The joys of the earlier mornings over here. I can see that surprised look on your face Claire H!
Saturday 26 January 2008
A-stray-ya Day
Friday 25 January 2008
Enjoying the kids
The sprinkler fun was fantastic, both kids really enjoyed it. Jaffa enjoyed it too! Although didn't run through it, she was sitting under the edge of the spray - not sure whether she's a cat or a dog!
Yes there is water in the container, I initially got this out for them to use to do some "cooking" and making "coffee" but Ryan stripped off and got in. Not sure I'd be too keen on "drinking" the coffee anymore!
We have a big week this week with Caitlin starting school on Tuesday and Ryan starting preschool the same day (he will be going twice a week).
Before this though we have Australia Day weekend, starting tomorrow. What has struck us (being our first Australia Day here) is how amazingly patriotic Australia is, in celebrating being Australian. There seems to be massive community events all over the coast. It is such a different feel to Waitangi Day celebrations (or arguments over whether Helen Clark is going to Waitangi or not .....). Anyway we are looking forward to a family day, followed by a family and friends get together at the beach for food, drinks and fireworks.