Tag Archives: holidays

Oct8

Grateful for….School Holidays & Family Time

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Grateful for….School Holidays & Family Time

Grateful For...

Two more days before the new school term starts – why am I counting my days? Well, it means back to rushing around, back to work (although I did miss the money!), back to the kids’ after school activities – again. But, I have to say I have enjoyed this much needed break!

So this week, I’m grateful for the 2 weeks I got to spend with my kids – well most of the time. The kids got to “recuperate” and recharge from their full-on time at school, last term, I got to have my much needed lie-ins, we all had some fun play at the park and because of the holidays, I also managed to finish doing the LAUNDRY! It’s nice to know that the kids will be having some clean school jackets (although they won’t be needing them next term), and more clean uniforms and clothes.

School holidays also mean family time – as in including my husband. He managed to take the day off on Monday for us to head on to the city for lunch and some shopping. And today, we spent the day at home – me, fixing up my other blog – something I did not forsee at all. But the kids had fun playing together, while hubby was busy building their cubby house (hoping this will finish in time for Christmas!). We did manage to go out for a lovely dinner with my in-laws for my father-in-law’s birthday. I guess it was a good ending to a crappy start of the day for me!

What are you grateful for this week? And check out what other bloggers are grateful for too!

 

Oct6

The Tail-end of the School Holidays

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The Tail-end of the School Holidays

It’s Thursday, which means I’ve got about four more days before the final school term starts. While I think the kids have had enough of the break – especially having Master 5 annoy his sisters constantly just so he could get some attention from them – or maybe that’s just him being a boy, I am half-hearted having it all end. The first week went by in a haze, so much so that I couldn’t even remember what it was we did. What I do remember though was living life in “slow motion”, not having to rush or pack lunches and best of all just vegging out while catching up on things I never got to do while the kids were in school and I was out at work.

Dinosaur

I’m going to miss sleeping in, or  rather lounging in my bed and catching up on my morning shows. I’m going to miss eating breakfast and lunch at really odd times – because yes, it is a holiday and it’s ok to not have a routine during these times. I’m going to miss just not being in a hurry all the time. But life has to go on and this is the cycle I guess I have to accept. So during this tail-end of the school holidays, we’ve got a few things planned:

  • Tea Party – just us, so that we can enjoy being in each other’s company.
  • Karaoke – again just us and probably get the kids to dress up (maybe me too?).
  • Going out to the city for a family day – we did this on Monday, when my husband took a day off, but I think it’ll be fun to do it again this weekend.
  • Movie Night with the kids tomorrow so that we can have  a final “veg-out” night.
Can we do it all within these few remaining days? Honestly, it doesn’t matter if we can’t, as long as we have fun doing some of the things we’ve planned, because once the school term starts, that’s when the madness begins.


Jul4

A great start to the school holidays

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A great start to the school holidays

Friday marked the official end to term 2 of school in Victoria, well, state schools at least. I’m thrilled that I get to sleep in come Monday, and yes, catch up on Neighbours at 8:30am in the morning on Channel 11 (yes it’s a repeat I know) and also catch up on all the morning shows that I never get to watch during the school term.

Saturday started off well with us visiting a family friend who is slowly recovering from her brain aneurysm episode a few months back. It was great to see her finally being able to smile, and the facial expressions that came with reacting to whatever it was that we shared with her was just priceless. I know the process is really slow, but I’m just glad she’s slowly getting there. She still has to work on her voice box, so that her voice would be stronger and louder than a whisper, but, I’m not complaining. I’m just glad she’s lived through this ordeal.

Sunday, saw Master 5 and I attending a Disney Junior event, over at the Cullen Hotel in Prahran, thanks to the people at Porter Novelli. The room was yes – COOL! There was a big screen for the screening of the programs, popcorn, chips, pretzels, chocolates, lollies and even fruit for the kids to nibble on whilst watching the shows and to keep them entertained – some “colouring stations” where they can sit and decorate the different Disney Junior print outs. It looked as if it was someone’s birthday party, especially with the decorations and balloons strewn on the floor. Face painting was also part of the itinerary – lucky kids! But, yes, Master 5 is not a huge fan of face painting, so I managed to convince him to get a smallish painting on his hand instead. There was also another room set up – the penthouse, where there were couches, bean bags and yes, the snacks for the kids to nibble on too.

 

The screen showing the programs

The screen showing the programs

 

Master 5 enjoying his popcorn

Master 5 enjoying his popcorn

 

Face painting station

Face painting station

 

Colouring Station

Colouring Station

 

Master 5 getting his hand painted

Master 5 getting his hand painted

 

The mums there didn’t get left out either – a coffee machine for us to enjoy some nice hot beverages, and the bonus – manicures! The manicure station was by Divatan Mobile Beauty Service, who only ever uses OPI products. So, not only did the kids get entertained, the mums got to mingle, chat and catch up too. I also got to meet some of the bloggers I’ve only ever met online.

Kate from Kate Says Stuff & Amanda from Real Mums getting their nails done at the "nail bar"

Kate from Kate Says Stuff & Amanda from Real Mums getting their nails done at the "nail bar"

For those of you wondering what Disney Junior is, well, it’s a revamp of the Playhouse Disney channel on cable tv. So for those of you lucky enough to have cable at home, Disney Junior is where you can find Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, Timmy Time and so much more. The channel is great for kids up to the age of prep, with lots of early learning programs. If you haven’t got cable, well I guess you’d either have to a)get it, or b)wait for the programs to come out on DVD. And if you just cannot wait that long to get in on the fun, they do have their official website with all the cool and fun activities.

So, with the weekend over, we’re now officially ushering in the first week of the holidays. Stay tuned for my next instalment of the Chau family’s school holiday fun.

Jan14

Stuff to do for the holidays in Melbourne

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Stuff to do for the holidays in Melbourne

We are almost – and I say almost, but not completely, at the end of the school Summer holidays over here in Melbourne. For my kids, school starts on the 4th of February 2011; a FRIDAY! So, if you’re like me, at wits end as to what to do to keep the kids busy and entertained, here are some suggestions. Some are free and some are not.

I LOVE this place – why? Just because it provides FREE entertainment and activities during school holidays. Yippeeee! This time they’ve got the “Small Worlds” Exhibition over at the NGV Kids Corner. It takes your little ones on an adventure, exploring the tiny object like teapots in the guise of houses, wheeled toys, quirky figurines and even a TIWI family car (no idea what that is really). The admission is FREE and this exhibition is on until the 31st of July 2011. You and your child can view this on Tues-Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Then, there’s the Musicalla – Singing and Dancing on Screen run by ACMI. Your child can be a star in their very own musical experience. The use of digital technology and green screen will amaze them as ACMI transforms their green screen studio into a musical wonderland. This is suitable for kids aged 5 – 13 and is FREE. The dates available are the 17-21 January and 24-28 January. Check out their site for the drop in times.

For paid activities, check out their Dreams Come True exhibition, which showcases works featuring the Disney Fairytales, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid and even Tangled. Click here for ticket prices and opening hours. Or for some CHEAP movies, why not bring the kids to the ACMI’s Kids’ Flicks. Tickets are only $6 and there is a string of great classics and I think this holiday it’s mostly fairy tales and magic.  Check here for the films and session times and dates.

If your child loves colour, art and illustration, then this exhibition is great for him/her. A free event that showcases illustration, photography, objects and other artworks. The exhibition runs until the 26th January and is open from 10am-2pm weekdays and 12pm – 4pm weekends. Check the exact opening hours and days here.

On Australia Day, why not bring your child over to ArtPlay  and discover the intriguing world of Shadow Portraits. Admission for this workshop is free and it starts from 12pm through to 3pm.

Ok, so it’s not free for us adults, but entry is only $8 and kids are free. Why not explore their latest exhibition, “The Dynamic Earth“. You can see Australia’s third largest gold nugget, or experience what it feels like being in a volcano, with its immersive 3D theatre! This exhibition is on until the 6th February 2011 and opening hours are from 10am – 5pm.

In the Bunjilaka Gallery, until the 29th January, why not sit in and enjoy Aboriginal stories, activities and performances. Starts from 11am through to 3pm.

There’s free entertainment for the kids over at Habour Town. From Thomas, to Dora and even Ben 10! From the 10th – 16th January, meet Thomas & his friends. Shows are on at 11am and 1pm. Ben 10 live show is on from the  17th January -  22nd January, same show times as the Thomas shows.

If your kids LOVE animals, they have Bush babies from the 20th to 22nd Jan between 11am-4pm and pony rides from the 22nd to the 26th of January over at Habour Town.

This particular activity is a paid one, but it costs $4.50 per child and $2.50 per accompanying adult. Once upon a time is a program that would excite any child who loves fairies, dragons and all those from the enchanted world. Your child can come dress as a fairy or dragon and will delve into the world of creating their own fairytale storybook. This program runs until the 30th January from 9am – 5pm.

More fairies and dragons – only this time it’s a FREE event! The Fairies and Dragons Happily Ever After Party is on at the Cook’s Cottage on the 30th January – to celebrate the end of the school holidays (YEAY!! About time!). There’s free workshops, a sausage sizzle, games and prizes!

Great for those who love nature, targeted for children between the ages of 5-12, this free activity also runs when it rains! YEAY! Just be sure to have your child in cover toed shoes, and bring a raincoat along. This runs until the 21st January from 10am to 11:30am and I think it’s best to book ahead. Ring 9658 9658 for more enquiries. This is a fun way for children to learn about Melbourne’s Wetlands and they might even get to make their own habitat to take home.The activity takes place at Trin Warren Tam Boree (Bellbird Waterhole) over in Oak Street , Ross Straw Pavillon in Parkville.

At $5 per child and adults free, your child can enjoy some strange and fascinating stories with their Super Silly Story Time from INSIDE the Como mansion itself! You can even bring your favourite mug, so that you can enjoy some good old fashioned lemonade provided by the story tellers. Runs on the 18th and 25th January and bookings are essential.

If your child loves history and discovering what it feels like to live in the 19th century, then they can try the Rewind & Replay program. Cost is $15 per child and bookings are essential. This is on the 18th and 25th January between 10am to 1pm.

That’s all I can fit into this post. Be sure to also check out your local councils for any events they might run during the school holidays. Some are free and others are not. If you’ve got other ideas please feel free to share them in the comments section.