Wednesday 30 March 2011
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Good Bye YAMBA, Hello TWEED HEADS... 29/03/11
We stayed at Yamba for 10 nights and the time came to leave. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Yamba and will be surprised if we can find a little coastal town that can beat it.
We are now all very relaxed and looking forward to the rest of our adventure.
Levi is doing great with his school work. We have been aiming for around 1 1/2 hrs a day of text book work. He than will do about 1/2 hr to an hr on the laptop doing reading eggs or mathletics ( this part he doesn't realize yet is also part of his schooling.
The boys spent their pocket money on new body boards a couple of days ago. Levi has been making full use of his having a blast and going to far out in the beach. I remember my mum sitting on the beach watching us kids swimming for hours. Mum would be sitting there (what feels like the whole time) waving her arms, like swatting a million flies, mouthing COME BACK IN. I now know what my mother was feeling all those years ago. I am sorry mum for not listening.
Zac has finally begun enjoying the pool. When we first arrived Zac would not even venture off the first step. I am very proud to say, that he is now floating freely around the pool in his floaties and even attempted the water slide.
We have met some interesting people already on our trip. Today at the Maclean tourist info centre we met an 83 yr old lady behind the desk. This lady is AMAZING. She was telling us how she interviews famous people for the radio station. "I have to skype a lot and I record the interveiw and then edit it to block out any back ground noise". She than went on to say how she had to cut back from 35 committees to 13 because she was just too busy. This is the kind of lady I would love to have over for dinner and listen to her talk all night.
We met a family today that have been on the road for 5 months. It was great to talk to them and here of there good and bad experience caravanning with kids.
We are now in Tweed heads for a few nights and than plan to go to Brisbane to catch up with some family.
We are staying at Boyd caravan park. The park is huge but not busy this time of year so the boys have loads of room to bike and scooter around. We are situated right on the river and will try our luck at fishing tonight.
I would like to say a big welcome to my newest neice Mia Grace Brissett who was born Friday. Congrats to John and Bec!.
We are all loving the trip so far and look so forward to what is ahead of us.
Well I'm off to try and catch a fish. I will post some pics if i am successful.
KIDS MOMENT - Travelling in the car and Levi asked Zac if he can watch his DVD player with him, Zac says no. Levi whinges and gets teary. I say "Zac you need to share your movie with Levi" Zac replies with his hand on his forehead "Mum, I was perfectly happy and now I am perfectly sad".
Levi at main beach Yamba
This was about as much use Zacs board has got as yet.
This is the kids box of toys they got to bring plus a box of lego. It has all the essentials - hot wheels cars, balls, tech deck skate boards/bikes and ramps, wrestling figures.
The boys building a dam!
We are now all very relaxed and looking forward to the rest of our adventure.
Levi is doing great with his school work. We have been aiming for around 1 1/2 hrs a day of text book work. He than will do about 1/2 hr to an hr on the laptop doing reading eggs or mathletics ( this part he doesn't realize yet is also part of his schooling.
The boys spent their pocket money on new body boards a couple of days ago. Levi has been making full use of his having a blast and going to far out in the beach. I remember my mum sitting on the beach watching us kids swimming for hours. Mum would be sitting there (what feels like the whole time) waving her arms, like swatting a million flies, mouthing COME BACK IN. I now know what my mother was feeling all those years ago. I am sorry mum for not listening.
Zac has finally begun enjoying the pool. When we first arrived Zac would not even venture off the first step. I am very proud to say, that he is now floating freely around the pool in his floaties and even attempted the water slide.
We have met some interesting people already on our trip. Today at the Maclean tourist info centre we met an 83 yr old lady behind the desk. This lady is AMAZING. She was telling us how she interviews famous people for the radio station. "I have to skype a lot and I record the interveiw and then edit it to block out any back ground noise". She than went on to say how she had to cut back from 35 committees to 13 because she was just too busy. This is the kind of lady I would love to have over for dinner and listen to her talk all night.
We met a family today that have been on the road for 5 months. It was great to talk to them and here of there good and bad experience caravanning with kids.
We are now in Tweed heads for a few nights and than plan to go to Brisbane to catch up with some family.
We are staying at Boyd caravan park. The park is huge but not busy this time of year so the boys have loads of room to bike and scooter around. We are situated right on the river and will try our luck at fishing tonight.
I would like to say a big welcome to my newest neice Mia Grace Brissett who was born Friday. Congrats to John and Bec!.
We are all loving the trip so far and look so forward to what is ahead of us.
Well I'm off to try and catch a fish. I will post some pics if i am successful.
KIDS MOMENT - Travelling in the car and Levi asked Zac if he can watch his DVD player with him, Zac says no. Levi whinges and gets teary. I say "Zac you need to share your movie with Levi" Zac replies with his hand on his forehead "Mum, I was perfectly happy and now I am perfectly sad".
Levi at main beach Yamba
This was about as much use Zacs board has got as yet.
This is the kids box of toys they got to bring plus a box of lego. It has all the essentials - hot wheels cars, balls, tech deck skate boards/bikes and ramps, wrestling figures.
The boys building a dam!
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Monday 21 March 2011
THANKGOODNESS FOR SUNSHINE - YAMBA NSW 21/03/11
Well life is looking good. As i sit here lay back here on the camping recliner writing this post, the kids are quiet in the van watching a movie, Peter is cooking dinner (steak and veges), the birds are singing and the afternoon sky is blue.
Wind back to our first night and things were not so rosy. Our neighbours partied till 1.00am, Levi vomited at midnight and the nieghbours baby cried ALL night.
It has rained since we arrived on Friday, but this afternoon the sun decided to show itself and there is not a cloud to be seen.
The rain didn't slow the kids down. They continued to ride their bikes and scooters around the park and swim in the rain. Levi still managed to get nearly 3 days out of one pair of shorts and one t-shirt (gross I know, but when you have a limited wardrobe and washing facilities - more on this later, I have to congratulate him on his contribution to making the most of limited resources). Zac on the other hand, feels the need to change clothes after a sprinkle of rain or a speck of dirt or food touches his clothes. We will need to work on this area.
Back to the washing facilities. After spending $7.00 on washing and drying one load of clothes we have come up with an alternative. We purchased 2 x 25lt water tight buckets with lids today for $10.00 each. The plan is to put water in both, one with washing powder and one fresh. We (YES WE) will put the dirty clothes in one and strap the bucket in the back under the canopy while driving. Then wring out and switch clothes to fresh water and so on. Then wring out when we get back to camp and hang on our makeshift clothes line. Sounds like a good plan - I will let you know the outcome.
Peter and I purchased a pushbike each some time ago-seemed like a good idea at time. Well yesterday afternoon Zac came up with a great idea. He said "Mum I have a great plan". This is when I hold my breath and hope for the best. "I think we should go on a family bike ride together".
I couldn't deny my beautiful 4 yr old his FAMILY bike ride, so I bit the bullet, hopped on my bike and prayed to stay upright.
The family bike ride was a success!. Only injury it seems, was when I had a little trouble getting out of bed the next morning, and attempting to walk without looking like I had been riding a horse for a week.
Today we drove to Grafton to get some supplies. We were driving down the main street when Peter spotted a young fellow walking with no shirt on. Peter said to the kids "Poor fella, a tiger must have ripped his shirt off". We were sitting in the foodcourt an hour or so later having lunch when I said quietly to Peter "1st thing we have learn't for today is to TRY and stay away from the shopping plaza and foodcourts". Zac than piped up and said" Well, the 6th thing I've learnt for today is to stay away from tigers".
That is all for now. I will post some new pictures soon.
TIP - Mix half dettol with half baby oil and a few drops of tea trea oil in a spray bottle. Give it a shake and you have made mosquito repellant.
Wind back to our first night and things were not so rosy. Our neighbours partied till 1.00am, Levi vomited at midnight and the nieghbours baby cried ALL night.
It has rained since we arrived on Friday, but this afternoon the sun decided to show itself and there is not a cloud to be seen.
The rain didn't slow the kids down. They continued to ride their bikes and scooters around the park and swim in the rain. Levi still managed to get nearly 3 days out of one pair of shorts and one t-shirt (gross I know, but when you have a limited wardrobe and washing facilities - more on this later, I have to congratulate him on his contribution to making the most of limited resources). Zac on the other hand, feels the need to change clothes after a sprinkle of rain or a speck of dirt or food touches his clothes. We will need to work on this area.
Back to the washing facilities. After spending $7.00 on washing and drying one load of clothes we have come up with an alternative. We purchased 2 x 25lt water tight buckets with lids today for $10.00 each. The plan is to put water in both, one with washing powder and one fresh. We (YES WE) will put the dirty clothes in one and strap the bucket in the back under the canopy while driving. Then wring out and switch clothes to fresh water and so on. Then wring out when we get back to camp and hang on our makeshift clothes line. Sounds like a good plan - I will let you know the outcome.
Peter and I purchased a pushbike each some time ago-seemed like a good idea at time. Well yesterday afternoon Zac came up with a great idea. He said "Mum I have a great plan". This is when I hold my breath and hope for the best. "I think we should go on a family bike ride together".
I couldn't deny my beautiful 4 yr old his FAMILY bike ride, so I bit the bullet, hopped on my bike and prayed to stay upright.
The family bike ride was a success!. Only injury it seems, was when I had a little trouble getting out of bed the next morning, and attempting to walk without looking like I had been riding a horse for a week.
Today we drove to Grafton to get some supplies. We were driving down the main street when Peter spotted a young fellow walking with no shirt on. Peter said to the kids "Poor fella, a tiger must have ripped his shirt off". We were sitting in the foodcourt an hour or so later having lunch when I said quietly to Peter "1st thing we have learn't for today is to TRY and stay away from the shopping plaza and foodcourts". Zac than piped up and said" Well, the 6th thing I've learnt for today is to stay away from tigers".
That is all for now. I will post some new pictures soon.
TIP - Mix half dettol with half baby oil and a few drops of tea trea oil in a spray bottle. Give it a shake and you have made mosquito repellant.
Thursday 17 March 2011
DEPARTURE DAY HAS FINALLY COME!
Well the day is finally here. We are heading to our second home today only travelling a bit over 3 hours. Yamba is the most beautiful relaxing little coastal town located on the Clarence River in NSW.
My family has holidayed at Blue dolphin Caravan Park in Yamba for as long as I can remember. I have so many fond memories at Blue dolphin. Back in the day when it was okay to disappear on your push bike for 3 hours and the police weren't called. Back in the day when I could ride around the caravan park with my 3 yr old brother sitting naked on the handle bars (he and
his wife are expecting their first born child any day now, so it seems there was no permanent damage - physically anyway). Back in the day when helmets were not compulsory and it seems clothes were optional. We would spend hours in the pool (even in the middle of the day :0) and not end up with sun stroke.
The Park is now a 5 star resort with all the facilities you could expect from 5 stars.
The sky is overcast and 3 out 4 of us have head colds. BUT nothing will dampen our spirits as we start on our journey of a lifetime.
I will try and make regular entries of all our experiences. As the time goes on I will share with you our journey of homeschooling (good and bad), our kilometres travelled and our petrol costs, our favorite places to camp (including free camps) and our general living costs. I f you would like anything else included in the blog, all suggestions are welcome.
If you would like to be notified when we update the blog please click on the "follow me" and follow the prompts.
Until next time.....ENJOY TODAY :)
My family has holidayed at Blue dolphin Caravan Park in Yamba for as long as I can remember. I have so many fond memories at Blue dolphin. Back in the day when it was okay to disappear on your push bike for 3 hours and the police weren't called. Back in the day when I could ride around the caravan park with my 3 yr old brother sitting naked on the handle bars (he and
his wife are expecting their first born child any day now, so it seems there was no permanent damage - physically anyway). Back in the day when helmets were not compulsory and it seems clothes were optional. We would spend hours in the pool (even in the middle of the day :0) and not end up with sun stroke.
The Park is now a 5 star resort with all the facilities you could expect from 5 stars.
The sky is overcast and 3 out 4 of us have head colds. BUT nothing will dampen our spirits as we start on our journey of a lifetime.
I will try and make regular entries of all our experiences. As the time goes on I will share with you our journey of homeschooling (good and bad), our kilometres travelled and our petrol costs, our favorite places to camp (including free camps) and our general living costs. I f you would like anything else included in the blog, all suggestions are welcome.
If you would like to be notified when we update the blog please click on the "follow me" and follow the prompts.
Until next time.....ENJOY TODAY :)
Monday 7 March 2011
IT'S GETTING CLOSER
Well the time is getting near. We are on the countdown in single digits.
Levi has 3 days of school remaining, he is sooo upset to be leaving school (NOT). He couldn't be happier, although I am sure he will miss his beautiful teachers and friends after a while of not seeing them.
Our caravan is nearly packed and the canopy for the ute is almost here. There still seems to be a lot of last minute things to organise - mail, storage, what to take in the van/what to take back out of the van, take the bikes/ not take the bikes, what is the best mosquito repellent, how much water storage do we really need. Sorry to bore you all with these probably uninteresting details, but these final details could make or break my sanity before the trip even begins.
Of course Peter, the boys and my priorities do vary.
Peter - Is there enough room in the fridge for beer and food, or will I need another 3 way fridge.
Me- Will we need extra blankets for the beds or will one lightweight doona be enough.
Levi - Where will my bike and scooter fit, oh and can I take the wii and the play station. (The answer by the way was yes to the first two and NO to the others).
Zac - Can we take Poppys gun to shoot the crocodiles, are we taking the TV? (No and No).
Please be patient with me as I continue to update and improve this blog, I am only a learner. Any suggestions will be greatly welcome. Please email us or comment on the blog page if you would like any info on our trip and plans.
Unitl next time, Enjoy TODAY. :)
Levi has 3 days of school remaining, he is sooo upset to be leaving school (NOT). He couldn't be happier, although I am sure he will miss his beautiful teachers and friends after a while of not seeing them.
Our caravan is nearly packed and the canopy for the ute is almost here. There still seems to be a lot of last minute things to organise - mail, storage, what to take in the van/what to take back out of the van, take the bikes/ not take the bikes, what is the best mosquito repellent, how much water storage do we really need. Sorry to bore you all with these probably uninteresting details, but these final details could make or break my sanity before the trip even begins.
Of course Peter, the boys and my priorities do vary.
Peter - Is there enough room in the fridge for beer and food, or will I need another 3 way fridge.
Me- Will we need extra blankets for the beds or will one lightweight doona be enough.
Levi - Where will my bike and scooter fit, oh and can I take the wii and the play station. (The answer by the way was yes to the first two and NO to the others).
Zac - Can we take Poppys gun to shoot the crocodiles, are we taking the TV? (No and No).
Please be patient with me as I continue to update and improve this blog, I am only a learner. Any suggestions will be greatly welcome. Please email us or comment on the blog page if you would like any info on our trip and plans.
Unitl next time, Enjoy TODAY. :)
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