Travel tips?

I'm packing my bags and heading to NYC later this week. And then San Fran.

I'm excited. 

And nervous.

Nervous and excited. 

I haven't travelled much internationally. Have you?

What are your best travel tips to get through a long haul flight?

What's your can't live without thing you have to pack? 

Or are you a packing ninja? What's your tip to maximise minimal clothing?

HELP ME!

Part One:: A Weekend Venture To The Capital:: The Human Brochure

Just in case you missed it, last weekend we went to Canberra as part of The Human Brochure. We were in the 500 selected out of 31,000 applicants to take part in this world first online experience - pretty darn exciting.

So us four humans left Sydney as soon as Matt finished teaching on Friday, and hit the road. It was such a pretty drive. You know when you've had a long week - there's nothing that gives you perspective quite like going on a road trip - straight out of the city and into the real world. It perfectly quenched my thirst for space - those green rolling hills, that unending blue sky. It got me dreaming. 

Before I knew it - and before the smalls could be too disgruntled and start chiming in with 'how much longer?' - we were meandering our way through the green, tree-lined streets of Canberra. 

Our first stop was to meet with the rest of The Human Brochure group that were at the Australian War Memorial. Unfortunately we were late, but we managed to spot some rabbits grazing on the lawns (see that top pic where Tiny expresses her excitement), and then made our way inside. 

Firstly - I was nervous. Mainly because this is what I was wearing, and when we walked in - there were many people dressed in military uniforms from different eras, and I was afraid I was going to be mistaken for someone in costume (it wouldn't be the first time for Canberra to do that to me*).

It was such a great evening, and I learnt so much. I am always interested in hearing about war-time efforts, it's so heartbreaking, and incredible what our men and women went through during this time. 

We're absolutely going to go back to the Australian War Memorial - they're hosting an open day on 6th April 2013 that I've heard is going to be a big one. 

And you might be thinking, might be interesting for you PMM, but what about the kids? Well they were definitely catered to. There were dress-ups, puppet shows and stories - all of which were perfectly pitched to their younger audience (and I found interesting too). Plus the exhibits are really interesting - you could spend a few hours there, easily. 

If you're in Canberra on 11th November, or can travel there easily - it would be worth taking a look at the AWM's Rememberance Day services. 

We then made our way to our accommodation for the weekend - the Clifton Suites on Northbourne. The kids always love staying in hotels (who doesn't? No housecleaning!), and the rooms were so spacious the Doctor and Tiny asked if we could live there (heck, our two bedroom apartment was bigger than our house). 

Finally, we wrangled the smalls in to bed and crashed for the night - preparing for the big weekend that lay ahead. 

* When I was in Year Six, we visited Canberra. Because I was the tallest out of the year, the waitress at the restaurant asked me at dinner time if I was sitting with the teacher's table. HA! She thought I was a teacher. And I was a lanky 12 year old. 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Honesty is the best policy! Our accommodation and itinerary was covered for the weekend. We liked it. We had fun. We wanted to share our trip to Canberra. 

Handmade Revolution

Holy cow! I never knew there was such goodness about 20 minutes from home.

On Saturday the smalls and I headed to the Powerhouse Discovery Centre for their Handmade Revolution open day.

We had such a lovely time. I wish both my smalls were less grumpy - particularly the bigger small, but not to worry, I can't wait to head back.

We made paper lace, participated in the outdoor weave in (I loved this), watched as ladies made lace (something I would love to learn), and had a go of 3 metre knitting needles. And I even got to chat with Shane Waltener, the artist behind the weave in. That was pretty thrilling.

This place is the business!

The Powerhouse Discovery Centre also hosts a number of activities during the school holidays. Amongst them, Lego workshops. I'm sure you can guess who's being booked in. Unfortunately - not me. But I know the Doctor will dig it!

+++ Check out the Mexican-stylie wheelie bin: it serves as their solar powered PA system. How cool is that?!

Adventures With Tiny

Matt's doing his prac teaching and is almost a fully-grown teacher.

So while he's been prac teaching, I took some time off to look after my babies. Like I said, I miss being home with them. I miss doing the normal stuff.

I loved adventuring with Tiny after taking the Doctor to school. We looked at flowers, walked down secret laneways, patted black cats, and wore crowns. Upside down. And then broke them. Oops.

I love spending time with that blue eyed creature who loves dressing herself, in layers, and layers, and just a few more layers for good measure.

A Very Big Boat

On the weekend we got out into the sunshine. I highly recommend it. I felt alive. Whereas before, clearly I felt like I was not.

We wandered around Hunter's Hill. Such a pretty part of Sydney - and it feels so distant from the hustle and general hub-bub of the city itself.

We walked down to the water, and checked out our new boat. Ahem. Cough cough cough. Such simple pleasures on a budget. It's nice, yes? Not too pretentious. Just a good size for us four sailors.

Ok. The truth is that is not our boat. But a mama can dream. And then snip that dream loose to foster other dreams.

School Holiday Crisis: Averted!

We're well and truly in the swing of school holidays and the little dude is totes bored. TOTALLY BORED! Thankfully I had the foresight to book some 'intensive' swimming lessons that start tomorrow for the whole week. So that's 1/2 hour for each day taken care of. But what of the rest of the day?

I've been investigating some options around the city. Here's the scoop de la scoop that I WILL share because I am quite good like that. Sometimes. Here we go:

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Australian Museum

6 College Street, Sydney

1. The Dinosaur Show (1-26 January 2010)

Cost: $5 after general Museum entry. Tickets available at the door.

You can meet the museum's very own dinosaur, the Muttaburrasaurus puppet, Winny, and her keeper will entertain you in this fun show about the life of dinosaurs

2. Dinosnore Sleepover (15th January 2010)

Cost: Non-members $160 adults, $120 child. Members $130 adult, $100 child. For bookings, call 9320 6225.

Would you like to spend the night sleeping in Australia’s oldest Museum? You can join the Dinosnore sleepover and enjoy a special pizza dinner, fun craft activity, torchlight tour of the Museum and late night DVDs before catching some zzz’s in the Dinosaurs exhibition. NB: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Powerhouse Museum

500 Harris Street, Ultimo

(behind Darling Harbour and Chinatown)

Admission: Adults - $10, children (4-15) - $5, under 4 - free

3. The Thriller Experience (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am & 2:00pm

Take to the dance floor and be part of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the holiday event guaranteed to embarrass and delight all ages. The choreographer will take you through your “zombie” paces as you learn some of the dance moves made famous in the Thriller music video. Definitely not something for me, since I am so unco!

4. Cogs Workshop (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am - 3:00pm

Children can make their own 'go-go gadget' in this cogs workshop a la Inspector Gadget. Suitable for under 8s. -------------------------------
Art Gallery of NSW

Domain Road, Sydney

5. Indian Summer workshop

Check website for dates (under 5s Thursday 14th January; 2-3pm)

Using plants, flowers and animals kids can create an artwork inspired by the maharaja's garden.

$25+

6. Tours for Tots (19 January - let's look at fancy dress; 23 February - let's look at battles and beauties)

2 sessions daily: 10:30am and 1:30pm sharp!

A fun adventure tour through the Gallery’s collection for 3-5 year olds (accompanied by an adult). Hear stories, play games and make your own art.
$15 per child

Bookings essential (limited numbers)

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Museum of Contemporary Art

Circular Quay

7. MCA Family Art Day (Sunday 17th January 2010)

Adult $15 /Student $12 /Child under 12 $10

Explore the MCA’s summer season of exhibitions with this fun-filled family event. Participate in hands-on art activities, family-friendly guided tours, performances and competitions.

8. Mad Mondays at the MCA (Monday 25 January 2010)

11:00am-12:30pm

5 – 12 year olds

Join these lively school holiday art-making sessions running every Monday* in January. Have fun exploring the current exhibitions and create your own artworks.

$12 (pre-bookings essential)

9. Kaleidoscopic Fun (Friday 22 January, 10.30am – 3.00pm)

8 – 12 year olds

See the world like Olafur Eliasson and use light, colour and shape to create your own magical kaleidoscopes. All materials and entry into exhibitions included. Bring your own lunch.

$40

Prepaid bookings essential

10. Art Baby (Thursday 28 January, 2.00 – 3.30pm)

Enjoy the MCA’s unique program for parents and carers with babies. Join MCA staff for a guided, one-hour tour, followed by coffee and biscuits in the MCA café.

Prams and front packs welcome.

$15 (babies free)

Bookings essential

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Other places to go with smalls...

* Australian National Maritime Museum

* Greenwich Baths

* visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a picnic!

* see a movie?

* stuck for inspiration?

What are you up to these holidays? We've been digging in the sand clam looking for treasure.

A Very Tiny Birthday

It's Tiny's birthday today. She's the grand old age of two. She's thrown a few pearlers today just to reinforce that we are indeed in the throes of the terrible twos. And it is just the beginning. Le sigh.

Despite these tanties, we headed off to the zoo. Matt, the Doctor, Tiny and I. Man oh man, it was hawt.

We had a great day off.

The muggies* were the hit of the day with the tiniest small. She loved watching them playing up close and personal.

The biggest small, he likes the kangaroos and after we'd seen them insisted we hadn't seen them until I replayed blow by blow the kangaroos. Then he was satisfied that we did not have to trek all the way back and watch the kangaroos sleeping.

We all loved the bird show. It's a given. If you visit Taronga Zoo, do check out the bird show. And the muggies*.

* muggies = monkeys

Magical March: Day 8

Are you feeling it? In Sydney, it's overcast, a little cool, perfectly Autumnal. Ideal for snuggling under quilts and watching old movies.

Well. If I didn't have two wee ones, perhaps that's what we'd be doing.

But instead, we went to Bunnings this morning. One of my favourite places to visit. You may think I am odd - but there's something about a hardware store that gets me. Maybe it's the endless possibilities. It makes me feel excited. Gets me thinking about our home and how we can make it ours (no mean feat when you live with your in-laws). I left with two plastic storage boxes to keep the big, fat silverfish at bay, and a tube of gap sealant. Exciting, non?

It's raining too. Just the sound of drizzle. Even more perfect for snuggling, snoozing. Baking. We're making lasagne for dinner.

Today? What's Magical? Sundays are always pretty good in my book. But today I got to finish some old projects. Gulp. Remember these PJs? Well now they finally have buttons.

I Am PottyMouthMama-saurus. Hear Me Roar.

this is the Doctor and his brand, spanking and much pined after Thomas backpack - ready for pre-school

Today we ventured into the Australian Museum. We'd been wanting to go for yonks, months ago, when I first learnt that they were showing dinosaurs, but the Doctor freaked out and didn't want to see them. He thought they were real, and I couldn't convince him otherwise. So we left it for a while.

Then me being spontaneous and all, decided that today we might just make a dash into the city and enjoy checking out some bones. The Doctor was into it.

We did it. It was fun. The Doctor ran madly from display to display checking everything out. He was thrilled with the bugs, the sea creatures, the snakes (a live one on display - eeeeek!), and especially the dinosaurs. The sign above is made entirely of... flies! So much goodness at the museum.

There's Kidscene which is an ace area for - surprise surprise - the kids to play, discover, paint, kick back, interact. It's cool for some time out from all the display areas.Tiny, though not impressed with the dinosaurs, was particularly interested in her sandwich. In case you're wondering, sourdough with cheese.

Enough chit chat, the smalls loved the museum and I have to say, after being under self-imposed house arrest all week due to the heat, it was good to be out in civilisation again.

The Incidental Thrifter

Today we were on a walk and just decided to drop into our local op shop. We're crazy and spontaneous like that. Flying by the seat of our pants.

Hello Bargains!

My big boy scored an even bigger Little Tikes truck, and is totally enamoured with it, even stating 'This is the biggest truck I've ever seen!'. He conducted a car wash with it this afternoon, and has even been riding around on it.

I scored too. A gorgeous old heart shaped baking tin. Cuisenaire rods. A 50c Golden Book called 'The Good Humor Man' (?!), and a vintage children's pattern for my sister.

Am I happy with that thrifting? You bet your bottom bippy!

Boats, Birthdays and Sleepy Sundays

Yesterday we went to see Bateaux Jouets at the Australian Maritime Museum. It was good. Though I was expecting to see some little boats in action. Nope, they were all concealed behind glass - I wanted to see those babies sailing - even replicas would have been good! Noah's favourite bit was the TV (how predictable), and then checking out the boats on the harbour. It was such a stellar sunny day, and so good to be out and about.

Today is my sister's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHOC! She's waaay over in Perth, so we miss out on cake, though we did manage a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday this morning. We were pretty excited about her present (hello Betty Jo!). We hope she loves it as much as we do.

Anyway, today has been a bit of a slow one. Scout had me up six times throughout the night and I am a huge grouch. And that was a total understatement.

Bedtime here I come!

This Is...

This week's theme comes from Flossy-P and is: This is something I got, but still haven't used.

This is my fabric stash. I've got a whole box going on of beautiful pieces. Just waiting for me to learn how to sew. I have a few ideas and really want to start with a very simple quilt for my little bebe, but it's just a matter of getting into it (and getting my sewing machine serviced first!).

So many delightful little bits in here - I LOVE going through it. Lots of pieces were bought on a girls' weekend to Melbourne last year with my sisters and my Mum. We did a pretty good job at getting around town - Amitie, Patchwork on Central Park, Meet Me at Mikes.. Oh it was a fun weekend - if only I didn't get struck down by gastro on the second day. Well I'm looking forward to the next trip!

I have lots of things I have got, but just haven't used. Wedding presents - including a beautiful Jasper Conran vase, some great Ittalla pieces. I think I'm just waiting to move into our own space and bring them out. Luxury every day, mmm, I like it!

'This Is' is hosted by Three Buttons.

Oooh Thrift-a-licious

We nipped out of the house this morning for three reasons:

1. Pick up baby wipes

2. Pick up an art book for some drawing with Noah

3. Morning tea

The only thing we managed was the baby wipes. No local art shop. And the uber cool spot we were heading for morning tea at - not open. Hmph. We're going to go to Fireworks Cafe tomorrow, because I just have to have another slice of their cake. Mmm.

Thank goodness for the fail-safe country op shop.

At one I scored this cute cot sheet.

At another, this cool biscuit tin.

Lucky save I say!

(I did find some other bits and bobs, but want to give them a wash before I share..)

Best Friends

I overheard Noah say to Matt tonight - 'Will you be my best friend tomorrow?' He saw me listening and then giggled, then said that I could be his best friend too. I'm taking mental snapshots of these moments. I know they won't last forever, our little newborn is now three years old.

Today was such a great day. I was lying in bed waiting for Noah to wake up (nb: this rarely ever happens, it's just that he's been resisting bed at night - and even outdoing Matt and I), when he wondered in, tired eyes, dishevelled hair, followed by Bella the dog (they have been pretty well inseparable since we came to housesit).

Last night Matt had blown up balloons. Noah walked out a little dazzled by this combined with the effect of a pile of presents (presents have the same effect on me too). It only took about fifteen minutes for him to get through everything.

We visited a small local zoo, decorated cakes, played with his new trains, chatted and had a beautiful day together.

Mmmm. Birthdays are good.