Little Victories

It's the little victories in life that inspire and motivate.  I have my fair share of feeling defeated ie. at this instant the kids are flighting, screaming, crying, hitting, throwing... and I am escaping the madness by posting on my blog.  Maybe this is due to the fact that I found an Aldi yesterday accidentally, and they are the only store in Australia that sells fruit snacks.  We were so excited by this 'little victory', that the kids have been ODing on the little gummy sugared crazy kid makers.  These are probably the cause of their unrulyness.  I think we'll stick with green veggies for the rest of the day.

On another victorious note, Devon and I attended 'The Tennis' last night.  Melbournites always ask us if we are in town for 'The Tennis'. That's what they call it.. 'The Tennis', no idea why.   It is huge here, people sit in the middle of downtown watching it on the big screen.  We went to the quarter final game between Federer and Tsonga.  It was super close the entire time, but Federer proved his 2nd place ranking and beat Tsonga in the end.  It was a nail biter and we were able to see it live thanks to Devon's work.  We also could expense food at the arena!  They have a lot to learn about stadium food and could take a lesson from Target arena.  It was all overpriced warmed up nastiness.  Oh well, the evening was free... except for the babysitter.

Today's victory is still up for debate.  Loaded up the pram with the kids and a large fan that we had previously purchased that needed to be returned to the downtown target store.  Was feeling quite motivated today and it looked like a beautiful day.  Began the journey and quickly discovered that it was going to be more of a challenge than anticipated.  The kids fought over who got to sit down, Isla lost and whined the whole way.  But we did have a little fun!

Our favorite bubble tea store.  Isla's favorite - mango with tapioca pearls

Watching the giant chess game

The giant chess game

Drew wanted to be carried (what's new?) through Target.  Got the return done with lots of staring eyes.  My kids make easy tasks so... not easy.  Deep breaths, smile on my face, keep going.  After the return was completed, we were off to Myer - a big department store not too far from Target.  This is where it got to be too much for me to handle.  Kids started making a scene, Ian running all over and touching EVERYTHING, Isla tipped the stroller over and fell backwards, and Drew wanted to be held (what's new).  It was H - E - double hockey sticks.  Got what I needed and got out of there.  The walk home wasn't bad due to the chocolate bear crackers and fruit roll-ups - desperate times people!!

Me on the sweaty walk back home - probably about 3 miles total in 90+ degrees!

We made it.  We're home.  Everyone is still alive.  Victorious I am!

Now on to making dinner.  Now THAT would be a MAJOR victory!  

Until next time!

Love you all.

St. Kilda beach, date night and Mornington Peninsula

We experienced a random heatwave on Thursday which was a good reason to stay inside and have a 'day off' from activities.  We have been keeping very busy during the week, so this momma was tired and needed some reprieve.  We did, however, take an evening trip to St. Kilda beach only to discover later that it is full of druggies and prostitutes.  We had fun playing in the water and getting ice cream not knowing that we could be stepping on hypodermic needles at any time.

 No needles were found, just fun to be had!

Friday - Date night!  I was able to find a fabulous babysitter through Aussie's online advertising website called 'gumtree'.  Sarah is a uni student that just moved here from Sydney.  She has free time everyday until classes start again in March.  SCORE for me!!  Unfortunately for her, I heard Drew scream all the way down the hallway after leaving.  That boy has some serious separation anxiety.

Devon and I had a very nice (and very expensive) dinner at Hare and Grace downtown.  Scallops, Mushrooms, King fish, risotto, prawns, cucumber salad.  Yummm.  Nice end to the first full week in Melbourne.

Saturday - Woke up late and decided to reserve our mini-car and drive down the coast to Mornington peninsula.  It was a spur of the moment decision as we didn't have anything planned and why not jump in a car and just go!?  That's what spontaneous adventure is all about!  Yes, even with 3 kids in tow.  On our way down, we came upon many vineyards, pick your own cherries and strawberries, tons of kangaroo crossing signs (only kangaroo sighting was unfortunately on the side of the road).  We stopped at a beautiful vineyard called Morning Sun.  They had delicious wood fired pizzas, and delicious wine.  Double bonus!

Notice the bachelorette party behind us

 Now that we were sufficiently fed, on our way to the next adventure.  It was a long trek down a boardwalk stairs, but worth it.  The walk back up.. a very different story.

Kids were worn out, tired and cranky after the long trek down the stairs, climbing on the rocks and then the long climb back up.  Isla cried the whole way, Drew was really thirsty, and Ian was a huge trooper. As soon as we got back in the car, they all passed out.  Yay, for sleeping children!

Drove around some more and found a nice calm beach to play in.

Kids were in the water for over an hour.

And nothing beats a trip to good ol' Macca's after a long and tiring day.  Devon ordered me a Pavlova Mc Flurry and an Aussie BBQ lamb burger.  Gotta love Mc D's in Australia!

It was actually VERY tasty!

It is now after 11pm, put the kids to bed over 2 hours ago and they were still making noises until a half hour ago.  I have no idea how they have so much energy to stay awake for so long.  Just another exciting day down under - too wound up to sleep!  All is quiet now, so I will head to a peaceful slumber.  Ahhh, bed.

Love and miss you all!

Malfunction

Yesterday proved a tad difficult, but I have experience in this type of calamity so I didn't panic... Yes, you all guessed it.  I LOCKED MYSELF OUT OF THE APARTMENT.  Seriously, I don't know what is up with me and Australian doors.  I just can't seem to get the hang of these things.  Luckily there were no kids inside and I had my purse with money.  But no phone and no keys.  I left the apartment anyway and went on my way doing what I had planned to do.  Except that I didn't have my phone to map my destination.  Doh!  Decided we'd go back to Skinners Adventure park since it was close and perhaps some nice person would let me use their smart phone to e-mail Devon for help.  I was not about to call a locksmith or the fire department again to have the door knocked down.  While the kids busied themselves on the play equipment (Isla is getting great doing tricks on the trampoline), I found a nice worker there that let me borrow his phone for a quick e-mail to Devon.  I hoped and prayed the message got to him!  I told him to meet me at the apartment at 4 (It was about 12:30 at the time.)  I would have to find things to do to occupy our time until then.  Played at Skinners for quite a while and then decided to walk around the neighborhood a bit.  I saw a sign that led to Albert park and decided to follow it - I knew there was another playground there.  SCORE!  So after walking another half mile, we got to the park.  By then it was about 2pm.  Ok, I can do this!  Play some more children!

Yay, playground fun!

Feeding the big friendly goose pretzels

It just hissed.  Didn't move from that spot

Happy Isla

I asked someone for the time and they said it was about a quarter past 2.  Decided to play for a bit more and then head for the apartment.  We could sit at a cafe and wait or Devon to get home.  Walked about 3km home (I am getting back into shape!) pushing the huge pram.  There are not as many hills, but this stroller may be more of a challenge than the previous monstrosity.  At least the old one had 4 gigantic tires.  This one has about 16 tiny ones.  Makes off-roading and hills a bit more difficult for the calves.  I have been feeling the burn! By the time we made it back to the apartment, I was hot, thirsty and sweaty.  Devon was there awaiting our arrival.  Thank you Lord!!!  He laughed at me and said that I just wanted material for my blog.  Finished our day with a family swim in the pool.  Ahh, disaster averted, but ego bruised a tiny bit.

Today - Wednesday was another fun and busy day.  I decided to pack up the kids (and my keys) and head downtown.  On the way, we stopped at the Arts Center and made a paper flower to add to their goose that will be displayed for all of Melbourne to see.

Our walk downtown

Making the flower to put on the big goose

Getting special treats downtown

Kept walking towards downtown and stopped to watch a street performer with hula hoop and contortionist talent.  Quite the combo I would say.  Isla loved it, clapped and cheered and was super into it.

Contort

4 hoops!

5 hoops!

Then off to Target where just like at home, I spent way too much money.  Got more needed supplies, i.e. a new swim ring for Ian, some water vests, and goggles.  Must be prepared for many days at the pool!

Then the long walk back to the apartment.

All McDonald's will be turning to 'Macca's' by the end of the month.  Crazy Aussies!

Melbourne city

Ian knackered at the end of the busy day!

Later that evening, we met Devon back downtown for dinner at our favorite Malaysian restaurant called Mamak.  SO GOOD!  Then we went to check out the Queen Victoria night market which was apparently for the younguns who wanted to drink alcohol and listen to the live music.  Not great for a huge pram and 3 kids.

Walking to Mamak

YUM!

Queen Victoria Market

Very Crowded

Now back at home, it's very late and I am determined to get a post out for all of you to read upon waking up.  Unfortunately my iphoto library is acting up and I can't get the pictures up for you right away.  Must work on it tomorrow as I need my beauty rest.  High of 98 tomorrow.  HEATWAVE!

Luv yas

~Mary

...Updated with pics!

Ikea, old friends, and Skinners adventure playground

Where are all the pictures!?  Looking through my camera, we have done so much but neglected to capture it on film (memory card?).  I will get better, promise.

Sunday - Trip to Ikea... Ikea is a destination.  You have to REALLY want to go there, especially with 3 kids and no car.  From our last experience in OZ, we learned that for every outing, you MUST have an open mind and lots of patience.  This time was no exception.  We hopped on a tram that took us to a train that took us to a tram that Devon thought took us right to the front door of Ikea.  Oops, google maps was wrong. Dropped us 2 miles away.  Had to take another tram, to another tram, and walked about a half mile in between.  WITH NO STROLLER.  Kids did fine enough, but I had to carry Drew a lot of the way and Isla was pretty whiny.  Finally got to Ikea and the kids were already tired and hungry.  We tried to drop them off in the play area but it was full.  Ok, they get to shop with us.  We picked up all that we needed, while chasing the kids around, checked out and got some ice cream.  They were sufficiently sugared up and acting crazy.  On our walk out, as Ian was being noisy, Isla was having a temper tantrum and Drew was being clingy, we overheard someone say 'glad their not my kids'.  Ouch.  Well lady, I'm glad their mine, tantrums and all!

We met a very nice family from Chicago last time we were in Sydney.  As it happens, they had JUST moved to Melbourne a few days before we got here.  What are the chances!!  They have a daughter Isla's age, and managed to have another baby while we were back in the states.  They invited us over to their place for dinner.  It was fantastic to catch up with them and for Isla to have a friend to play with again.  Looking forward to spending a lot of time with them again this time around!

Monday - Devon's first day of work and my first day on my own!  It was operation: find a play ground day and boy did I ever succeed!  About a 10 minute walk from our apartment is an awesome (but old) structure that is federally funded for inner city kids that do not have a backyard of their own.  They provide art classes, sports, music and other activities targeted for these children.  The playground is open to the general public too which is a score for us!  The kids there were a little rough around the edges but not at all intimidating.

Trampoline built into the ground!

Wee!

Digging in the sand

Ian chasing the chickens

chickens!

My new and improved triple pram

And then back home to cool off in the pool.

What a fantastic day!