Elf on the what??

Did you realize it is only just over seven weeks until Christmas? I can't, the years seem to fly by quicker as I get older! So I've started to hit the shops, get the gifts organized! I seriously can't wait for the big day to arrive so I can see P's face, as well as all our pretend nieces/nephews!

Christmas Eve is hubby to be's birthday, so everyone always ends up at our house for a celebration. Each year, I love to do things for the kids. This year, Pinterest has given my lots of inspiration. Pop over and see my Christmas board!

But most of all I am excited about the Elf on the Shelf which I ordered yesterday for P! I couldn't order it direct from the store but managed to search the internet for another option. My mind is filled with things to do with him and where to put him when he arrives! Fingers crossed he arrives before the 1st of December!

Basically he is an Elf which comes with his story in book form to share with your kids. You can also jump online, name and adopt him! He has been sent by Santa to check out if you are being naughty or nice. Each night he flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa and the next morning, returns to a new watch post in your house (I'm thinking the fridge and also assailing from light fittings, just to name a few). Best of all, he can't be touched because his magic will wear off. I'm going to have so much fun with him!!

Bx

MUMvember day two!

*A scream free zone!

When I first saw Mumvember, I decided to do it in the order it was presented. A bad decision, I thought, as I knew that the "Scream free zone" day also coincided with a big visit to Highpoint with P in tow, to put a big dent in the Christmas shopping.

Don't get me wrong, I take P shopping with me, but it is normally for quick in and out trips, no window shopping or trying on any items. Because normally tantrums ensue and then the "I want's" begin too.

But I must say how proud of P I am, we spent hours looking for pressies (including a visit to Toys R Us, which much have been pure torture for my girl when I told her she wasn't allowed to ask for anything!). She even waited patiently while I tried on at least 20 sets of bathers, all the while saying "I like those one's mum, they are pretty!".

So her reward was a visit to The Pancake Parlour, she was so excited! It was also my reward too, I didn't yell once, or raise my voice even a touch (even when she did loos one of her haviana's in a shop!). It was actually a lot easier than I thought.

Bx

MUMvember, day one

1st November: Plan a picnic dinner.

We actually do this most Friday nights, with pizza, after a long working week. So it was nice to change it up a little and do it on Tuesday night. A quick spag bol after the festivities of Melbourne Cup meant for a happy and full family!

You can check out MUMvember over at Kidpost by clicking this link:

http://social.kidspot.com.au/index.php/groups/topic/view/group_id/1728/topic_id/13641/post_id/197210

I'm looking forward to Blogging each day about the day before's events!

Bx

Taking off!

I was so glad that when I was only working my three days (Monday - Wednesday) that I decided to take long service leave the day before and after Cup Day. It meant a long weekend for us, where we could take off for a while. We love camping as a family with all of our friends, it has always made for great stories, fun and awesome experiences for our children.

*the great open road*

Little did I know when I original took the time off, that we would in fact have gotten rid of our camper trailer and upgraded to a new Caravan! Although we have had many a great time in the camper (including stinking hot days and the odd flood), it was nice to get something that will grow with out family. So this Cup Weekend, we headed for the warmer climate of Echuca.

Having the Van meant packing was easier and we could access our things easily (unlike the camper). Food was in there days before and the fridge was running nicely. Clothes were packed neatly in cupboards, as were towels and toiletries. But best of all, set up took us way less that it used to! I think within 30 minutes we were fully set up, sitting down and relaxing!

We spent the weekend with friends down at the river, watching the kids swim, fish and play together nicely. We took P bowling for the first time ever and also went to the market where she rode a pony, all of which she loved! We ventured out on jet-ski for most of Monday, which was by far the hottest day by far. Food was also consumed, for which my body will pay as of today when I get back on the fitness wagon! Although jest-ski riding made for a good thigh workout!

Best of all we had a great weekend as a family (I even managed to get IN some photos, which is seriously amazing!). The Van was all we expected to be and more! We were glad to have the opportunity to test it out before our big trip at Christmas time, which we are seriously looking forward to!

Yesterday I started playing along in "Mumvember" which you can find over at Kidspot at http://social.kidspot.com.au/index.php/groups/topic/view/group_id/1728/topic_id/13641/post_id/197210

and I will start Blogging about it this afternoon. Should be a bit of fun!

Bx