We have had a pretty full-on week! We were supposed to have a picnic on Sunday with two other families, but our plans changed drastically. On Saturday morning, I took the kids out to their friends Delphi and Jasper's house. They love it out there, as Delphi and Jasper live on a big property and they always have baby chicks to pet and goats to feed, and lots of scrub to explore in. While we were there, I received a message that Vanessa's family was pulling out of our picnic the next day, as there had been a snow fall in a town called Nimmitabel, and they had promised Ness that the next time it snowed, they would take her. I thought it was a great idea, so I called Jeff, and the kids and I went home to pack. We drove a few hours south that night and stayed the night in a beach house at Tathra (more than halfway to Nimmitabel). The kids were great in the car, and they loved having a sleep over away from home. The next morning we woke up and drove on to Nimmitabel. No snow. Ness's family were ahead of us, and they kept driving until they hit snow. We followed, but actually missed playing with them because we were quite far behind. However, after many hours in the car, we did reach the snow! Carmie and Arley were so excited to see it for the first time! Carmie climbed a little hill straight away, and was very happy. Arley slipped and fell, and wasn't quite expecting the cold of the snow to hurt his hands, so he had a massive meltdown. The kids started to sled (with our beach skimboards!), and Arley took a few tumbles off his sled and called it a day on sledding, until I went on with him and he loved it. Carmie was a sledding champ, and couldn't get enough. The kids had a snowball fight and made a cute little snowman. It was really really fun. And then we got back in the car for the long drive home! We hit Canberra snow traffic on the way back, so we took this turnoff that looked hopeful, and it ended up being an hour and a half dirt road, so not the best choice, but at least we missed the traffic and got to see some very rural Australia! We had no cell phone coverage, and no-one knew where we were, but we made it back safely :) It was a whole lot of driving (and poor Jeffrey did it all!), but Carmie says it was the best day ever, and that she wishes she lived in the snow instead of at the beach! Not her mother's daughter!!
We spent Monday at home recuperating from our hours in the car over the weekend. We have started doing a family dinner night every Monday over at Lolo and Dida's, so we went there. We really appreciate not having to cook one night a week! On Tuesday we hung out with our homeschool crew. We met them at the fig tree park in Milton. The kids went crazy for the horses there - they are just so friendly, next time we have to remember to bring them carrots. After that we all drove out to Cunjarong Point so we could go to Green Island. First though, the kids did a show and tell, because they wanted to have the show and tell experience (so cute!). Then we walked down the beach and across the rocks to the island. It was SO awesome! Our friend Deb had brought her mountain man/marine biologist friend to give us a marine biology rock pool lesson. It was really great, and we can't wait to do this more often (if Dave is willing that is, Deb!) The rock pools there were untouched, so there were some really amazing creatures to discover, and Dave was full of info. We also found an aboriginal midden (so cool!), and the kids built a small fire on the beach. It was such a great day full of fun, friends and learning, and it really helps that the other parents look out for my kids too, because it makes Arley seem like less of a handful. So thanks for that guys!
Wednesday was spent doing Arley's therapy sessions, and Carmie went to Lolo's for the day. In the afternoon, our neighbour Gemma came over for a play. Arley is the coolest cat when she is around - you would never know that he behaves any differently. They adore each other, and Arley was very cross when she had to go home. Today we spent at home, the kids having some activity time while I cleaned. Arley has had two pretty good days in a row. We did lots of sensory play with him this morning, and it seems to have put him in a good place. He likes to lie between couch cushions and pretend he is a hotdog. Whatever works!!
Delphi and Carmie finding the freshest leaves for the goats :)
Our night away.
First snow!
Making a snow angel
Right before the tumble
Even Jeffrey had a go
Waiting for his friends to arrive
Our favourite tree
Heading to Green Island
At the island
Fully clothed, of course.
Anatomy of a sea urchin lesson!
Bear holding a star fish
