This past weekend we had a big surprise for Arley. I had bought tickets to Thomas' Big Day Out up in Thirlmere, just past Bowral. I told the kids that Lolo and I were taking them up to Bowral for a sleep over at Aunty Georgia's house. They were so excited to go. Lolo had to drive as I couldn't because of my ankle, and we made it almost all the way there, just 10 minutes from Georgia's house, before Carmie vomited everywhere, all over the back car seat. It was pretty gnarly. I'm just not sure about her and long car trips at this point. :( Anyway, they had a good time that night, staying up late to play card games with us. The next morning we told the kids we were taking them on an adventure. When we got there (to Sodor Station), Arley was pretty excited - Carmie not as much. We got to ride on an old steam train (Donald), as well as a tram (Toby), and Arley got to pull Thomas' whistle and meet the Fat Controller. We rode in mini trains and the kids had their faces painted. Lolo lost Carmie for a good 10 minutes (which was really frightening!!), and Arley was allowed to buy another train to add to his collection. There were more trains to see, but we were all so pooped that we left for the long trip home, and luckily there was no vomiting! It was a tiring weekend, but well worth it to see the look on little Arley's face :)
I finally have been able to drive around this week, so we organised a meet up with our homeschool friends at Mollymook park. It was such a lovely long play, and of course the park was not crowded at all, being a Monday. It was so great to see the changes in both Carmie and Arley. Carmie used to be a little removed and was always worried that her friends didn't want to play with her. Arley used to be quite distant and sometimes a trouble maker, having anxiety. On Monday they were right in the thick of it, laughing and playing with their friends. Arley even stood in the sand pit, and Carmie made mud pies, which she always refused to do before. They were so relaxed and calm, it was lovely to see. We stayed so long we ended up buying hot chips and we all had lunch there too. After the park play, I dropped the kids off at Lolo and Dida's so that I could squeeze in a couple of hours of work.
Tuesday was the warmest most beautiful autumn day, so the kids and I took Bella to the beach while poor Jeffrey stayed home and framed a painting for me and did a whole lot of yard work. Collers Beach was practically empty except for a few other people walking their dogs. We stayed for ages, because Carmie just did not want to leave. We found a ton of sea glass, and the kids collected tiny special shells. Carmie got brave exploring on her own because I just couldn't get certain places because of my bunged up ankle. Carmie has been desperate to go to the cemetery in Mollymook for months, so I got her to leave the beach by promising her I'd take them to the cemetery. So off we went to see the graves after our lovely beach exploration. It was so cute, on the way there, Carmie asked me if I thought Roald Dahl was buried there. So, the cemetery was a little depressing, but the kids seemed to enjoy it. Arley said the next time we go, could we bring flowers in case I die!
On Wednesday the kids went to their grandparents for a play while I got some work done. They watched too much tv, and came home totally jaded. Arley was aggressive and mean, and they have been banned from all screens for a week. So today was day one without screens, and it was great! They had lots of quiet moments, reading together, playing Bingo together. They also did a little bit of fighting because Arley just loves to antagonise Carmie. This afternoon we took Carmie to Japanese class, and then a play with the homeschool kids again. All in all, it was a good, screen-free day. A good end to a busy week.
On Donald the steam engine
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