This week has been relatively painless, barring one day out that was pretty crap. Jeffrey hadn't been to Urunga yet, so we decided to take the kids' scooters and head down there. Arley was completely out of sorts and made us all know it. It was a little windy, which never helps, and he pretty much spent the whole time instigating fights with Carmie. He was trying to control everything she did, I think because he felt out of control himself. When it comes to this, we never know what to do - do we call it a day and head home? Do we push on and try to enjoy ourselves? It doesn't seem fair that we all have to go home because of Arley, but by the same token, it's not fair on Arley to keep him out if he is anxious and dysregulated. Sometimes I can find a compromise and get him somewhere he feels comfortable, but sometimes it's not possible :(
We did have a successful day out with my cousin Tess though. We drove down to Valla Beach to meet her and her two boys, and we had a lovely time. Carmie and Tess' oldest Rufus lay on the beach and read their books, Arley and Tess' youngest Felix went off and explored the beach together, Jeffrey disappeared taking photos with our new camera, and Tess and I got to sit and chat. Afterwards we went out to a cafe for lunch, and it was great. Days like that give me hope!
On Friday it was my birthday. There was a Big Banana waterpark day organised by the local homeschool group, and the kids insisted we go. Carmie had a blast. We had their friend Will with us, so that made it more fun. Poor Arley did two slides and then got overwhelmed by the crowd and came and sat with me and played my phone. I shouldn't say poor Arley, as he was happy enough, I just wish he could have gotten the most out of the waterpark. We are going to go back when school holidays are over, and without the homeschoolers, so helpfully there will be less people there.
On the night of my birthday we went out to dinner. We found an Italian restaurant that has a relaxed atmosphere and good food, so it was a nice night. The kids really enjoy going out to eat now, even though we can only really go to places that serve pizza! Hoping that changes soon!
On Wednesday we did a divide and conquer. I took Carmie to the mall, while Jeffrey took Arley out for ice cream and a play. We are going to do parent/child days more often, because we rarely get one on one time with each child, particularly Carmie and me, and Arley and Jeffrey. Carmie loves the mall, and it was her choice to go there. She loves to look at and touch everything. She was also happily pointing out all of the outfits I would look dreadful in! It was really great to get some alone time with her.
I didn't get to post this blog last night, as we had friends from Sydney who are passing through come over for a drink. It was so nice to have visitors, and really good to catch up. I get the feeling that we will be seeing many more friends up here than on the south coast. Another is coming up next month, and more in January.
Yesterday the kids had a horse riding lesson at a new equine centre. It didn't got super well, but there is potential. The instructor was really nice, but the horses were too big. I showed her a video of the kids cantering at Milea's, and she said she wishes she could train her horses like Milea has trained hers, and that the kids are going to have to work harder to get their horses moving. Carmie wasn't very happy during this lesson, and Arley was acting up but pulled out of it when the instructor started playing games with them. However, they both said they'd go back and try again. My fingers are crossed!
I have my lovely friend Ciri popping in for a visit any minute, so I'd better go. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment