Grace town Caravan park…

We found home for the week at Grace town Caravan Park, which came on recommendation from friends who stayed there last year. The staff were very family friendly and helpful. We left the office with armfuls of  brochures on amazing sites and places surrounding the area. The park itself was quiet so we could pick a site to suit, which is always great as we have three very loud, early rising boys. We always pick the most secluded place we can find, for the sake of others. All amenities and facilities were clean , tidy and there was alot on offer for kids. I couldn’t get my three off the tennis and basketball court. The parks prices were $12 an adult and $5 for kids, kids under 2 free. All round great park to stay with three adventurous little boys.

Chocolate factory…

As you know, we do like chocolate and do favour a family stop over to any chocolate factory that we pass. On this particular day it was a little rainy and cold so we thought what better way to warm up. The boys are always up for a free tasting of what ever may be on offer. Its great for them to try things they wouldn’t ordinarily try. Some they like some they don’t. We watched a few chocolates be made, through the glass window to the kitchen. We then each enjoyed a hot chocolate and a play on the beautiful land out the back. We all had a great time and who wouldn’t at a chocolate factory.

Amazin…

We were lucky enough to celebrate our little Wentworth’s 5th birthday while we were away. His special day was spent at  Amazin. Amazin is a hedge maze in the Margaret river. Admition wasnt cheap but we did stay for about 4 hours and there was alot to do as a family. First and foremost we tackled the  huge hedge maze, with the birthday boy taking the leed. This took us over half an hour and the boys were not stop laughs and loved every minute of it. The grounds at amazin, deserve a special mention as they really are amazing. Beautiful trees, garden beds, lawn games and puzzles along the way. We finished our morning with a picnic in the park which had so much space for my unruly boys to let loose. Xavier was in love with the out door chest boards as Steve is currently teaching him to play. As i mentioned Amazin is a little pricey but we enjoyed every minute there. Bring a picnic or barbeque and stay the day.

Wentworths Birthday…

We are so lucky to have our little Wentworth, after his rough start in life. Each year he has a birthday is a huge celebration of what an awesome little boy we have. Wentworth’s true love in life is his skateboard, so we bought him a little yellow cruiser to ride to school in the mornings. For those of you who know our extreme sports man Wentworth, no ramp or drop in os too big so off to the skate park we went!

Summary…

We loved our time at The Margaret River between the aqua beaches, tall never ending bushland and all the parks, we had the best week imaginable. We are all dying to get back and tackle some bush bike riding, caves and hikes so stay tuned for our future adventures. We each had our own favourite stop, Steve loved being back in Ava. Xavier loved the out door chess game with dad. Wentworth loved toasting marshmellows over the camp fire. Mak loved learning to climb trees and I loved getting out of our weekly routine.

Until next week xoxoxoxxoxoxoxox

]]> http://www.familyinavan.com/the-margaret-river/feed/ 3 http://www.familyinavan.com/getting-back-in-ava/ http://www.familyinavan.com/getting-back-in-ava/#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 12:56:15 +0000 Natalie http://www.familyinavan.com/?p=575 Continue reading →]]> Soooo many mixed feelings this week, whilst packing our Kombi “Ava” for our adventure to the Margaret River. Firstly I have no idea how Steve, the three boys , myself and all our belongings fitted into one tiny Kombi for 6 months. We did pack lightly and we used every available space but this time I had to pack alone. We were picking Steve up from the airport and heading down the coast for our first get away in months. I managed to get most of what we needed in but I did forget a few key items , such as cups and toothbrushes!

The boys were jumping out of their skin with excitement. It was twice as exciting they were going to see their dad and get back into our adventurous life on the road. All three of our boys love the great outdoors, camping, being free and new and exciting places. This was the first trip we had taken since February so they couldn’t wait to get back to the way of life they love.

Picking Steve up is always so fun for the boys and me. Watching them sit beneath the board to see when Steve’s plane will land. Watching them run as soon as they catch the first glimpse of him turn the corner. They hold onto him with so much love and admiration. I get no greater pleasure than seeing my boys love and appreciate what a fun, hands on,  great dad they have!

Fly in fly out is not an ideal job for a fun loving family of 3 young boys. We do however want to spend alot of our lives travelling . We are currently saving for our next adventure and are finding this the fastest way to make the most money. I will continue our love of the Margaret river in my next post.

All you other travelling families.. What do you do for money on the road?

Until next post xoxoxoxoxoxo

I spent the afternoon in Wentworth’s classroom on Friday  and boy was I pampered. His amazing teacher had set up a nail bar, hair styling salon, massage chairs and a cafe. Wentworth who is a huge schmooza at the best of times, was over the moon to take care of his mum. He painted my nails with gold glitter polish, decorated my hair with feathers, gave me the worlds shortest massage and sat with me while I had a snack. He could not have been more loving and cute if he tried. It was the best mothers day ever to watch Wentworth listen and follow his teachers instructions and most of all to see how proud he is of his mum.

I do how ever think my mothers day was short lived! I am up for an 8am start to footy in the morning. We then are home to clean out and pack Ava, the Kombi, as we are off next week for our first trip in months. Who ever would have thought all those months ago when this all began that I would be looking forward to a camping trip. I am however so excited to get on the road for the week and explore somewhere new together with Steve and the boys. To be all together in the Kombi, the boys free to play and explore. The boys are jumping out of their skin to hit the road again, even if only for a week.

I cant believe how much life can change in 1 year. Xavier will now talk to people. Wentworth is learning to read. Mak can ride a 2 wheel scooter. Steve loves spending time with all of us together this includes cleaning , washing etc. I am looking forward to camping. Boy have we come a long way!

Until next week xoxoxoxxoxoxoxo

The boys they have settled in to our new home, community and life without a hiccup. The boys are going to White Gum Valley Public School, Xavier now in year 2 and Wentworth our wild and adventurous one has surprised us all in his start to school. Mak is missing his brothers like mad and cant wait for school to end each day for his play mates to come home and play with him. For those of you who know me and my boys we dont sit around too much and they are keen to be involved in  many sports and hobbies. Xavier is playing Rugby league, Gymnastics, swimming lessons and is now playing the drums, which he does practise each day without reminder. Wentworth is playing Rugby League, gymnastics, swimming lessons and spends every other waking moment on his one and only…skateboard. I love watching my kids find love it their choice of activities. At the moment they do tend to stick together but Im sure as they grow and follow their loves they will each find their own loves. Mak is still home with me on our daily adventures. He has however just started swimming lessons and loves the water like a fish. After having two very hesitant swimmers it is a pleasant suprise to watch mak bomb his swimming teacher without an inch of fear.

Steve, the boys miss their dad being around, so much . When ever Mak is in trouble he tells me ” im going to tell daddy on you when he gets home” It is very hard for Mak as he does not yet understand time. He also has lost his two brothers to school and Steve at work. We do have alot of fun but he always loving life so much more when dads home. The two older boys have a much better understanding of, Steve working to support our future travel and adventures. Working away has its ups and downs. We are saving, for once. It is great to have Steve home for a week,  we can get out and about Western Australia to see new places, Steve helps in the boys classrooms.. We all know its not for ever so we make the most of what we have chosen to continue with our dream of travel and great family adventure.

We have been so lucky to take the plunge and try something new. Some days are hard, long and lonely but we are always learning and challenging our selves. Im so glad we took this chance to have ago at something new….

We are headed to the Margret River in a week, pleases let us know what we shouldn’t miss!

Until next week xoxoxoxxoxoxo

The Old Us…

Before this adventure Steve and I had been living in a tiny shack in the beach suburb of Avalon, Sydney. Steve had a very busy tiling buisness, which I wouldn’t say he loved but it payed the bills. I worked as a freelance Hair and Makeup artist, which I love and consider a hobby, not just work. We were very happy in Avalon, we had all our family near to spend time with and help us, we had amazing neighbours, who we now think of as family. The boys went to a great school with great resources and families. Most families would be very content in such a beautiful place with so much to offer. We could not however prevent out itchy feet from taking control!

Pre Kids…

Pre kids we travelled alot. We met in Whistler, Canada many moons ago. We both still have a great love for Canada and hope to take the boys back in the future. From Canada we have travelled Europe, South Africa and have lived in London, Channel Islands and California so I think deep down we knew life in the one place was never going to be for our family.

Leaving…

Preparing to leave and packing our belongings was very exciting. Finding the car of Steve’s dreams was very exciting. Hitting the road with all 5 of us was very exciting. Then reality kicked in! We were stuck in a Kombi camper with our three kids, rain , hail or shine. Rain is something we did get a lot of. The responsibility was over whelming, we were now responsible for their education, safety, health, at the same time as always being in continuous un known places. This was all very overwhelming for me , a non camper or roughing it type. I would have to admit it took us a good month to find our groove.

One the Road…

Steve and I are very yin and yang. Steve is very relaxed, would happily read all day, enjoys sunsets, a day at the beach, he would happily live in’ Ava’ the Kombi for ever. I on the other hand need to be kept busy, I never read , rarely watch TV and  love the fast pace of my job and 3 boys. So when we hit the road we both came up against very different hurdles. Steve took time getting use to being with us full time. No time alone and three boys that need care and attention  most of their waking hours. I on the other hand found I didn’t have enough to keep me busy and had to learn to relax a little. That is how this blog came about, I needed something to keep me busy and active while on the road.

No comfort zone…

I have to say, I still miss our life a little. I miss our family dr. I miss knowing my neighbours. I miss our family. I miss our kids very organised school. I miss my best friends. I miss my niece and nephew. The list goes on and on and although there are are many things I miss there are so many things that we have gained as a family. Patience of each other and new people we meet. Confidence, the boys confidence just to play with strange kids in a park. Education, I have realised how much kids learn from you. New experiences, we have all had too many of these to count and this is what keeps us growing…

Until next week xoxoxoxxoxox

Wwwwe have now been in our new family home for a month, boy time flies when you are having fun. We have had all our furniture delivered, we have had to purchase a handful of new things, but we are trying to keep our new home ultra simple. I do however find the whole settling in to our new life hard work.

School…

I am no teacher and huge high fives to those who are! As 20 kids in one room sounds like hard work to me. This school system in Australia is so different from state to state. Can you believe primary school children are taught different styes of hand writing from state to state. Each states starting school age is different and the curriculum changes state to state. I have no idea how the teachers of Australia keep up. Our boys have coped tremendously and have made settled in back at school without a hiccup. They have come along way from the quiet, shy boys that left Sydney.

No Family…

Steve and I both come from very close families who have spent a lot of time with our boys over the years. You could say the boys have been over indulged in the love and attention department. Now we have selfishly ripped them away, they greatly miss their grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. It is the one thing I know our boys  and I miss the most about home. Mak still asks to play with his best cousin Nate at the park.  Xavier still refers to Buck (my brother) as my best friend. We skype, email and write letters but nothing quite cuts it like a great game of footy, with their uncles at the park or a play date with their cousins although they do say absents makes the heart grow fonder.

Summary…

There are a few things that since moving to Western Australia that can’t compare to Sydney and we all miss. We all miss our Avalon neighbours, our new ones suck greatly incomparison. The boys miss their old footy team Avalon Bulldogs and their great coach Friendly, he is still a regular topic in our home. Sadly the Fremantle Roosters havent had the same impact. Rugby League in general, whats this AFL crap. I miss my most amazing loyal clients and hearing all their news at Illusions Hair and Makeup and Im sure Steve misses us.

Well this is our for now home and I love it but it doesn’t feel like home yet and maybe it never will , only time will tell!

Until next week xoxoxoxoxoxox

The boys were so excited to hear dad was coming home, they were busting at the seams. It is so cute each time we take a trip to the airport, no matter how late the boys stay awake, chattering excitedly pending the arrival of their dad. Once they each hug and share their stories, they all shut their eyes and are fast asleep before home. The excitement, exhausts them.

After school activities…

I had a great child hood filled with many sports and hobbies. I played netball, little athletics, gymnastics, acting classes. I was allowed to try anything that took my fancy and as I am 1 of 4 children the time my mum took to organise and plan these activities must have been huge. I have never thought about this until now!

I now however have kids asking to try new sports and hobbies and each child has he’s own variety of what he would like to try. I am finding this juggling act a tuff gig.  Xavier and Wentworth are both super keen Rugby League league players and have just signed up with the Fremantle Roosters. I can not you believe they train twice a week, at under 6 and 7′s.  Xavier had also been pestering me for the last year to learn the drums. Thanks to his great uncle Timmy’s influence , Xavier has been waiting as I told him when he is 6 if he can have a crack. Well his 6th birthday has come and gone and he is still keen as mustard, so this week Xavier had his first lesson and said it was awesome. He has been practising with his drum sticks on the outdoor table dilagently every day since. I now think we are up for a drum kit and that adds another afternoon taxi service to my weekly schedule.

I am unsure of how many sports, hobbies are too many for a child or family, I am a believer of letting kids be kids and run wild at beaches, parks, bushland, get dirty and use your imagination. I  am also a believer that team sports and hobbies are a very fun part of childhood. I don’t want them to feel s and stressed and overworked from too much scheduled activity. I am interested in feedback. What activites do your kids participate in? How much is too much?

We have had an amazing week with Steve home. Having a second set of hands around is most helpful and the kids love dad to kick the footy, shoot hoops and skateboard, all the things that mums not so good at. Steve has helped out in the kids classrooms and cooked them cutlets for dinner. All in all we love having him home to be apart of our world , although he is headed back tomorrow we cant wait until he is back next month

Until next week xoxoxoxoxo

Sickness…

A very bad start to theis week for myself with a 24 hour vomit bug. I though I was going to die, thankfully the worst of it took place through the night while the kids were asleep. Once dragging my sorry arse to the school for drop off, it was straight home to lie down. I did fall asleep for 30minutes to wake to little Mak playing on the lounge room floor alone. Do not be alarmed I had made a safe environment as I thought this may occur. I was also kind enough to share what I had with Mak, the following day. Although it is sad to see your little ones suffer when there is nothing you can do, I was a little relieved as it gave me a chance for a day rest so I could get back on my feet . I still have my fingers crossed the other two do not get it.

Valentines Day…

Any excuse for a party is a good one for me! As Steve was not home we decided to have special valentines dinner because we love each other! We decorated the dining area with all things red and valentines which the boys had made in their art and craft shed , known as the doodle room. We ate all things red, red soft drink, meatballs in red sauce, pink tarts and love heart chocolates. We listened to love songs and finished of with a dance, which I do not do in public. The boys and I had a great old time. I love getting the boys involved in a  huge and creative family celebration and any excuse will do.

Footy…

A house with three boys would never be complete without a love for sport. One of the boys favourite all time sport is Rugby League. We were lucky enough this year that the trial game between St George and The Cowboys was played in Perth. Not our regular teams but when in Perth you cant be fussy. The boys sat back with their bag of hot chips and yelled out for their substitute team. I don’t mind a bit of footy myself I have to admit but Xavier and Wentworth love it! They get so excited they jump of their seats and yell out, so cute to see so much passion.

This week was a little topsy turvy but we hope to get out and about more next week and share our great adventures with you. If you have stopped anywhere in the perth and Fremantle region that you think shouldn’t be missed, Please share.

Until next week xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxox

New Home…

We are after 8 grueling weeks of hunting high and low, we are renting a two bedroom town house in Fremantle. It is small and cosy just the way we like it. The location is amazing, we could not have been luckier, only a kilometre to the beach, we are surrounded by parks and football fields and the kids school in a 5 minute scooter ride up the hill. Persistence has paid of. Unfortunately we couldn’t move in until Steve’s last day here, so he has seen our home but is yet to stay with us.

We were unable to get our furniture delivered for a few days , so had to make do with our swags and pillows for the first few days, but having a hot plate and air conditioning was luxurious after 6 months in Ava. On the day our furniture arrived I couldn’t believe how much stuff it felt like we had. For those of you who hadn’t been to our Sydney home, we lived in a very tiny uncluttered home. Upon leaving for our family adventure we sold any thing we didn’t consider a necessity to set up a new home. I thought I was ruthless but as the boxes from our 1/2 container were coming through the door I could not believe how much stuff we still had. I have spent the last week unpacking, organising and shopping, this moving house thing is very tiring. We are now up and running , kids beds up. which I had to call in a handy man to do, as  was un capable of doing. I did however manage to put up some Ikea flat pack chairs.. Thats good for me. Anyway our home is well under way, it doesn’t yet feel like home and our neighbours are not as friendly as our last amazing neighbours but we are happy and slowly finding our feet.

School…

We are very close to the local Public school, which is very small in comparison to Avalon Public School, only 240 kids in the school. Wentworth who is my overly active and very spirited boy has surprised us by sitting still, listening and being a very good class mate. That is a very positive start and we couldn’t be happier. Xavier’s start has been a little rockier with the school years formats not meeting up from state to state. He has began in grade 1 but after much stress, homework and assessment he will be starting in grade 2 next week, which I believe is the same as year 1 in NSW. Xavier has been very unshaken by any of this and is proving to be a much more confident little boy than we have ever given him credit for. We are very proud of our two big boys who have taken to school without any tears or tantrums and enjoy going back each day.

What next…

Steve and I are never the most organised and planned couple, so what next? Who knows? I will spend this term getting the boys comfortable and finding sporting teams and music lessons, what ever they are keen to try as we wait for steves next week with us. I do hope to work when the time is right but until then I will enjoy what little time I have with little Mak. Mak misses the boys like mad when they are at school but I am making the most of it while lasts.

I am sorry about missing last weeks adventure.. I was so busy, I never found the time..oopps

Until next week xoxoxoxoxxoxoxox

Heat wave…

This week we have endured some of the hottest weather I have ever experienced. We have so far had at least 10 days in a row of over 37 degrees and it doesn’t look like letting up any time soon. The heat is no where near as humid as Sydney and Melbourne although the never ending heat and the beaming sun drains the life out of you after no relief in nearly 2 weeks. The kids have taken it all in their stride but sleep is very difficult in such hot conditions. We spend most of the mornings swimming at the beach at south beach , the boys are starting to get alot more confident in the water. In the after noon we have been heading to the Library or shopping centres where we can cool of in air conditioning. I thought I loved hot weather, it is a much different experience in a kombi.

House hunting…

We still are homeless and have this week missed out on home number 11, 12 and 13. I do however have all fingers and toes crossed for one I checked out today. I do have Steve here this week , which will mean the boys don’t have to drive around with me viewing house after house after house in a hot tin car. We are also holding the boys out of school, which goes back next week, until we find a home. I hope for their and my sake our new family home finds us soon.

Jay at the zoo…

We had the best night out this week, the boys went to their first concert. Armed with colourful torches and their dancing shoes, they danced and sang the night away to Jay Laga’aia and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. As  I have worked with Jay in the past and know him to be very vibrant , he was true to form with a performance that held the kids attention for close to 2 hours.  I am not very musical myself but Xavier and Wentworth are very keen on playing an instrument, so such an event is great to share with kids.

Steve Home…

It is great to have Steve back and spend time hanging out as a family. The boys want to take him every where and show him everything they have seen. They want to play tennis and football and lego and skate and swim and go to the pub and bush walk, I think Steve is going to be 1 busy dad for the next 5 days. We will be using Steves week off in future to continue our travels in WA. We are currently putting together a list of places we would like to see and do. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know.

Summary…

A very short post this week as I am drained. Steve is loving being bossed around by the boys. Xavier built Hogswarts in Lego, Wentworth is learning to tie laces. Mak loves playing with his new friend Jack, another family who have been here with us while they to are house hunting. Thats a wrap

Until next week xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox