See ya Adelaide!
We’re going on a holiday! Leaving later this week, I finally get to take my kids on their first ever, family holiday. It’ll be the first time I’ve been away for close to six years, so saying I’m looking forward to the break would definitely be an understatement! For those of you who go away regularly (lucky you!) it may seem routine, but for my two little people this will be a really big adventure! We’re headed to the sunny Gold Coast for some sun, swimming and of course, some theme park fun. Other than a manager’s conference I attended in 2010, I haven’t been up to the Coast since my brief stint of living there in my early twenties. I’m sure there will be even more high rises and some new attractions but otherwise I expect it will be much the same, which is a good thing. It’s a place that reminds me of family holidays with my parents and my sister, fond memories of being young kids and having a ball. It’s the memories I have of family trips away that make me just so pleased that I am now in the position to do this with my own kids.
I have worked really hard in making sure I have everything covered since I left my past relationship. Financial issues and stress were the norm for so long, made even harder by a blame game and differing ideals. Being on top of all my finances and being able to save for a holiday was something completely out of reach in those circumstances, so I’m not ashamed to say that I’m pretty proud of my accomplishments and myself so far. It’s been just seven months and I really feel like I’m kicking goals. I guess it comes down to priorities. My priority, as it has always been, is to provide the very best I can for my children while staying within my means. That this has meant I can manage my money without stress and have enough to be able to fund a trip for us, well it’s just wonderful. Not bad for someone labelled as hopeless and a spendthrift!
Master E is so excited about his holiday, pointing out and telling me everything he wants to see when we’ve looked at pictures of where we are going. He is animal mad, so he’s going to love SeaWorld and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. He’s suddenly gone through that next phase of not being interested in Fireman Sam or the like. Now it’s Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes and Ninja Turtles, my little boy is growing up! The fact that he will get to see some of these characters is a major event and he can’t wait. It’s such an awesome feeling to watch your child get genuinely excited about these things. God I love him! Miss E is now super fast on her feet and is happiest when following her brother into adventure. I’m really looking forward to seeing their faces light up at all the new and fun things they’re going to see.
Hello sunshine! It’s been a long, cold, wet Adelaide winter.
The only part of the trip I’m feeling a little anxious about is the flight there and back. You hear so many stories about traveling with small children, not all of them very positive! We have the iPad fully loaded with a range of our favourite movies of the minute so I’m hoping that will be enough to keep Master E entertained. It’s an evening flight so I’m crossing everything that Miss E falls peacefully asleep and doesn’t wake up until we land. I know, I know, but please don’t burst my bubble. I guess it’s something many families have to manage in order to reach their holiday destination so I’m sure I’ll do the same. Luckily for me I won’t need to manage it completely on my own as Nan and Gramps are coming along! You didn’t really think I’d be heading on an interstate holiday with two children three years old and under on my own did you? I like a challenge but I’m not nuts!
I’m really looking forward to getting away. A change of scenery and some consistently warm days is precisely what’s in order after the long, cold and wet Adelaide winter we’ve just had. Here’s to putting in quality time, making memories and having fun with the people you love.
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