Weekend in the Mountains

Thredbo pump track

We are back and have had another fabulous long weekend in the mountains. Given that we will be spending the entire ski season in the caravan, Erryn and I decided to treat the family to a cabin at Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat. We have stayed here before and love the easy access to the Sawpit Walk. The boys were stoked by the waterfall and the "ginormous rocks, as big as a house!". Kai did fall into the creek but it was warm enough for him to make it home pantsless. We had plans to summit Mt. Kosciuszko but the 80 km winds were a touch discouraging. Instead we searched out a nice sheltered little bushwalk

Rainbow Lake

to Rainbow Lake. It was sunny, pretty and not windy! Erryn fell asleep at the lake and both kids fell asleep on the way back. Nice one.

Thriving With A Toddler

Thriving With A Toddler
This article made me feel really good about all the parenting stuff that I already do. It also has a few good tips. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Hiking with Young Kids

Erryn and I have been planning to attempt longer hikes with the boys for about 3 months now and have finally figured out the logistics. What we couldn't figure out was how two adults were going to carry two young children, ages 3 yrs and 22 months, plus food and water for everyone and nappie change supplies, on a 10km hike. So we had a look at what gear we already had and decided that two ergobaby carriers, two small backpacks and a few cheap carabiner clips should make it work.

We decided to try the beautiful walk from Charlottes Pass to Blue Lake on the Main Range track (click on the link to view the map). You can see in the photos above that we tried carrying both a child and a backpack on our backs but it was really uncomfortable. It didn't take long for us to try carrying the backpacks on our fronts which was actually pretty comfortable even if it looked a bit strange.

As you can see by the photo of Erryn and Kai enjoying the view we did make it to the lookout! We even made the return trip within the recommended amount of time which was a great surprise to both Erryn and I. Everyone had a really good time and my legs still hurt 3 days later but I think we are all keen to go again. Success!

Apple Pancakes

This is my very fast, easy and tasty version of apple pancakes. Kai and Louie both love them!

Ingredients

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled and grated
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Method

1. In a large bowl whisk together flour and cinnamon.
2. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth.
3. Preheat a non-stick frying-pan to medium heat.
4. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto hot pan.
5. Flip pancakes when bubbles appear on top surface.
6. Serve hot.
   

 *You could also add a little bit of sugar to this recipe but we like to eat them with maple syrup so I prefer not to include the sugar. Enjoy!

Dirtbikes and Jetplanes!

I couldn't resist sharing the boys' favourite youtube video (at the moment). Who wouldn't enjoy dirtbike stunts in a jetplane graveyard!

I finally found a quick breadroll recipe! I have to admit that I haven't had time to try it yet but will let you know how it goes soon. Yum!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone! I hope nobody stuffed themselves with as much chocolate as I did. Even the boys had more self-control than me. We had a super sunny beach camping trip at Lake Tabourie and I am still recovering from my chocolate hangover. Kai is getting really good at standing up on a surfboard (on flat water) and Louie's enthusiasm for the water is finally increasing (much to Erryn's relief). A nasty fever virus tried to knock the boys flat but they pushed through and have both recovered. I think consuming copious amounts of chocolate eggs must be a cure for the common flu! I hope everybody else had a great holiday too.

Dinosaurs!

Who doesn't love dinosaurs? They might all be dead but the mystery just makes them more awesome. Nanna treated the boys to a trip to the National Dinosaur Museum and I don't think they ever wanted to leave. Kai loved hiding from the roaring robotic carnivores and sitting on a fluffy Diplodicus while Louie was mesmerised by the "Dactyls!" (Pterosaurs) and enjoyed patting a sabre toothed tiger. The free craft area is aces as well!

P.S. Thank you to the prankster for returning the stolen dinosaur!



 

Awesome Acton!

I never had any idea that a busy city could be so kid friendly! Usually I view anywhere that has slightly more traffic than a one street country town as being radioactive to children. New Acton has artfully changed my perspective. The kids love running crazily through the permanent sculptures and were absolutely mesmerised by the huge installations from Art, Not Apart. There is also a pretty courtyard where we could get coffee and treats from Bicicletta restaurant. I am happy to admit that I was wrong. Cities can be fun!

Ripple

The maiden voyage of the new improved 'Ripple'. Erryn has been working hard on this interesting creation and Captain Kai and Admiral Louie are ready to sail.

Lifejackets on!

Captain Kai

If you are interested in having a look at some boating safety tips check out http://www.boatforlife.com.au/

Super Easy Chocolate Cake

Hi everyone!
I made a quick chocolate cake for a picnic today and the whole thing got devoured so I thought I should share the recipe. It is super easy to make and the best part is that the cake doesn't need any frosting so it is really easy to pack for an outing. This recipe was originally given to me by the boy's Grandma Ricky but I have made a few changes to make it my own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 C. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin.
2. Sift flour and cocoa together into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla and oil and stir to combine.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and pour into prepared cake tin.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Stand for 10 minutes and then turn onto a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!

We enjoyed Canberra's 100th birthday by riding around the lake and taking in the sites. The boy's favourite festival was the family day at Curtain shops. Here are Louie and Gramma (Stephanie) taking a break from dancing to the live music.

Hi, my name is Jocelyn and I am the mother of two crazy boys and a student of information technology. I hope you enjoy the adventures that Kai and Lucien get up to and get inspired to have some of your own.

Cheers xo

Ahoy matey! The boys and I spent a fun afternoon at Weston Park. http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/Things-to-do-and-see/Outdoor-and-nature/Business-Details-Page.aspx?ID=9002990&Title=Weston+Park