Reunited Once Again + photos from Melbourne's Luna Park!

This weekend has been the best weekend we have had in a very long time. Jeanette and Janai, my nieces and Justine and Hirams big sisters come to hang out with us and sadly go home tomorrow. But with them they are taking memories to last them a lifetime!

After the girls were dropped off late Thursday afternoon we enjoyed fish 'n chips at Peppertree Park on Thursday night for dinner. We showered them with gifts which they loved and it was so beautiful seeing the four of them together again. It was routine as normal around home as the girls soaked up use of Aunties free unlimited wifi (OMG). Later, after putting the younger four to bed Jeanette and Janai opened up about their new lifestyle and home life. I love that they were able to express themselves openly and honestly to me. It was nice for me to know that they feel comfortable enough to confide in me. Beautiful girls.

On Friday morning, after the 3 school kids left for school, we went to do shopping and meet up with Uncle Al for Brunch. Kristal finally confirmed contact and we were all excited that the kids and their mother would be all together again for the first time in six months! Later, we picked the kids up from school and headed to McDonalds for the visit. It was a anxious wait but to my shock horror she came and she looked amazing! It was so good to see them all there together, so happy in each others company so Jie, Nevaeh and I nicked off to go out for dinner, just the three of us. I went and bought Jeanette a new phone (so she can stay in contact with her support people) and we again went back to McDonalds. It was just such a happy afternoon and everyone was buzzing for the rest of the night.

On Saturday, as promised, I took the six of them to Luna Park. We caught a train and a tram to right out front of the family fun park and enjoyed the whole day there. We got an unlimited rides pass and stayed the whole day long. We checked ourselves out for lunch and then back in for more crazy adventures once our bellies settled. We made memories to last a lifetime. It really was spectacular! Before we left Jeanette talked me into getting on a ride with her. I cried. Literally! Everyone facing opposite me was laughing at me and I was trying to be brave but OMG! It was just too much! I had to sit down before the kids rushed over to pick a showbag each. It was an awesome day and it sure made up for the birthdays and Christmas they have missed out on these last few months.

Check them out..

11am and we are finally here!

Janai and Hiram on the Spider

Jiedyn and Jeanette ready to go go go..

Jeanette, Janai and Hiram on the Pirate Ship!

This was also the ride Jeanette got me on.

Janai, Jeanette, Hiram and Jie ready to go on the Ghost Train

All smiles before they entered

The four kids went on the twin dragon ride (video on my instagram)

Hiram loved the dodgem cars

Justine and Nevaeh on the flying aeroplanes

The girls waving on their way past

Jeanette and Janai ready to be dropped

These two posing on the Elephant ride

Hiram picking his prize after winning points on the clown faces

and my favorite photo, all six of them on the carousel. 

Today the vibe was bit lower knowing that the girls will be leaving again tomorrow. So I took the opportunity, although it wasn't that hot, to take the kids to the pool this afternoon. I don't know how long it will be until they see each other again but this I do know.. They got to be kids this weekend, enjoy each others company and have fun with the ones they love most! Each other!

Another little bit of love to add to the blog..

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My little Autumn Checklist..

To me, Autumn is just the most wonderful time of the year. By Autumn our family is fully over the hustle and bustle of Christmas, school holidays and feel very comfortable in our daily routines and I guess that is why I love it so much. Every year we celebrate Autumn with a family photo shoot and I usually refresh our blog with new and updated photos and information about us all. But that's not all I want to do these next few months. Here are a few more goals I hope to achieve this March, April and May..

1. Become more patient and encouraging with the kids. More gentle, kind and loving. Lately it's been so easy to lose my shit when two or more of the kids are mucking up, being cheeky, not listening or being silly, but I was never a Mum that constantly yelled and got aggravated easily. I feel myself becoming more and more firm when what I really want to do is set the example of how I want them to treat each other. It's such a hard thing to do when you're their sole role model, disciplinary and fun loving, crazy, upbeat Mum/Aunt.
2. Make time for me. At times I feel like I'm losing my me. I get so caught up in the routine of what the kids need, want and should have that I forget about what I want, need and should have. I am leaning more and more on God at the moment and am reading His scripture every night. I find that keeps me grounded and feeling loved.
3. Stick to the plan. In other words, follow through with what I say. I have always been a person who has meant what I say and I always keep my promises. I'm not saying that I haven't been lately, I just want me double check that I'm doing what I'm saying and not making excuses for my lack of action.
4. Cook/Bake more. I love cooking and the kids love baking so let's do more of it. I want to try baking a pie of some sort as I have always been curious but also I just want to create more family meals using my new slow cooker.
5. Fly a Kite. Justine and Hiram haven't really ever flown kites before so I want to take a little bit of time to share the experience with them. My kids and I love flying kites so it'll be fun seeing 4 little faces looking up and smiling at the colors in the sky.
6. Spend some quality time with Jeanette and Janai. I will  hopefully be able to check this of this weekend. I'm planning to take all the kids on a family fun day to Luna Park on Saturday. They are all very excited. 
7. Buy a Dog. Yep, a dog. Nevaeh's birthday is coming up and since as long as I can remember, she has always wanted a Dog. I think the time has come that she is both responsible enough and mature enough to look after a Dog. With my help of course. So yes, I think at the end of this month we will have a puppy.
8. Go Apple Picking. And last but not least, I want to take the kids apple picking. Hiram and Justine eat a lot (and I mean a lot) of apples. If I let them they would not stop eating them at all. So I am organising a trip to the local apple orchards with my brother and his kids too. Let's go apple picking!

So I guess that's all I have on my mind for now. A family fun day, a new addition to the family, and a few small personal goals and I think I'm set for the next few months. Are you planning anything new and exciting for your family this autumn?


via GIPHY

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