Sun, Sand, and Smiles: Our Lakes Entrance Family Getaway

It’s usually about this time of year, that my family and I head off for a much needed recoup and refresh before the busy season hits and everything kicks up a notch. So, with the car packed to the brim and our bikes securely loaded, we set off on a journey that promised relaxation and rejuvenation. Our destination? The gorgeous Lakes Entrance.

Beachside Bliss

The moment we arrived, it was clear that we had made the right choice. Lakes Entrance greeted us with warm sunshine and beautiful blue skies. After a quick stop at our holiday house to unload, we headed straight for the water to explore and begin enjoying everything Lakes Entrance had to offer. As we wandered through the beach and explored the rock pools, we came across some Crab legs and crab shells as well as regular shells. I knew we were going to end up with a big collection.

Wildlife Wonders

Lakes Entrance was not only a haven for beach enthusiasts but also a sanctuary of wildlife. As we walked along the shoreline, we saw swans and ducks swimming in the water and flying in the sky, I got to some beautiful pelicans, my favourite animal, although not up close.

As we continued exploring around Lakes Entrance and the surrounding islands, we got up close to some rainbow lorikeets. We took a ferry across to Raymond Island and walked around looking for Koalas. We were lucky enough to spot 4 Koalas up in the big tall gum trees.

But the highlight of our wildlife exploration was when we spotted a pod of dolphins swimming not too far from the shore where we were standing. Lucky enough to have the camera ready we snapped some video footage of them as they jumped up and out of the water ever so slightly. It was amazing and something we will always remember from our time away.

Family Adventures

Our holiday wasn't just about beachcombing and wildlife watching; it was also about spending time together as a family. We decided to explore the area on our bikes, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. The kids loved the opportunity to race each other up and down the street outside our holiday house. It was clear they were having the time of their lives.

We played a game of mini golf together and while I was the only one who didn’t get a hole in one, I still managed to win the game, lol. We drove around to some of the breathtaking viewpoints to see the amazing views of Lakes Entrance and surrounds and we searched high and low for an ice-cream shop. Who would have thought it would have been so hard to find an ice-cream shop, but I guess it was the off season and they were doing many renovations around the area.

With our four legged Lulu along for our holiday, we met many of the locals, as it’s almost like having a newborn, where everyone wants to stop and pat your dog, hehe. They told us about an off the beaten track dog park and when we finally found it, Lulu was over the moon to be running around and having some freedom from the lead. We even taught her to go through a tunnel. Since she is a very timid girl, this was a big achievement for her.

And for those of you who have been to the studio and seen our TWO furry babies, I should mention that our older girl would not have been able to cope with the floors at our accommodation, so we made the decision to send her on her own vacation to Gran’s place, which she loved, because Gran always spoils her, just like the kids.

A Holiday to Remember

Our family holiday to Lakes Entrance was just what we needed and very much appreciated. It was a perfect escape from the impending holiday rush, providing us with relaxation, quality time together, and the chance to explore a new area that the kids had never seen before. From the sun-soaked beaches to the incredible wildlife and the simple joys of biking and playing, every moment was memorable.

It was a great holiday and we feel ready to tackle the coming months ahead.

Thank you for sharing in our family holiday.

(Yes, they are pulling a face at the camera, but for the purpose of sending a photo to their Pa who loves the beach and always tells them not to send photos to make him jealous, lol)

7 tips for making your very own book week costume!

Book Week is on it’s way and every parent is starting the mad dash to try and find a costume for their children to wear, without spending a fortune.

It’s an exciting time for students to celebrate their favourite stories and  characters. Whether you've got an avid reader or just looking for a creative way to participate, choosing the right costume can make the experience even more enjoyable.

So, here are some great tips to help you create your own costume this book week.

7 Tips for creating your own costume:

1. Choose a character that matches your crafting abilities: If you're considering making your own costume, choose a character that matches your crafting skills. Complex costumes might require sewing, painting, or other intricate techniques, so be realistic about what you can achieve.

2. Use references, but don’t stress: Collect reference images of your chosen character to help you to create an accurate replica, however, don’t make it stressful by following every detail. Your kids will love whatever you create for them.

3. Plan Your Design: Sketch out the items you will need and how it will come together so you can easily gather all your materials and have a clear idea of how you will create your costume.

4. Use Recyclables and Thrift Finds: Get creative with materials by repurposing items you already have or finding affordable materials at thrift stores. This not only saves money but also adds a unique touch to your costume.

5. Start Early: Creating a costume from scratch takes time, so start well in advance. This gives you ample opportunity to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the crafting process.

6. Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance from friends or family who might have crafting skills. Collaborative efforts can lead to a more polished and impressive final result.

7. Trial and Error: Be patient with yourself and embrace the trial-and-error process. Not everything will go perfectly on the first attempt, but each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Book Week offers a chance to express your creativity and celebrate stories and reading in a fun and engaging way. Whether you opt to buy a costume or create one yourself, the key is to enjoy the process and embrace the character you've chosen. Remember, the most important thing is participating and having fun while celebrating the world of books and imagination.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT RESOURCES AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY -

75 Book Week Costume Ideas

30 Book Week Costume Hacks

27 Easy Book Week Costumes to make at home

21 Easy Book Week costumes you can make at home

260 Book Week Costumes ideas - Pinterest

Have Fun!

Sparking Conversation & Unleashing Imaginations with Dream Art Photos

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a magical photo holds the power to ignite conversations, inspire storytelling, and unlock children’s imagination.

Explore how a magical Dream Art Photo can serve as a catalyst for engaging discussions, allowing children to share the story behind the photo, narrate their imaginative adventures, and connect with loved ones as they share everything they love and care about with family and friends.

1.     The Power of Visual Storytelling:

A magical photo captures a moment frozen in time, but it holds within it a world of untold stories. When children see themselves in these captivating images, it sparks their imagination and curiosity. They become the protagonists of their own tales, eager to narrate the story behind the photo and dive into the amazing details of their imaginary adventures. This visual storytelling encourages them to express their thoughts, emotions, and creativity, fostering their communication skills and providing an outlet for self-expression.

2.     Exploring Themes and Emotions:

Your child’s Dream Art photo carries its own atmosphere, themes, and emotions. It could depict a moment of triumph, curiosity, or awe-inspiring beauty. A magical photo can encourage your child to explore happy, sad, thoughtful or excited emotions as they remember both the experience and also why they chose the theme that they did. Why it was special to them.

3.    Fostering Creativity and Imagination:

Magical photos provide a springboard for children to unleash their creativity and expand their imagination. While being part of the planning process, I ask your child to think about all the things that are important to them. This may be things that are beautiful and magical or something they may not have access to in their everyday world. It can be anything they dream about and I bring it to life in their own magical world – their Dream Art Photo

4.     Capturing the magic of childhood:

I am sure that we have all dreamt big dreams as children and we wished we could be a mermaid or ride a dinosaur. We lived the magic of childhood and many of us remember it as a happy, wonderful time.

So, what would it mean to your child to be able to capture that feeling for them? For them to have something magical and special to look back on in 5, 10, 20 years’ time and say….. “That was when I was crazy about unicorns!”

A Dream Art photo of your child captures the magic and innocence of your child just as they are right now and provides you with a treasured memory of them like no other.

Your Dream Art Image is not just a beautiful photo; it is a gateway to conversations, storytelling, and boundless imagination. By sharing the story behind the photo, children can articulate their thoughts, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with loved ones.

But even more than that, they provide your child with a memory of their childhood that captures their personality, their passions, and their creativity, just as they are in this moment.

Where magic and wonder bring childhood dreams to life!