I am sure the Canberra mummies out there will roll their eyes when I tell you I just discovered the magic that is Questacon (The National Science and Technology Centre). 
Having a rare morning off, with no work commitments, Charlotte and I made the most of our morning together – and had a wonderful time exploring this local attraction. 
Toys, water play, activities and interactive sections – this place certainly had all the right ‘tools’ to keep a curious and active 17 month old entertained. Not to mention her mama, who loved watching her run from one thing to the next, eyes wide and with a big smile. Oh and who also appreciated the “waterproof smocks” supplied for said water play, the cafe and the ample change facilities. 
I had smile when Charlotte took a break from all the action, though, having discovered the book section….girl sure does love to “read”! 
And while, for now, we spent our time in the Mini Q section, I have no doubt that the other areas will become more appealing when she grows up even more. 
So let’s just say, it was a wonderful morning out! So much so I wasted no time in grabbing a two year pass. I see many more trips to Questacon in the future for this family! What about you? Ever been to Questacon?
Father’s Day 2013
It struck me, this past Sunday, just how much has changed over the last year. For on Father’s Day in 2012, Charlotte was more ‘baby’ than ‘toddler’, living in a onesie and chewing on anything and everything that she could get her hands on. Her hair was more of a fluffy spike, and we were still nursing on demand. This year, however, Charlotte walked into the bedroom to give her Daddy his present, babbling and chatting the entire time.
She sat with us at the dining table and feasted her way through our yum cha brunch.
She explored in the sunshine after her nap, loving the company of her nearest and dearest.
I was able to enjoy a few glasses of wine, without having to worry about nursing schedules. Yet while so much has changed over the last year, so much has stayed wonderfully the same… A close family to share a meal with, and to loiter in the sunshine with – chatting the afternoon away.
An abundance of food gracing our dining table, and a love for cooking and entertaining ever present.
And a delightful homemade sweet treat to end the meal, even if my first attempt had been more ‘flop’ than ‘puff’.
But mostly our day was about the wonderful fathers we are fortunate enough to have in our lives. Loving fathers, kind and gentle fathers, present fathers. And while my Dad was not able to join us (he is interstate), the “Canberra” fathers were celebrated in yum cha style!
And Charlotte and I got to celebrate the bestest Daddy my little girl could have ever wished for!
A Happy Father’s Day indeed!
Our Melbourne adventure: a snapshot
Wow – what a trip! I am positively exhausted after our few days away – but in the most wonderful, family-filled way. And, while I’ll find the time to prepare a proper post soon (I’m sure?!), for now, here is a snapshot of our Melbourne adventure! 
Be back soon!
What a weekend
What a weekend we have just had. More like a ‘4 day mini holiday’ really – and it was just bliss. We drove to Melbourne through the night on Thursday, arriving at 2am or so. It was a tad tough, and many coffees were consumed, but we made it safe and sound and the little Miss even slept most of the way. The drive home yesterday, however, was done during the day, and let’s just say it was not all that fun – with a bub that was well and truly over being in her car seat by the end. 
But car trips aside, our weekend was filled with family and fun. We ate and ate, and then ate some more. We travelled to Healesville and stayed in the most gorgeous country cottage. We played lawn bowls, celebrated 3 birthdays, attended a picnic in a lovely bush park, watched the rugby, visited Ikea and just basically‘hung out’. And, as always, I was sad when it came to say goodbye. But here’s a little look into the ‘weekend that was’. 
What about you? What did you get up to this weekend?
Multicultural Festival 2013
hello *waves* – yes I am still here! Just settling into a new work routine, (Charlotte had her first day in childcare yesterday) and we have been busy catching up with friends and working on the (dreaded) garden beds. But rather than bore you with all of that, let’s focus on the fun part of our weekend – attending this year’s Multicultural Festival. Which was, as always, bustling with energy and (more importantly) a-maaazing food from all around the globe. 
Bright and early on Sunday , we packed up the little Miss and headed in for a late morning wander around the stalls. 
And, as is normal for these types of events, it wasn’t long until the delicious aromas had our bellies rumbling and we found ourselves lured to all sorts of food stalls. 
My personal favourites of the day? – A delicious Mallawach wrap (a Jewish Yemeni bread) filled with tomato, ricotta and chilli (I am hoping to make this at home sometime soon). – Some tasty vegetarian kofte, drizzled in a rich tomato sauce – A delightful plate of pad thai 
Even the little Miss got in on the action, and tried everything that we did! 
But my absolute favourite of the day?? Loukoumades! A Greek fried dough, soaked in sugar syrup and topped with cinnamon and ground nuts. 
Oh my lord these were good. Too good. 
A perfect family day out!
A snapshot of our Melbourne weekend
4 days. Filled with family, friends, food and fun. 
And although I was that person, with that crying baby on the return flight, I can’t wait to do it all again!
A family weekend at the Farm
This past weekend, we said goodbye to the city and hello to the country as we took a trip to the family farm. 
Charlotte was surrounded with so much love and fun, as she met many of her cousins, second cousins, great aunties and great uncles for the first time. 
The sun was shining, so much delicious party food was eaten, party dresses were worn, horses were patted and a great time was had by all. 
But I’ll let some of the photos took do the talking. 
And finishing with possibly my favourite photo from the weekend… 
Bathing in the laundry sink! Too cute 
What about you? What did you get up to over the weekend?
A spring fling at Floriade
For those readers who are in Canberra, and perhaps even those further afield, you may have heard of a ‘little’ event that Canberra puts on every year to celebrate Spring. 
Floriade! For one month, Canberra goes rather flower crazy as crowds flock to the annual festival to get their fix of vibrant blooms and floral arrangements. 
And earlier this week, the little Miss and I made the most of the warm Spring weather to do just that. 
We joined the crowds to wander among the gorgeous blooms, enjoying the warmth of the day and relaxing in the sunshine. 
Stopping for a picnic lunch on the grass with her little cousins, entertained by the live music playing in the background. 
It was a perfect day for a wander. Not too hot, not too cold. And so much prettiness to see. 
Perhaps it was the allure and aroma of cinnamon flavoured nuts roasting, but I couldn’t resist taking a look through the stalls after lunch. 
Picking up a few sweet treats to add to our collection… 
And, by the time we headed back to the car, the little Miss looked like this… 
Well and truly tuckered out after her adventures in the sun. An enjoyable girls day out indeed.
Fathers, footy and food
If my weekend was to be summed up in 3 words ….”fathers, footy and food” would certainly be my words of choice. 
And boy was it wonderful! Miss C loved meeting her “Jonpa” for the first time – and by the smiles on his face, I suspect the feeling was well and truly mutual. 
She also loved the teddy bear he gave her – and wasted no time in giving it her seal of approval…. 
yep – straight into her mouth! We rugged up on Saturday, and headed to the local footy for C’s first AFL game… 
But when the sun started to disappear, and the temperature dropped along with it, we decided to escape the cold and watch a game from the comforts (and warmth!) of home instead… 
Much better! Footy and father’s aside, our weekend was also about food. Perhaps a post for another day, but here is a preview. A baked potato buffet… 
Chocolate mousse… 
And brunch with all the trimmings… 
A meal spent with family… 
And memories made. 
A delightful weekend all round! What about you? Do you have a unique name for any of your grandparents?
Christmas 2011
Merry Christmas to all! 
Mr BBB and I have just returned from a wonderful few days spent with family in Melbourne. And, although the time never seems to be long enough, with many kilometres travelled (and many toilet breaks taken along the way!) we managed to spend at least a little time with each of our nearest and dearest. 
Our celebrations began on Christmas Eve, continued all day Christmas Day… 
Well into Boxing Day… 
And beyond also… 
There was food… 
So much food… 
There were laughs… 
There were presents… 
(even for those of us that can’t yet unwrap them!) 
There was a family Boxing Day cricket match, played on a pitch with a farm view… 
Spectators… 
And baby BBB’s first cricket game being played…. 
poorly 
There were many walks taken to balance out the abundance of good food. In suburbia… 
The country… 
Past the cows… 
And through the bush! 
And there were picnics amongst the trees. 
Overall, our 2011 Christmas celebrations were just as I had hoped. Fun and family filled – but also relaxed and carefree! It’s hard to believe that this time next year we will have a 9 month old daughter along for the ride! What about you? What did you get up to over Christmas?