sunday | cricket + fairies

Yesterday afternoon we packed our bags and jumped on the train to the city (Adelaide, South Australia) where we parted ways - his and hers.

The boys turned left up King William Street and joined the swarming green and gold crowd heading to the cricket - a one day match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. I felt excited for Sachin as it was his first time to such a big event. In typical Sachin style he took it all in his stride and gave me the "what's the big deal Mum?" look. We have been talking about his namesake, Sachin Tendulkar batting for India, but unfortunately he didn't play. Now I wasn't there, but rumour has it that there was not much cricket watched but plenty of colourful people and atmosphere to soak up. The photos seem to support that story.

We ladies continued along North Terrace and took a left turn into the South Australian Museum, where we spent the next hour on a guided tour with Miss Ruby. She seems to have a strange fascination with an archaeology exhibit displaying the many layers of the earth's floor, in particular, the layer of rubbish that has been left behind over the last 10,000 years. Along the way we "didn't" look at the giant squid 7 times because it is very scary, but seemed to keep passing it. Ruby conjured up enough braveness to check out the Egyptian room for the first time but kind of freaked out over the mummies. Can't blame her, they are quite spooky, especially when you are a big Scooby Doo fan with a vivid imagination! In need of food, we hit the lawn out front of the Museum for snacks and let little Quinn out of her stroller to stretch her legs.

Fuelled and ready to go again, the next stop was the Botanical Gardens. We were on a mission to find the Rainbow Fairies. Apparently, our friend Lexie has seen them there. We inspected many flowers, looked under rocks, in holes, under leaves and in the trees. We even checked out the giant water lillies but those fairies were not ready to be seen. However as we left the gardens to go home, Ruby whispered to me that she did see one of the fairies. Bet you can't guess which one?!?!?

Yep. It was Ruby the Red Fairy. "For real" !!

something little | pop up shop

I'm preparing to take part in this adorable new market kicking off in Melbourne at the Clubhouse Canteen on November 27th. Maria and Tiffany are the lovely ladies behind the concept and they have gathered a collection of artists/makers who celebrate childhood, motherhood and sisterhood in their work. Visit the Something Little facebook page or blog for more information about the day and who will be there.

So if you know peoples in Melbourne then please spread the word and tell them all about it!

#39 Camp in our tent (at least one night)

If you have managed and/or bothered to follow the haphazard progress of my 40 before 40 challenge then you have done extremely well! It was very random I know. Anyway, this if another task that I can cross off the list. But first, I do need to fess up and be honest about things, you see, I am 40 now. Let that one slide by very quietly - life was a bit hectic with a new baby and all - so effectively the challenge is over. Finished. Completed. Have I reported the results? Nope. But I will! Just humour me for a little longer... you're so kind. Thanks.

So getting back to it. Number 39, Camp in our tent (at least one night). When I wrote this list I was pregnant and to be truthful questioned whether this one was going to happen - hence the "at least one night" clause which would enable the tent to be set up in the back yard for a trial sleep over. So that didn't happen before the end of the challenge, but a couple of months later we got to experience the real deal. It was awesome!

DH and I, in our previous life pre children, purchased a camper trailer and took to the road for 3 months for a super adventure. Not the seasoned campers at the time we learnt a lot along the way and by the end could proudly say we were converted. There is something about camping that leaves behind the stresses of everyday life and welcomes relaxation and a carefree spirit. Back to today and the big question on our lips..... would this still be true with 3 children in tow??

Absolutely! Why did we wait so long?

Good Friday: Cleland Wildlife Park

Yesterday was family outing day. Perfect weather for an afternoon stroll through the Cleland Wildlife Park . The last time I visited I was a child myself - so many fond memories that I am now able to share with my own children.

We started with a packed lunch - Ruby started with a lippy touch-up!

We tried feeding the Roos but they were in afternoon snooze mode

Getting up close with the koala is my fondest childhood memory - infact this photo is a little deja vu - I think I had my hair in plaits that day too! Is it bringing back memories Mum??

This duck had beautiful markings - the patterns & textures could inspire a handful of design ideas...mmmm

little legs were getting weary....

heading home with some new friends