life in OZ
melbourne
up and about in melbourne
A blessed and meaningful Christmas from our family!
Hope you had a meaningful Christmas celebrating the birth of the Saviour!
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:9-11 NIV
There was much excitement and buzz around the opening of the new wing of the Melbourne Museum dedicated to babies and younger kids. We couldn't pass up the chance to swing by for a visit at the gallery.
We spent a good couple of hours there and would've spent longer if only it wasn't closing time already. The space was definitely well thought of, design-wise. It was filled with loads of things to see, explore, hold and experience.
The space was pretty and modern at the same time. It also had an outdoor playspace with a sandpit and water play, for when it's good to be outside.
The little tikes sure had fun. Lots of fun. Who says a day spent at the museum can't be fun?
A next visit is definitely in the books!
MELBOURNE MUSEUM
11 Nicholson Street
Carlton, VIC 3053
Summer in December, the Aussie way. 'Tis the season for... strawberries!
We're starting to get some sun and what a good day to be out on a weekend. All of us haven't had a try at strawberry-picking yet so it was a first. Cherries were out during that day, but we happily settled for strawberries.
Little ones enjoyed walking around the rows of strawberries and trying to pick strawberries. Jaden especially tried to hard to pull strawberries because he wanted to eat some! It was a perfect opportunity to show him where strawberries (and fruits) come from - definitely not from the shops or from the fridge!
One of Bacchus Marsh's heritage sites is the Blacksmith's Cottage. Unfortunately, the Blacksmith's Cottage opens only on certain Sundays. We were happy to see that the Forge Bookbarn the next door was open. It was filled with fab finds for bookworms of every age. I was able to grab a couple of books for the toddler at a steal.
Before calling it a day, we went to the park. It was one of the nicer parks I've been to and I'm glad we did drop by. Little ones bounced and pranced around - it was great to burn off their seemingly unlimited energy.
Naturipe Fruits
638 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
Forge Bookbarn
Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
Maddingley Park
Taverner St. Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340
Finally, an afternoon playdate with C at the aquarium. It has been in the works for a long time and finally we've made it happen! Thank you Melbourne weather for cooperating and giving us a much-needed playdate!
Little guy's definitely all grown up now and it's starting to get more interesting and fun as he finds himself scrambling verbally and observing what's around him and remembering things. He's starting to enjoy making experiences too. I find it's high time to go out and about with him and this aquarium date was a treat for both of us. :)
The Sealife Aquarium certainly kept the little ones entertained for a couple of hours. With lots of activities and interactive play and creatures to see and know, it was a big hit for the little man.
Little guy's definitely all grown up now and it's starting to get more interesting and fun as he finds himself scrambling verbally and observing what's around him and remembering things. He's starting to enjoy making experiences too. I find it's high time to go out and about with him and this aquarium date was a treat for both of us. :)
The Sealife Aquarium certainly kept the little ones entertained for a couple of hours. With lots of activities and interactive play and creatures to see and know, it was a big hit for the little man.
Getting to see fishes of all colours and sizes, eels, sting rays, sharks, turtles, penguins, sea stars was probably the highlight of our day. It was definitely a good venue to introduce our little wanderer to sea creatures and marine animals.
SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium
King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
When spring finally arrives and it's a long weekend... And when you realise it's been a while since you've been to the beach. We wanted to go somewhere new and not too far, so guess what? Off to the West we go! Have serious beach-envy that Westies have the beach right at their doorstep.
Beach, sand, sun and sea breeze! We were going to have so much fun! Then it suddenly the wind and rain joins your day out. Ah, story of my life.
Before our day was cut short, we did manage to grab some burgers and chips at Between Two Buns. Yum!
Then a quick stroll at Altona Beach. It was a tuesday and the Altona Beach Market is on - which definitely added to the charm. Little guy had a blast running around, trying to get used to walking in sand and then chasing birds. If he had it his way, he'd probably stay there for hours.
Before calling it a day, we went to Gem Pier (Williamstown Pier) to admire the picturesque view by the boardwalk. I hear Sundays are good to head off to the pier for some fresh seafood, too. Next time, we'll be back. And to the beach too, of course.
It was a spontaneous arvo at the zoo. It was the Melbourne Cup long weekend (J had the choice to take the Monday off) and after checking my go-to list, we decided it was probably high-time to take the little guy to see the animals at the zoo. Armed with our annual passes (yes, we will probably be back! Though we're planning to go to the other zoos first.), we headed to the Melbourne Zoo. Now the last time I've been to the zoo was in Singapore and maybe it's because it was technically a weekday, but there were not a lot of people there! Win!
We spent a good couple of hours exploring the zoo with the cool little guy looking and pointing at the animals. Some favourite lines: "Monkey, monkey, ahhh ahhh!", "Hold elephant, hold elephant!" and "HI!!!" to the gorilla through the glass window.
It must have felt surreal to him to finally see the animals he has been reading about and only seeing pictures of. Before heading off, I sort of put him into the mood by reading his "Busy Zoo" book to him.
The biggest surprise, however, was how his face lit up when we reached the Seals/Penguins area. He loved watching the fishes and the seals and even wanted to go inside the aquarium to "swim" with the penguins! If it were up to him, I think he'd be happy to spend the whole day at the aquarium! Note to self: Go the Sea Life Aquarium in the future. :))
It was a first for all of us to go to the Melbourne Zoo. Having lived here in Melbourne for about a couple of years, I think there'd definitely be a few more firsts we get to visit as a family. Cheers and looking forward to more!
