I had planned to write a couple of blog posts last week but it didn’t happen- mostly because work has taken up EVERY spare moment of my life this last week. I’m writing research grant applications at the moment (asking grant agencies to give me large amounts of money to undertake new research), and I really needed a big chunk of it written by the end of the week. First, to give my collaborators a chance to give input, and second, because I was taking E to visit family in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.
Photo by Wix
So for all of last week I worked all hours on this- 5am before kids were up, obviously at work, at night before sleep. Ideas even woke me up at 3am. Thankfully this is only for a few weeks (grants will all be submitted by mid August), and I’ll get my balance back, but right now it’s a bit crazy.
Just to complicate things too, E is off school for two weeks (we call this school holidays), and so Al and I were juggling her as well. So I had E at home with me Thursday/Friday. We did take the train to a neighbouring town on Thursday, and get lunch and visit a toy shop as a treat, which was fun! And we had a friend’s birthday dinner on Friday night too.
Taking photos out the train window
But there was also A LOT of screentime cos Mumma had to work! BUT, I did get it done and send off to collaborators on Sunday morning, before madly packing and heading with E to the airport. Phew.
One big milestone has been reached- EASY travel with a kid. Travelling with 7 year old E was SO easy. She played on her iPad happily, only getting up once to go to the toilet, which she did on her own (I just stood outside the door). We got snacks, I got a glass of wine, read a book and had a nap. We packed in two backpacks so no need for checked luggage. After, well, 7 years of travel being a “production” with young kids, and all the supplies, attention and management they need, this was so fun!
Plane selfie
We now have 3 days in Melbourne, which is lovely. We are staying with my parents in their house one last time before they move up to our hood next month (hooray!), and glad we get to say goodbye to the house. We are catching up with family and old friends while we are here, and really looking forward to this!
The only downside is we haven’t been able to bring Al and O on this trip. It would have simply been to expensive, and I could only go for 3 days (see work updates above!). Apparently O was VERY upset that mummy wasn’t putting him to bed last night, which was heartbreaking to hear, but it’s only 3 nights total, so I’ll be back for bedtime routines very soon!
It is FREEZING here (daytime temps around 12 degrees C, overnight close to 0), but we brought big jackets and boots and generally came prepared! Fun for 3 days, though can’t do a whole winter like this, haha.
Its Monday morning now, and looking forward to a relaxing morning without work, then visiting family friends later this morning and meeting their little twins who were born last year but we haven’t met yet. So that will be fun! And maybe dinner with an old friend this evening.
Happy Monday everyone!
Wonderful! Let us know when you hear about the grant. I've written some before and it's had work!
I have never taken an extensive trip with just one kid, only day trips or half a day. If it's a long trip- both are coming or I'm going alone. I know R is still small (4 y.o.) but I cant help but feeling guilty over leaving one behind. That's why I lug both of them along. I need to get over that. And, quality time just with one kids is precious! And, there is no fighting. One day I'll get there.
What a fun trip for you 2! I went to AZ to visit my sister last spring with Paul when he had just turned 5 and it was so much fun! My sister has now moved to the DC area so I plan to take him to visit her in October when he has a break from school. Phil and Taco might join us as well but Taco is a wildcard to travel with…. So we will see what we decide. I left it up to Phil.
I am glad there is an end in sight to your busy season at work!
Enjoy your time in Melbourne, especially time with friends and family. It is cold here at the moment, although you got in at the right time, missing Saturday and Sunday's rain.