The kids had a great time feeding the animals, patting native animals and taking the train ride.
As our visit to the Big Pineapple drew to a close I found myself constantly pulling them up and telling them off. I know that it is getting really bad when I get sick of hearing my voice constantly barking out instructions. I ask you, how hard is it for 3 children to stand still so that I can take a photo of them in front of an iconic Queensland tourist attraction?
So I launch into my well practiced routine. I have performed it many times. I explain how it is meant to be a fun day for all of us. That I have made the effort to take them out and about. Why is it so hard for you to make an effort I implore. Is this really fair on me? (you get the idea) Bellow is the photo that I took after they promised that they would be on their best behaviour.
Next stop, Bellingham maze. It is a hedge maze and the trick is to find your way to the middle.
I had been here before with son number 1, as daughter number 1 pointed out. She didn't want him to give away any surprises. She wanted to lead the way. Son number 2 wanted to go his own separate way. I wanted everyone to stick together. I explained how difficult it was to find the centre, let alone a lost child. Everything was going relatively smoothly until we sat down at the cafe. Daughter number 1 stood over son number 1 until he moved so that she could play with the puzzle he had chosen. Son number 1 then went over to son number 2 and took from him the puzzle he had been working on. I stood up and walked away. Needless to say I launched into another monolog full of retorical questions designed to elicit guilt.
I hear your frustration at kids bickering, and raise you a tantrum or two. I guess we all have these moments, it's good to hear about other parents struggling with them. I find myself frustrated at what my kids have turned me in to! If you know what I mean... though then you get to that calm ocean and remember all the good stuff. Hang in there!!! Jem and the boys went to a local sports bar at 7am to watch the grand final... and then the next weekend as well! I couldn't partake the second time around because I was at a conference in Bilbao, Spain. Oh, poor me :)
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention - I love the big pineapple - in fact any "big thing" on the roadside entertainment circuit (do you remember "the big worm" on the way down to phillip island?). I read in the news yesterday that they've sold the big pineapple and closed for reconstruction! Let's hope they follow through with that promise... I keep wondering how they could made the oversized fibreglass fruit any better...
ReplyDelete