Washing Up?

Ben is very interested in EVERYTHING that goes on.  He follows me around while I am doing the most mundane jobs…… such as the dishes.  I decided to pull a chair over and ask him if he wanted to help.  He nearly flew across the room in his hurry to get up the chair.  He had a ball.  Bonnie was getting wet as most of the water ended up on the floor.  I am sure we all have some memory of playing at the kitchen sink as children.    I had forgotten that it is all the little things (like playing in the sink) that make being a kid so much fun!!

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Disco Pups

Disco Puppy: Stayin\' Alive brings kids even more funky moves to learn and explore as they interact with art in their very own disco dance party. Movements on the interactive dance floor affect the moves of three animated puppy characters - Pup Daddy, Miss Kitty and DJ Foxy.

The Ipswich Art Gallery has hosted yet another exhibition for children, Disco Puppy.  It’s aim was for children to learn and explore as they interact with art in their very own disco dance party. Dance movements on a special dance floor affect the moves of three animated Disco Puppy at the Ipswich Art Gallery.puppy characters – Pup Daddy, Miss Kitty and DJ Foxy.  The Gallery ran special sessions for under 2’s to enable them to have some fun without the larger crowds.  In these sessions there were other items to explore such as instruments, balloons, a parachute, large pieces of cloth, ribbon sticks and so on.  We took Ben a couple of times.  He did have a little boogie but his all time favorite was the drums!

Disco Puppy at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Ben had a great time darting about under the parachute with the other kids.Disco Puppy at the Ipswich Art Gallery.IMG_5345.JPG

Wheel of Brisbane at Southbank Parklands

We recently visited Southbank Parklands at Brisbane. It has been quite a while since we were last there and a lot has changed. As usual we parked in the underground levels and then took a casual stroll from one end to the other (heading towards the performing arts complex) following the arbour.

Ben walked along most of the way with Belinda, Grandma Karen and I. It was a bright and sunny day so we tried to encourage Ben to wear his hat and sunnies (didn’t last too long).

Ben and Andrew at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben and Andrew at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben and Andrew at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.

Ben soon discovered that if he held on to two sets of hands he could get lifted high into the air (great fun). Well as you can see he loved it (again and again and again). Not so sure this is great for his shoulders??!!

Ben, Grandma Karen and Andrew at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben, Grandma Karen and Andrew at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.

The Wheel of Brisbane at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.
Of course we were intending to take a ride on the new (and temporary) Wheel of Brisbane.

The wheel is a large ferris wheel with fully enclosed and air conditioned capsules that lifts to nearly 60m.  A surprisingly gentle ride, comfortable and a fantastic view.  Belinda is not fond of heights, but found the ride quite enjoyable.

Ben was surprisingly quite initially. He just sat on my lap and took in the view.

Grandma Karen in The Wheel of Brisbane at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben and Andrew in The Wheel of Brisbane at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.

Afterwards we followed the arbour back to the beach.  The last time we took Ben to the beach at the Gold Coast he was not particularly interested.  This time though he was intrigued !.  Perhaps it was the lack of crashing waves and wind.  We walked up and down in the edge of the water, past lots of people (and kids) enjoying the cool water.  Ben chatted away, pointed to the kids splashing, jumped up down himself and generally had fun.  I think our next visit to the real beach will be much better.

Ben and Andrew enjoying the 'beach' at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben and Andrew enjoying the 'beach' at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.Ben and Andrew enjoying the 'beach' at Southbank Parklands Brisbane.

On the way back to the car we discovered one of the new attractions.  Aquativity is a fantastic new water play area for kids but we didn’t have our togs. Oh well a great excuse to come back another day.

Ben’s new Playgym

Santa brought a great little climbing playgym setup for Benjamin for Christmas (Little Tikes Wave Climber).

Santa brought a great little climbing playgym setup for Benjamin for Christmas (Little Tikes Wave Climber). Ben was not sure what to do initially but after some assistance and the addition of some little matchbox cars he was set. Later on he explored underneath, climbed up the ladder and got very excited going down the slide.

Thanks Santa !