As a blogger, I have had the opportunity to experience some fairly fabulous things.
Sometimes I am sent products to play with and review.
I might be invited to a launch of a campaign with a decadent brunch, famous guest speakers that make me tongue tied and sometimes, seriously good goody bags.
A day spa? Hell yes! Lying back having a facial ‘for work’ is kinda what dreams are made of.
A nights accommodation with a girlfriend at a swanky hotel? Sign me up!
Pretty damn fab…most of the time.
You see, there are times that I have been invited to visit somewhere with my kids to check it out. Makes sense, right? Technically I am a Mummy blogger /family blogger/parental blogger (whatever floats your boat), so part of my job is to inform other families about what is out there to explore.
Visiting a world famous tourist attraction with the kids? Yes, please. Many thanks indeed…but now…NOW, this is looking more like work shmirk.
Here is what I mean.
Recently we were invited to attend the incredible sites at Darling Harbour in Sydney. An aquarium, wax museum and a zoo. We really loved it and I worked hard to produce a review (check it out here) for the company that truly reflected what a great time we had.
But many of you know that this is an overall picture…a snapshot if you please…the memory that we shape for our children. You see, I am reviewing a product, if you will, not the behaviour of my children.
So picture this, my friends :
Two full days out with small kids, using public transport, lugging umbrellas, drink bottles, snacks, hats, co-ordinating toilet stops and of course then finding the toilets THAT VERY SECOND. Dealing with tired, tanty melt-downs, a child who insists they absolutely CANNOT walk another step more, or accidentally stumbling across a McDonalds (WITH THE MINION TOYS!!!!!!!) when you made ham sandwiches.
Then throw my work factor in here. I need to see everything. Try everything. Ask questions about everything. And of course, I absolutely need to take photos…lots of them…lots of angles…re-takes because someone had their fingers up their nose or down their pants. I want to review comprehensively and honestly. I am working my butt off, whilst also supervising two small, incredibly excited humans by myself. On this particular outing, I was pleased to meet the lovely PR lady who had arranged everything for us. I was networking, asking ‘intelligent’ questions, padding out some info I was uncertain of, looking to make an impression; all whilst darting the death stare looks at my kids who were wrestling on the ground, screeching about poo and wee whilst laughing hysterically at their own boldness, and inching precariously close to the balcony edge.
It was a little ugly at times. In these moments, I embraced my brand of “Mummy Muckups” and owned it.
So today I wanted to share with you, a few of my out takes.
Hopefully it helps you to ‘get the picture’.
EXHIBIT A :
But is she wearing any undies?
Whilst Child 1 has happily donned the wig and is playing the photo game, Child 2 went in search of some answers that we have always wanted to know.
EXHIBIT B
Man. Man. Where is the chocolate?
EXHIBIT C
Are you done yet, Mum???
After many shots trying to get the perfect light and angle, the wax extra terrestrial is displaying a happier smile than the boy child. Looks like fun, hey kids???
EXHIBIT D :
Can we eat this, Mummy?
Sure…boundless enthusiasm for wax food; but put a bowl of meat and veggies in front of them and the moaning begins. Audrey is totally plotting her escape; I’m feeling it, sweetheart!
EXHIBIT E :
I got it, Mum!
Here’s the thing. When visiting the wax museum with small kids, do not expect ANY photos of yourself. I did get one family shot that another Mum kindly offered to take, but it seems the 5 year old hasn’t quite mastered it yet. One shot. I wanted just one shot with Hotty McTotty, Wolverine, our Hugh…but here is what I got. What a keeper.
We made it through. Nothing was broken. Kids were exhausted. Mummy needed wine.
The best part? I have laughed my way through selecting these shots for you. We are far from perfect or predictable. And that is just the way I like it.
I have linked this up with :
