Mandarin Magic

Late on Saturday night (or maybe it was in the wee hours of Sunday morning) whilst I was editing photos from one of the gorgeous newborn shoots I had in the previous few days, I came a cross a Facebook post about mandarin picking around Wisemans Ferry. As you will know from previous posts, we really enjoy picking our own apples.

So on Sunday morning we loaded into the car and headed to the Watkins Family Farm for some DIY Mandarin Picking. It was set in the most beautiful valley and the weather was divine! I was a little concerned that we were late in the season and perhaps there wouldn't be many mandarins left for picking. I needn't have worried. I was concerned that whist Kyah would enjoy roaming free in a orchard, she may get frustrated at not being able to pick the mandarins herself. I was even worried the boys wouldn't be able to reach the high fruit if all the low ones had already been picked. I needn't have worried.

We had an absolutely fabulous time. Everyone got to pick a heap of fruit! And eat it too! There were also mushrooms to pick, and chickens, goats and sheep to feed, and best of all, a tractor to sit on. We ended the day with lunch down at Wisemans Ferry and the boys loved watching the cars being driven onto and off the ferry and seeing it go across the river. It was a wonderful Family Funday Sunday.

Here is my photo essay.

The Details:
Watkins Family Farm
1006 Singleton Rd, Laughtondale (Near Wisemans Ferry)
You only pay for the mandarins and mushrooms that you pick. No entrance fee.
Imperial Mandarins
$10 per bucket for Mandarins
$10 per bag for Mushrooms
Honey and eggs also available for purchase
It took us 1.5 - 1.75 hours from Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Family Fun - Vikings & Vessels

Today was Nathan's Birthday. We had planned a family fun day of bike riding and swimming, but with the mercury soaring into the high 30's we decided indoor activities would be more comfortable for everyone. And whilst the children voted for the Tyrannosaurus exhibition at the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum was the winner as we have been to see the dinosaurs quite a few times in the last 12 months!

So after a leisurely early morning breakfast at Girdlers on Dee Why Beach, we headed into the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the "Vikings - Beyond the Legend" exhibition. The boys were excited to see what real Vikings were like being that they watch their animated counterparts on "Mike The Knight".

The boys were fascinated by the Viking boat moored in Darling Harbour and the boat inside the exhibition. They were able to try on heavy Viking helmets, hold a Viking sword and try their best at picking up the 20kg Viking armour (as it weighs more then they do, they were very impressed).

There was even a "real Viking" to talk to and ask questions of. However the boys were so frightened of him, they were rendered speechless when he came around the corner in full Viking costume and armour. Whilst they eventually posed, albeit reluctantly, for a photo with the Viking, they didn't utter a single word to him (though he has been the topic of much discussion between them since).

We ventured into the Kids on Deck section of the museum but as it was over-run with vacation-care children we made a hasty retreat and the boys decided they didn't want to make craft anyway. Besides the Viking Exhibition, we also wondered through the core Navy exhibition and the boys enjoyed trying out the bunks which submariners have to share, captaining a submarine and seeing a giant engine at work. Highlights for Nathan were the beer boat and the naval exhibition, and for me the Tasman Light.

In truth, the Maritime Museum was not an entirely perfect choice on such a hot day - as the lure of large ships moored in Darling Harbour was hard to resist for the boys and their dad despite the heat. There was HMAS Vampire, HMAS Onslow - the submarine, Barque James Craig - the tall ship, and the Viking Vessel. They only managed to clamber aboard the Viking Vessel before they got too hot and came back inside to the air conditioning. Thankfully, we took them onboard some of the Navy Ships during the Fleet Review in Sydney back in October.

With the heat, we didn't make it out to the Viking Wetworld before the heat of the day got too much for everyone and we headed home, but we did enjoy sitting in the air-conditioning and watching "Asteriks and the Vikings" animated film whilst Kyah had her lunch. We ate down at the Yots Cafe which was family friendly and had nice food. The kids ate fish and chips and a cheese melt, and we had a BLT and a Wagu burger - totaling $60 (including a Viking Golden Lager).

All up it was a good day. The boys were able to wonder and explore a lot of hands-on exhibits as well as watch an animated movie. It wasn't too busy, and we didn't have to queue up to see anything. Basically, large boats, fast boats and things that go in general are always going to be a winner with our boys. The highlight for the boys was definitely the "real Viking" even if they didn't talk to him.

My Tips:
Buy your tickets online to save the queue at the door.
With a 5yo, 3yo and 9mo we couldn't dwell on detail, just wonder through and get some visual highlights (I think Nathan would have enjoyed more time reading the dearth of information provided by the museum at the various exhibits).

The Details:
The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
anmm.gov.au
Open daily except Christmas Day from 9.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Galleries Admission - Adult $7, Child (4 yrs- 15 yrs) $3.50, Family (2 adults + 3 children) $17.50
Big Ticket (Vikings, Galeries, Vessels, Kids on Deck) - Adult $27, Child (4 yrs - 12 yrs) $16, Family (2 adults + 3 children) $70

Family Fun - A Trip to Thomas Land

Last Christmas (i.e., Christmas 2012) the boys were the fortunate recipients of 2 gift vouchers for The Train Shed (in our house a.k.a. Thomas Land) in Luddenham. Embarrassingly, it has taken us 12 months to make it out there.

From the Northern Beaches of Sydney, it was a long drive to Thomas Land at just over an hour. With the incessant "When will we get to Thomas Land" coming from the back seat from 10 minutes into the journey, that hour seemed like 3! Our vouchers gave the boys unlimited rides (worth $35 each) and we decided to buy Kyah 2 rides at $6 a ride. We were able to ride for free with 2 younger children.

We waited no more than about 5 minutes for a ride (with the exception of the final ride on Percy, who was charging his batteries whilst the boys waited). Each ride lasted about 8-10 minutes and there were 4 trains running - Thomas, Percy, Toby & James. The boys were in Thomas & Friends heaven!

Although it was only around 27 degrees, it was hot and dry, and we were all glad for our hats and sunscreen as there was very little shade. We packed our own lunch and snacks, though the cafe was not too over priced. It sold pies, sausage rolls, nuggets and scones, as well as ice creams, chips and other snack items. They also made a fairly decent espresso coffee. The gift shop on the other hand was very pricey and we steered the boys away from that. Thankfully they were happy with watching the little electric railway cars and engines zoom around the track at the entrance to the gift shop.

All up we were at The Train Shed for about 2.5 hours. The Train Shed is co-located with the Vicary's Winery, and had the children not been exhausted, we may have ventured into the cellar door to purchase a couple of bottles of wine. Next time maybe?

My Tips:
Take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Pack a picnic lunch or plan to eat pies, sausage rolls or nuggets from the cafe.
Arrive at opening (10am) to benefit from a few quick rides and less queuing time.
Prepare your children that some of the trains may not be available.
Prepare your children for a long car ride (if you are heading there from the Northern Beaches as we were).
Allow time for a stop by the Vicary's Winery Cellar Door.
It was well worth the trip for our 5yo and 3yo boys.
One of the best bits? The whole place is Non-Smoking! Family Win!

The Details:
The Train Shed (a.k.a. Thomas Land).
Located at Vicary's Winery, The Northern Rd, 2km South of Luddenham.
Open 10 am - 4 pm Every Saturday and Sunday.
www.thetrainshed.com.au
$35 for unlimited rides or $6 per ride. Adults ride free with children under 2 yrs or children with special needs.