Apologies for this entry being on a Friday, but yesterday was one of those parenting days that found me scanning the rules of eBay just to double check that putting the twins on there was not legal*. By the time the evening rolled around, I just needed to be outside and away from the house and computer. The good news is that we all benefited from a good night’s sleep (and one of us benefitted from a nice glass of red wine) and are back on track today. The twins are also at kinder, so that may have something to do with it.
It has me reflecting on the importance of doing these weekly adventures with them. I can tell that this is a huge period of growing for all of us. I have been fully there for my kids as their mother since the day we found out Gemma was on her way. (OK, except for the Post Partum Deperession months, but I wasn’t present, full stop.) Frankly, I do not feel that I was fully there for myself in the same way I have been for my children over these last nine years. I am of the opinion that a good parent is a well rounded person so that the times that are focused on the kids don’t get short changed by split attention. When I do not nurture myself, I become short tempered and bad humored. Time doing my work as a photographer fills my heart with a different fuel and in turn, the days I dedicate to the kids are just that much more special. For them and for me.
Some days the twins are emotionally exhausted and I can understand. It is hard to balance growing and staying the same person you already are.
So I decided that for their bodies to match the level of mental tiredness, a visit to Bounce Inc was due. Luckily, that Thursday also was a teacher’s union strike day so the Gemma could come along. Like we have done before and will do again in the coming weeks we were joined by our friends!
We booked in an hour of time (you have to make an appointment and can buy timed sessions) as that was what we felt the kids would be able to handle. I wasn’t actually sure how the twins would do so I booked myself a ticket and bought the required socks. While we waited for our session to begin, the kids watched and planned their time. Right below this waiting area was a special section that was reserved that morning for the tiniest of jumpers. That meant the twins were able to try it out for the first time without a bunch of the bigger kids and adults flying around them. It really built their courage and meant that Ruth and I could have a coffee before I had to go down and play.
What I thought would be the scariest section for the twins quickly became their favorite. The long bounce to a giant foam pit was apparently worth an equally long wait. The place could speed that whole process up just by employing one person to simply extract the kids from the foam. Once they go in, it takes about 15 minutes to climb out. It is probably a good thing to have that little forced break since they are all red cheeked and dripping with sweat by then, but the place charges by the hour and I don’t like paying for my kid to stand in line.
Apparently this place gets PACKED and it was sold out on the day we went as all the public schools were dealing with the strike. I can see why it is so popular. It is super fun. The only issues are the waiting times for the various sections and the fact that despite huge open doors and the largest ceiling fan that I have ever seen, it is sweltering. I would say this is a great place to go in the cold winter months.
Our hour flew and Clover was still going strong. She was the color of boiled beet-root and had perspired so much that she was not able to produce tears, but that was not going to stop her. I let her have one more bounce into the foam pit and called it a successful Thursday adventure.
All the information on Bounce Inc can be found on their website. You can even make your bookings online…got to love the Aussie businesses that are catching up with the technology of the internet. It is still kind of rare here! I am still considering the twins’ request to have their birthday party there this year.
*Please don’t go all “Santimonious Mom” on me…I was totally joking. I already knew it was illegal.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG! I want to go!!
What a fun place! My kids would have LOVED this place, when they were kids and not that they didn’t have cool places to go, but they didn’t have a trampoline place. I’m glad they all had fun and that a good night’s sleep, put you all in a better mood!
Still Thursday here. You’re good.
Kids love it there .. I make them go with OTHER parents *insert evil laugh*
Glad you let her go in the foam pit one more time
This place looks like some serious fun.
We have one of these too along with a foam pit. I’ve only gone for the preschooler/toddler time. I had to dig my kid out of the pit and I was completely worn out after one time. Those foam blocks suck the life right outta ya! I can’t imagine a worker having to do that! Hahahahaha.
Omg! I thought I was the only one who had thoughts of selling my kids on eBay. LOL. You seriously crack me up Rachel. I read your spread in Click magazine tonight and just wanted to say I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now and I think you are a wonderful mom and such a talented photographer. You’re an inspiration.
That looks like a great idea, is it just in Australia?
Really it’s illegal! Dang I could have used that option two nights ago
Bouncing around will soothe my kids on cranky days. On Sundays we take them to the YMCA pool and tire them. Bedtime goes much more smoothly
I remember going to a birthday party on a place like this, it was super fun! And it seems your kids enjoyed themselves a lot!
Wow, what a great place!
I love you parenting honesty…. it makes me feel so completely normal
Wish there was something like Bounce here in Sydney – that’s just what my 4 year old needs!!