A Baby(child)sitting Weekend

SATURDAY
Riley stayed us this weekend because he'll be alone in their house. I don't mind having him because Kaiden loves playing with him. He can keep up with Kaiden's hyperactivity.

Riley and Kaiden played the whole day yesterday. We stepped out just to buy a present for Kaiden's classmate who was having a Birthday Party that evening. We went to Toys 'R' Us, where both of them ended up having toys each.

The 2 boys were playing in the yard and I was watching a dvd when the lovely Yums called. We talked for quite a while about life here in Australia, our families, some Korean TV series. It was so nice talking to her and we both hope we could meet in person soon, since we're both living in Queensland. Very soon, Yums!

The party was at McDonald's. We got there early so Kaiden played in the playground. The other guests started arriving so Riley and I just stayed on 1 corner. Most of the kids were from Kaiden's class.

I did not mingle with the Mums because I was keeping Riley company. One Mum asked why I did not join them, I said I was babysitting.

Anyways, that party was the 2nd one we have attended from Kaiden's class, so far. I noticed that the only ones who get to have the 'party food' were the kids invited. The 1st party we went to, was at Hungry Jack's. I observed how the parents bought their own food. I did not give it much thought till last night when I saw the same thing again. Like Mums were buying dinner for their other kids who were not the celebrant's friends, as well as theirs. So I got the conclusion that if you're hosting a kiddie party in places like McDonalds or Hungry Jack's, you only pay for the actual kids invited.

It was new to me because I am so used with the way we do it in the Philippines; that the host pays for everything and everyone in the party. We have done it from Kaiden's Baptism to his Birthday celebrations, and had paid for everyone who attended. As a host, you expect that some guest will be bringing more than one with them. As we Filipinos say: "Dala ang buong Barangay!" And that's expected.

I called my friend Melanie and told her about that. After being in and out of Australia for 6 years now, I can still get culture shock! I was telling her that it is cheaper having a kiddie party here in Oz because you only get to pay for your child's friends!

I still love how a simple McDonald's or Jollibee party back home brings so much joy to the kids! You get to have a mascot and a lively party that even adults can participate. There's nothing like that in here. Kaiden did not have mascots during his 2nd and 3rd Birthday Party in Dubai but everybody enjoyed it because we held party games with very entertaining hosts, a clown, some face painting and balloon making.

I'll do some research about kiddie parties here. Surely there's something out there more amusing for the kids to do!

SUNDAY
We got up early and head down to Queen's park. My 2 alaga had a jolly time playing around the park!





It was past lunch time when we went to the nearest shopping center to have something to eat. We roam around and met Riley's Mum there so he can go home. Then Kaiden and I just got some groceries and headed home too.

My little one got bored as soon we got here. He saw the camera and asked me for, 'picture! picture!'





This will be our last day of being all alone. B is coming back tomorrow morning, finally! He is presently at Singapore Airport. He arrived there late last night from Ho Chi Minh and won't be flying till about midnight tonight; so he checked-in at the Airport Hotel. He is spending his whole day just in the airport! At least he is now a step closer coming home.

Hope you guys enjoyed the weekend!

Gorgeously . . .
Mrs. G