Conversations with Myself

The past few weeks have been challenging.  Our helper resigned and left mid of this month.  My work week hours were longer.  It was tougher to achieve work life balance.  As a mom of a 7 years old and an almost two year old, have learnt, like all moms will attest that they grow up fast.  No matter how hectic it is, spending time with and serving my family is a priority.

That is why it was easy for me to sighn up for yet another sleep over at the aquarium, that was held this past Saturday.  Cape Town Two Ocean Aquarium host 4 sleep overs in a year, during school holidays.  They are life savers for parents because they refresh little exhausted minds and serves as a good break from formal classroom setting.  The last one we attended was in April, themed Saving Water Like A Penguin. Unfortunately, less than two years old kids are not allowed.  So Zee stayed at home with Cullo.

It is winter, The adventurous sleep over can quickly turn sour if you are not sleeping comfortably.   I made sure to take extra blanket.

We arrived earlier and waited for the registration while also waiting for the aquarium to be closed for a public.  I like winter season because of less crowd in activities.  People prefer to keep warm in their homes.  Hence there were not so many campers for the night when compared to summer season sleep overs.

Soon the last day visitor and the day workers left the building and it was time for the campers to move in.  The moving in gives a bit of anxiety because every one wants a best spot.  Once the gates are open, there is that break into a jog to get there faster and yet trying to keep cool.  Ha!.

We got a perfect spot to camp for the night at the I & J Ocean Exhibit area.  Cullo was there with Zee to see and help us settle in. We had a picnic style dinner that I prepared from home.  After diner it was time for the programme for the night to begin.  Zee was very upset when it was time to leave and it made us sad.  We cant wait for her to join us in the next sleep over when she has turned two years.

Muli spotted her BFF from school.  It was screams and hugs for some time.  Then the programme for the night began.  The night of adventure started with the presentation in the classroom.  We were taught about different sea animals.  We were reminded about our responsibility to take care of the animals and how to keep environment safe for sea creatures.  Kids had good time asking and answering questions.

There was also a time dedicated to touching different sea animals.  That was so cool but Muli refused to touch any.  The girl needs some tips from Momma to overcome fear. She needs to have confidence to touch animals especially in safe and supervised environment.  I feel like she does not need to miss out such rare opportunities because of fear.

Then we went for a drumming session at Predator Exhibit.

Oooh!.  This was the highlight of the night.  There were times when I caught myself concentrating so hard and not putting much attention on how Muli was drumming.  She enjoyed the session as much.

Before we knew it was time for hot chocolate and movies.  After we entered the movie room and had seats, I could not help but say “Mmmmmmm, what a night”.  It felt like coming home from work in to a clean, spotless house that you have not cleaned yourself (You can only appreciate that after you have gone through sometime without a helper).  I kicked of my shoes and Trolls started playing.  As usual within few minutes I fell asleep and Muli hates it when I sleep watching movies.  She surely does not understand how hard I work, ha!.

The movie was a hit.  I kept on hearing kids singing loudly with trolls, creating a happy atmosphere.  Very good for my short naps. Ha!.  I eventually got refreshed towards the end of the movie and watched the movie without sleepy eyes.  Muli watched till the end.

After watching movies it was time to go to bed.  The lights went off but kids were not bothered.  There was a light coming from the big fish tanks, enough for kids to see.  Muli and her friend joined the kids craziness till late in the night.  I was a “yes mom” for the night.  She eventually came to say she wants to sleep.  BEST SLEEP OVER!

Our bed was very comfortable and warm.  We slept knowing the creatures of the deep are lurking by.  WHAT A PEACEFUL SLEEP.

Muli woke up at about 6:30, saying she is hungry.  She ate a slice of left over pizza. I also woke up to watch The scribbled leatherjacket, This angelfish, The giant guitarfish, The stingrays etc.  Soon the lights were switched on.  It was time to get ready for breakfast at The Predator Exhibit.  We enjoyed the breakfast.

After breakfast we went to pack up and Cullo was on time to pick us up.  We went home smiling wide after sleeping with sea animals.

Take care,
Nez

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