Anja - yeah, we do try to limit the computer based stuff and focus on more active stuff where we can. It’s all about balance I guess. Leighton is pretty heavily into his sport. We’re hoping Singstar Princess will follow his lead. At least a little bit.

Emma - thanks. That’s what we’re hoping.

And not a computer game/console game in sight. That was so pleasing to see.

Kids actually getting out into the fresh air and doing some exercise.

Tetherball, from what I understand, is a ball attached to a string/rope/bunji type material which is attached to a post. Not sure how points are scored but apparently it’s popular in the UK.

Give me curling any day of the week. Now there’s a game I understand.

What about cultural based activities? Perhaps a weekend to the city to visit a museum or art gallery? Or would that not fly with kids?

Lauren - pity you’re not a bit closer. I could do with some lessons on how to use the thing. LOL. Although I had a go last night and did better than DH with the speedball. Yah me!!!! LOL.

Kelley - no surprises there! Well, I did look at shoes. I’d like some boots with a heel. Nothing too high because I have FAT calves. But didn’t see anything I really liked. I’ve been looking around for some PINK shoes too but nothing has grabbed me so far. Which is fine. I guess one day it will. Maybe….

Stuffy - I have changed my “about” page to explain and there’s a brief explanation in my sidebar but basically it’s because he LOVES trailers - anything that gets towed behind a machine really (so trains, tractors with cultivators or bailers behind them etc).

Bettina - thanks I think the netball is permanently glued to Singstar Princesses hands. Every time I see her she’s carrying it around and throwing it. Right now she’s outside throwing it into the ring.

Maggie - I’m not familiar with tetherball so can’t really compare it but Gemisht has it covered. It’s sort of like basketball but really completely different. LOL. You pass the ball between players rather than bouncing it. And you only score 1 point per goal. As for the ocean - we’re really lucky here. Our kids get a holiday by the sea every year. We live about half an hour away and Farmboys parents own a shack very close (walking distance) to the sea/ocean. But we’ll get to see some wonderful beaches on our trip too (hopefully with less seaweed than our nearest beach seems to have).

Gemisht - thanks for digging out that link. You are my own personal google machine! Well our kids certainly don’t go without, that’s for sure! But yes, we do try to teach them about delayed gratification. They do have to wait longer than their peers for *most* items.

Meg - you know that’s one of the reasons we decided to have a planned “splurge”. It is easy to overdo frugality and never spend money just for “fun”. I guess I’m thinking of my personal training as being something for “me” although that is coming from money I saved a while ago. I do find it easier to spend on the rest of the family rather than myself. Although I did warn farmboy just the other night that I was about to become a more “expensive” wife. He was praising the fact that I’m a cheap wife (in the monetary sense of course) after visiting friends who have slightly larger spending habits than we do. Mind you, he would never stop me spending money on myself and is very behind my desire to buy a few more shoes and handbags (if I ever actually follow through on the idea). I do think it’s an important part of “finding myself”. I have a post brewing in the back of mind about that very thing. One day it will break free and end up on the blog.

And Maggie, Netball is different to Basketball, but similar, if that makes sense. There are 7 players on each team, and you are only allowed to hold the ball for 3 seconds nor move your feet once you have the ball (so no dribbling). Here is a link to Netball Australia http://www.netball.asn.au/extra.asp?id=782&OrgID=1 (hope you don’t mind the link Lightening, feel free to delete ) There is more information there about the game.

Though punching bags I am familiar with …. a friend of mine, for her birthday, got punching bag from her husband and she was over the moon. She’s always wanted one to use as a source of venting. a certain university professor was driving her right round the bend.

You could always use some of your extra funds to take the kids to the ocean. Though I suppose that would be covered under the big caravan trip you have lined up.

Those are fantastic purchases. I was eyeing off that netball ring myself the other week for CJ. Crap. Netball enrolments are next week. Thanks for reminding me!