“Have you got money?” Millie will now ask, hopefully, as I fumble in my purse for a gold coin while thinking about how I could own one of these machines with all the cash I’ve funnelled into these 90 second, spinning, rides of monotony.

Sometimes I don’t have cash, sometimes I tell her it’s broken, sometimes I just say ‘no’. Millie is ok with that, but will still want to sit in the fire truck/racing car/teacup/Wiggle car/ Peppa helicopter and pretend to steer.

Today at a major shopping centre Millie made a beeline for a spinning teacup and I watched her clamber on just as a couple sat their daughter in another teacup (there were three). I picked up the pace and followed her over – I was pushing Finn in the pram – and reached the ride just in time to grab a climbing Millie, turn her around and sit her on her bottom before she made a misstep and fell off the ride’s platform (#mumlife).

The couple had a $2 coin and gave it to their daughter, who popped it in the slot and pushed ‘start’.

The ride started.

“It’s your lucky day, Millie!” I said while waving to her as she did another circuit. “This little girl’s mummy had a coin!”. I didn’t have a coin. I was simply going to let Millie sit in the cup and pretend for a minute, before ushering her on.

The other little girl was waving to her parents as she went round and round.

The ride finished and Millie grinned at me. Her day was made.

Then the mother turned to me and said: “that was really rude of you”.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“That was really rude. You didn’t even ask us if your kid could go on the ride. You should have asked first.”

I was taken aback. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even think it would be an issue,” I said. “If I have a coin and my daughter is about to ride then I’m happy for other kids to get on too. I encourage it.”

“Well it was rude, you didn’t ask,” she snarled.

“I’m sorry, I would have had I realised it would be such a problem,” I said.

Getting down to specifics, Millie had hopped on at the same time as the other girl. And they didn’t have to put the money in while we were there.

Did Millie being on the ride affect the other girl’s enjoyment? No. Did I put Millie on there while the ride was going? No. Did it matter if Millie sat on there or not? No.

I was really puzzled. Just what was the problem?

It seems stupid to get wound up about such trivial things and I’m kind of annoyed I’m blogging about it. But was I in the wrong? Am I completely unaware of my apparent rudeness? Am I so out of touch that I didn’t know the unwritten rule that a child needs exclusive use of a ride if their parent pays?

Sheesh. First World problems indeed.

Seeing two happy little faces is surely better than one?

Anyway, Millie will no doubt find these rides again and if you happen to see me about to put my hard-earned into one of these machines and there’s space on board, please let your child have a ride. The more the merrier I say!

The world could do with more smiles and with a lot more adults who are happy, kind and willing to share with others. Our children are watching.

I’d love to know your thoughts, leave a comment below.

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We love our adventures in Melbourne because there’s so much to do. You could never possibly do it all – but there’s always new experiences and new things to see. We were spoilt when we joined a Wonderland High Tea and visited the amazing Wonderland exhibition as guests of ACMI.

Treated to sweet and savoury bite-sized treats, Mad Berry Choc tea (a tasty collaboration by ACMI and T2) and mocktails – sparkling wine if you’re over 18 – we indulged in the grand glass foyer of ACMI in the middle of Federation Square.

What an experience.

Seated on plush, colourful high-backed chairs, the kids and I felt very special – even if Millie and Finn’s high tea style was more Mad Hatter than dainty Alice.

The high tea would be the cutest way to spend some time with your mum or girlfriends before a day in the city. High tea sessions will be available throughout the Wonderland exhibition, with bookings on sale about a month in advance (tickets to the exhibition to be purchased separately).

Armed with an enchanted map, we disappeared down the rabbit hole into the exhibition. It was interactive, exciting and informative.

From Lewis Carroll’s inspiration, to magic lanterns, costumes from Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit’s house, clips from the many and varied film adaptations and screenings of the Disney classic we all love, there were sections of the exhibition each of us loved.

Admittedly Finn, 2, was too young for the majority of it, but even he enjoyed getting caught up in the mysteries of Wonderland. I plan to revisit the exhibition without the kids to properly take in all the exhibition’s displays.

All three of us LOVED the Mad Tea Party, a computer generated feast for the eyes where a plain white room is definitely not what it seems.

Millie enjoyed the Queen’s Croquet Ground (where her cutting and pasting skills came into their own!) and was delighted to see herself painting the roses red on the big screen.

The world premiere Wonderland exhibition is open daily at ACMI until October 7. Tickets for the Wonderland High Tea can also be booked online.

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Finn in his super cool Super Hero gear from Best & Less

Booties and bibs, rompers, grow suits and singlets featuring our all-time favourite Super Heroes have just landed at Best & Less and Finn couldn’t wait to play the good guy in his new threads thanks to our friends at Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Finn in his super cool Super Hero gear from Best & Less

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Australia and New Zealand and DC Comics have joined forces to launch an adorable range for bubs in sizes 0-2. Available for a limited time only, there’s something for every baby Batman, Batgirl bambinos, wee Wonder Women and small Supermen.

Finn’s pick is the sleeveless Batman romper ($15) and cool black cap ($12) or the cute blue Batman print baby bodysuit ($12) and baby grip socks ($5). Soft and stretchy, the clothes are perfect for playing, sleeping…or just keeping stylish while waiting for the Bat-Signal.

Finn in his super cool Super Hero gear from Best & Less

The range is the perfect affordable option for a party outfit (how cute would a DC Super Hero 1st birthday be?) and – because his dad is his hero – I’ll dress Finn up in his ‘I think my dad is Batman’ romper for a cute-as-a-button Father’s Day surprise.

Finn in his super cool Super Hero gear from Best & Less

But perhaps my favourite part about this range is that Finn can have a go at dressing up just like his big sister – she is often speeding “up, up and away” through the house as a DC Super Hero Girl and now has a little sidekick. Batman and Robin aren’t the only Super Hero duo to conquer the city streets!

Finn in his super cool Super Hero gear from Best & Less

Find the range at Best & Less in store and online now – and check out the range in the latest Best & Less catalogue.

*This is a sponsored post for Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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And when I stumble across shops related to all things mini, I just have to pop in for a peek.

The lovely Elwood Village shops are a short stroll from home for us and Millie and I are often wandering through on the way to the beach.

Spot the suitcase and you’re nearly there

But there’s a little tucked away treasure trove for kiddies that is reason enough to visit the village.

Naughts & Crosses – beautiful things for little people – is my fave shop right now.

You know when you find something that’s just your taste? This shop is full of it. I’d buy one of everything if I could.

Tricky to spot at first, this shop is down a cobbled lane. The suitcase says it all: CUTE SHOP.

The lovely store owner will help you with your pram if you want to bring baby up the step and inside, but I parked Millie at the entrance and she happily watched the bubble machine spurt out rainbow spheres while I looked around. Smart girl, Millie. The longer you’re content, the more I’ll find and buy for you.

Naughts & Crosses is a hidden Melbourne gem Millie was happy to bubble watch

There’s clothing, toys, lamps, bunting, rattles, dolls, children’s jewellery, pinwheels, rugs, cushions, books and ornaments. It’s all kitsch and beautiful. It’s funky and sweet. Nothing mass-produced or ordinary.

One of everything please

Millie’s nursery has a ‘woodland critters’ theme (deers, rabbits, mushrooms and owls) so I bought a squishy rubber mushroom teething toy on my visit today as well as a low wire mint green basket to sit some of her dolls in.

Dolly has a fine view from up here Quack Quack: What a bright idea

If I were kitting out a nursery this shop would be my first stop. But older kids aren’t forgotten, with crafty goodies galore to keep little hands busy.

The shop also has a website for those who can’t make the trip to Elwood.

Naughts & Crosses is at the rear of 104 Ormond Rd, Elwood.

-37.884824144.997502

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Munich Brauhaus at South Wharf has started a Sunday Family Fun Day, with a children’s entertainer ready to keep the kiddos amused from 12.30pm with games, face painting and colouring in all going on in a designated play room.

Millie had a flower painted on her hand by Cinderella

When it’s time to eat, the $6 (bargain!) kids menu – hot dog, chicken fingers, fish cakes or mac ‘n’ cheese – will fill them up with huge, tasty serves…and there’s a waffle and ice-cream for dessert if the little piggies are still hungry.

She hardly made a dint in her huge meal, but gave it a good go

The live Bavarian Oompah band will get everyone up out of their seats and dancing off their lunch.

The Munich Brauhaus is big and loud – and the perfect atmosphere for kids

I can’t tell you how nice it was to be dining out as a family without worrying if Millie was going to crack it and we’d have to leave, meals half eaten.

There was so much to keep Millie amused that we were only able to push her out of there due to her exhaustion. She slept all the way home on the train.

I was happy to spend a fun day with my little family and hubby was too – but that may have had something to do with the hearty pork tasting platter, stein of beer and footy on the big screen.

We don’t usually encourage Millie to play with her food, but made an exception with the pretzel

Munich Brauhaus is at 45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf. Parking available at South Wharf DFO.

*Until July 31, kids (8 and under) eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays with every adult meal ordered from the a la carte menu.

For reservations, click here

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Millie doesn’t need much space yet, but when she does we have a huge park (complete with play equipment, cricket fields and a lake with ducks) just up the road as well as the beach at the very end of our street. She’s a lucky baby.

The size of our home, however, meant I was super keen to leave the confines of our four walls and get out and about soon after bringing Millie home from hospital.

During a daily stroll I found my local cinema ran ‘bubs’ sessions, where mums can bring their new little bundles while checking out the latest flick.

It’s been fantastic. Searing heat? The cinema is air-conditioned. Freezing cold? You’re in a comfy cinema, out of the house but still out of the elements.

It doesn’t matter if your baby cries. No-one cares. I think you are only actually disturbed by your own baby’s grizzle. I didn’t notice when the babies around me sooked.

Millie slept through her first visit to the movies

I took Millie for the first time when she was only about four weeks old. My sleeping baby was snuggled in my arms, I had a latte in the cup holder beside me and didn’t even have to share the popcorn. Bliss!

Feeding is encouraged, the sound is lowered and the lights are left dim.

We’ve witnessed Cate Blanchett in what is tipped to be her second Oscar-winning performance, we’ve watched rom-coms, arthouse gems and the latest Hunger Games installment.

Millie testing seat comfort at our local theatre, the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick

Even if the movie of the week is not my cup of tea, I cherish the couple of hours where I can sit and just cuddle my baby – and not be distracted by the dishes in the sink, the washing that needs to be hung or crappy daytime television.

Spit The Dummy Sessions run every Wednesday morning at the Classic Cinema, Elsternwick. Tickets are $11, babies under 3 are free.
Village and Hoyts also host mums and bubs screenings.

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It’s a very small price to pay for one of the most exciting 10 minutes of your child’s life.

Welcome to the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway.

Millie took the ride of her young life with her Dadda during her second cousin’s 1st birthday.

There was cake, there were balloons and there were miniature trains doing loops around Lower Eltham Park. If Millie could talk, I’m sure she’d say it was the best day ever.

For $3 we bought a ticket (that was the price of my husband’s ticket, children under 2 are free) and Millie lined up patiently with the other trainspotters for her turn on the ‘choo choo’.

It was a very sunny, very busy Sunday and to the credit of the miniature train operators, the lines moved quickly and plenty of tiny trains were in operation.

I took my post as photographer from the vantage point of a bridge over the platform and watched as my 14 month old sat aboard with her dad for her first ride. She was so excited and the train hadn’t yet left the station.

I watched as the train click-clacked around bends, through tunnels and across bridges. Glen said Millie was making train toot sounds along the journey and her little legs kicked out in excitement.

Established in 1960, the miniature railway is a fun place to visit for anyone with children. There’s BBQs and playground equipment within a fenced area not far from the train station (the park is a popular place for birthday parties – get there early on days with good weather to nab a picnic table and car park!).

Trains operate on Sundays from 11am-5pm.

Lower Eltham Park is in Eltham, about 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

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Luckily King Thistle was part of the live show and Millie was one of a theatre full of youngsters grinning and jumping with anticipation before the curtain rose.

An excited Millie before the show

For parents who (almost unbelievably) don’t know about the incredibly popular ABC Kids program, the Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to young fairy princess, Holly and her best friend, Ben, who is an elf. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

Millie loved one her first theatre experiences

We caught one of many shows at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre over the Easter long weekend and it was the highlight of Millie’s weekend, even surpassing the excitement of the Easter bunny.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – Live on Stage is in two 30 minute halves, and sees Ben and Holly help Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave, go on a trip into The Big World with tooth fairy Nanny Plum and plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle.

The performance is direct from London’s West End and features full-size characters in colourful costumes, and had Millie enthralled. She selected a Holly doll from the merchandise stall on the way in, and cuddled her new friend all the way through the show. How I managed not to buy a whizzy light stick (it seemed every second child was holding one) was a small miracle.

It’s a lively performance with lots of audience interaction. Kids are encouraged to jump out of their seats and “fly like Holly” or sing along to some well-known tunes.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – Live on Stage

Millie could see perfectly fine from her seat in the Dress Circle, helped by a booster cushion supplied by the theatre. She lost a bit of interest in the show towards the end, preferring to talk and dance with the other children in neighbouring seats, but she is only two! Most children had reached the end of their patience about half way through the last act, but it didn’t matter.

With a wave goodbye, Millie bid a very fond farewell to her favourite characters and is still telling everyone she went to the “Ben & Holly show”.

To see her happy little face throughout the performance reminded me to keep taking her to events like this. They’re only young once and I hope Millie grows up remembering all the wonderful things she did as a little girl.

There’s still shows on in Sydney, Newcastle and Perth before the Australian tour wraps up. Tickets are available from Lifelike Touring.

Millie and Holly dolly

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The Show is Victoria’s largest annual community event celebrating Victorian agriculture and attracting more than 450,000 visitors. It starts this year on Saturday, September 17 to Tuesday, September 27.

Don’t forget the Bertie Beetle showbag!

Conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, this year’s Royal Melbourne Show will give visitors more opportunities than ever to see and interact with animals, take part in fun, hands-on activities for families, indulge in award-winning food and be thrilled by the attractions.

So much to see at the Show

In addition to the popular Jayco Animal Nursery, where visitors can meet, pat and feed 500 lambs, kids, piglets and chicks, the outdoor animal display has doubled in size and will be home to sheep, cows, goats, alpacas, horses, pigs and more. Due to popularity, the animal attraction viewing area has also increased in size offering more families the chance to watch and take part in interactive milking and shearing shows as well as horse demonstrations.

Pre-purchase ride tickets to save 30 per cent

For foodies the Winning Tastes Pavilion will be the first stop. It will offer a taste of the city’s diverse food scene with pop-up restaurants and eateries including Bomba, Mr Claws and Pho Nom, while Mr Miyagi, Royale Brothers Burgers and Burn City Smokers will be serving up their signature dishes.

Sweet treats from Bibelot, Le Petit Gateau and LuxBite will be on rotation over the 11 days and Gelato Messina will be offering some new flavours inspired by the Show.

The Art, Craft and Cookery Pavilion will let you get hands-on with activities designed to inspire creativity.

Witness hundreds of animals on the arena for the Grand Cattle Parade on Saturday, September 24 and the Grand Cattle Parade of Champions on Monday, September 26.

Nightly fireworks will cap off your big day out.

The Show is the ultimate family day out

The Show will be open 10am-9pm. There are savings of up to 25 per cent on tickets and 30 per cent on rides by pre-purchasing tickets early at royalshow.com.au

The 2016 Royal Melbourne Show is a smokefree event.

See you there!

Pop on over to the MillieMummyMelbourne Instagram page to find out how to win a family pass to this year’s Show.

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It will be double happiness these school holidays when the adorable animated feature film Ballerina opens at cinemas next week. Best of all, we have three Ballerina prize packs to give away to celebrate.

It’s about fiesty Félicie, an orphan from Brittany with only one passion – dance. With her best friend Victor, who wants to become a great inventor, she devises a madcap plan to escape the orphanage for Paris, the City of Lights, where the Eiffel Tower is still being built and anything is possible!

Félicie will have to work like never before, learn from her mistakes and try her best to make her wildest dream come true – becoming a prima ballerina in the Paris Opera.

Ballerina is a beautifully animated tale about following your dreams, with an all-star cast that includes the voices of Elle Fanning (Maleficent, Super 8), Dane DeHaan (Chronicle, The Amazing Spider Man 2), Maddie Ziegler (Dance Moms and dance star in Sia’s music videos) and Carly Rae Jepsen (Call Me Maybe singer).

The story has themes of courage, friendship, pursuing aspirations and realising your dreams.

Ballerina will screen across the major theatres and independent cinemas nationally from January 12 and is a fabulous family movie for the summer holidays.

We have three Ballerina prize packs to give away, including in-season family passes (2 adult plus 2 child tickets), a dance bag, tutu and a necklace (valued at $120 each). Pop over to MillieMummyMelbourne on Instagram right now to enter.

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