First Family Holiday as a family of 4

At the end of May we went on our first family holiday as a family of 4. It was up to Hervey Bay to visit James' family and have them meet Eliza for the first time.

The day before we went I needed to pack. Packing stresses me out. I really don't enjoy doing it. I enjoy going on holidays, but I know that I will forget something so I just try to avoid doing it. This time around, packing for 2 kids stressed me out more and it was hard to know if we pack warm clothes, cold clothes or what. Fortunately Daniel decided to provide a lighter environment by helping. He decided to put everything into the bag while saying 'Nanial, help' (Daniel help). This made James and I burst out in laughter. He really is such a blessing.

In the morning we got all organised and headed to the airport with Jens who was going to drive the car back home. Daniel had a lovely time in the back with her.

When we arrived at the airport Daniel and Eliza were great. Daniel loved walking around with his little luggage bag - the first time that he was using it properly - and Eliza was happy to have a feed while we had some breakfast in the foodcourt then was very cozy in the ergo. When we were checking in the man was lovely. He booked out our whole row so that Daniel could have a seat on the flight after take off. Even though the flight wasn't full, it was a very kind thing to do and it was very helpful for us.

On the flight Daniel did really well with take off. He was chatting with us which seemed to make his ears be ok. He was keen to be on his own seat for most of the flight but did well with eating some apples/pears, playing with his cars, drawing and chatting. While he did want to move around more, he was very good with being patient. Eliza was happy to feed during take off, have a bit of a nap and feed for landing. We were very pleased with our kids during this flight.

The boys

The girls

All 4 of us. Note: the only row without a window. What are the chances?

Good girl going to sleep

Keeping Daniel occupied with drawing everyone

When we arrived in Hervey Bay it was lovely to see Malcolm and Julie at the airport. Daniel was excited to see his Nana J and Boompa and it was lovely to have some extra hands to help out. When we got home Maddie and Jenny came around and Daniel and Maddie had a great time playing on the bike and scooter - chasing each other, laughing, enjoying playing with each other. It is nice to see them start to be able to play together as they are both that little bit older.

Eliza had a nap when we got to Nana J and Boompa's. She seemed to be happy in the port-a-cot but it was tricky knowing if she was hungry or tired when she started to cry as routine was out the window with the flight. It was lovely for Aunty Jen and Maddie to get to meet her and they both sure loved having cuddles. Maddie kept saying 'she's so cute' and she was so gentle with Eliza.

At night Jenny and Ryan went out to dinner so Maddie came around to have dinner with us. It was nice watching her and Daniel play and learn about sharing. They did very well. Good thing there were 4 dolls and 2 sides of the dolls house. Made compromise a bit easier ;-)

The next day we were able to go around and visit Nan (Daniel and Eliza's Grannie). It was really nice to be able to sit and chat. Eliza had a feed when we got there and then she was happy to have some lovely cuddles. Daniel loved playing with Nan's walker and exploring her place. Nan was doing pretty well which was great to see. She has had a sore shoulder which has been giving her a bit of trouble but she is so amazing that she tries to make it sound like just a little problem, even though it is waking her up at night and needing to get injections to ease the pain. We decided that Eliza could stay with Nan because they both were basically waking up at the same time as each other.

When we came back home, Boompa was making some changes to the garden - planting some new plants. Maddie and Daniel decided that they would help with the organising. This involved taking rocks out of one of the plant pots. They did well and it kept them occupied for a while.

Daniel, in true 'Ohhh shiny' style, got distracted by Boompa's iPad. It wasn't even showing anything, just had the radio on. But he decided to sit in front of it nonetheless. 

Then he returned to helping out Maddie.

Even though they haven't seen each other for around 6 months, they were enjoying each other's company. Maddie really enjoyed playing with her 'friend' Daniel and he loved taking Maddie to look at different things.

On Sunday we went to church with Julie. It was lovely to see and hear her lead the singing and Daniel enjoyed seeing his Nana J. He did pretty well during the service and enjoyed playing in the crying room after. Eliza did quite well to sleep for the service. After church Nan came around for lunch. It was a lovely time hanging out with the family. I know that I have said it before, but Daniel and Eliza are very lucky to meet their great-grandmas.

4 generations

Daniel catching a ride on Maddie's scooter

Eliza meeting her Uncle Ryan and having a tour of Nana J and Boompa's garden

Our family

Since the last time we were in Hervey Bay, MKR winners Steph and Dan have openned their cafe. James really enjoyed getting coffees from there and found they were quite tasty. He brought me back a brownie that tasted amazing and was a really generous size. We went there for morning tea one morning and enjoyed our treats. Daniel had his corn thins while James had an 'eatnmess' and I had carrot, date and coconut loaf with a chocolate milk. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. James loved chatting with Steph and said she was very lovely. Pretty cool to be able to eat at a famous persons place.

We then went to the park to play with Jenny and Maddie. Daniel was able to play on a few more parts than the last time we were up and he enjoyed going down the slide. Maddie and I had fun climbing the ropes. I was very impressed with how adventurous she was and how she was able to work out how to climb higher. Jenny said she normally stays down the bottom so it was even more impressive.

"Come on Daniel"

Each time we go to Hervey Bay, we love going to the beach. Even if we don't get to go in the water, I do love being on the sand, in the sun. We took Daniel to the beach and he enjoyed walking a circuit - down the path, stop at the shower section, walk along the sand, up the stairs and repeat. Kept him entertained for a while.

This is tiring work. 'Nanial sit down'

I enjoyed getting Eliza up after a nap. Most times she is very happy to see me and has a big smile on her face. She is also a bit of a wiggly worm and can get her arms out of the wrap. 

Eliza was lucky enough to use the mobile that Boompa made for Daniel when he was Eliza's age. Of course Daniel wanted to join in too.

Holding Eliza's hand

In the afternoon when Boompa was coming home from work, James, Jenny and the kids were hanging outside. It was so lovely to see Daniel and Maddie playing together.

I love this photo!

"Boompa's home!"

Having fun running around and falling on the grass

And then while Eliza was sleeping, Maddie and Daniel took full advantage of Eliza's mobile.

The next day, in the afternoon we headed around to Maddie's place to hang out. Daniel and Maddie had a lovely time in the backyard and Aunty Jen did well with getting Eliza to go to sleep.

Maddie reading to Eliza

Trampoline fun

Kick it to me!

The car was popular

Sleeping beauty

Daniel enjoyed reading books with Nana J

I really love the back verandah at Malcolm and Julie's place. It is a lovely spot to sit and eat in the day, to read a book when not chasing after kiddies and to just relax. In the mornings I would often bring Eliza out with the mat and she would lie there. She has also been doing a bit of tummy time and has started to get really good at raising her head.

Happy little girl

For morning tea we went for a trip to the Arkarra Tea Gardens. It was a gorgeous place. There were little huts to sit in, paths to follow, a lake that had turtles and ducks in it, yummy food. We ordered coffee/tea and snacks and then went for a walk. It was really nice and Maddie and Daniel seemed to love it.

Exploring with Nana J

Looking in the lake

Following the ducks

Explorers

Cousins

Eliza with her Nana and Aunty

Thanks goodness for cars - great entertainment

Holding hands for another adventure

Look at the ducks!

I can see the turtles

Home we go

In the afternoon we headed around to Jenny and Ryan's place again to look at all their trains - such a cool set up. Eliza enjoyed having some more cuddles with Maddie, Aunty Jen and Uncle Ryan.

Cousin lovin

Kisses

 On the way home, Daniel was very excited to see the moon. He has also taken to sitting on the foot rest on the single pram.

In the morning before the flight home we headed to the markets to have a look around. There were some very cute markets and stalls. I got a couple of lovely summer dresses, which I can't wait to wear, and Daniel, Maddie and James had a lovely time on the jumping castle.

Up the top of the slide

Going down the slide

Shooting hoops

Lots of fun

 After the jumping castle it was time to head home and get all our luggage so we said goodbye to Aunty Jen and Maddie.

Too sweet!

And after packing the car we said a quick goodbye to Nana J and Boompa, although we would see them at the airport.

Proud grandparents

My family

After a quick trip to say bye to Nan we headed to the airport. I am so glad that we had Nana J and Boompa to help with the kids and all the luggage as we were pushing the time. They again gave us a row (even though we only paid for 2 seats) and moved us so we had a window seat this time. Daniel enjoyed looking out the window during the flight. The staff were so lovely and helpful. They kept checking all was ok and were so understanding when I needed to do a quick nappy change just before descending due to Eliza having a poo explosion. 

A quick pre-flight hug

I just love that the kids do so well with the flight. I love that Hervey Bay is our home away from home. I love that we all feel loved and cared for. It was so lovely seeing how much everyone enjoyed meeting Eliza. I loved watching Daniel and Maddie get along and enjoy playing with each other. I am sad to be back home and also happy to be back at home.