Hervey Bay Road Trip

On New Years Day we bundled the kids into the car at 4:15am to start our drive up to Hervey Bay for a few weeks holiday with the kids. First stop was Taree foodcourt for breakfast. The kids each had a sleep in the car on the way once the excitement of the trip wore off. Once we had breakfast we then continued driving North until we stopped for lunch a bit out from Coffs Harbour at Subway. The kids then had a play at Maccas, although it was so hot that it wasn't a long play. With bottles refilled with icy water we hopped back into the car and drove to Cabarita Beach. The kids did really well in the car. Alexander slept each drive we did, and when he woke he happily played with his car toys until we stopped and he had milk and some food. Very impressed with him! Daniel and Eliza also travelled well, although she started with 'are we there yet' after just driving 15mins. That wore thin pretty quickly. We had a giggle when we stopped at Taree and she asked if that was Nana J and Boompa's place. Ha.

Once we arrived at Cabarita Beach the kids had fun playing Uno and Alexander enjoyed crawling around on the tiles. Sadly the aircon was broken which wasn't great, but the fans did work pretty well.

We headed to the beach to see what options were for dinner. After looking at some different places we decided to get sushi as it was easy and cold on a hot day. It was very tasty and a nice view.

The kids slept pretty well during the night (James even fell asleep while putting Eliza to bed) which was helpful. In the morning we spent some time lying in bed, playing games, had breakfast and then packed the car and headed to our normal stop at Eumundi. The kids had a lovely play, we had a bit of morning tea from the bakery and then we hopped back into the car and headed to Hervey Bay. We arrived there for lunch which was good time.

After some lunch Alexander had a nap and Daniel and Eliza stayed up playing. They had fun catching up with Aunty Jen, Maddie and Aly too. 

Christmas present time

Alexander's new rattle and shoes from Nana J and Boompa

Alexander, the cheeky boy was starting to get on all fours and trying to crawl, but was only able to rock forwards and backwards.

I love doing adventures and trips with this guy. He's such a good support, amazing Dad and loving husband.

Eliza especially loved the new chalkboard.

 My little happy boy had many smiles.

Malcolm and Julie had set up their pool and it was well used during our trip. Eliza and Daniel absolutely loved splashing in the water and Daniel especially loved swimming in it.

At bedtime Daniel found Julie's collection of Santa hats and wanted us to all wear them. We took this opportunity to try and get a nice photo.

Who am I kidding. Silly photos are so much easier (I just love Eliza's face!!)

Alexander just loved Charlie this trip! He would crawl over to Charlie, try and grab his tail or paw. We're lucky Charlie is just so calm.

We bought Alexander a water bottle too. He enjoyed holding it and chewing it, but doesn't quite understand how to drink from it yet.

Of course big sister and big brother had to help him drink from it.

Hervey Bay holidays are always a lovely time to catch up with family. We love going to visit Nan (or Grannie Jean) and she really does enjoy watching the kids.

We also got to catch up with Aunty Wendy, Uncle Geoff, Claire, Austin and Aiden. It was really lovely to see the kids play together so well and the joy from meeting Alexander.

And of course it's always lovely to watch the cousins play together.

Cousins

Alexander and Nana J

As I mentioned before, Eliza just loved drawing on the chalkboard. We played a game of asking her to leave the picture and then she'd rub it off but reassure me that she was going to draw me a new one. She was so funny.

Crazy eyes!

Hervey Bay includes trips to cafes, times out for lunch and even a sneaky few trips out for dinner. This trip was no different. We enjoyed a lunch out with Grannie Jean, Nana J, Maddie and Aly.

After lunch we went for a nice walk down the pier. The kids did well with walking the length of it. Daniel enjoyed watching all the people fishing.

 We also got to enjoy the beach a few times. Unfortunately the replacement beach tent that we got didn't have any sand pockets so we didn't go as much as I'd hopped due to there not being as much sun protection for James and Alexander but that was ok. We were lucky to have Maddie and Nana J come and join us for a swim and a play too. The water was so lovely! I could have stayed in there for ages. Daniel loved swimming from Nana J to myself repeatedly (he is such a water boy) while Eliza and Maddie had a great time playing on the sand, making sandcastles, pools and burying Eliza under the sand.

 This trip I was intentional about trying to have some time to myself. One thing that I took up was my colouring in book (and the kids ones too). One morning I was doing some colouring and Eliza wanted to join in so she sat down next to me and did some of her own colouring in.

The scooters were a big hit with the kids. Daniel amazed me with how he could balance on the 2 wheeled scooter! Eliza loved the 3 wheeled one. Maddie and Daniel tied their scooters together and enjoyed pulling each other along, riding it like a skateboard.

The mega blocks were a big hit with the kids, Alexander included. Lots of imagination came out building the tallest tower, car parks and garages, houses with windows. Lots of fun.

The pool was enjoyed most afternoons. The kids didn't seem to be fazed by it being a bit chilly at the start of their swims.

I loved this moment between Maddie and Daniel. Maddie asked Daniel if she could teach him the wedding dance. He said ok and then they danced like this for a few minutes. After they separated Maddie said "Yay. Now we're married." I had a little chuckle.

Alexander enjoyed cuddles with his Nana J.

Even in the heat our kids are pretty cool.

We headed out again to morning tea beside the water with Grannie Jean. It was really nice having Aunty Jen come along too.

One afternoon while Eliza had a nap James and I took Daniel out for a sneaky ice cream from the ice creamery. It was a really hot day so was good to have one although it melted very quickly! Daniel got to choose any flavour and he decided to get honeycomb crunch - vanilla icecream with chocolate covered honeycomb pieces in it. Tasty!

Alexander enjoyed sitting and playing on the grass.

The pool was also enjoyed by Daddy (once he got past the cold)

Alexander isn't too sure about the water. If it is cold he is upset. If he isn't held close, he gets upset. But when held close and used to the temperature he is happy.

We enjoyed our Enzo's breakfast with Nana J and Boompa. Alexander was helpful and had a good sleep in the capsule while we enjoyed a tasty breakfast.

We then enjoyed some time at the beach before it became too hot. The water was even more perfect today. It didn't even feel cold at the start.

While packing up Daniel gave Eliza a concert.

After the kids asking to use the playdough for most of the holiday, Nana J got some playdough and it was a hit with all the kids. They enjoyed squashing, molding, rolling and playing with the different colours.

On our last day we headed out to Tea Gardens with Nana J, Boompa, Auntie Jen, Maddie and Aly. It was a lovely time (even though it was quite a hot day). The kids enjoyed going on walks and enjoyed babychinos. James helped them take selfies.

Eliza did one last drawing on the chalkboard - our family. Daddy's at the top, the Alexander on the left and Daniel and Mummy on the right. Then Eliza is down the bottom. It's the first time that her people have eyes and mouths.

 The kids were again great with the car trip home. Alexander did really well and only got upset in the car about 30mins out from Coffs Harbour where we were staying for the night. He was very happy to crawl around and stretch his legs once we got to the apartment. In the morning we hopped back into the car and headed home. It was the last trip with using the capsule (which is a bit sad...).

Daniel and Eliza wanted to be nanas in the back of the car, with blankets on their legs.

Lunch was at Heatherbrae Pies - the kids' first experience of Heatherbrae pies and they enjoyed it (well Alexander was hungry in this photo so he didn't enjoy waiting)!

Another lovely trip to Hervey Bay. Our last trip with the capsule, our last big roadtrip with the Commodore, a lovely time with family.