The Sunday before James and Eliza headed to Hervey Bay Jenny and Oscar came around so the kids could have a birthday treat with Oscar because we wouldn't be here for his actual birthday. It was lovely to see them, to have cupcakes with him and have a play.
When Auntie Jenny was leaving, Alexander wanted to have a cuddle with her. So sweet.
On Monday 19th December James and Eliza left early in the morning to start their road trip to Hervey Bay.
I was staying home with the boys so Daniel could finish Preschool then flying up on Wednesday. As I was about to leave to take Daniel to preschool, I noticed James' black backpack still sitting on the couch... Not good. I called James and asked him if he meant to pack the backpack and he said yes. It had his iPad, his passport and a few other important things for both his trip to Hervey Bay and to Thailand. He'd already made it to the twin service stations about 1.5hrs down the road. We decided that I'd drop Daniel off at Preschool then Alexander and I would drive to meet him down the freeway. By the time I left preschool we worked out that we'd meet at Berowra. This worked perfectly as we both arrived there around the same time. Exchange made, they went on the way north again and we headed south back home.
James said that Eliza traveled really well with him. She was very chatty, happy, kept busy with different activities and was very good at her negotiating skills with regard to the music they listened to. 'You choose one and then I get to choose one.' and 'You have chosen 2 so I get to choose 2.' She also had a nose for the lollies that James openned on the drive up. He successfully opened them quietly but then she asked if he was eating some lollies. He asked her how she knew and she said that she could smell them. Cheeky girl. They enjoyed their stops at cafes and parks and she even got to have her first milkshake (milk and fruit so more a smoothie) and she loved it!
Early on Wednesday morning James was taken to the airport by Nana J and Eliza so he could fly to Thailand for his mate, Rob's wedding. Daniel, Alexander and I were picked up by Nana and driven to the airport. Mum came with us to check in and then we gave her a hug and headed into the food court. We had some breakfast then headed to our gate. We watched some of the planes before we were able to board the plane.
The boys did really well on the flight. Daniel liked the snack that we got and had fun drawing and doing some activity books. Alexander liked eating food and reading books. The guy who was sitting next to us was very kind. He let Daniel sit beside the window, even though that was his seat and he didn't complain when Alexander was wriggling or dropped toys in front of him. I was very grateful to have such a kind person next to me. We survived the flight, still smiling :-)
When we got off the plane, I expected Eliza to be excited to see us, instead she was very clingy to Nana J. Daniel was excited to see Nana J and Boompa and ran and gave them a hug. Nana J told me that Eliza had been up since before 5am so she was very tired. She sure was! I got to have a cuddle and Eliza said to me 'Are Daniel, Alexander and you staying here?' When I said yes she replied, 'But I want to be here alone.' I think she was enjoying her time by herself with Nana J and Boompa. Alexander then got quite fussy and didn't want to be held by anyone other than me. Boompa and Daniel went to get the chair bag from the luggage and Eliza stayed with Nana J. Next thing, Alexander was asleep in my arms. Poor bubba.
We headed to the car and then drove Nana J back to their place while Boompa drove their car. In the few minutes to get to their place Eliza and Alexander were both asleep. I decided that I'd drop off Julie and then keep driving with the kids so they had a little bit of a nap. Daniel wanted to stay with Nana J so he got out too. I then did a little drive around the Bay which was quite nice and peaceful. My 2nd time driving around Hervey Bay! (Normally James just drives).
After we got back to Nana J and Boompa's place we had some lunch and then we enjoyed a swim in the pool. Alexander and I got out but Daniel and Eliza had so much fun in there they didn't want to get out. Aunty Jen and Maddie came around and she jumped straight into the pool. Many giggles were heard.
Alexander had some lovely chats with Nana J while the others were still swimming.
The kids slept ok at night, although they did wake at 5:30am. Early morning starts. They did quite well playing in the room, reading books, chatting quietly. But they were keen for 7am to come around to head out of the room. In the morning Daniel stayed with Nana J while I took Eliza and Alexander to an inflatable playground with Jen and Aly. We arrived at the same time as Jenny so the girls were excited to walk in together, holding hands. Too cute!!
The kids had an absolute blast jumping on the jumping castles, jumping through obstacle courses, sliding down the slide, playing with balls. It was an awesome morning. Here is just a glimpse of the fun we had.
Eliza's favourite activity was the giant slide, even with a massive faceplant after her first go on it. She kept returning to it though. Alexander's favourite activity I'm pretty sure was the balls blown into the air and trying to catch them. We were there for around 2 hours and the kids were exhausted by the end of it. In the afternoon I stayed home with Eliza and Alexander and Daniel went to the inflatable playground with Maddie and Aunty Jen. They also had a fantastic time! Jenny said that they were so busy it was hard to get any photos but that they really enjoyed it and loved seeing each other again.
Eliza just loved patting Charlie this trip. Normally she's tentative but not this trip which was nice to see.
When Jenny brought Daniel back she brought Aly and Maddie around again and the kids had a lot of fun playing in the pool together again.
Alexander woke from his nap and had fun coming and going, a little game of his own. I love his cheeky little grin.
Eliza and Aly were just like 2 peas in a pod. They played so nicely together. The both had crazy ideas and wanted to follow through on them so worked together, like making cushion mountains. I can't wait to watch these 2 girls as they grow up.
The next morning Julie and I took the kids to the beach. The water is such a perfect temperature - not too cold, the waves are small, the sand is fun. It was a fun morning playing in the water with the kids and playing on the sand too. Each of them had a turn going out deeper with Julie or I and also spent some time paddling on the edge of the water.
In the afternoon Jenny brought Maddie and Aly around again to have a play. Eliza and Aly had a blast riding the bike and the scooter while Daniel and Maddie were exploring and running around.
Nana J bought a gingerbread house for the kids to decorate while Alexander napped. The kids had a blast using the icing pens to make their own designs on the house and they shared the pens so well. They each had a wall to complete. It was very serious work for them all and they were very proud of their finished products.
The kids then cooled off in the pool and had a lot of fun playing with some torpedoes that Nana J had bought. Even Alexander joined in when he woke up.
Torpedo throw!
Eliza had more fun on the scooter. I noticed that she was doing really well on the 2 wheel scooter. Maybe it's time for her to upgrade at home?
The next day Grannie Jean came around for lunch. It was lovely to see her and the kids each had a lovely chat with her. Eliza was her gorgeous normal self, telling Grannie Jean all about anything and everything that popped into her head.
Daniel had a lovely time showing Grannie Jean his Preschool portfolio and telling her about different activities that were in it. He took a lot of pride in showing her.
Alexander waved to Grannie Jean and mumbled different things to him. I just love the interest that she shows in the kids and how they are going. She's just beautiful. The kids are very lucky to have their Grannie Jean.
In the evening Boompa was mowing the lawn and Alexander just delighted in sitting and watching him. He sat on the front steps, watching the whole time. Then when Boompa moved to the back lawn, Alexander pulled over the little kids chairs and sat on that to continue watching. Too cute!
At nighttime Julie and I did our part of the gingerbread house, the roof and Julie also did the chimney. We used the icing pens and also some little dried apple and sultanas. It was fun doing our creations.
On Christmas Eve we went to church with Julie. The kids did really well in the service. The choir sang a song which Alexander couldn't help but stand up and dance to. I just love how he loves to dance!
Daniel and Eliza went out to Sunday School with Julie while I stayed in the service with Alexander. He did very well, drawing, reading, playing quietly. He was very tired so he then drifted off to sleep.
The big kids came back in at the end of the service with a little bag that had a chocolate Christmas tree in it and a Christmas decoration. They had received them when playing Christmas bingo. They both enjoyed eating their trees.
Malcolm and Julie were then cleaning and organising the house, ready for Christmas day lunch so I said I'd take the kids out to a cafe for a babychino so it was easier to do things around the house. We headed to Aquavue which was really busy but they were great and organised a table for us to sit at. I offered the kids to have a babychino but Eliza said she wanted to milkshake (remembered from the drive up). I compromised and offered them a frappe instead. They both agreed. So I ordered 2 berry frappes and a scone to share. It was very tasty, and the kids liked their drink, even though it kept giving Daniel brain freezes.
Cafe time with the kiddies
Brain freeze
We headed back to Malcolm and Julie's place but they weren't quite finished so I took the kids to the Maccas down the road because Daniel was desperate to go to an indoor park (it was way too hot to go to an outside park). This worked really well. The kids loved playing on the slides and also enjoyed the interactive computer floor too where they could play some games using their feet. A great time waster.
On the way back home, Daniel's nose started to bleed. We had run out of tissues in the car so the best thing I could grab was a (clean) nappy. Poor kid but it was pretty funny. It did stop after a little bit once we got back home but it was a longish one.
After lunch and having a nap Alexander had a great time hanging with Boompa, while Daniel and Eliza had fun playing in the pool again.
After a swim Maddie and Aly came around with Aunty Jen. Maddie was very excited to give Daniel, Eliza and Alexander some Christmas presents that she got them. The kids were very excited to receive and open their gifts - Christmas slime, a mango and some Play School drawing pages. I also love the way that the gifts were wrapped in material.
After a bit more play, Boompa found a birds nest that had fallen from one of the trees out the front. It was really cool to see the different parts of the nest and how it was put together. Birds are such scavengers.
At bedtime we opened and read the Christmas Eve story book from our Christmas countdown. The kids were pretty excited that tomorrow was Christmas Day and that we were going to see Daddy!
Once the kids were in bed, Julie and I sat down to put together the gingerbread houses. It was a fiddly job but we got there in the end and the house looked very nice.
The challenge was then to find where to store it so the ants couldn't get to it. We eventually worked out that we could put it into the microwave for the night. Winner! (Christmas Day, see the seperate post). Boxing Day was a quiet day. The kids really enjoyed dressing up in their costumes and playing in them. Daniel did some timed races around the house (even in the extreme humidity).
He then settled down to play his Craig Lowndes board game. I mentioned to Boompa that Daniel really wanted to play it with him if he had a chance so Boompa sat down to play against Daniel. Daniel won.
Eliza did some Frozen colouring in.
We headed out to the park near Enzo's for a play. Daniel took over my job of pushing Eliza on the swing as there is an awesome double swing.
They then tried to climb up the cool tree at the park.
Daniel then decided to come back and swing Alexander. Alexander is such a happy boy when swinging.
Then everyone decided to climb up the tree.
During nap time I couldn't help but sneak in to see Alexander when he was sleeping. Too sweet and innocent. I love that he likes his Farmer toy and cuddles it.
James and I watched the cricket while Daniel and Eliza had rest time. Daniel was curious about it and wanted to watch it so peeked his head through the door to watch. He made me laugh.
Daniel and Alexander also loved patting Charlie this trip or being near him.
The next day we headed out early for a drive to the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. We were going for a ride on the sugar cane railway. After the long drive was hopped out of the car and put on sunscreen. Nana J, Aunty Jen, Maddie and Aly also arrived. We then headed to the station. We arrived a little big before the train came so the kids sat on the seat and waited. As the train pulled into the station they all waved to the train driver and the people on it.
We then climbed onto the carriage. We all just fit in it.
We then enjoyed a train ride around the botanic gardens. They were quite pretty although it was a pretty hot, humid and sticky day.
Aly was so excited!
I love this photo of Nana J and Aly
The kids had fun on the train ride. They liked seeing the animals in the lake, and seeing the steam blown out of the train engine. They weren't so big a fan of the loud horn that tooted at each crossing we drove to.
After the train ride we went for a scenic walk around the gardens trying to find the japanese garden to eat our lunch in. It was a scenic walk because we did get lost. The heat definitely didn't help the kids' motivation in walking either (nor ours). But we did get to wave to the train as it went past.
Once we finally worked out our bearings and where we were, we found the Japanese garden and settled in the gazebo for lunch. After lunch Nana J and James went to get the cars while Jenny and I took the kids down to the Chinese garden. It was a very pretty garden.
The kids had a blast but were so tired from their day the all fell asleep in the car on the way home. Cuties.
At nighttime Daniel played his board game with Nana J and guess who won... yep, Daniel did again.
Early the next morning the kids woke, like really early. James was kind enough to take the kids out of the house so that I could have a sleep in. He headed down to the newly renovated Enzo's Cafe. It looks amazing! The kids apparently enjoyed their babychino while looking over the beach. James said that at least this makes up for the very early morning start.
He then took the kids for a little play at the park.
When they came home we had breakfast and then got ready to head to the beach. The tide was out so the water was really shallow for such a long way. The kids loved walking so far out and playing in the water.
Alexander looking out at Daniel and Eliza in the water
The kids then started to play on the sand. It was really cool watching them play and work together at their different stages. They dug a hole and filled it with water. They then made a trench for the water to make its way back to the sea. I then asked them if they could stop the water getting back. Alexander still had fun just lifting up the sand in his hand and watching it drop back down. Eliza tried to put sand in the way but didn't know what else to do when the water went around the wall but then cheered when the water stopped because the water soaked up in the sand leaving no more to trickle down. Daniel worked out that he needed to try and build the wall wider and that he needed to keep filling up the hole to see if the water was stopped or not. Learning through play at its best and at the different levels. I just loved sitting there watching them play.
When we got home the kids decided that they wanted to do some of the experiments from Daniel's Christmas present. It was tricky to find ones that were easy to do in someone else's house but we found some. The Daniel and Eliza used tongs, tweezers and toothpicks to pretend to be scavenging birds. They found that it was easier to pick things up with the tongs. They had a great time running around the garden and the house finding different objects.
The next experiment we did was seeing if an egg could float in water. We put sugar, salt and plain water in some cups. The kids then predicted if the egg would float or sink
then dropped an egg in it. At first none floated until we put a lot more salt in - helps to read the instructions properly. But the kids were still pretty excited when it floated in the salt water.
Then we did some more drawing and colouring in. Why colour in on the table when you can colour in under it? Funny kid.
The next day Aunty Jen invited us around to their house for a swim and a play. The kids were so excited to see their cousins again and play together. They had fun playing in the pool and on the trampoline.
When playing inside the kids found the dressing up box. This was lots of fun - tigers, Elsas, witches, wizards. They were having so much fun they didn't want to leave!
Cutest tiger!
Stacks on Uncle Ryan!
Saturday mornings are markets at the pier so we headed there to have a look. When we arrived Maddie and Aly were already there having a jump on the jumping castle. Daniel, Eliza and Alexander went straight in. They had a blast on there.
The next day we all went out for lunch with Grannie Jean. It was a lovely time. The kids were really good and loved sitting next to each other, the breeze was nice and the location was very pretty.
Our New Years Eve plans was to go down to the pier to watch the fireworks go off at 8pm. Unfortunately in the afternoon a big storm came through and the forecast was for it to continue raining through the night. We weren't so keen on the idea to watch the fireworks in the rain so we did an afternoon trip to K-Mart to find a DVD for the kids to have a movie night. They were so excited and basically wanted to buy every DVD they saw. No deal. We were thinking Cars 3 DVD but it was quite expensive. We found Happy Feet instead so decided to get that one. The kids also found a Fireman Sam boxset and they convinced James and I to get it as well. That's what holidays are about isn't it? After dinner and baths, Alexander went to bed and then it was movie night. The kids loved it and really enjoyed dancing to the music.
When it was 8pm we paused the movie to watch the Sydney fireworks on TV. The kids were pretty impressed with them.
We then made some popcorn and watched the rest of the movie. It involved more dancing to the fun music.
On New Years Day Alexander woke before the big kids so I brought him into our room to read some books. I just LOVE this photo of James and Alexander reading together.
We then got ready and drove out to the Snakes Down Under Reptile Park and Zoo. We met Nana J, Aunty Jen, Maddie and Aly there. First we watched a snake show. The big kids were really interested in it. Aly and Alexander listened for different parts of it and walked around for other parts.
I put Alexander's hat on his head back at home but he took it off and left it there so he got to wear my hat for the day.
After the show we were invited to hold a snake. Maddie was straight into it
Our kids were a bit hesitant. James offered to hold the snake so the kids could touch it. Alexander tried to squeeze it a few times. Eeek. But it was ok.
Eliza then decided that she wanted to have a go at holding it. James helped because the snake was so heavy.
Daniel then decided to have a go holding it too with Daddy's help. He was a bit more nervous but did really well.
We then went down and listened to the koala talk. It was a bit tricky because there weren't enough steps for the kids to stand on, and it was really hot and still so the kids struggled to listen. Next Nana J bought some food for the kids to give to the kangaroos. There were only a couple of kangaroos interested in eating the food - the other kangaroos were more interested in resting in the shade (can't blame them really). The kids still really enjoyed giving the food to them.
We then went over to the reptiles section and looked at the different reptiles. The kids got to pat a shingleback lizard.
Nana J, Auntie Jen, Maddie and Aly then headed home because Aly was very tired and we stayed to watch the crocodile feeding. First we walked through the snake display and James and I found it quite funny to see a green tree frog sitting on top of a green tree snake.
We then sat down to watch the crocodile show. It was crazy how close we were. The kids got a fright when the crocodile snapped. Alexander in particular was a bit scared by it. James had a chuckle when it wouldn't do what they were asking with trying to display the death roll. We told Daniel and Eliza that that is probably the closest they will ever get to a crocodile which was really cool! We even got a bit wet when it flicked its head.
It was a great little reptile park. We definitely plan to head back there again in the future. While in Hervey Bay, my darling boy loved to pick up frangipani flowers from the ground and give them to me and ask me to wear them. Bless. He also shared them with Eliza and himself.
Each time we visit Hervey Bay we enjoy a breakfast at Enzo's Cafe with Malcolm and Julie. This trip was no different, except we went to the updated Enzo's. We were really impressed with the set up. The kids liked sitting at the bar seats watching the waves. It was a really high tide this morning with big waves crashing up on the rocks - not normal at the bay. They were pretty mesmerized by the waves.
We then sat at our table to enjoy our drinks. Babychinos were again a hit!
The kids had a little play in the park and again watched the waves crashing and splashing. I love this photo of Eliza. Looks like she is conducting the waves!
Then our breakfast was ready. The kids got bacon and eggs which was a great hit with them. Daniel was creative and made it into a bacon and egg sandwich.
Tasty food all around!
James and I then took the kids over the park for a longer play. Eliza learnt how to swing on her own. Clever girl!
While Eliza was swinging, Daniel was climbing up the tree. He grew in confidence and enjoyed climbing up higher. Clever boy! I was quite nervous about how high he was though.
When we got back the kids had a swim with Daddy to cool down a bit.
Aunty Jen, Maddie and Aly came around for a play too. The kids found a fun caterpillar game which Aunty Jen got asked to play multiple times.
After nap time we decided to take the kids to get some ice cream. Next trip Eliza will be able to choose whichever flavour she wants, but this time she had to have vanilla. Daniel chose cookies and cream and really enjoyed it! Alexander is yet to try ice cream.
Being so hot the ice cream was dripping a lot! We told the kids to lean over so that it didn't drip all over them. They did well. No drips on them.
Alexander decided that he needed to lean over too with his corn thin. Funny kid.
I just love how my bubba comes up and gives me cuddles at different times. He is just so cuddly.
We then decided to go for a walk along the new boardwalk.
My 3 cheeky monkeys
The next morning Eliza requested an Elsa braid. I was pretty pleased with the outcome.
We then went to visit Nan to say bye to her.
It was so lovely to see her and have a quick chat. She's doing so well and is just so wise. I love seeing her chat with the kids. We then went to see the Notorious Pirate Ship. It was pretty cool to go onto a pirate ship and walk around. The kids each had a turn at aiming the canon and liked looking around below deck.
The kids and James tried to move the anchor. It slightly moved but was amazing how heavy it was.
We then headed around to Aunty Jen's place again for the kids to play some more. Dressing up was popular this time. Elsa and Anna costumes were worn by all.
Daniel didn't want to miss out
I just loved watching Eliza and Aly play 'Elsa and Anna' together. They were so beautiful, gentle and cute together.
Uncle Ryan came home shortly and Alexander had fun playing with him.
The big kids enjoyed having a tea party.
At night James and I got to go out for our anniversary. We headed to Vinyard. It was lovely to sit and chat and to enjoy many seafood treats! We definitely ate too much. Haha. 9 years on and still love being married to this man and doing life with him. He challenges me, supports me, listens to me. We are a team and I love that!
The next morning the kids were up early again so we headed to Enzo's again for babychinos, water, hot chocolate and coffee and a park play.
The best view!
In the park Eliza had more fun swinging on her own.
The next day we started our trip home. The kids did really well in the car. Daniel did some great drawing on his chalkboard.
Eliza made use of the presents from Maddie, colouring in her pictures.
We stopped for breakfast and lunch and had a quick play in the parks.
Very cool riding play equipment
We drove home inland through Tamworth and stopped in for morning tea at Auntie Ros and Uncle Mark's place. Andrew, Emma, Logan and Ethan also came. Was lovely to see them and to meet little Ethan. It was so nice to sit and chat. Wish it was longer but we were also keen to get home. The boys played really well together, building train tracks.
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