bubbanoble: Hervey Bay Trip for Christmas 2021

On the 20th December we went nice and early to get our PCR tests that were needed so that we could cross the border to spend Christmas in Hervey Bay. The tests took 30mins to get done which wasn't too bad a wait (as it turned out that was nothing compared to the next day and weeks after that where people were waiting 3hours and getting turned away because the lines were so long). We packed our bags and finished off our advent calendars so we were ready to head off nice and early in the morning.

The drive to Tweed Heads was a good one and we made it in good time. The kids again travelled pretty well which I am always grateful for. Being back in Tweed Heads was a little bit surreal for me. It was the first time back there since Grandma passed away and there were a few similarities to when we drove up too that hit home - things like going to the park (that we always go to) where we realised Grandma was going to pass away, parking in basically the same parking spot the next day at Eumundi for the markets, etc. Just little things but I as quite sensitive to them. With time I'm sure it will ease.

The next day we drove to Eumundi markets and managed to get a parking spot out the front. We decided that as part of the holiday each kid would have $10 to spend on something. They were desperate for a slushy too so enjoyed having that drink. It was quite hot so really was a perfect choice! (I got a lemon lime and bitters slushy that was yum!).

With their money Eliza bought a crystal necklace, Alexander bought 2 little wind turtles (one he wanted to give to Nana J and the other he wanted to keep) and Daniel bought a Pokemon toy. They were very excited about their purchases.

They got chip on a stick for lunch (and all 3 were still very hungry - backfire!) so we got them a bagel to share too. They were a bit happier with that.

We made it up to Hervey Bay and were very excited to meet Oli for the first time! He is such a gorgeous chubby bubba. He took a while to warm up to us, but that was to be expected as he hasn't met us before and he was almost 6 months old. Over the 2 weeks we did love having cuddles with our gorgeous nephew.

After sitting in the car for so long we went for a walk around the block with the kids to stretch our legs and all the bats were out moving to Fraser Island at dusk. So amazing to watch, and so gross too. The kids were amazed at the sight.

Then it was bedtime - Alexander was very excited to be matchy matchy with Daddy.

Bluey PJs!!!

Hervey Bay holidays in Summer means early mornings, mostly for the kids and I. James seems to know how to sleep in, even when the sun comes up nice and early. This year I packed my sneakers and decided to head out for walks in the morning. Eliza and Alexander were wide awake when I got up so I asked them if they wanted to come for a walk with me. They were super keen to. We headed to the marina to see the giant whale. It was a nice way to start the morning, chatting and walking.

Then we got to see our cousins again. The kids had fun playing with each other.

Unfortunately we weren't able to get a gingerbread house making kit for the kids to do this year so Jen kindly make gingerbread people for the kids to decorate. They had a blast decorating 2 people (in-between cuddles and playing with Ollie too).

While the icing set (there was a lot of icing to set!!) the kids had fun playing together and Daniel had a great time making Ollie laugh. It brought back memories that he was the one who often made Eliza and Alexander laugh as babies.

I love the joy on everyone's faces watching him entertain Ollie too

The wait had been long enough and the kids wanted to eat their gingerbread men. So they obliged with a photo for me before enjoying their food.

There was more playing and more hugs with Ollie.

The next day we headed to the beach. We were determined to try and head to the beach more this trip than the other times. Weather was also predicted to rain so we wanted to get in the beach on the good days too. Today was a perfect day!