Today was a big moments day - Phillip Island Go Karts in the morning and then Penguin Parade at night. Big memories made. Go Karts seemed to be the highlight for the kids (and James).
The race track
Alexander and Daddy drove tandem first. The steering was a bit too hard for Alexander so James did most of the driving.
Eliza was up next. She found the steering a bit heavy too so only did a lap, then he drove the rest of the laps.
The last tandem drive was with Daniel. Daniel was super keen to drive by himself but couldn't because he was under 12. After the 1st lap Daniel did all the steering and James just did the pedals to accelerate and break. James said Daniel did an awesome job at driving.
Awesome helmet hair
James then got to really enjoy his drive as he went on his own. He smashed the track and the others on it and was the fastest by 5 laps. So glad that he loved his birthday present.
We then headed to Nobbie's Lookout. It was so windy there but also so beautiful. We were lucky enough to find a penguin in its burrow while walking tot he lookout.
At night we headed to the Penguin Parade. So glad that we were able to buy the Penguin Plus. We were so close to the penguins! They ran out from under the boardwalk under the kids' feet. They hung out in front of them. They were just so very close! The only downside was that the rain started after an hour so we ended up leaving, however the little kids were tired too so we probably would have needed to leave around then anyway. Daniel loved seeing the penguins up close!
The wait was long and the kids got a bit bored but they were still amazing in their patient waiting, even with the rain drizzling down. (Eliza and I were pretending frustrated faces). You can see how close the sand is to us. That's where the penguins were!
The next morning the kids did some of their penguin parade workbooks. Part of me wishes that I put more effort into setting up these workbooks. The other part of me is happy to see some of the workbook pages being enjoyed (or at least completed).
16th April 2023
Phillip Island
Today was a very rainy day, so we changed our plans for the day. The kids were keen to see the chocolate factory so we decided it would be a good rainy day. We also enjoyed the Antarctic Centre in the afternoon.
The kids have made up a car game that they play when they are bored with travelling.
Jump over cars, swerve around barriers, signs are bonus points. I don't get the whole game, but the kids know what's happening, they get excited and they are happy playing it so win win.
Chocolate factory was interesting and lots of fun as well as tasty. So glad that our plans changed to include it.
Learning about how chocolate is made and then doing a chocolate quiz (James won)
The kids designed their own chocolate
The arcade time was awesome! So much fun spending our 10 tokens to try and win some chocolate balls. We won 11 between the 5 of us in the end.
Penguin poke
Pelican Roll
Penguin roll
We each were fed chocolate by a penguin robot.
We designed our own chocolate
We made our own chocolate - strawberry white chocolate.
We headed to the Antarctic Experience at the Nobbies. Lots of informations, a bit much for the little ones to absorb but still intersting.
The drive back to Penguin Parade was fun - lookouts and giving way to geese.
Our new 3 additions to the family
This kid is loving writing in his diary and drawing the picture at the end. Sounding out words, listening to advice on letter direction. He just loves learning!
17th April
Phillip Island to Apollo Bay
Car ferry, lunch with James' work friends, a lovely drive along the Great Ocean Road.
I spy a seal on the rocks
Our car ferry
Thanks for the donuts Daniel - so tasty! Alexander was overwhelmed with choice so had to do eeny meeny miny moe.
On the Great Ocean Road
On the payphone to Nana and Poppy for Monday night dinner with the family. Hard to be heard (so Eliza spoke to Auntie Jenny on the mobile) but still lots of excitement to make a payphone call.
18th April
Apollo Bay
Today the boys woke early so to quiet them down I took them for a walk to watch the sunrise. Such a great way to start the day! We also went Round the Twist and enjoyed time at the beach.
We walked all the way to the next town, Marengo. So pretty and a great way to start the day.
It was a peaceful morning... if you tuned out Alexander and his crazy mood
Posting our first postcards
Split Point Lighthouse - Have you ever... every felt like this? Strange things happen when you're going round the twist.
Some lighthouse fun pictures
Lorne for what was a paddle in the water, until the boys got their shorts so wet. The kids then got changed into their swimmers so they could jump the waves with no worries. It was freezing but they were loving it! When the water got too cold for them sand play was then enjoyed for another hour.
Alexander seems to have a thing of pretending he's holding up things. This fish was outside the Fisherman's Food Co-op where we enjoyed some of the best fish and chips (and calamari and watermelon salad).
19th April
Apollo Bay to Portland
Today has been a highlight. A really lovely time of being in the moment and enjoying where we are. Today's 12 Apostles involved a few special stops. A sneaky lookout, Gibson Steps (which we loved and spent ages at), 12 Apostles, Loch Art Gorge, London Bridge and the Grotto. So many places we hadn't seen before and we loved. God is just so clever making all these rock formations and then having them constantly change as they break, fall and transform.
We started at the Secret 12 Apostles Lookout. It was so windy!!
Daniel and I decided to take on the Great Ocean Walk while James drove Alexander and Eliza. It was still so windy.
I really wanted to do the Gibson Steps to get down to the base of the 12 Apostles. So amazing being so close to them and at the base. You can really experience the size and see the force of the waves crashing onto the rocks. And just so fun to play on the sand.
Shoes and socks off to just enjoy the moment
Little people, big cliffs
The sheer size of the cliffs is just amazing!
The force of the water was amazing to watch. I am amazed that any Apostles are still standing when that happens constantly every day!
Daniel and I continued on the Great Ocean Walk which took us along beside sheep farms
Kissy photo with face rock
Lock Ard Gorge and the cave
Sandcastles everywhere we go
London Bridge has fallen down
The Grotto. What a hidden gem!
So mesmerising watching the swirl and the force
The highlight for the kids was the foam being blown up from the water and trying to catch it.
They had 3 goes and Daniel caught some in the last go
20th April
Portland
A hidden gem of a place. With plans of a seal tour out the door because it wasn't being run that week we went to the Visitor Centre and asked what we could do. A walking history tour was the plan and it was so interesting. Not to mention we got to see Koala's in the wild - a big bucket list item for me.
New sneakers meant throwing out the ones that were falling apart
Walking tour of Portland
I spy a koala. Can you?
A cygnet in the water
Another koala!
More cartwheels, this time along the train tracks, and looking at paintings along the ground.
While James and Daniel got hot chips for hot chip sandwiches at lunch, Eliza, Alexander and I walked back home. We challenged ourselves to try and beat them home and we won! (Just). The kids were very excited to win.
We bought a legless clothesline which worked great!
Waving to the tram as it drove past. That will be tomorrow's adventure
So many wind farms in Victoria and they're massive
The Petrified Forest was a bit underwhelming. Basically was this big. Still cool but not what we were expecting.
Sunsetting at the Blowhole
The waves were mesmerising. Daniel described them crashing like exploding volcanoes. It was mesmerising.
The joy and excitement while watching the waves crash was so joyful.
Wind farm photo fun. Tired arms after multiple attempts. But we got there in the end.
We walked down to the Boatshed, the place where we would have left on the boat for the Seals tour (if it was happening). Apparently seals play in the water and hang on the wharf. Being late afternoon we didn't like our chances. We saw 1 seal playing in the water for a shot time which was exciting.
Alexander rescued a butterfly from a spider web. It was still alive but couldn't fly. He found it a new home in a bush.
I could have sat here all day and would have loved to watch the sun set here but meant we'd need to walk back in the dark so didn't stay. Beautiful spot.
There was a kangaroo on the track up front.
21st April
Portland
Tram day. Ding ding. Daniel loved the tram adventures today. There were 5 trips available and he and I went on all 5. The first trip we went all the way around and loved hearing the commentary. We then used it to get to different stops along the way. A highlight was him being asked to help check the tracks when the tram reversed. A very special moment.
Looking at the model trams
It was a drizzly morning so we had our rain jackets on hand
Last top
We headed to the Motor Museum to look at different old cars. We each chose our favourite car to show the rest of the family.
Lunch was at a park that was pointed out on our tram ride. The kids loved the play equipment (even the big kid).
We caught the tram to the top of the hill to the World War 2 memorial water tower and climbed to the top. Amazing 360 views of Portland.
Waving bye to Daddy, Eliza and Alexander as they headed home
Daniel and I walked to the beach and then to the lighthouse to pass the time.
Back to the station to wait for the tram
Helping the tram ticket inspector check for any sticks and stones on the track and also that the tram lines are in the correct place. I loved watching her explain different things to Daniel about the process.
