Our trip down south.

From Wednesday the 20th until Saturday the 23rd August, Cooper, Darcy and myself spent some relaxing time in Tasmania. It was just what I needed. To get away, tune out for a while, and recharge and regroup.

We flew out of Melbourne at 7pm, bound for Launceston. Arrived shortly after 8pm, got the rental car, and headed to our hotel. By 8am we were on the road making our way to Strahan.

Around 4pm we finally arrived at Strahan. You see, I just, well, really lost. Instead of following the major road, I turned off it, went straight through the guts of Tassie (and the snow!) and ended up 2 hours behind time. Ah well.

Friday was spent relaxing on a cruise ship watching the whales play. It was such an amazing and enjoyable day. The kids had a ball, and I enjoyed being constatntly called by my Mother's name by my Nana, and reminded how much I look like my Mother, who grew up in Strahan lol!! The people who own this boat are family friends, making for a cheap day whenever we return home! They are The Gordon River cruises






After crusing for 3 hours, Darcy and I got off at Sarah Island and went exploring. I enjoyed the walk, while Darcy enjoyed enough nature for the both of us!








On the way back to Strahan we saw a Mother whale and her baby!! It was the most amazing experience, but getting a clear photo of them was hard.

These are fish farms that are out in the harbour, home to rainbow trout.






After a gorgeous lunch of smoked salmon, fresh salads and hot chocolate, we docked at about 4pm and headed to my favourite place in the world for respite, Ocean Beach for some name in the sand writing, some shell collections, and sand dune sliding!









9am Saturday and we head home. Get to Launceston at 4pm, and relax at the terminal while Darcy entertains most of the passengers lol!!





Once on the plane Darcy saw the opposite row of seats were empty, so she took it upon herself to move to get a better view!







We arrived back in Melbourne around 7pm, and were all at home sleeping by 9pm.

All in all a very relaxing, and much needed break.

Darcy the Archaeologist..

Excursion to the dinosaurs #4 this year.

This time we went to see the new dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museu, and not only for me, but moreso for Darcy, was a HUGE letdown. After 5 mins she asked to go the the regular dinosaur exhibition!!

Here's some pictures from our day. Happy kids, check. $100 poorer, check. Mama with a huge headache, CHECK!

Dino babes!

Digging for bones!

A baby in the egg.

Everyone say Awww!!

Skeletalsaurus lol!!

Lookout!

Mmm, lunch!



Running up the hill to home.

Fun had by all.

Stay tuned next week for episode Luna Park...

My amazing Daughters...

My heart starts hurting when I look at pictures of my girls. I love them so much it hurts.

I'm so proud of them. They are the best of friends. They do everything together. Mia repeats everything Darcy says, and likes to wear what Darcy wears (hence they have the same shirt on lol).

Darcy doesn't do anything without inviting Mia along. Mia asks to sleep with Darcy every night.

Is there any better feeling?

We've upgraded from the baby swing...

Yes folks, the time has finally come.

First, we graduate from the nursery at creche at the tender age of 26 months into the toddler room. Still having up to 3 sleeps a day, she was more at home with the babies.

But now, she's decided she's too big for the baby swing (see previous picture).

She's decided she now rolls with her Sister on the big swing. The one that has no back, no front, no way of keeping my midget secure.

Since she's too little to sit the traditional way, and can't figure out exactly how to, she improvises.

BEHOLD!!

You think she's enjoying it?

Mia on her favourite play thing ATM - her swing:

She's not happy unless it's going extremely high. I nearly go into heart failure when the little bugger in on the thing!

Family holiday kodak moments.

During the school holidays the family ventured to Phillip Island for a much needed family get away. It was also the first time J and I had actually "done" anything for our wedding anniversary, apart from the usual "surprise honey, I love you" kinda stuff. We were actually away for it, which was special, considering we didn't even have a honeymoon!

I was surprised with a dozen red roses at lunchtime on Saturday, which sent my Mum into tears. "That's so sweet", she cried. She's a shocker.

Darcy had an amazing time. Highlights for her were finding crabs, chilling on her banana lounge, and flying the kite.









Mia was absolutely blown away by the ocean. "Mama, bubbles!" she screamed. She a water baby that one, and had a ball at the beach.

This is what took Mia's breath away:

And Mister Cooper took the stage, upon a plastic surfboard:

All in all, a highly relaxing, yet energetic weekend at the same time.

My Mi-Mi making a mess mess!!!

Little bugger. She decided throwing leggo everywhere in the family room was her idea of fun. Note the cheeky little laugh when she realises she's busted. God I love that kid.