Life is a Journey not a Destination

As expected Amy was up early around 2am I believe. I got up around 5am. It’s good when at home and read blogs and get a start on the day but here all there is to do is read blogs (and do a little tidy up). This morning I also did some ironing and packed a suitcase for Kevin to take back with him - as I don’t think I can fit everything in the car (it was already pretty full on the way up).

I packed some lunch and we left for White Water World just about 9.30am. The park is a lot smaller than Wet n wild. We put all our stuff near the Nicholdeon Pipeline Plunge and had a play.

We then moved on the Hydro coaster. SOOOO much fun. It’s just like a roller coaster with hills and plunges - you get soaked!!! We went on twice but it was SOOOO cold when you were wet and out of the water.

We then went on The Green Room - which was just like the Typhoon but for some reason I didn’t enjoy this ride. Maybe it was just cause I was rushed on the ride and wasn’t ready for it. Next was a couple more raft rides, then I sat in the sun with Christy for a while cause she was shivering.

Later the girls played some more in the pipeline (and Christy had a little play at Wiggle Bay) before we had a float around in the wave pool.

Amy went on some more slides and we had some lunch before announcing we were too cold to get wet again. Around 1.30pm we got dressed and went over to Dreamworld.

Amy and Kevin went off to the Claw again. Christy took to the Reef Diver (for around 5 rides) since yesterdays favourites were closed. Amy also rode Wipeout again before they both went on the Vortex.

We stopped for an ice-cream sundae (Kevin and I shared one),

then went on one last ride of the motorcoaster before heading back to the car.

We dropped Kevin at the airport then drove back to our apartment for the last time. We went down to the indoor spa for a soak, then back to our room for some dinner and to watch Anne of Green Gables : The Sequel.

Tomorrow : Packing, a last swim and driving to Coffs Harbour.

Up this morning just as the sun was coming up around 6am. Around 8am we went to Coles and got some groceries and rolls. We made up some lunch to take with us and left just after 9am.

First up when we arrived was to get a photo in front of the water feature.

We decided to do the wet rides first again so we went on the Thunder River Rapids ride, then the Rocky Hollow Log Ride. Both are fun but we didn’t get as wet as yesterday.

Next was Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster - we loved this and Kevin said it really was like riding a motorbike.

From here we went to Wiggle World - Amy wasn’t too impressed but even though Christy is past the Wiggles she was still keen to go. We went on the Big Red Car ride, then the girls did Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup ride.

It was then onto Nickelodeon Central. We went on the Runaway Raptar Rollercoaster, the Swinger Zinger, and the girls did a spin ride, then the dodgems with Kevin.

By now we were feeling a bit hungry so we went to fetch our bag from the locker and sat and ate it.

Then we headed to Ocean Parade where Kevin & Amy rode The Claw - I rode later on and it was so much fun (Kevin rode another 3 times).

Christy had a go of rock climbing. I was suprised how good she was for her first go.

The girls and Kevin did the reef diver.

Amy rode the wipeout a couple of times

then the girls and Kevin did the reef diverwhile Christy rode the stingray about 10 times. We took turns riding the Cyclone rollercoaster while Christy was on the stingray.

The girls went on the Vortex 4 times before a boy was sick and the ride closed for cleaning.

Amy & Kevin went off to ride the Tower of Terror (not like the one in Disneyland) while Christy and I went to Nick Central and went on Blue’s Skidoo

then Dora’s seaplanes and Christy went on the swings again. When Kevin & Amy got back they went to the ball flight play thing - I think Kevin had the most fun in there. Time for a quick photo with Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick.

It was nearly time for the park to close so we went to do the Motocoaster again and were lucky enough to get to ride a number of times. Really loved this ride.

On the way out of the park we stopped to get a tea (for me) and hot chips for the girls - we all needed something to warm up. Was just as well cause we had a slow trip home due to lots of traffic (main highway was closed).

Amy crawled into bed as soon as we got back at 6.30pm.

Tomorrow - Our last day before heading home - White Water World - Kevin leaves

Up just after 4.30am this morning. Read blogs, did some vaccuuming and played a new game with Amy. Later Kevin took the girls down for a swim in the indoor pool while I showered and went and bought rolls for Christy.

We left just after 9am for Movie World. We arrived early and got to meet and get photographs with lots of the characters. When it was officially opened at 10am we went straight for the Scooby Doo Scary Coaster as the girls are very into Scooby at the moment. They loved it.

We then did Lethal Weapon - but that was rather rough. I lost both my earings and will no doubt have a big bruise on my shoulder tomorrow. Next up was Wild West Falls. So much fun we went twice and ended up Very wet. The ride photo was taken just before our second drenching.

We then went to the kids area and the girls had a number of goes on the kids roller coaster before the Tweety Cages.

The kids were in line when Christy hit Amy so we left the area and went to Superman Escapes. Another cool ride. You really do feel like you’re flying.

While I was riding Kevin took the girls to see the Scooby Doo show. I managed to see most of it and it was pretty cute. The girls loved it.

By now we were getting hungry so we stopped for some lunch. Kevin & I shared a creamy vegetable cobb loaf but it was only okay. Luckily we can’t eat much so it really didn’t matter too much.

Kevin & Amy went on the Batwing Spaceshot.

We then went to do Scooby Doo again. And in the shop Christy got her very own scooby doo outfit (with some money she was given from Nanny & Poppy).

We went to see the parade - which latest a whole 5 mins ( a bit different from the Disneyland Parade). We then and rode Scooby for the very last time.

Next we lined up to see Shrek in 4D. We enjoyed an ice-cream while we waited. This is such a good show - we were lucky enough to see it at Universal Studios Florida back in 2004.

With one hour left we headed back to the kids area and went on the Looney Tunes River Cruise - which had been closed in the morning, then the girls picked some rides to finish up on. Christy went on the cars, Amy on the roller coaster. At 5pm the rides closed and we headed home.

Before I end this post I just wanted to share a photo taken today and one on our last visit 3 years ago (sitting on the same bench).

Tomorrow : Dreamworld

Up a little later at 6am today. Read blogs, uploaded yesterday blog post (wasn’t working yesterday), did some ironing and had a “little” tidy up (not that you’d know it now). We had some breakfast and left about 9am for some shopping at Pacific Fair. According to the website it was open at 9am and technically it was, but most shops didn’t open till 10am. I just love the entrance to the Peter Alexander Store - shame it was closed when we went by.

We spotted a Mrs Fields so got some cookies and a tea (coffee for Kevin).

We then wondered around the shops, buying some bits and pieces. Managed to get the two other Anne of Green Gables movies so Amy is happy. We stopped for lunch in the food court, then headed back to the apartment.  Christy got a new little backpack for hiking.

Next up was Christy’s choice - a ride on the Aquaduck. This is a bus/boat.

You start of on land - driving along the street of Surfers, then launch into the water and have a bit of a tour of the VERY expensive home on the canels. Check out the one with the helicopter in the back yard - this is apparently his weekend home.

Both girls got to have a drive.

After this we headed to Cold Rock for another ice-cream, which we ate on the grass area of the complex.

Later Amy and Kevin headed to the Wax Museum (Amy’s choice), while Christy went for the swim and I read.

We settled in for the night again, with the girls watching Hercules.

Tomorrow : Warner Bros. Movie World

Another early morning. Read blogs until about 7am when I went to the complex’s gym. Did a weights workout, then 10 min on elliptical and 10min on treadmill. Felt a bit sick afterwards so must have had a good workout. Back in the room Christy was now awake so we all got dressed (ready for another day at Wet and Wild) and went to get some groceries and some breakfast. Kevin is rather pleased as there is a sushi and juice bar right downstairs. We ate back in the room and I got our lunch/snacks packed.

We arrived at Wild and Wet about 10.15, found a spot to camp for the day (next to Buccaneer Bay again). We left Christy playing and went to do the big thrill rides that she is too short to go on. First up was the Tornado – LOVED this!!! (never been on anything like it before.

You can see a short video here but it doesn’t really capture the true thrill of it.

We then did a 3 person raft ride (Mach 3) and a raft ride (Mammoth Falls). After all the stairs (and my gym workout) my legs were starting to feel a little sore so we went back to see Christy and go on some rides together. We did the same 2 person dark raft ride we did the other day, then a normal water slide (big line for short ride), then headed back to have some lunch. Today Kevin had wanted a salad. We had bought all the supplies this morning and it was so yummy to have on this warm, sunny day.

We then went to do Calypso Beach again. We always love lazy river rides.

We went on the Tornado again (just as good as the first time). Christy took our photo this time.

We also bought the ride photo.

Then Amy and Kevin went into the wave pool for a while and I took Christy back to Buccaneer Bay (note all the water about to pour all over Christy).

The girls then went off to the speed racer. Amy came back after a while and we eventually had to track down Christy (who was still doing the racer). We left around 4.30pm so really put in a full day this time around. Christy was having so much fun she didn’t want to leave. Kevin & the girls got an ice cream as we left.

Back at the room the girls had a bath while I got unpacked. Amy went to lie down on her bed to play her Nintendo DS and promptly fell asleep. This was around 6pm so I hate to think what time she’ll be up in the morning. She didn’t even get any dinner.

We had a burrito for dinner (made with the TVP I asked Kevin to bring up with him), and watched a couple of shows on the lifestyle channel before heading to bed for an early night ourselves. All that fresh air and climbing stairs has tuckered us all out.

Tomorrow : The Wax Museum (for Kevin & Amy), a cruise on the Aqua Duck (Christy has been dying to do this) and shopping at Pacific Fair (for Me!!!)

Kevin is finally here - after his flight being an hour late last night. I was up around 5.45am and got to see a lovely sunrise (most mornings have been too cloudy).

Once everyone was awake we had some breakfast and headed downstairs to the pool. The girls played at the outdoor pool for a while, then we went to the indoor one and all went in the spa - which was lovely and warm. Being Anzac Day (a day of remembrance for our armed forces - esp. those to fought in World War I and II) most things are closed until 1pm. If we hadn’t already booked our jetboat trip we could have gone and watched the march since it wasn’t till 10.30am.

At 10am we headed out for our Jetboat Tour. It was SOOOOO much fun. I ended up with a sore jaw from smiling and laughing the whole 45 min trip. Christy announced it was the best fun EVER.

I didn’t think I’d be able to share the photos we purchased but Kevin suggested I take a photo of them - and suprisingly they turned out pretty good. I’m so glad we did it - it’s something I’ve always wanted to do but wouldn’t cause of my weight. Anyway we all came back wet, salty and very happy (though Christy’s happiness didn’t last very long and she’s had one of “those” afternoons - on and off at least).

Back in the unit we had showers and Kevin & Amy went out to buy some lunch (Christy was sulking in her bed). We ate on the verandah and got ready to go out again. We walked the couple of blocks to Q1 -the tallest residential building IN THE WOLRD. The lift up 77 floors takes less than 43 seconds and is one of the fastest lifts in the world. The views from the top are amazing. You get a real appreciation for just how beautiful the Gold Coast area is and why the beaches are considered to be world class.

The girls had some fun photos taken.

On the way home wew stopped by Cold Rock Ice-cream. I’d never had it before and didn’t realize what it was - I LOVE things mixed into ice cream. I chose vanilla ice cream with m&m’s and flake.

We took then back and sat by the pool to eat them. Very yummy. I’m pretty sure we’ll be back for more. We do have a Cold Rock in Wollongong but have never been. Since Christy was in trouble I just took Amy down to the pool where she had another swim and play in the sand. She seemed happily enough playing by herself and we stayed about an hour (with me reading a book) until I got too cold and had to go back to the room to get a nice cup of hot tea. We’ve settled in the for the night and will have dinner soon and finish watching Anne of Green Gables that we started last night before going to the airport.

Well, it certainly was wet but we didn’t have a particularly wild day - we’ve kept those rides from when we go again with Kevin.

Anyway, lets get back to this morning. I was up around 5am this morning and read blogs while waiting for Christy to wake up. Then we had breakfast, got dressed, and downstairs to the bakery (Christy loves being able to buy fresh cheese rolls from the Baker’s Delight EVERY day. Today she even saw the baker taking them out of the oven), and get some groceries. I think the baker was tickled that we asked to take his photo.

Back upstairs to prepare lunch/food to take with us. Our first stop was Harbour Town Outlet Mall. I stocked up on some outfits for next Summer - hence nothing fits yet :-), oh, except for some VERY yummy green sandles. I also got an outfit for a wedding in August. I bought a size 12 and crazily enough it fit - not that I would wear it in public just yet… stretchy fabric. I shopped in stores I NEVER had before like Colorado and the one I got the wedding outfit. Also got 2 yummy bags from Fossil - couldn’t decide which one I liked best. I’ve always bought bags with long straps before - being overweight they were the most comfortable - this time I didn’t have to worry about that. So FUN not having to worry about these things any more….not sure my credit card will agree…..but they were all discounted :-).

Next up Wet n Wild. We had a great time. The girls spent most of the day playing in Buccaneer Bay. But we also did some slides and Calypso Beach (which is the lazy river). The girls took off to do things by themselves sometimes so I got a bit of relaxing and magazine reading done. We left about 3.30pm with 2 very water logged little girls and 1 slightly cooked Mum (though I did put on loads of suncream).

Back at the apartment I admired my new purchases, did some washing and organized some dinner.

In about an hour we’re heading off to the airport to pick up Kevin. Will be good to have him with us. Theme parks without him just aren’t the same.

Oh, just wanted to share a photo of my two pig-tails - haven’t been able to do this since I was about 12. Not a look I’ll go for very often but it was great with all the swimming and sliding.

Tomorrow : A jetboat ride (a first for us all) and a trip up Q1 (tallest residential building in the world.

Gee, surely you guessed I’d be using that title sometime this week

Today I was up about 6am. Read some blogs, the girls had a bath, we had some breakfast and headed out for a walk along the oceanfront. The girls rode their scooter so I kind of got a cardio work-out. We picked up some tourist brochures on the way back to see what else we want to do besides the theme parks. Back in our room I did some other exercises - squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups etc. The complex has a gym which I hope to use once Kevin arrives.

About 10am we headed once again to Sea World with the intent of doing the things we missed yesterday - which, as it turns out, wasn’t much. First we went on the Viking Flume ride again, then realized the Dolphin show (which was one of the things) was about to start so we raced to see that. So glad we did. I always love watching dolphins and I got some serious goosebumps (literally) when 3 of them did backflips in unison - talk about awesome.

Next up we caught the monorail for a ride around the park. Then stopped to visit the polar bears again - this time 2 of them were playing in the water - sooooo cute!!!

Unfortunately Chrisy wasn’t being particularly cute at this moment and ended up having the sit out the next ride, which was the pirate ship yet again. Then when was allowed on, the lady working today wouldn’t let her ride without an adult. So being the good Mum (though not according to Christy) that I am - rode 3 times with her, then started to feel a bit funny in the tummy (guess twice would have been the perfect number).  Here’s a photo of us on the ride - excuse the hat head :-). Oh, and I just have to brag - the bar on the ride did not even come close to my stomach - definitely would have 6 months ago

Amy rode the corkskrew again, then I took Christy to the carousel (it had been closed yesterday) and Amy did the pirate ship a number of times. Lastly we went on the Bermuda Triangle again, then picked up some lunch to have back at the apartment. We went via lost property and were lucky enough to retrieve Amy’s hat that she had lost yesterday - it was one of my favourites on her so that was good.

We drove home and lunch sitting on the verandah, then went to the pool for the girls to have a swim and play in the sand. We stayed just over an hour and by then the sun had gone and it was getting rather cool. So great having the pool and the sand - the best of both worlds for my little water babies.

The girls did some drawing while I did a bit of ironing and started to type up todays blog entry.

About 4.30pm we headed back out and did some shop browsing in Surfers before going to the night-time markets. So glad we went as there was lots of lovely hand-made items. I was good and just bought myself a lovely dip plate. The girls got a few bits and pieces and I quickly spent over $100.

We got back to the apartment about 7pm, had some dinner and girls are now happily playing with the sludge we got at the markets.

Firstly just had to share this great shot I took last night from our balcony.

Amy was up early, like usual, but I managed to sleep in until nearly 6am (and that really is a sleep in for me at the moment). Got up and read blogs (LOOOOVE having my new laptop) while the girls watched TV. Around 7.30am we went downstairs to Bakers Delight and got some breakfast which we ate by the pool. The girls then went swimming while I read a magazine. At 9am we went back to our room to get packed for Seaworld.

Upon arrival (it’s only a 10min drive) we bought our Fun Passes and dropped off the towels/swimsuits in a locker. We stopped to see the polar bears - one was out playing in the water - so cute!!! I could have watched him all day but the girls had other ideas. First ride was the flume log ride - lots of fun, then the Bermuda Triangle (the girls went again by themselves - thinking they were most grown up). We then went to Sesame Beach and the girls did a couple of rides. We enjoyed the rolls we had packed for lunch.

Amy then went on the corkskrew (upside down roller coaster) then they went on the Pirate Ship - 3 times!!!

Next up was another visit to the polar bears - this time two were out looking for food.

Then onto Shark Bay. The girls loved the petting area and of course, seeing all the fish and sharks.

On our way to see the penguins we saw the 4D movie, then the penguins (but only 2 were out swimming). The girls then spent time at the water park. They went on some slides and on the big raft ride. I had planned on swimming but couldn’t be bothered getting changed, then changed again. Plus I think the water was on the cold side :-).

From here we caught the skyrail back to the entrance to see the famous Ski Show. We didn’t get to see all the animals and none of the animal shows so we will go back for a half day to see what we missed.

We got back to the apartment around 5pm and have settled down to watch some TV. I’m thinking it’ll be an early night as it’s been a long day.

Tomorrow - either a water park or walking around Surfers/shopping/swimming

We set off bright and early at 5.30am when Amy & I were awake. We put Christy in the car and she went back to sleep for another hour or so. We stopped for breakfast around 7.30am - just near Coffs Harbour, then for morning tea at the Macadamia Castle (where we, of course, bought warm macadamia nuts for morning tea) near Byron Bay. We drove on arriving in Surfers Paradise just after 12pm. We met the lady to get the keys to our apartment - which is as good as the pictures - and she showed us around. It is really lovely and we have a view of the ocean. There are 3 pools - one with a beach entry, one indoors and a lap pool.

After unpacking we had some lunch -I had very yummy spring rolls - then we got some groceries, and went to the pool. The girls swam for a while in the outdoor pool - but it was pretty cold - so we went to the indoor pool and I had a spa. Very relaxing. We headed back to our room about 5pm and I had a cup of tea while writing up these posts.

It’s now 8pm and I’m just finishing up. Had quite a bit of trouble uploading the photos but with lots of phone calls to Kevin it’s finally been worked out - THANKS KEV!!!

Tomorrow - Sea World