So we stayed in and played on our laptops before making breakfast in the most poorly equipment kitchen I have EVER come across (having only crockery, pots and a few large utensils does not make for easy cooking).

At 11am we checked out…

and drove over the Star City Casino. We were to meet Nan, Pop and my Granny but they were caught in traffic, so had a bit of wait for them to arrive.

We took some photos while waiting.

Eventually they arrived and with less than an hour for lunch we made a mad dash for the buffet. The food was great but everyone was a bit stressed with the fact we had to eat and run. There was hardly any talking, just eating.

We arrived at the theatre to the chimes ringing. I grabbed a quick photo as we moved promptly to find out seats.

We had barely 5mins till the lights dimmed and the show began.

It was a wonderful musical and we all thoroughly enjoyed. Christy, who is a big fan of the movie, was a bit confused that some parts were different but she just loved the show – esp. the kids and Sandy (Annie’s dog).

We should have stayed for a cuppa afterwards but we headed to the car and back to Wollongong. It was a fun weekend away and lovely hanging out all together.

We went via Sarah’s home to drop her off, had a bit of a chat with Noel and Leanne, and a play with Russ (who has grown so much). Then it was on to Sydney where I was excited to find us a prime parking spot.

We then walked over to the Powerhouse Museum…

for the Harry Potter Exhibition.

We were early for the tour time (be sure to book beforehand if you’re going as the rest of the day was booked out) so headed to the outdoor cafe to get some lunch.

A friendly pigeon was minding a table for us.

My baguette (with brie and tomato) yummy, the coconut water horrendous.

We headed for our 2pm tour 15mins early (which I think was a good move). The audio tour was so-so but I think still worth doing, it definitely told you a lot more about the movie making but we agree it could have been done a lot better.

We had a bit of wait in line till we got through. It was crowded, but manageable. Unfortunately you weren’t allowed to take photos. Which was a real bummer as Christy was one the children chosen to be  sorted into a house by the sorting hat. Her house – Gryffendor.

We took about 1.5 hours to go through the exhibit and it was so fun seeing all the props from the movie. We all really enjoyed it. If you love the Harry Potter movies then you’ll love the exhibit. There is, of course, a shop at the end. Christy got a sloppy joe and Amy a t-shirt. Then Christy had a tantrum over not getting a Hermione wand…… which cost $60!. She wanted it to play with and I had to explain it was more of a souvenier. Well at the price it was one expensive toy.

My feet were really feeling it  by now (I find 2 hours is my limit) so I found a comfy couch while Kevin & the girls explored a few other things in the museum

We then had a short drive to our hotel – the Radisson Plaza. We had booked a 2 bedroom apartment, and while the space is nice, I really don’t think this room was good value for money.

We hung out for a bit while Kevin and Christy sorted out their Bertie Bott’s beans. Kevin was brave and tried ALL the flavours.

Apparently vomit and ear wax wasn’t too bad, but Rotten Egg  was pretty bad!!!

I then took the girls to the indoor pool for a swim.

Then there was computer time. Kevin was concentrating on his game.

Christy made herself some toast for dinner…

and Kevin was kind enough to go and get the rest of us Pie Face.

He also picked up some mini apple pies for dessert.

Around 8.30pm we all got sick of the couch – which wasn’t the most comfortable, so headed off to our beds (with computers or i-pads). And I made myself a cup of tea…. or two …. as the cups were so small.

Neither of us slept very well – lots of late night loud people leaving the hotel – so we had another lazy morning before packing up and leaving around 9am. First stop was the Old Bus Depot Markets.

First up was breakfast.

We ordered a vegetarian crepe to share but it was so huge we didn’t manage to finish it.

After we explored and made just a few purchases we headed off again. This time into the countryside….

to visit….

Pretty awesome aren’t they?

We had an explore of the exhibits (but to be truthful there isn’t a lot here – esp. when you’ve been to the Kennedy Space Center) and then enjoyed morning tea outside.

While we were there we were lucky enough to see it change position.

Then we set off for home. I ended up driving for a bit as Kevin wasn’t feeling the best and was tired. We had a few false starts with lunch. We tried a cafe at  a winery but couldn’t find it at all.

Then we tried Grandma’s Bakery – but it was really a gourmet restaurant.

Third time we were lucky – good old Subway.

Then it was home sweet home, and back to the reality of bickering children and a messy house!!!

Such is life!

A highlight would have to be Crate and Barrel, which we don’t have anywhere nearby. Luckily really. Loved the little carts they had, not that I fitted in everything I bought. I left the store with 3 large bags – some presents, but most for me .

Kevin actually got some things today – from the ABC shop and from a tea shop.

Lunch today was from Sumo Salad.

We went back to the apartment when my feet were too sore and we’d been to all the shops. We intended to have a bit of a relax but the cleaners turned up so we left again and headed out to Gold Creek. This part was all new since I’d last been here. Since we were early to meet Lisa, we checked out some more shops, and bought a few things for the girls.

We met Lisa at Adore Teashop, where we chatted and enjoyed tea. I had scones with jam…and a bit of cream (not quite enough for 2 scones )

and Lisa had this yummy looking cake – I tried a bit and it was nice.

It was a brief catch up but lovely none-the-less. Lisa looks wonderful with her little baby bump (which you can’t really see in the photos) and so radiant.

But she was very naughty and bought me a little Christmas gift – which I’m not allowed to open until Christmas .

After saying our goodbye we visited the shop and I scored a few more goodies, and bought some of the Devonshire Cream tea that I’d enjoyed.

We headed back to the apartment where I spent the remainder of the evening catching up on youtube video (and I’m finally ALL caught up) as there were no worthwhile movies to watch. For dinner we had Pie Face which we’d bought earlier at the shops.

I know we seem have done a lot of shopping, and eating, but we’ve definitely focused on shops and eating places that we don’t have at home or nearby .

We set off around 11am Friday, driving 2 cars up to Leanne’s home so we could drop off the car to them. We then set off for Canberra. First stop was Golburn where we had lunch at the bakery.

It was definitely amongst the best veggie pies I’ve had .

Then it was back on the road and past Lake George….

and into Canberra….

We found our apartments and got checked in.

I had booked a one-bed apartment but we were given a 2 bed. The place is really nice and I’d definitely stay here again.

We got settled, had a cup of tea and headed back out to do some shopping at the Canberra Center. Loved the car park with the light indicating available and unavailable car spaces. Kevin said lots of places have them but I’d never seen them before and thought it very clever.

Then… let the shopping begin… if you’d like me show you what I got let me know and I’ll shoot a video when I get home.

Kevin was a really good sport. When he got bored in a shop he’d just wait outside and listen to some music or play on his phone.

A few hours later when my poor feet were beyond dead we headed to Wagamama’s for dinner (I was so excited when I found out there was one here).

It was crowded and noisy (being 7.30pm on a Friday night) so we opted to get takeaway. Half an hour later back at our apartment we enjoyed this yummy dinner.

Most importantly, it was just as good as I remembered.

It’s so weird to see all these buildings all around it. Sad in a way.

We spent a hour exploring the gaol.

It’s quite small but the girls really enjoyed it.

Then it was time to hit the road for the long drive home, stopping to get a box of cherries  and then later a box of mangos.

Once again we stopped at Lithgow  but this time for lunch.

We enjoyed Veggie Burgers, but were impressed to find the real burgers were made with Organic Beef.

The trip through the Blue Mountains was a little slow, with lots of road works going on.

Then the sat. nav. decided to take us a strange way through Sydney. Once we realized, we ignored what it said and went home the normal way.

Then finally we were home. Tired and sick of being in the car.

There were lots of animals to be seen – most of these photos were taken by Kevin.

This baby Rhino was one years old. How cute is he?

The giraffes were are favourite and we were lucky they came down really close.

There was time for an elephant ride .

Though we hadn’t had lunch yet Kevin decided it was time for ice-cream. I guess it is a mini-holiday .

By this time we were nearly half way round the zoo, though we found the second half to be missing lots of exhibits.

Back at the entrance we had some lunch, while watching some monkeys and lemur’s. Then it was time to visit the play park. The girls spent almost an hour playing on the flying fox.

We then did another lap of the park, allowing the girls to have a drive – which they loved,

and stopping the see a few animals again.

I took a whole lot of video, which I’ll put together when we get home.

It was a very hot day so we’d had enough by 2pm and headed back to the apartment, where we were quick to jump into the pool.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and most us had a nap – even I did – which I NEVER do.

While debating purchasing this Iditarod hat I had to laugh at the cart…

Dinner tonight was tacos. Love that the place supplied a tablecloth.

We watch America’s Got Talent and some animal documentaries (CHristy had another swim) and we gradually went off to bed.

We packed up and set off once the girls were home from school. We were lucky to not hit much traffic as we drove through Sydney before heading through the Blue Mountains.

Then over the mountains….

while I started work on a new blanket (thanks Heather for the help)

and finally into Lithgow…

where we stopped for dinner at Subway.

Christy had a bit of a meltdown  over not getting the dinner (plain roll) that she wanted. She ended up not eating and was in a bad mood for ages.

We hit the road again as the sun was setting…

Don’t the plane vapor trails look so cool?

One last “toilet” stop at McDonalds.

Finally after way too many hours (6 instead of the 5 we thought it was) we arrived at the Country Apartments and got checked in. I quickly grabbed some photos…

we got unpacked and fell into bed at 11pm. Because tomorrow we’re off to the Zoo!!!

Oh, and isn’t this the cutest little bottle of milk you ever did see? I’m not letting anyone drink it

After a morning spent packing we had one last stop in Canberra to feed to local black swans.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway they came over to meet us. As you can see it was much cooler today, and no blue skies to be seen.

Kevin… the swan whisperer…

We then said our farewells to the Powells – who were headed back to the War Memorial so Sarah could spend a bit of time there – and hit the road. We stopped at the Big Merino.

And actually walked up inside it where you can look out the eyes. I also got the most beautiful hat/beenie in the gift shop. We then had some lunch at the Bakery.

then it was the last leg to home, sweet, home. Looking forward to being here for a while. So that’s the suitcases put away…. until 5.5 weeks when we pack for our trip to Disneyland and Alaska.

Back to Questacon today. We arrived just on opening so it was nice and quiet and the girls were able to spend time doing what they wanted. Christy & Amy both attempted to do the free fall but chickened out (even though they both did it when they were younger).

We finished our visit with a science show and a visit to the shop. As we left 3 flighter planes flew overheads on a fly-by for the Anzac parade. It was pretty awesome. Then we stopped at Subway to get to some lunch and headed to Weston Park.

Wish I could eat lunch with a view like this every day.

After eating the girls played while I took some photos.

Canberra in Autumn on sunny days is just magical. I have so many favourite photos.

From here we headed to the Australian Institute of Sport.

Loved the HUGE sculptures out the front.

We went on a guided tour which stated off with the sports play room.

Kevin tried some downhill skiing.

Christy had fun practicing her soccer.

And Kevin & Noel played basketball.

After 30mins here we set off on the tour. The gymnastics room….

the most awesome weights room….

the basketball court where the Junior Australian team (under 18s) were training.

and the main training pool.

On the way back to the car Kevin got stickered.

Upon arrival back at our room we were quite horrified to find the broken glass we had reported still all over the carpet. Tonight we enjoyed leftovers for dinner and wrote a scathing report about our apartments on Trip Advisor. The glass-cleaning incident was the last thing we weren’t happy with so we definitely won’t be staying here again.