The life and times of Libby Withnall

Today, being Easter Sunday, started with seeing what the Easter bunny had bought. And then, of course, being allowed to eat chocolate BEFORE breakfast.

Today’s first destination was the Royal Australian Mint, but there was a miscommunicaiton and the Powell car ended up at a Parliament House so we had to wait for them to arrive. It didn’t matter at all as everything is so close.

There is no guided tour and nothing was working today (being Easter) so we wandered around and then watched a short film.

And for $3 you could watch a coin being pressed. Not too bad a sourvenier I thought, for just $3.

Then on to our second stop of the day – Parliament House.

There are guided tours here but we didn’t think it best to do with 5 kids so we explored on our own.

The House of Representatives….

The Senate…

And a copy of the Magna Carta…

Time for lunch in the cafe. I had a delicious veggie burger and fries.

We then headed out to explore outside.

We walked up the grass area, where you used to to be able to go to the top, and sat to enjoy the view.

The grass was so beautiful we all took off our shoes to fully enjoy it.

The girls then proceeded to cartwheel or roll down the hill.

And for a bit a trip down memory lane (and a laugh) here’s some photos from our last visit here in 2002. Christy was 6 months and Amy, 3 years.

Then our last stop for the day…

Not a great place for the girls (or us for that matter) but they did have this…

which the girls loved and a few things to do and see.

Tonights dinner was supposed to be a BBQ but the BBQ was filthy so we cooked indoors instead.

Another beautiful Autumn day in Canberra. When everyone was up, dressed and fed we headed to Questacon Science Center.

Where Kevin thought he’s take a photo of me doing what I do .

Then it was inside to play…

build….

watch…

explain….

do…

wait…. (poor Alyssa was feeling unwell this morning)

and of course laugh…. at the man with the pink panda bag .

Half way round we thought we’d break for lunch. Unfortunately there were no seats in the cafe so we left (we both have annual passes so can return later). After being unsuccesful in our hunt for a cafe in Kingston we decided we’d have soup back at the room – buying some foccasia from Pizza Hut. Of course, once the guys entered Pizza Hut they had to buy some pizzas. Just as we arrived back so did the cleaners so we moved outside to the balcony to eat our lunch. I really enjoyed the soup.

We then decided to take a one hour cruise on Lake Burley Griffin – which was a first for all of us.

It was very reasonably priced ($70 for all of us) which included a cold drink plus tea/coffee and the girls all got to drive the boat.

And it was wonderful seeing Canberra from the water.

We actually drove through the mist – which the kids thought was fun – even if they got a little damp.

When we disembarked (near the Science Center) we walked though the flags back to the car – stopping to take photos.

There was a great place to take a group shadow photo but everyone else had gone ahead, so it was just a friends shadow.

Then back to our apartment. Noel headed out for a run and the rest of us relaxed while the girls made cards for the Easter Bunny.

Later Leanne prepared a taco bar for dinner.

So yummy.

We had a very slow start this morning as Sarah had been sick all night so neither her or Leanne had gotten much sleep. The other girls chatted and played upstairs, Kevin & I used our laptops. Noel woke and we started having breakfast. Today was hot cross buns (and an orange). Then eventually Leanne & Sarah surfaced around 10am. Sarah was feeling better and pushed herself to go out – which in hindsight was probably not the best idea.

Around 11am we were finally all ready to leave

for todays destination – the Australian War Memorial – quite fitting with Anzac Day being on Monday.

Unfortunately when we arrived Sarah starting feeling poorly again and spent most of the time here sitting or lying on various lounges.

We checked out some of the exhibits…

Then watched a presentation/film on the Berlin bombing during WWII. But what the kids really wanted to do was hit the kids Discovery Zone. So Amy & the guys went off to explore some more and Leanne & I took the other girls to play. They had a lot of fun. Flying helipcopter…

Playing in the bunks on a submarine – they did this for AGES.

Getting dressed up.

Exploring the trenches.

This was a great area and I think were here for a good hour, maybe more. Unfortunately my feet were really painful again today (so hoped they wouldn’t be in the cooler weather) so I wasn’t up to do a lot of walking around.

Everyone was hungry by now to we decided to get lunch at the cafe.

Unfortunately the vegetarian options were very slim (only a chargrilled vegetable wrap – which I’m not fond of – and a spinach quiche – which I didn’t feel like) so Amy & I both ordered wedges. Something I very rarely do. Luckily they were very yummy.

We sat outside as inside was crowded and noisy. It was cool but lovely none-the-less.

There was still lots more to see inside but the kids were ready to leave so we headed out to see the Hall of Memory.

The four pillars  represent the four ancient elements: earth, air, fire and water. They represent the all the landscapes and climates where Australians have served and died.

And the roll of honor. These places always choke me up – so many deaths and so much heartache. There are over 102,000 names of Australians who died serving our country.

We then had a bit of a photo shoot.

And finally left just before 3pm.

Back at the apartment the girls run upstairs to their rooms to play and hang out, Kevin tried to have a snooze and the rest of us chatted and relaxed the afternoon , and evening away. I was in charge of dinner tonight – pasta with tomato sauce.

After a morning spent packing (again) we headed off to Canberra when Kevin got home from work around 1.30pm, after a quick stop at Subway and Gloria Jeans for lunch supplies. The drive down was quick, pleasant and rather noisy as the girls were very excited about seeing the Powells. Loved seeing the start of the Autumn colours on the trees.

The clouds the low and fluffy over Lake George.

Then just on 4.30pm we arrived in Canberra.

And our home for the next 5 nights.

I have stayed here before in a 3 bedroom apartment but the 4 bedroom was not quite as expected. When the Powell’s arrived the lounge with in a very interesting set up with the couches beside each other and the TV at one end. We switched the lounge and dining table so it much more sociable…. but you can’t watch the TV easily. As you can see the laptops were out almost the moment we arrived.

There are two double rooms downstairs (where the main living areas are) and the 2 kids rooms are upstairs.

While us adults chatted and enjoyed some tea the kids did some craft organised by Amy.

Then it was time for dinner – soup tonight – pumpkin (made by Leanne) and Leek & Potato (made by me). Here’s the gang all together.

We had an interesting night getting the kids sorted and playing musical beds with them due to illness and misbehaviour but eventually they all settled down and us adults got to relax and unwind.

I didn’t have the best night’s sleep. Had a really bad headache and kept waking up. So it was lucky that Amy decided to sleep in this morning. In fact, I was the first awake just before 6am. I showered and dressed and got the girls up. Then we hit the road. We certainly saw some sights on the way home and could not believe it when we saw this calf being towed down the highway. So cute.

Around 8am we finally stopped near Taree for breafkast.

I had a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich and got a tea to go.

It was a much nicer day – blue skies and sunshine. And of course the ever present road works.

Unfortunately we arrived at Oliver’s way before lunchtime but Amy desperately wanted the Korma curry so we decided to get it and eat a bit further up the road.

Service was pretty bad – maybe because we were too early for lunch I don’t know. I think the young guy serving just didn’t have a clue. After we waited for 5mins he informed up that the rice wasn’t ready and would take another 10mins. I suggested we just have it with mashed potatoes – which luckily were ready. Christy amused herself with the love bucket and my spare change.

Back on the road. Unfortunately Amy couldn’t get a great photo of this trike and it’s little caravan.

And finally we arrived in Sydney… and the traffic… and so many trucks…

It was a little daunting – give me country highways any day! We gave up finding a nice picnic place to stop for lunch (the one we passed wasn’t sign posted) so ended up pulling into a truck stop.

Than finally we were coming down the escarpment and into Wollongong.

We had a very warm welcome from the pups and were thrilled to find Mum & Dad had been busy cleaning all our outdoor areas and the girls bedrooms. I really do have the BEST Mum & Dad. It’s so appreciated as I haven’t been able to do much since hurting my ribs  and I was getting further behind with everything.

Now I just have to tackle the laundry…and repack… before we head off for Easter on Thursday!

When we woke up this morning we decided it made sense to head home and have an extra full day at home before we head to Canberra for Easter. So we got up and got the car packed. Then headed to the indoor pool for another sauna and swim.

On the way back I took a photo of this sign. Can’t believe that I was the one who spotted it .

I showered and dressed and we went downstairs for a last visit the British Lolly shop…

and Bakers Delight. Christy will miss her freshly made cheese rolls.

We had an early lunch – using up some leftover food – falafel wraps for Amy & I.

followed by a very decadent, post-lunch bowl of ice-cream (all in the name of using up supplies) .

Then it was time to say goodbye to Surfers Paradise

and head back to NSW. Love these tunnels.

Christy was loving all the sugar cane so we pointed out the mill when we passed it.

Later she settled in the watch Diary of a Whimpy Kid again.

At one of our toilet stops we were quite surprised to see these chickens. That’s the highway you see through the trees so I hope these crazy girls know where they’re going.

Unfortunately we did come into some pretty horrid weather. Not fun driving in this I can tell you.

It continued to rain on and off for much of the trip.

5.5 hours later – around 6pm we drove into Kempsey. We spotted a Dominos to stopped to get some dinner. While there I looked up trip advisor to see what was the best rated motel. And we found the Kempsey Powerhouse Motel. I was a bit uncertain but it was fabulous. I’ve posted a review on trip advisor but it’s still pending.

We were pleased with the decor, it was spotlessly clean, the owners were very friendly and it was only $103 a night.

One we bought in our things from the car we enjoyed our pizza.

then hoped into bed with our various electronic devices. Christy was especially happy because you could borrow DVDs for free and they had The Neverending Story 2.

I stayed up with her till it finished then it was off to snoozy land for all of us.

A bit of a sleep in again this morning but I didn’t miss the sunrise as it was a bit cloudy today. And in case you were wondering about the eggs and the ugly chicken – here it is in all it’s glory (one eye and all).

Unfortunately Amy started complaining of a sore ear yesterday afternoon so we went to the medical center (right downstairs) when they opened at 9am. As we expected she has an ear infection.

Then it was off to Pacific Fair for some fun girly shopping. First stop was Colette – have seen this shop before but we loved it.

Then Peter Alexander…

where Amy got some new PJs and Christy got some cute slippers.

There was also Esprit; Bed, Bath & Table (more Easter goodies); L’occitane (for a restock of skin care product – also scored LOTS of freebies); and the girls visited Diva. Then it was back to the car to drop off all our bags.

Then it was time for our date with Justin Bieber.

I didn’t know at lot about Justin Bieber. In fact, when I first heard about him and Amy told me the song he sung I was surprised because I had thought it was sung by a girl . Anyway, the movie really was fabulous. The boy really has got talent and has worked hard for his success. At this stage he still seems like a real nice kid so it will be interesting to see how fame effects him. So wouldn’t wish his life on anyway – fabulous as some parts would be, so many obsessive fans would have be very daunting, and a little frightening. The girls enjoyed the movie too and while Amy was already a fan, Justin acquired two more fans today .

Then it was time for some shopping. You know I was excited when I spotted this .

Christy and I both scored some new crocs.

Then time for a late lunch – it was 3pm. I always go to a great salad place here but it was closed. My sadness disappeared when I spotted Salsa’s.

Amy and I shared the vegetarian tacos and cheese quesidillas. Both were so yummy.

More shopping – trying to get Winter clothes for both the girls. We didn’t buy the ear muffs for Christy, cute as they were…

but we did buy this for Justin’s newest fan .

We finally left just on 5.30pm and got to see a rainbow and a lovely sunset.  It was a great day but Amy was a bit hormonal and Christy grumpy at times so it was a bit up and down. And I did not expect us to be gone ALL day so we were all complaining of sore feet.

After resting my feet for a bit I prepared a quick and easy dinner of pasta with a bought tomato sauce.

Later we enjoyed some ice cream while watching Matilda – one the girls favourite movies.

Tomorrow : An easier day (I hope) – packing, swimming and maybe a short to Sea World.

It was well past sunrise when I woke up this morning but Amy was kind enough to get my camera and take some photos. Later she was even kinder and Christy and her went out to gather breakfast. In case you’re thinking the girls are wandering all about town on their own – the shopping center is right under our apartment complex – and one the reasons we love it here. Today they bought back Iced Chocolates from Gloria Jeans and a cheese & garlic bagette (our new favourite) from Bakers Delight. As you can see it was a very decadent morning and I got to enjoy these in bed .

Around 9.30am we headed to the car and were off to Movie World. I wanted to go to Wet ‘n’ Wild but the girls really wanted to go back to Dreamworld. Unfortunately it was MUCH busier than last Saturday (Queensland school holidays start tomorrow).

Don’t you just love my twins? Amy’s idea as Christy was dressed first. All I can say is wonders will never cease .

We we entered they headed straight off to the Scooby ride and I set up camp for the day. I took my kindle to read but actually just spent hours people watching and checking facebook occasionally .

They did a few more rides, including Wild Wild West and Amy went on Lethal Weapon, before they went off to play some games. I NEVER usually give them money for acrade games but they must have caught me a weak moment. $20 later and they were the proud owners of these neck ties and Amy had a pink zebra .

Amy and I shared vegetarian nachos for lunch.

They were delicious and we loved that you could eat the bowl as well .

The girls rode Scooby again and Christy even went a third time – even though there was a 45min wait time. While waiting Amy had this slushy with ice cream on top – it had a fancy name but I can’t remember it.

Around 3pm my backside had had enough sitting and we went through the shops (as we still had some money left on gift cards). We got some lollies and the girls got a couple of tops each. Christy was happy that we got to the see the parade. Personally I think it’s the worst parade in the world and the biggest waste of 15mins. But at least there was no wait time involved. The first time Kevin & I went to see the parade we waited around 30mins – we were NOT impressed (esp. being used to Disney parades).

Then it was time to head home. I sat outside with a magazine and a cup of tea, enjoying the late afternoon play of light on the buildings.

While the girls had a teddy party on the bed . Now this is what this holiday was all about – the girls bonding and reconnecting as sisters (and friends) – in addition to me not having to feel guilty for not taking them to Alaska .

At 5.30pm we headed down to the beach. Sadly our first (and probably only time) this holiday.

Our reason for being here – to explore the Night Markets. We love these and always buy a few things, and spend way too much money. On this trip we bought some bandanas for the dogs, a lovely vase for me, and the girls got new headbands, sludge (which they always get) and did some sand art. Oh, and we bought some yummy looking cupcakes to have later.

We stopped in at Noodle Box on the way home to pick up some dinner….

which we enjoyed back in our room.

After dinner the girls played with their sludge while we watched a Disney Movie. Don’t know what it was called but it was quite cute.

Then it was time to dive into the yummy looking cupcakes.

They looked too good to eat but I was fearless and cut them into thirds so we could all try some of each. And I have to say they tasted as good as they looked.

Tomorrow : Rain is forecast so we’ll most likely go shopping and see the Justin Bieber Movie (Amy is dying to see it). And Amy has been complaining of a sore ear so we might to the visit the Medical Center.

Woke up at 5.30am, dragged myself out of bed to get the camera, took the above  photo, said hello to Amy, took this photo of Christy asleep as I closed her curtains,

took a photo out of my side bedroom window – loved the sunrise hitting the front glass of the Q1,

and went back to bed (and to sleep) for another hour. When I finally got up it was the usual – computer time, girls to get bread from the bakery and Iced Chocs from Gloria Jeans today. I got a load of washing done and around 9am we headed downstairs to the pool.

I caught up on some magazine reading…

Christy went in the pool but said it was very cold,

so instead she prepared some sand meals for me to eat,

then joined Amy in the spa when it opened. We then headed to the indoor pool where I discovered the sauna.

After cooling off in the pool the girls wanted to try out the sauna as well. They enjoyed it more than I thought they would. Around 11am we went back up to get ready for today. Unfortunately the girls weren’t being the most co-operative today. Luckily I had checked up the website last night and discovered we all needed closed in shoes for todays activity. I had some, but the girls did not. So we had a side tour to Harbour Town to get some.

Amy got some boots from Adidas and we found these cute shoes for Christy. Of course when we saw the style name we knew it was meant to be .

We then drove up to Tambourine Mountain. I’ve not been here since I was a child. It’s always on the to-do list but we never seem to make it. Of course, when I read about Thunderbird Park (which I had visited as a child) I knew we had to make the trip as Christy is mad about rocks. It was a lovely drive through the rainforest. So many amazingly tall trees.

And finally we had arrived, much later than planned.

Since it was after 1.30pm, first stop was lunch.

I had THE most delicious vegetarian warp. It was so big I kept half and ate it on the drive back home.

Luckily the food was good as the service was  a little slow. Christy went off to play on the swings while we waited and Amy & I met a few of the locals.

And yes, that’s a real bird peeking over the top of the sign – so cute.

Before leaving we had to visit this place and Christy took a photo of the sign .

The finally the rock shop. The attendent tried to talk us out of going (or rather warned us) because he said most kids need around 2.5 hours on the mine site, and it was only open for another 1.5hrs. Since we had made the trip we were not discouraged, and got our picks and buckets.

After the safetly talk and being shown what to look for we huffed and puffed our way up the hill to the mine site. Goodness me I didn’t realize my fitness level had gotten so low . We found another friend… see him lying on the fallen tree…

Then it was time for more exercise in the form of digging.

Within 15 min I had two blisters on my hand – I had to laugh as Kevin always says I have delicate hands – I guess he’s right . So worked for a bit longer then had to down tools and enjoy the scenery while the girls continued digging.

The hour on the site was definitely enough for Amy & I, though I think Christy could have kept on digging. Unfortunately we didn’t really know what we were looking for so I’m pretty sure we just had buckets of rocks.

We walked back down the hill and across this river. Check out the views on both sides. The Australian bush at it’s best.

Then back to the shop to have our haul inspected. Amy got two thundereggs worth opening. Which we did so they could each have  a half (I forgot to get photos so will do so tomorrow). Christy was still happy with her haul of rocks, and did in fact have a thunderegg – it was just a small one. I had NOTHING…. except blisters .

This is what the big eggs look like when opened. Aren’t they gorgeous?

We debated doing the skywalk but everyone was a bit tired and grumpy so we decided to leave it to another trip – they also wanted to visited the adventure park (but we had arrived after last entry). We were looking out for a famous cheese shop but didn’t find it. We did however, find this gorgeous spot to enjoy the view. Hard to believe this is just 50mins from the high rise of the Gold Coast. I know where I’d rather be .

Then it was back down the mountain to the bright lights of the city. We got to enjoy a bit of a sunset on the way.

Back in our room the girls watched TV while I did my nails. This is new thing which you just stick on your nails. No drying time which was a plus tonight. I’m pretty happy with the result but time will tell (with regard to wear and tear).

Unfortunately Amy had a bit of a breakdown tonight – hoping it blows over and she’s back to normal tomorrow.

Tonights dinners was vegetarian nachos (made the quorn – our new favourite fake meat).

Amy went to bed and Christy & I watched The Never Ending Story.

Tomorrow : If moods have improved… Wet ‘n’ wild

I stayed a bit late for me last night (nearly 11pm) which meant I slept in till after 6.30am and therefore missed today sunrise . I did however, take photos of the chickens.

Scary as they are….

I was in a lot of pain this morning with both swollen hands & feet and sore ribs (I think I slept funny last night), but the girls really wanted to go to Dreamworld today. So being the good Mum that I was I decided to take them. I was feeling very sorry for myself and guilty that I wouldn’t be able to do the rides with them.

We arrived just after 10am and when lining up to buy tickets we were given a half price coupon by a very kind lady – this meant we saved over $70!!! Much as I like doing things like this, it was very nice to be on the receiving end for a change . Once inside we went to get one of the Q4U thing-a-ma-jigs. Love these. It costs $10 plus $7.50 per person but saved us/the girls hours of waiting in lines. Definitely worth every penny. Plus you get 15% of merchandise – which saved us another $30 odd dollars and almost paid for itself – it easily could – so I don’t know why more people don’t get them.

The most exciting for Christy – she was finally tall enough to do ALL the rides here.

First up …

Amy is on the far left, Christy beside her.

Then the river rapids. I was feeling a lot better so did this too. And for the first time ever, I didn’t get soaked – Amy did though .

Then it was the Claw. I rode this once years ago – never again. But both the girls loved it.

Then we all went on Christy’s first ever upside down roller coaster – the Cyclone. Fun, fun, fun.

Next up – Wipeout.

and Christy’s old favourite (she once rode this 5 times in a row).

We had some lunch we’d bought from home while waiting for their Q4U time for laser tag.

Then it was into Nickelodeon Central for Spongebob Flypants…

where I made a new friend…

and the Runaway Raptar – where the girls got to be in the front row.

There was then some playing in the Wild Thornberrys ball play area.

before snow cones where bought and enjoyed (by the kids anyway).

and as you can see they both got new hats.

We then visited the tigers….

of course, this one reminded us all of Bailey.

The girls then went on the Tower of Terror – and love up. Next up AMY wanted to go on The Wiggles Big Red Car (and Kevin was worried she might be getting too old to want to come to Disneyworld).

Christy had wanted to get slimed. Next best thing – seeing someone else get slimed .

We had to stop for a photo with Spongebob and Patrick.

Then it was time for me to sit and put my feet up for a bit while they went off to do Wipeout, the claw and tower of terror again.

And I got to enjoy a chocolate muffin… but it was HUGE so I only ate half.

While waiting I was so tired – I very nearly went to sleep. But I felt a bit more restored when they returner – luckily as I had to drive home. We walked through the shops and returned the Q4U and headed home. We had bit of traffic on the way back so didn’t get to our room until after 6pm. Amy was kind enough to prepare dinner. But unfortunately both the vegetarian sausages and curly fries weren’t the greatest. Still we were fed.

I played on the computer while the girls watched some shows. Amy headed to bed just before 7.30am and Christy and I watched Got to Dance UK.

Tomorrow : A morning by the pool, then Tamborine Mountain to go searching for Thurdereggs.