The life and times of Libby Withnall

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.

Started the morning with the laptop while still in bed. Wish I had a view like this ALL the time. I did however get up to take a photo of yet another stunning sunrise.

A short time Amy joined me – with her laptop.

Then she was replaced by Christy – who didn’t bring her but instead watched one of my favourite youtubers with me – the girls love this Irish couple as much as I do.

And you’ll be happy to know the chickens have started to emerge from their eggs. I have to say none of us expected them to be quite so ugly .

Shortly before 10am we headed to Sea World.

It wasn’t too busy when we arrived so the wait times for rides was minimal. First up…

then it was on to Jet Rescue – the girls are in the second row.

We then all went on the Viking Flume Ride – always a favourite, especially as you only get a little wet. Then it was on to the new part of the park Castaway Bay.

After a go on the pirate ships – which they loved (they’d been on this in Legoland, USA and loved it there). Christy also had a go at the tree top/adventure thing.

while Amy enjoyed a frozen coke – with special straw.

They then went to the HUGE climbing thing. They are so brave. No way would I ever do something like this.

And here’s Amy right at the top.

Then it was back on the pirate boats to get wet soaked some more.

By now it was 1.30pm and we were getting hungry. But first I had to buy Amy some new (dry) clothes as she forgot to bring another set (I had some for Christy). Mission accomplished, they got changed and we went in search of lunch. Unfortunately all the nice, healthy looking wraps and salads had been sold, so we were left with pizza – which we then had to wait for them to cook.

It was nice but not what either of us had been wanting for lunch.

Next was a visit to Ray Reef, then on to Shark Bay.

My feet were starting to ache (swelling and heal spur) so I went and sat down while the girls explored and viewed the fish & sharks.

Not a bad spot to stop for a while. And I had these beautiful palm trees beside me.

The girls were going to do Jet Rescue again but the line was too long. Instead Christy did some rides in the kids area (something I thought she had outgrown) and Amy & I played on our phones. I also filled in a survey. We then walked back to the main entrance to get ready for the Pirate Show.

Of course it’s not a show without an ice-cream .

The show was good. Very different from the previous shows which have been about watersking.

This was was jetskies, acrobats and high diving. Not sure I enjoyed it quite as much but it was probably time for a change. Who know how many times we’ve seen the water ski show!

And, of course, no trip to a theme park is complete without buying a stuffed toy (in this case polar bear) on a lead. Christy actually wanted to buy a Scooby one the other day but I said maybe later. Today was later .

It’s a short drive back to the apartment and I was feeling exhausted, even though I really hadn’t been on my feet much today (in fact I had a saw backside from sitting on hard seats) so I put my feet up for a bit while the girls went down to the indoor pool for a swim. Ah, life gets so much easier when the girls can do things unsupervised. But to balance out the good we have to deal with mood swings .

I was feeling better when they returned and got some dinner made. I bought our George Forman grill with us so I used that to cook some vegetable burgers. Amy had hers on turkish bread. I had mine with a side of pasta (made for Christy) and some Morocan salad.

Tonight we watched Britains Next Top Model – though both girls were asleep before the end. I then went to bed and typed up this post.

Tomorrow : A second attempt at Wet ‘n’ Wild.

Woke up around 5am, and got out of bed around 5.30am just as dawn was breaking. A short time Amy woke up and we both got the enjoy a beautiful sunrise. So wish I was in better health so I could have gone for a walk along the beach.

When Christy got up the girls checked the progress of their eggs.

Around 6.30am – with everyone up – Kevin and Amy went out to get some Gloria Jeans & Bakers Delight. We had another lazy morning and eventually we got ready, I packed us lunch and we headed out to Wet ‘n’ Wild. Unfortunately when we arrived – about 10mins past opening – the carpark was already packed and BUSES were unloading at the back entrances. We stood and considered our options as around 5 full buses unloaded. We knew it was going to be crazy busy so we decided to go to White Water World instead. It meant we had to pay for another entry but it was better than crowds and long lines.

We arrived and bought some supplies – new sunshirts for Kevin & Amy and googles for Christy. Then found our spot for the day.

The girls took off right away. Christy being very excited as she is finally tall enough for ALL the rides. When they came back we all headed off to do the Green Room.

We then did another family raft ride and the girls (and Kevin) played in the Nickelodeon area.

Then it was off to the wave pool. Unfortunately we only managed to find one raft.

And you can guess who claimed it

When we’d had enough we had a salad I’d bought from home.

Then the girls went off to do some more slides while Kevin & I relaxed for a bit.

I had wanted to do the Hydro Coaster – its one of my fav – but the lines were long and heal spur was sore.

The girls loved it though.

From 2pm onwards we watched the grey clouds rolling in and kept updated but checking the BOM radar.

Just before 3pm we told the girls the rain would be here very soon and sure enough it started to sprinkle. So we left. Luckily the girls are had enough anyway. We drove back to the apartment, got changed, and went downstairs to check out the British Lolly Shop. Christy was very excited to find her beloved Milky Way Stars. We went back to the room and hung out for a bit before it was time to take Kevin to the airport. We didn’t get too much traffic and were in fact early but it was good because we were back home just as it was getting dark. And Kevin was lucky enough to get an earlier flight home. So wish he could have stayed longer. We’ll miss him.

Back home we had some vegetable korma and basmati rice – bought ready made from Coles. It was quite nice but nothing like the one we get at the Indian Resturant – as you’d expect.

After dinner we watched a bit of Supernanny and then Air Crash Invesigation. After the girls went to bed I watched Alaskan Wing Men – so fun seeing some of the places we’ll be visiting VERY soon. Then time to update the blog and off to sleepyland.

Tomorrow : Sea World

The day began when I awoke around 6am. I’d had a terrible night with seemed like pain from head to toe. So am hoping for a much less painful day today. Spent time on the computer as there was nothing to do until 10am. The girls went out to get Kevin a coffee and some rolls from Bakers Delight. They also collected Christy’s egg from the car so they could get them started hatching.

Just before 10 we headed downstairs to Infinity. I did it last time but was claustrophobic so not again.

Kevin wasn’t worried about doing it again but took the girls. I went for a wonder around the shops and then sat reading some tourist brochures.

When they got out we went to buy Amy a swimsuit as she had forgotten hers (despite being warned she would forget if left hanging on her door as it was wet). Finally we managed to get something she was happy with.

Then it was time to head out to the Australian Outback Spectacular.

Loved this tree by the front entrance.

Inside we were given a hat (to keep) and had a photo taken.

Then there was time to meet some of the shows performers.

Don’t you just love Maverick’s ears? Too cute.

Amy was very excited when we said she could have one of the non-alcholic cocktails that came in a light up glass.

Christy got a light up chicken … as you do.

There was some singing and comedy entertainment in the waiting area and eventually we were let in to the main arena. I didn’t get many photos as there was no photography during the show.

Our entree’s were already in place when we arrived.

Lunch (steak for Kevin and a vegetarian meal for the girls and I) and pavlova was served during the show. We really enjoyed it. Definitely something to see at least once and we’re really glad we went. The following photo is from the photo display.

I found a video on youtube that shows you a bit of the show.

I’m not sure why but Kevin wanted to buy a whip!!!

Back at the apartment I took the girls down to the pool for a swim. We went to the indoor pool first but it was rather crowded and SOOO noisy.

While they played I relaxed on the grass area playing with the camera and then reading a magazine.

When the girls had had enough we went back up upstairs and I enjoyed a cup of tea on our verandah.

Later Christy joined me as she ate her dinner.

Kevin & Amy went out to hunt and gather our dinner. Tonight was pie face. Much as I’ve enjoyed our meals it will be nice to not have takeaway once Kevin goes back home tomorrow .

After dinner we watched Dairy of a Whimpy Kid – funny and cute.

Tomorrow – Wet ‘n’ wild

Movie world to be exact.

After waking around 6am and playing on the computer for a bit we went downstairs to get our groceries, came back to the room to have breakfast and then headed off to Movie World around 10am. First up was Scooby’s Spooky Coaster. With Kevin and I both suffering from bad backs and Christy old enough to ride without a parent we waited nearby. I felt a bit sad but the girls felt very grown up to be riding without parents.

While waiting, the Scooby gang pulled up and I thought I’d better get a photo with them in case the girls missed out.

Christy is a HUGE Scooby fan so I pleased she made it back before they left.

From here we headed over to the Wild West ride. I was going to ride but remembered their were  a few jerky parts and someone needed to keep everything dry. Unfortunately I was messing around with the camera – taking photos with the wide angle lens – and missed them coming down. Luckily Kevin took the new video camera on (it’s water proof). I think this was them at the top.

It was a warm day so we didn’t need it but I thought this giant people dryer was a fabulous idea.

We were heading back up main street when the next session of Journey to the Center of the Earth in 4D was going in so we decided to do that. Kevin and I took the non-moving seats (boy we are getting old!!!). This was quite fun. I love Brendan Fraser and the girls seemed to enjoy it.

Next up was the Batwing Slingshot. I don’t do rides like this (only once). But it was Christy’s first time and she was so excited.

She loved it and got back in line for another ride while we some lunch (I bought rolls with us). We then went on the Batman ride – opting for the non-moving version – much to the girls disgust. Kevin & I haven’t been on this in years because we thought it rough and jarring even before we had bad backs .

We visited the Harry Potter shop. Christy got a cute owl (Hedwig) and Amy got a few pieces of jewellery. We had problems with one the girls gift cards which took a bit of sorting out.

After getting photos for our VIP passes (great value at only $99 – unlimited entry until June) we visited Ben & Jerry’s.

Kevin & I decided to share one of hte Core Concoctions – 2 scoops of ice cream with choc sauce in the middle and cream & nuts on top. YUM!!

We wandered over to the Looney Tunes Kids area but it was rather busy. The girls had wanted to ride the roller coaster but said the line was too long. Then Christy announced that she was too old for the other rides. Fair enough I guess since she’s now tall enough for all but two rides.

The girls spotted the lady doing hair braiding and decided they wanted to get some.

Of course Amy had to get the peace sign once I showed it to her.

Then it was a few more rides on the Scooby coaster. My feet were in a bad way (old problem with hands & feet swelling) and I was in quite a bit of pain so it was good to relax and even put my feet up for a bit. While waiting we got to see the very unexciting parade.

We actually missed the girls coming out of the ride but guess who can be seen in the last photo. They didn’t know where we were so went to watch the parade then came back to look for us. I had to laugh when I saw the photo.

Once they found us and did another go on Scooby then headed over to the Wild West to do the wet ride again.

Then it was time for the last rides. Kevin and Amy went to do Superman (and got the front row) and Christy went off to do Batwing again (managing to do it 5 times in the time Amy did 2 goes of Superman).

We didn’t end up leaving until nearly 5pm and the girls had had a fantastic day. Kevin and I enjoyed watching them but didn’t like how old our bodies had made us feel . Once back in the apartment we relaxed for a bit before Kevin was kind enough to go and out and get Nandos for dinner. My feet thanked him. I had my favourite vegetable pita. Delicious.

Then computer time to upload photos and write this post before heading to bed. The rest of the family is already there and it’s not even 8.30pm!

Tomorrow : Infinity (not for me), Australian Outback show and a swim.

Some of you might wonder why we’re having a holiday when it’s just 2 months till we go Alaska. This is our “we feel guilty for not taking the girls to Alaska with us” trip :–). Kevin is only here till Monday night though as he can’t really have too much time off work.

We aimed to wake up around 3am and I woke at 3.02am. We had showers to wake us up then got the girls up and dressed and were in the car around 3.40am. First stop was McDonalds for tea/coffee and hot chocolates. Service was VERY slow however and we would have been much quicker to make them at home before leaving.

The best thing about getting up so early is getting through Sydney before workday traffic gets too bad. The girls slept a little more but unfortunately Christy got a bit car sick. This happened the last time we drove up so it must have something to do with the early morning or driving in the dark. She’s made the same trip many times in the day and never gotten sick. We were excited to find a Oliver’s at our breakfast stop.

However there wasn’t really anything warm for the girls and I to have so we went over the cafe to get some toasted sandwiches and bought them back to eat at Oliver’s. I did ask the lady who worked there if it was okay. But Kevin did get his breakfast and we bought tea/coffee and other stuff. I had a cheese toasted sandwich with was delicious (esp. from a roadside cafe).

Back in the car I tried to do some knitting but had a bit of a fail – only one needle. Later I found the other needles – but by then I’d put the knitting in the boot .

We had rain on and off for most of the morning.

And amazingly Kevin asked me to drive as he was REALLY tired (he’s been having sleeping/tiredness problems for a few months now).

I didn’t mind, though it felt strange to be driving with him in the passenger seat, esp. once he work up and I remained driving until we stopped for an early lunch.

The girls and I wanted Subway and Kevin got KFC, which he ate out of the car (to save us from having to smell it).

Onwards we drove…

past the Big Banana…

and very green countryside (due to all the rain)…

… and fields full of sugar cane…

The girls did great on the drive, only getting a bit restless towards the end.

Our last stop was the Macadamia Castle.. where we stocked up on fresh, warm macadamia nuts.

I also got a tea which I enjoyed while sharing the muffin I had bought at Oliver’s with Kevin. Raspberry and white chocolate – delicious.

When we got my favourite view on the drive we rolled down the windows to take some photos…

the result of which was some unruly hair…

Then finally, after almost 12 hours of driving, the Gold Coast high rise buildings finally came into view.

A short time later we had arrived and met the person to give us the keys. Our room is lovely. We’ve stayed at the Chevron twice before so knew what to expect, and we were not disappointed.

Christy was first out to check out the view – which is gorgeous.

We were tired and wanting to get settled so we quickly headed out to get some dinner, pausing to check out the pool at night. Must be cold in though because no-one was swimming.

We got some takeaway from Noodle Rennaisance, some cheese rolls from Bakers Delight (for Christy) and a few groceries from Coles. We’ll come do a proper shop in the morning. One thing we love about the Chevron is that the shop are just RIGHT downstairs.

Kevin decided to try out my new camera while we were eating dinner…

Once we had eaten we unpacked, then got out the laptops – yes, all four of them .

I think it’s going to be an early night.

Surprisingly we managed to sleep in till after 7am this morning. It was looking a bit wet and gloomy so we played on our laptops before Kevin finally decided to go in search of coffee and breakfast. He did well, supplying tea and raisen toast (from the same place we got dinner last night).

Finally we headed out on the first mission of the day, which involved catching the ferry over to Taronga Zoo.

It was rather drizzly and cold and we were definitely underdressed as the weather forecast had been for a warm day.

Our only reason for coming to the zoo was the activate some annual passes I had bought. This had to be done by the 31st March. I loved these cute posters for guessing animal noses/

Of course I spotted the Golden nose right away

This was in the Gondola waiting area (and would be a great way to pass the time with kids) but there were no lines for us.

We picked up some morning tea which was enjoyed on the ferry ride back to the city.

I might have grown up in Sydney, and we still visit often, but I still get a thrill seeing the Opera House (where we’re attending a concert tonight) and the Harbour Bridge…even on an overcast day

Our next mission was to give our 4 jetboat ride passes to some lucky people. We had planned to come up with the kids last weekend but the weather was really bad and Kevin’s back has been bad and we don’t want to risk causing him further pain. Anyway we were able to make 2 families very happy. It saved them $120 each (way more than what I’d paid).

We weren’t sure what to do next but came across the Justice and Police Museum so thought that might be worth a visit.

It was quite good – more reading than exhibits – so wouldn’t have been great for the girls. We did see Tess, the very first Australian police dog.

and the old court rooms.

I thought it funny seeing these old official documents from the 1950s. All handwritten in books. You don’t find official documents like that any more. It seemed so odd.

It was lunchtime and we were getting hungry. Not really sure where we were going I spotted Wagamama. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to eat at and was rather excited it.

Love the set up and how you can see the chefs in the kitchen.

This was our view while we ate.

I ordered my very first bento box, which started with miso soup (another first for me and I really enjoyed it).

The meal was lovely but the tofu/veg dish was a little too spicy and left me with tingling lips .

Loved this building. Not too sure where the palm trees fit in though.

We headed back to the hotel as Kevin’s back was sore and my heel spur was sore – good couple aren’t we? . Of course, we had to go via Adora handmade chocolates.

I bought this for myself because I loved the jar. Of course, I’m sure the chocolate easter eggs will be loved as well.

Kevin had a sleep, while I played on the laptop and sampled some of the eggs. While on facebook I was reminded that we were supposed to vote today (in the NSW election – ooops).

Around 4pm we headed back out. Since I was now dressed for the show tonight (and NOT wearing my crocs) we decided to get a taxi to the Sydney Town Hall. Such a beautiful, and iconic, building.

Obviously we had to do an absentee vote. One difference between voting here and at home was there were SOOO many people helping out that the line went really quickly.We probably waited around 5 mins, voting took about 1 min and we were out of there.

Since it was much quicker than we expected we now had almost 3 hours to kill before the show tonight. My feet were feeling okay so we walked to Kevin’s favourite store – the Apple Store, where he bought a few bits and pieces (including something that will allow me to listen to my i-pod in the car – good thing since I broke my car antenne off ages ago).

We thought we’d keep walking and happened to walk past this….

which of course meant buying these. I know I can make yummy cupcakes at home but they never look as cute as the ones you buy. These were mini ones in case you thought we were being really big piggies .

Now we had to go back via the hotel…which meant I could have worn my Crocs after all. After sampling one of the cupcakes and hanging out for a bit, we set off in search of Nandos.  BIG MISTAKE (said in a Julia Roberts/Pretty Woman tone of voice). We never found it (it was not where the i-phone map said it was) and this resulted in us walking much further. So by the time I hit the Harbour I had blisters from the straps on my shoes (becuase I was not walking on my heel). Not fun. I ended up putting the straps under my foot, but then they rubbed on the bottom. BTW, I was wearing my flattest, comfiest, more dressy shoes.

We reached the Opera House, without having found somewhere to eat as most of the resturants were too busy, too noisy or too expensive for us. But we did spot the man we had come to see – Tim Minchin. If you have ABC2 they are broadcasting Sunday nights concert at 8.30pm

I think my expression reflects the pain of my foot …

Still in search of food we found somewhere inside the Opera House that sold sandwiches and wraps, which we took outside to enjoy with a million dollar view.

I also made a friend – well, he might not have been a friend since he tried to steal my dinner.

After we ate we went inside to wait as it was a bit cool out. While waiting my friend Kerrie managed to find us. We had been going to look out for each other and amazingly we going in the same door. And they were sitting in the row just in front of us – what are the odds? It was nice to have a little catch up. Once we went it we were seated next to a couple who had come all the way from Seattle, Washington, primarily to see the show, and we enjoyed chatting with them as well.

Then it was time to see Tim Minchin versus the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It was a great show. Funny, great music, and good entertainment.

The show finished around 11pm and we got out of there fast to get a taxi back to the hotel. No way I was going to manage to walk all the way. Just as our cab pulled up at the hotel it started to rain, so it was a good decision all round. The only problem with going to such great show is that even though we were physically tired, mentally we were wide awake. I ended up uploading my photos before going to sleep.

Kevin and I escaped the kids and headed up to Sydney for the weekend. We started by going to Westfield Bondi Junciton. I’d never been before but boy was I impressed. It is gorgeous, not crowded and has THE best shops – and nearly all of my favourites .

First up we went in search of lunch. I could not get over how fancy the food court was – I have never seen ANYTHING like it.

We opted for Salsa’s mexican. I had my usual (very messy) vegetarian taco.

We then did a bit of shopping before going to the movies. There wasn’t a lot to choose from (that I wanted to see) and nothing suitable in Gold Class. We chose Hall Pass – which was funny (though bit much in a few scenes – definitely a movie for open minded adults).

Then more shopping. I got quite a few things – which I will share when we get home. Kevin got NOTHING!!

Bed, bath and table….

First ever visit to Lush…

My true love…Crocs… I was even wearing my “lovely” pink crocs (had no choice with my heel spur acting up again).

Another first…new skin care products from Aveda…

Kevin wanted to go the Max Brenner chocolate bar for afternoon tea. I wanted Gloria Jeans, but he said I could get that anywhere – which is true.

He had banana chocolate crepe. I had an iced chocolate which was far too rich and I didn’t end up drinking. Instead I had Kevin’s ice cream.

Lastly we went to the Apple Store. Not to buy the new i-pad (Kevin has had one for a week) but he was insisted on buying me a new macbook air. We had to wait till it opened. Talk about craziness. I can’t believe how many people had lined up. Kevin says I just don’t get it. And no, I don’t.

When they finally opened the shop at 5pm (it had been closed all day) we were then told we’d have to wait a bit, after informing them we wanted to buy a laptop, not an i-pad. When I pushed for how long, he said about an hour!!! That’s a little bit? Maybe to those who waited days in line, but not to us who just turned up. Needless to say we did not hang around. Instead we went to Dick Smith, where there were no lines, no crowds and Kevin actually saved around $130.

Unfortunately we left around 5.30pm so hit quite a bit of traffic heading into the city. It was okay though as were able to do lots of people watching. Seeing men in suits on scooters or push bikes looks so weird. And I was amazed at how my cyclists there were.

Eventually we made it our hotel – the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. We booked another secret 5 star hotel and were very pleased.

The view straight out our window is of another building but if you peer around the corner you can see the Harbour Bridge.

As soon as we were in the room Kevin wanted to do an unboxing of the new laptop. I do appreciate it but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t quite as excited as Kevin thought I should be .

Then he got to work copying all the info from my old laptop to my new one.

It was getting late by now and I was getting hungry. We went in search of dinner and was lucky enough (since it had just started raining) to find a little pie shop right across the road. We bought some and took them back to our room. My vegetarian pie was delicious. It was curry, which I wasn’t expecting, but really tasty and totally hit the spot. And I just loved the packaging.

After dinner, with computers still uploading and transferring, we watched Going The Distance – cute movie with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.

Sadly after a week away, it was time to pack up and head home. We set off about 10am and stopped for an early lunch at my favourite spot on the highway. Oliver’s. We always stop here when traveling past.

Amy and I shared a vegetarian korma, which was really yummy.

And I bought a lovely raspberry and white chocolate muffin – which I had later at home.

We had to laugh when Dad took a wrong turn and we had to park with all the big trucks.

We got home about 2.30pm to a big welcome from the pups. You could tell they were so thrilled to back inside during the day.

I have to say that I did miss this face….

and this one…