Athena’s 17th Birthday

IMG_2484.jpg

I just can’t believe my first baby is now 17 years old. That is crazy. I suddenly have an (almost) adult.

IMG_4518.jpg

We had a family celebration the day before with Thai and Caramel Mud cake at Nan & Pop’s.

IMG_2488.jpg

And then a party with her friends on the actual day, involving dancing, singing and swimming (and a sleep-over for some in the lounge room).

IMG_2507.jpg

We had been up to Costco to buy platters and pizza,which were well received (esp the sushi) but we definitely over catered.

Athena chose to have ice cream cake from Cold Rock again – this time with a picture of her favourite band, Twenty-One Pilots.

IMG_2502.jpg

IMG_4488.jpg

Being that we were pretty much banished from the party room there are no photos, except a few I snapped during the cake cutting.

IMG_4489.jpg

IMG_4494.jpg

Weekend adventure to the Blue Mountains

Yes, I’m back and hoping to get this blog up and running again. Now that we’ve got a motorhome we are hoping to have lots more adventures and to be honest I’ve missed this space and sharing my photos. I’m just going back a few weeks and if time allows I’ll do a few posts from the past few months.

IMG_2114.jpg

On the last weekend in February we finally had the motorhome ready for it’s maiden voyager (it used to belong to Kevin’s Dad and needed a lot of work done on it) to the Blue Mountains. It was just 3 of us, with Athena opting to stay home.

IMG_4398.jpg

It rained for quite a bit of the trip and was rather foggy up in the mountains. We had booked two nights at Blackheath Tourist Park with an ensuite (not that we needed one, but the other available spot was right by the gate). We were really happy with our spot.

IMG_4400.jpg

Our view in the morning, with trees out the back window.

IMG_2156.jpg

IMG_2163.jpg

Since there was a forecast of rain today we decided to switch up our plans and head to Sublime Point (funnily enough we have one of these in Wollongong as well).

IMG_2179.jpg

IMG_2182.jpg

It was an easy downhill walk (not quite so on the way back up) and the view was stunning. We were looking at the back of the Three Sisters and over the Jamison Valley.

IMG_2191.jpg

IMG_4408.jpg

IMG_2194.jpg

IMG_4412.jpg

IMG_4415.jpg

While we were here the clouds started to clear and the sun came out.

IMG_2197.jpg

IMG_2201.jpg

I loved how the trees created a frame for the valley….

IMG_2202.jpg

and for the Three Sisters.

IMG_2207.jpg

From here we drove the short distance the Everglades Gardens.

IMG_2213.jpg

Even though it was late Summer the grounds were still beautiful (but I’m planning a return trip in the Spring to see the Bluebells).

IMG_4417.jpg

IMG_2222.jpg

And how’s this for framing a view?

IMG_2226.jpg

IMG_2228.jpg

IMG_4418.jpg

We also had a look the art deco house.

IMG_4425.jpg

IMG_4451.jpg

IMG_2241.jpg

They had tearooms with a lovely menu but it was a little too early for lunch. So it was back out in the gardens for more photography.

IMG_2234.jpg

IMG_2248.jpg

IMG_2246.jpg

IMG_2250.jpg

IMG_4445.jpg

IMG_4439.jpg

IMG_4433.jpg

IMG_4448.jpg

Then it was on to Leura for lunch and shopping.

IMG_2280.jpg

The chocolate shop….

IMG_2254.jpg

IMG_2256.jpg

IMG_2260.jpg

The most awesome dog/pet store I’ve ever been to….

IMG_2262.jpg

IMG_2270.jpg

IMG_2268.jpg

Lunch at the Red Door Cafe….

IMG_2276.jpg

IMG_4452.jpg

We were pretty tired after all this (and I was still in the middle of a Fibro flare) so we drove back to the tourist park and had a relaxing afternoon and evening.

The next morning we woke up to ducks outside our window.

IMG_2308.jpg

And bright blue skies with not a cloud in sight.

IMG_2312.jpg

We made the best decision to swap the days around as the valley was crystal clear today.

IMG_2314.jpg

IMG_2323.jpg

First was the skyway…

IMG_2319.jpg

IMG_2326.jpg

IMG_2332.jpg

We opted not to do the walk to the waterfall (might do it on another trip) to conserve energy for a walk on the valley floor).

IMG_2336.jpg

IMG_2341.jpg

Kevin requested a mid morning snack and we both got one of these cookies – which was expensive but really delicious.

IMG_2349.jpg

Then it was time for the cablecar….

IMG_2352.jpg

IMG_2354.jpg

IMG_2355.jpg

and a walk through the rainforest. This was really lovely and there were plenty of spots to sit and rest while Christy took lots of photos.

IMG_2365.jpg

IMG_4454.jpg

IMG_2367.jpg

IMG_2381.jpg

IMG_2369.jpg

IMG_2390.jpg

But be warned there is a BIG staircase to walk UP at the end (if we’d gone the other way it would have been easier).

IMG_2392.jpg

One more look at that amazing view of the valley and the Three Sisters.

IMG_2402.jpg

IMG_2409.jpg

Then it was back up to the top on the Scenic Railway.

IMG_2405.jpg

IMG_4470.jpg

Unfortunately I hit my head hard getting out so had to sit down for a bit while Kevin and Christy rode back down and up again.

From here we headed the Gingerbread House, which is in an old church. It wasn’t quite what we were expecting with only a small selection of gingerbread foods and hardly any ginger used on the menu. I will just say our meal was okay but it really wasn’t worth the money.

IMG_2436.jpgIMG_4461.jpg

After this it was time to head on home after a very enjoyable first weekend away in our motorhome.

February Highlights

February was not what you’d call a good month. I had a bad Fibrmyalgia flare for much of it and we attended Kevin’s Dad’s funeral. On the positive we got a motorhome and headed off on our first weekend adventure to the Blue Mountains.

Other events, included a new hair colour for Christy…

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 1.14.00 pm.jpg

seeing cows right down by the river on a morning walk…

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 1.14.43 pm.jpg

Summer fruits…

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 1.14.56 pm.jpg

Starting to make plans for our Disneyworld trip in Nov/Dec and reminicing about about a trip in 2002 when the kids were so young….

IMG_4273.jpg

Having a low key celebration for Kevin’s 45th Birthday, with fondue instead of a cake…

IMG_4280.jpgIMG_4283.jpg

Seeing kangaroos at Kevin’s Dad’s farm…

Screen Shot 2016-02-04 at 3.45.21 pm.jpg

Sending our last hen off to a new home and hopefully a fun retirement…

IMG_4297.jpg

Getting a giant flamingo from Kevin…

IMG_1949.jpg

Enjoying a few sunrise walks down by the lake..

Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 12.45.08 pm.jpg

Rosie hiding out in the pantry during one of the many thunderstorms we had…

Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 12.47.09 pm.jpg

Finally getting the motorhome we’d always wanted (years earlier than we’d hoped)….

IMG_1972.jpg

Taking Athena & Jo up to Sydney for a Nightvale show. As you can see they dressed up and the cast all signed a note for them after seeing the umbrella (which had been left in the cloak room).

IMG_1976.jpg

I got to enjoy a nice solo evening in Sydney while I waited for them (luckily on one of the rare good days)…

IMG_4307.jpg

IMG_4311.jpg

IMG_1999.jpg

IMG_4314.jpg

IMG_4315.jpg

IMG_4317.jpg

IMG_2002.jpg

 

 

Christmas Cruise Photos

IMG_4027.jpg

I didn’t blog our Dec/Jan cruise on Explorer of the Seas (which I now regret) as I was concentrated on vlogging the experience. But I still wanted to share some of my favourite photos of the trip. Hope you enjoy.

723-3847389-Embrk MS-13012_GPR.jpg

Christy and Athena had an inside cabin with a virtual balcony.IMG_9307.jpg

We had a rear facing junior suite.. with an amazingly large balcony.

IMG_9312.jpg

IMG_9318.jpg

This was perfect for sailaway.

IMG_9339.jpg

IMG_9410.jpg

With bright pink and blue hair it was really easy to spot the kids when out and about :-).

IMG_0008.jpg

Our first stop was Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

IMG_3757.jpg

723-3926045-Gangway Sailor-13028_GPR.jpg

IMG_0165.jpg

We enjoyed a yummy breakfast (since our tender was called much quicker than expected). I had a cheese & onion toastie (which was very British). Then had a walk around the markets before going on a helicopter flight over the islands and out to the hole in the rock.

IMG_1690.jpg

IMG_0316.jpg

IMG_0143.jpg

We also visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

IMG_0336.jpg

And saw a Maori show (we saw another at Rotarua the next day).

IMG_0389.jpg

The next day we docked at Tauranga and went on a day trip to Rotarua and Hobbiton.

IMG_0491.jpg

IMG_0499.jpg

Hobbiton was definitely the highlight of the whole cruise. Even Mum & Dad who hadn’t seen the movies really enjoyed it.

IMG_0592.jpg

IMG_0656.jpg

IMG_0183.jpg

IMG_0188.jpg

IMG_0198.jpg

IMG_0201.jpg

For our last day in New Zealand we were treated to a stunning sunrise as we sailed into Auckland harbour.

IMG_0707.jpg

We had arranged for a private tour around the city.

IMG_0753.jpg

The winter gardens…

IMG_3856.jpgIMG_3862.jpg


IMG_3875.jpgIMG_0247.jpg

Views from Devonport.

IMG_0805.jpg

The colour of the water here is just beautiful.

IMG_0818.jpg

IMG_0853.jpg

Then it was few days at sea.

IMG_0909.jpg

IMG_0960.jpg

IMG_0963.jpg

New Years Eve and the start of a new year.

IMG_1019.jpg

IMG_1028.jpgIMG_1032.jpgIMG_1030.jpg

IMG_3961.jpg

The stunning Isle of Pines.

IMG_1091.jpg

IMG_1097.jpg

GOPR3343.jpg

GOPR3347.jpg

IMG_3974.jpg

GOPR3385.jpg

G0310476.jpg

IMG_4096.jpg

Our last port day and a private tour in Noumea included a delightful stop at the Aquarium.

IMG_1324.jpg

IMG_0320.jpg

IMG_1357.jpg

Before we visited the beach where we enjoyed some French treats.

IMG_0333.jpg

IMG_1400.jpg

IMG_0343.jpg

IMG_1409.jpg

We then concluded our outing with a quick visit to the zoo.

IMG_1430.jpg

The cutest national bird.

IMG_1446.jpg

IMG_1454.jpg

IMG_0376.jpg

Our last few days at the sea.

IMG_1496.jpg

IMG_4024.jpg

IMG_1520.jpg

IMG_1540.jpg

Finally found the front the boat.

IMG_1624.jpg

Arrival back into a wet, grey Sydney.

IMG_1658.jpg

We had another wonderful Christmas cruise with a great combination of sightseeing and relaxing. I especially loved the 3 days in New Zealand – such a beautiful country. And it’s always wonderful to spend time with my family. And a big thanks to my Mum & Dad who treated us all to this wonderful vacation.

Be sure to watch my videos if you’d like to see more.