Shoreham

 We spent a wonderful weekend away at Shoreham. One of the school dads arranged the whole thing. I would say there were about 30 of us for the weekend in a school camp set up. The accomodation was basic and cheap, but the company more than made up for any lack in facilities.

With about 20 kids of similar ages, I dont think we saw them except for this visit to Merricks Beach on the way home. They were off running from sun up til we scraped them into bed. It was truly magical. So many kids, no fights, no injuries(!) and really no worries.

As adults we shared a lovely meal on saturday night after we'd sat on the deck in the sunshine watching the grand final. It was just great. Sunday was  obviously clean up day but again no fights or issues - everyone just pitched in and got it done. Fabulous

With the local we were calling in on sick, and my three well and truly OVER themselves, we had a quiet visit to the beach which was refreshing. The boys got to wear their wetsuits for the first time and had a bit of downtime, rather than being part of the gang.

After a swim and a play we headed home with a good sleep in our own beds at the front of everyones mind. 

Portsea camp

We had a fantastic long weekend arranged by a Mum at school. She had booked the Portsea camp which is a couple of doors down from the Portsea Pub. 

The actual accommodation is dorm style - really not fancy

 but the view out the doorway is the water. It was a really beautiful place and as it was all enclosed there was a real communal feel.

 The facilities were fabulous. There was a giant teepee that we were welcome to sleep in but didn't.

 She has arranged for us to use the zip lines (Mitch was our instructor and it was fabulous) I was self appointed photographer so out there for half a day

 but I got the very last turn!

 There were 17 families all from school with kids. All up there were about 70 of us, so always something to do or play with. She has provided breakfast goodies in the communal kitchen, so everyone could help themselves in the morning. Lunch was your own problem and dinner we had sausages for the kids, byo meat and then everyone brought a salad.

 Such a relaxing way to live. It was social and lovely.

 A great range of salads too

 The kids on the basketball court with their own rules. Seems everyone was on the skins team.

 The rest of the time was spent at the beach. Either directly out the front or down at Shelley Beach.

 Again everyone was involved and had a lovely time

 We took a ride to Point Nepean. Probably shouldn't have left this for the last day as I didn't get to see the stuff I wanted, but hey, its not about me.

This is probably one of the most relaxing holidays we have had in a long time. It is like a caravan park, but where you know everyone - all the kids and their parents which makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.

Camping

The kids have been talking about sleeping in a tent for what seems like forever, so we finally packed up and went camping. The whole family went in tents to Inverloch and we stayed at the Big 4 caravan park.For non-campers, and the big squirrel is certainly one, the first time is hard work. Collecting and packing all of the stuff you may need. I found the clothes the hardest as it was going to be hot and cold and everyone needed changes. We did manage and packed it all in the back of the station wagon.

The kids made friends in the park which was lovely and we hardly saw them. There is a pool, playground and jumping pillow and roads to ride around.

We did wus it and pull the pin early. Saturday night rained so hard and so long and the strong wind felt like it would lift our little tent away. Some stuff got a little wet, but not too bad. I just didn't want the kids only experience of camping to be a wet and boring memory. As it is they are looking forward to the next adventure. (But they desperately want to sit by an open fire- which is not allowed in caravan parks)

Crikey!

On our way back to Brisbane and ultimately home, we called into the late Steve Irwin's place to check out Australia Zoo. I wasn't expecting much, but with the hefty entrance price we were going to stay all day irrespective. However, once we got inside I was more than pleasantly surprised.

The place was packed with animals - not in an unhealthy way. It was clean, there were heaps of staff and everyone was busy but always happy for a chat and

really friendly and very knowledgeable.

The kids absolutely loved it. You really saw the an

imals up close and there was heaps to do and see. With our little tour guides

we saw crocodiles

turtles

heaps of koalas

and watched the show

Benji was the only one little enough and brave enough for a pony ride (which was inclusive)

We even fed the elephants.

I have to say while I was a bit iffy about the whole thing it really is a great place. Steve is still very present which is a little creepy, but apart from that it is really cool. The twins got a lot out of it, and Alexander loved it. He is studying habitats at school and constantly referring to the Zoo. Even I, elcheapo, felt the experience justified the cost. I would go again!!

Storm Front

Our last wander along the beach before we left. The storm was coming as we were leaving, but it made for some lovely pictures with Alexander and his Nana and Popeye. (the other two didn't like the beach much)

Necklace

I have been waxing lyrically about how much I love getting home made presents. I do, but I also love thoughtful bought ones too. Really who doesn't love getting presents? The birdy on the end was a birthday gift from Nay. I love it - and wore it as soon as I got it. Why haven't I told you about it sooner. Well I was wearing it the following day and it fell off and the poor bird lost its tail. Luckily I felt it fall and found the bit- but took a bit of time to repair it. It came on holidays with me and I now tie it on. While we were away it got two new friend. How could I resist the resin red squirrel. Like it was made for me. It is actually the same brand as the bird - Ruby Luxe.The camera was a cheap market find. It is metal and has a stone in for the lens which actually flips your reflection upside down. I thought it was cute. I wasn't the only one getting jewels while we were away. Alexander found the beaded necklace in a playground and became attached. Unfortunately the beads didn't remain attached and it needed repairs. The promise of a shark tooth necklace was made and luckily we found one - he looks so grown up wearing them.

Some more holiday shots - this is the closest we got to a family photo while we were away.Spencer looked like this most of the time - he is usually smiling but I made him raise his goggles for the shot - not happy

Benji

Alexander being Popeye's boy.