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.

Holiday Market

I couldn't be up on the sunshine coast and not go to the Eumundi Market (Wed and Sat). It is a big market, almost three markets and there is a lot of stalls. However not a heap of different stuff which is really what I was looking for. In fact I would have to say it was a little over rated as far as I was concerned and I actually struggled to find anything I liked - let alone wanted to buy. There were a lot of stalls of psychics, readers, massage, reiki etc which I think are in the middle. Once we muddled past them, there was probably some good stuff, but it was right at the end and we were all exhausted!!

There is a really good and well used playground there which is where all the boys were, so mum and I could go off adventuring. On our way back to them we stumbled upon some great skirts and actually parted with some money!
I got this red one which looks better on. It has a baste band and 6 gores so it quite full at the bottom. All over it is ricrac sewn on. I thought it was a good idea and I couldn't be bothered doing it so I bought it. I also got this one a the same place
It is cotton and has box pleats. I loved the fabric and the different colour hem. Both fitted perfectly into my holiday colour palette and came home with me. The only thing that would have made this skirt better is if they had matched the little girls up on the colour change but I am being picky!!
I couldn't be up on the sunsh

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.

Holiday - day 2

After an ordinary night at a big 4 caravan park in Brisbane. A dodgy cabin, the park locals who live there and rain, the only sunshine was Collingwood winning the replay Grand Final. (Apologies to all of those against the Pies- but I have allegiance since birth, sad I know)

We left the grey clouds of Brisbane and headed to the Sunshine Coast and it certainly lived up to its name. The skies were blue and beach was clear.

We had a lovely morning wandering around the Perigian Market and checked into our new home for the week and were straight in the pool.

Valentino

We flew to Brisbane - an early start with all the boys, primarily for a visit - but while in Brisbane we got to check out the Valentino exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery. With the kids being entertained by the big squirrel outside, it wasn't going to be a long and relaxing visit - but it was certainly well worth the visit.

The gallery has really set this up for the fashionista and there is re

ally something for everyone. It is in a big black room w

ith all of the dresses on mannequins up on boxes giving the audience the opportunity to move right around the dress and have a good look.

The amount of outfits was fantastic, with 2 full rooms and a digital displa

y. Valentino has an extensive history, and there were dresses from the 60's right through to modern collections. Rather than chosing to display them in date order - the display was grouped in style - florals, modern graphic where original 60's sat seamlessly with 80's and modern outfits. There was a great black and white collection and of course Valentino's signature red.

What I particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to see red carpet dresses up close. There was Cate Blanchet's yellow dress which she wore to the Oscars winning for the Aviator and Julia Roberts vintage black and white Valentino when she won best actress. Little details that you don't pick up in media are great to see up close. It was also great to see 'defects' in zips etc - where clients we have had (in the distant past B.C.) would have complained. Even the masters have visible zips!! My only complaint was that I couldn't touch the dresses nor see inside them - I didn't really expect too. If you are in the area I would highly recommend having a look.