There is a branch (what we in the LDS church call a small "ward" or congregation) in our Stake that is about 3 hours away down the coast, in a beautiful spot called Merimbula. There are only a handful of LDS families that attend there but one gal, Amanda, and I struck up a friendship through the occasional conferences/roadshows/camps that bring us together. She is an American married to an Australian and loved the chance to connect with other Americans who are few and far between down there. They were kind enough to invite our family down for a long weekend. What a treat! They had recently built a home just 5 minutes walk from the beach and we had a smashing time. The drive was breathtaking and I even pulled over to snap a few pics (only 2 vomits this time~hooray! Good thing too as I was the sole adult/driver/cleanerupper.)
The kids did great. I had a few long and hairy nights sharing the space with multiple kids and babies, but they all got along wonderfully, we enjoyed lovely conversation and the days were beautiful.
Here's our crew heading for the beach (aka: a Sister Wives episode.) After being walloped in the waves, we carved out a sandy, cool put-put golfcourse/soccer pitch for a rousing game to end the day.
 |
| Can't get tired of fresh passionfruit vines and this as your backyard! |
Amanda's husband, Sam, offered to take us on a hike through the wind-swept cliffs over to this gorgeous spot with a lagoon on one side and beaches on the other.
I think it was a dry-run to see how his littles would do, and we had some adventures hacking away at debris in the path, but otherwise no hiccups. :)
Peek-a-boo Dezzy! Five little troopers I got right there. It was a tough and gorgeous "walk." Des didn't make a peep.
 |
| I want to live right on that spot of sand. |
The wall of trees in the distance was so cool looking. Raw and tangled and wild. Like tree-playdough sculpted into a hill by the wind.
With a few minutes left, we climbed down to a hidden cave on that little island-y spot. Got pretty wet timing the waves to scramble around into it without getting swept out to sea - an adventure my kids will not soon forget. I love hanging with other adventure-seekers!
That evening we joined their extended fam for a lovely Sunday dinner at the most beautiful property tucked away in the hills. Wild gardens, gorgeous flowers, fruit trees a-plenty, a homemade BMX track out back, dogs, a pool, kids everywhere, playsets, birdcages, snags on the barbie - awesome. Wish I had got a group photo, they were so wonderfully hospitable!
The next morning I snuck out early with their dog to enjoy the beach solo
in my pjs. I tell ya, there's just nothing like the sun rising on the
beach. The way the light creeps over everything, illuminating the world,
inch by inch. With the sea spray on your face, if that doesn't make you
feel alive, I don't know what does! Especially after a rough night. Rejuvenation~
We were kindly invited to join their whole clan for some water skiing on the lake our last day. It was delightful to be back on the water. (I don't know how many years it has been!) Lots of firsts that day: Des's first time on a speedboat, the girls first time on kneeboards, Will's first time on skiis and my first successful 360 (on the kneeboard.) Yee-haw!
It was just so much fun. Thanks, Parker family!! Seriously, look at this place. I wouldn't mind this drive every weekend! Like Mandy, I've fallen in love with this country.
