Grandies in the City

One of the funnest things we did with Grandma and Papa was have dinner dates with each child. They just drank in all that one on one and were fairly bursting at the end of each night.

And Sums even got to have Grandma at her music class which was pretty much the best day of her life.

  As the last hurrah, Darren took his folks up to Sydney with Will and Kenna before their flight out. They hit some of our favorite spots, then gave the kids the thrill of a lifetime by treating them to Luna Park rides. Oh were they in heaven!

Pretty lucky to get to have all that special time with Papa and Grandma Raynie.

 (These $20 "sliders" were the first think the kids talked about upon returning home - they couldn't believe how much it was to eat there.)

Every time we go to Sydney they beg to do Luna Park so you can imagine their enthusiasm when instead of just meandering through, they were handed a wristband and told to "go for it."

 We sure miss them! One year left and we'll be back within a day's drive. Talk about a new appreciation. (And Papa will be treated to this awesome action again - Will was a stealthy pro at creeping him out with this doll during their stay. Showed up in all sorts of unnerving places.)

Beach Bummin'

D's parents are from California, but of course we still had to show off our favorite Aus beaches so we rented a house in Broulee and spent the most fabulous weekend at the coast. (Scroll fast - these are a lot of beach photos, but I just love it so!)

We stopped at the outstanding wood gallery in Bungendore then for lunch in quaint Braidwood on the way down.

At the end of our street we found a sandy path that meandered onto this little vision: Shark Bay.

That's Broulee island behind it and a jaunt around the corner was the long, peaceful South Broulee Beach.

I loved seeing the changes at all different times of day. Shark Bay is my new happy place.

We took a nice morning walk around Broulee Island and discovered its many faces.

Hit up the North Broulee end where the stream meets the ocean (the place kids' dreams are made of.) Honestly, love this place.

CORNDOG!

A cruel and brilliant twist of fate rendered the TV not working so we did it old school style. Late night gaming, puzzles, and snacks - man, makes me realize how much I've missed family gatherings.

One morning I snuck out with the rambunctious early risers and made some magic. Mornings on the beach - wow - I could get used to that.

Then this little series unfolded. You can see her looking...shedding...and embracing the sea.

Loooooots of sand castle competitions. Man, I could live at the beach. They always have to drag me back inside to eat or rest or feed the babe...

 We caught hundreds of crabs then watched them scuttle away speedy quick upon release.

Hit the awesome Mogo Zoo there on our way out. Zoos here are so green, spacious and gorgeous - I've been so impressed with each one.