Nana and Gipa time...

We had lots of fun with Nana and Gipa. Since this was their second visit to Sydney, we did not play tourist quite as much as their last visit. But, we still found plenty of ways to keep us busy!

Angelina Ballerina at the Opera House

Darling Harbour Water fun

Round and round at Darling Harbour

Luna Park
A day at the beach

Grown up time...
We love you Nana and Gipa!

Barranjoey Lighthouse

This past weekend we decided it was time for another family bushwalk. Usually the way they work in our family is that I suggest we go on a bushwalk. One or more child/ren are usually on my side while the others complain. It is too hot. I am tired. It is boring. Then we either a) go anyway or b) spend so much time whining that it is nearly lunch time and too late to start the expedition because nap time is quickly approaching. This Saturday was the option "a" variety. I suggested we tackle the stairs up to Barranjoey Lighthouse. Despite a decenter or two, we went anyway. We had a great day!

It was a bit hot and sticky which made the sea breeze that much nicer. It is a lot of stairs - straight up in fact - but we just proved we had strong legs.




We found a neat little rock overhang that was a great little cave and a perfect water stop.


We found a special friend.


Our littlest munchkin got put in the backpack after a bit but the others proved their strength and resilience and made it to the top.


We were rewarded with beautiful views out across the water, a lighthouse, and yes, that gorgeous sea breeze.



We stopped for lunch at the local RSL club. Took a pass on the pokeys and ate our fill of hot chips, burgers and nachos. Yum! Then at home, we realized we had brought a few friends home with us. We first noticed a stowaway in M's hair at lunch. Then again, another crawling on her bed... hmmm. Is this head lice? Please say no, no, no.

No. It is just a paralysis tick.



Lucky for us, they mostly only paralyze dogs and we were pretty safe from their toxins. None the less, we all did the obligatory tick search, stripping the little girls down to check those favorite tick hiding places. Luckily, all was clear and the Monaco family will live to see another day.

Headland Park

This morning (after much moaning and groaning from the kids) we decided to head out on a little family bushwalk. We joined onto the trail that runs from Balmoral to Chowder Bay and spent most of our time exploring around Headland Park. The views out to Middle Harbour are amazing. We could see right across to Watson's Bay. It was lovely. Most of all, the kids enjoyed the cannons and old tunnels. They spent lots of time climbing on cannons and wishing they could get into the old fortification tunnels that were designed to protect Sydney over 100 years ago. They do give tours once a month so we will have to add that to the list of things to do. After much exploring, we had lunch at the cafe at Headland park followed by more frolicking in the sun. The kids loved the modern art sculpture that seems to be more of a climbing frame with all the kids on it. Here are some photos from the day.

Fun with Em!

This past week, we have been having lots of fun visiting with our friend Emily from Wisconsin. She flew over for her Aussie adventure and we get to play too. What have we been up to?

We have fed kangaroos (at Featherdale Wildlife Park)...

cuddled koalas...

played at the beach...

...and lots more!

The kids are enjoying having another person to play games with and read stories with too. We have been lucky to have her! Who's next for their Aussie adventure?!

Laugh Kookaburra Laugh

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree,

Merry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,
Gay your life must be!

Last week we decided to have a little picnic at the beach on Friday evening. We headed down with our "picnic rug" in hand and found a nice shady spot by the playground. While I watched the kids play, J went and bought food from the fish and chips place (although no fish and chips was eaten here - we prefer chicken!). Before long he was back with food and we were enjoying a lovely picnic on a beautiful summer evening. All was good until we spotted the kookaburra! Or perhaps I should say until he spotted us. He swooped and made his first pass at A's food but J was quick enough and swatted him away. He flew off and we thought we had escaped the wrath of the kookaburra. Some 15 minutes later, M was poised for a bite with her sandwich in hand and up to the mouth when with no warning at all, it was GONE! That kookaburra swooped and took the entire sandwich right out of her hand. Better watch out when picnicking around here. King of the bush is right - only in Australia!