New Arrivals

The Ryders arrived, fresh from Walmley, full of excited questions, like Charlie's, "are the beaches any good?" Great to see them and will be fun showing them the delights of Melbourne.

Sara and Sam stayed in an apartment in the city to make life simpler as the Ryders didn't get in 'til midnight. Finally fell into bed at 01:30 only for the #@#@ing alarm to go off in the hotel and us all to have to go outside at 02:30!!! GRRRR

Surfing and Hosting

Been a busy few days. Thursday afternoon Dad was having surfing lessons at Torquay while Sara, the kids and Aussie G went to Melbourne Zoo.

On Saturday we took a couple of the KM&T guys down to have a snorkel and then a splash in the waves at London Bridge. They came back for a barbie after and were summarily thrashed at tennis.

Sunday, Pete, Kaggs and co came round for a play in the pool which included us realising that you need the boat to get on the kneeboard - can't be done without it travelling along - well not by the heavier among us!!!

London Bridge

Sunday morning came along and we thought we'd give London Bridge a go. We got the tides wrong somehow and it wasn't as far out as we'd hoped, in fact it was coming in, so the snorkeling didn't live up to expectation, but it's still a favourite spot.

Lots of the pools were cut off, so after a bit of a sim in the one safe pool, we thought we'd go home. But then we noticed how much fun the waves looked!!

This wave took Pete out and then had the photographer barreling around under water....

Swimerooney

At last, the pool has been given a clean bill of health and we were in. It's bit deep for Biff, but great for jumping in and splashing around. To honour the grand opening there was a marathon tennis demonstration before the first splash (well 5 all in a game of few rallies with Uncle Pete!!) and a post swim Barbie with Aussie G, Fraser and Gemma.

Sunday saw a trip to the Brickvention in the city. Bit of a queue to get in, but some great models on display.

After the lego we treated ourselves to a bit of culture in Hosier Lane, Melbourne's graffiti central.

It wasn't to be

Pleasant trip to the G for the Cam, Sam and Mum to see the the second Eng/Aus 20-20. It had rained non-stop for a couple of days meant the outfield was a bit damp which slowed the game down a lot. Never really got going and the Aussies sneaked a win, although a 6 with three balls to go made it all a little closer.

Starting to win

Finally went in, couldn't resist it anymore. It was chucking it down with rain and hot and sticky, so on with the trunks and in I went under the pretense of vacuuming the bottom. When kids popped down for a photo wasn't long until they were in as well......

Floods and more floods

Shocking floods in Brisbane at the moment. Seem to be going around all of the places I was due to work, Clermont, Gladstone and now Ipswich. Making work planning a little difficult but clearly a minor hassle compared to those living up there.

Weekend on the Island

Woke up to a fine Saturday morning to Melissa saying, come and see the Koalas....wasn't sure to believe her, but there they were. Two fine Koalas having a bit of a chat with each other in the trees right outside our 'chalet' (read room)

After the Koala excitement we divided and conquered with Sara and Steph taking the girls and Tom into town and Sammy and Eugene heading to the Woolamai beach for a surf. Most of the crew had been there the day before and had some good practice so Cammy was able to catch a few!!

For the rest of the day we went for a stroll at the Nobbies and then dinner in the RSL. Sunday was a trip to Amaze n Things and the Chocolate Factory.....

Back to work and visitors

Well it had to happen, the holidays are over for the breadwinner and so Dad had to warm up the laptop, dial a few phone numbers and nip out for lunch.

Meanwhile the Dawson Five visited and had a laugh running around and playing hide and seek. Keeley even found some jellybeans.

The pool water battle...

Slowly but surely, we will win...... The pool was a state when we moved in but getting clearer at the moment, but still v cloudy. Filter works, so hopefully with a few well chosen chemicals we will be able to get in soon.

While the battle continues we get wet elsewhere, Aussie G's yesterday and Casey RACE today.