In the few days between the Great Ocean Road and Puffing Billy adventures described in my last two posts, we have managed to fit in several more excursions with our appreciative and enthusiastic visitors from Virginia. Amy and Elena not only love everywhere we take them, and delight in all that we suggest doing, they have also generously given their time to help conquer the numerous domestic chores involved in feeding, clothing, and keeping respectable a houseful of children and their parents. Whether it is hanging out the laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, playing card games with Katie and Cameron, or helping Sophie with her piano music, Amy knows just what is needed most. I cannot adequately convey my gratitude, but I will say that it is in large part because of her help that we have been able to accomplish much during their time thus far. Following you will find some highlights of the past few days.
Last Friday we headed into Melbourne's CBD (Central Business District). First stop was the Little Cupcake Shop, followed by a brief tour of a few Melbourne's arcades and laneways before we tackled the cavernous Queen Vic Market.
Cloudy skies led to the decision to visit the Old Melbourne Gaol rather than the Eureka Skydeck. Amy found the history of the prisoners incarcerated here in the 1800s fascinating, while the children enjoyed trying on a scaled down version of Ned Kelly's infamous homemade armor.
On the streets in Melbourne:
Home again on Tram 5:
James wanted nothing to do with Amy's camera.
Cameron is bowling in the picture below during his Friday night cricket match, one thing that (unfortunately) continues over the school holidays.
Saturday morning breakfast, an outing that Amy and I enjoyed while Ross cooked brekky at home for the children.
After breakfast, Amy, Laney, Sophie and I drove to Frankston to see the sand sculptures. This year's theme was Toytopia.
After allowing the girls some time to explore Frankston's playground, we pointed the car toward Arthurs Seat, and then a most favorite spot near our house, Cape Schanck.
We always stand in awe at Cape Schanck. This visit was no exception.
Sunday we spent primarily in worship and rest, but in the evening we took advantage of the warm weather to head back to the beach for the sunset and penguin viewing at Brighton and St. Kilda.
It was nearly dark by the time we made it to the end of the pier at St. Kilda Beach, but we spotted a baby penguin waiting for its parents immediately upon arriving at the viewing area. Within a minute or two of us pointing our cameras at the little guy, a crowd of fifty or so had gathered to ooh and ahh.
Monday we spent in the Dandenong Mountains, enjoying the scenery with the help of Puffing Billy, today held another visit to Melbourne's CBD, and tomorrow we plan to visit Phillip Island for a special overnight trip involving (we hope) lots of wildlife and also another swimming opportunity at the beach for the kids. Busy times, wonderful memories, perfect weather, amazing scenery everywhere we turn, and special friends with whom to share it all . . . for this and so much more we are grateful.
Once again I borrowed liberally from Amy's camera card, one more thing for which I owe her thanks.
Wow! Busy times! So glad you are having a nice time with Amy. Did I see some jackets in one picture! I hope that was only for the evening. :) Have fun on Phillip Island, my kids think that was the most beautiful place in the world. I am sure going to the beach in January influenced that opinion. Also, they never made it to the Great Ocean Road - it wins the contest for sure!! Happy Australia Day - wish we were there!!
Posted by: Suzanne | 01/25/2012 at 09:23 AM
Suzanne, We wish you could join us here at Cowes. We are staying at the same guesthouse as we did with you and the girls. Going out soon to the Nobbies. It is a beautiful spot!
Posted by: Christie | 01/25/2012 at 05:41 PM