Thursday morning was like Christmas morning, as Qantas Claus delivered another family member (and a suitcase full of goodies) to Australia.  Jay’s sister, Staci, was the last of the siblings to make the big trip.  So glad she decided to come!!  Ty and Lily couldn’t wait for Aunt Staci (or as Lily says, Aunt Taci) to arrive. I had to go to work, but we decided to keep Ty home from school for the day.  Everyone but me got to spend the day at the beach.  I was crabby.  I actually warned people that I was in meetings with that I was a bit crabby, knowing that Jay, his sister, my sister, and my kids were all soaking in the Rays while I was stuck at work.  Bleh.   

    
    
    
    
 The loot.  Oh how I love the loot that comes from the U.S.  The most adorable clothes, funky jewelry, yummy snacks.  To all of you US readers – never take it for granted.  Big thanks to Sherry, Kirk, and Staci for picking out all of the great stuff!   

 Princess.

One of the favorite items that arrived in Aunt Taci’s suitcase were 2 nightgowns for Lily.  But these are not just any nightgowns.  These are the most adorable princess nightgowns.  I tell you what (for maximum effect say that out loud in Mark’s accent), that little girl may be the cutest thing on the planet.  On Friday morning I went to pick out an outfit for Lily.  She freaked out when I pulled a normal dress off of her hanger.  “No!!!  Princess dress!!!”  We have created a monster… 

    
   
Nanny cam.

Lily has been uber spoiled this week, getting to spend heaps of time with not one, but TWO aunties!!  The first part of the week has gone by quick. The girls have shopped at Sanctuary Cove, took a “shortcut” to Surfers (via Snapper Rocks), gone to music class, entertained Jack who is stuck in a cast, and found some time to relax in the hot tub.   

    
    
    
 Currumbin.

Saturday morning we had swim lessons, then we headed down to Currumbin.  No visit is complete without a cuddle with a koala, wrestle with a python, and a selfie with a roo. Check, check, and check.  This was the first time that we have been able to watch the Aboriginal show – very cool.  Yes, Staci held the Python.  No, she isn’t crazy.  It wasn’t a wild snake that she found laying around the yard.  She survived!  It wasn’t a great day for lorikeets, but she did manage to feed one.   

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Pin.

Sunday morning we packed up the boat (literally takes forever to get everything packed) and went down to the bar to watch a bit of the XCAT speed boat races.  We couldn’t see a lot, and I didn’t like the feeling of getting rocked every which way, so we went up to Jumpin Pin.  Ty wanted to pump some yabbies.  He fell asleep on the ride over, so Jay, Staci, Lily and I walked to the surf side.  Em caught some rays and waited for Ty to wake up.  There was literally nobody else on the beach.  Beautiful day. 

    
    
    
    
    
   
We didn’t pack a lunch, so we went to Tipplers for lunch.  Ty had fun trying to get as close as possible to the wild wallaby that was hopping around.  I got lots of snuggles from both kiddos.   

 

Church.

Staci is a Methodist minister, so the one thing she wanted to do on this trip was to go to a Hillsong church service.  Jay, Ty, Staci and I went to the Sunday night service.  I was not at all prepared for the contemporary style, which was completely opposite of what I grew up with in the Catholic Church.  Black room.  Big stage.  Drums.  Smoke. Lights.  Loud music.  It was entertaining, an interesting message, but not exactly what I consider “church”.  Probably won’t go back, but am glad we went.

Netball.

Staci came to watch Em and I play netball on Monday.  I think she thought it was interesting – kind of fun to watch and compare to basketball.

SSC Factor.

Wednesday night Staci and I took Ty on a date to the year 4-6 school musical called the SSC Factor.  It was a spinoff of the X Factor, and it was awesome!  Best school production I have ever seen.  Every kid participated – 290 students.  There were videos, popular music, lights and smoke, amazing costumes, surprisingly good choreography, and a bit of humor.  Ty had seen it at school that day, but loved watching it again.  Fun times!

Noosa.

Tomorrow morning we are going to have a mini vacation in Noosa.  We have heard so many great things about it, figured we better not leave without a quick visit.  Best part – no flight required!

G’day mates!!