Tuesday, January 20, 2009

2nd attempt at camping

Spot the kids exploring

Is Ewan on the rope bridge?

Because the 1st attempt was so positive we decided to go a little further out and camp at Melrose which is in the Flinders Rangers. ie 3 1/2 hour trip. Thank god for in-car DVD players. Melrose is a beautiful spot and we happened to be lucky with the weather and it wasn't too hot or cold. Tent went up, Tania made lunch, we got sorted, what now?



Our tent that didn't fall down

I think its time for exploring. Walking through the creek, checking out the sites and definitely a play on the playground. It was a dinky dye country playground, with rope bridge and everything. The kids were happy. We went on the bikes but couldn't ride too many places, it was full mountain bike country. Even goats would have had trouble on those mountains, hence the name, Mt Remarkable.

Hiking to the Narrows

The Narrows

We found tadpoles

Hancocks Lookout

The next day we went for a big drive and hike. We visited Alligator Gorge and hiked to the Narrows, where we saw lots of tadpoles, rocks and ants. The Terraces, where we had to descend and then ascend via 240 stairs. Not the most pleasant walking but we got there, including Alicia. We visited Hancocks Lookout, where you could see across to the gulf and in particular Iron Knob. Then lunch at Wilmington.
The next day we were to go home which ended up a 5 hour trip because I had to see if Magnetic Hill actually worked. I don't think it does, but we could have been doing something wrong. We tried up the hill and down the hill. Next time, we won't bother. By the time we got home, we were all very tired. I have also come to the conclusion that the kids need their own tent. They are shocking to sleep with. Alicia wins the title Wriggler of the Night and Ewan wins the title Grinder of the night. Either way, sleeping in a tent with those children will not be a habit I will get into too quickly. Not that they were fussed.

Practice camping trip




This was our first ever camping trip as a family. Brad and I have used the tent quite a bit, when we used to camp when we went water skiing but it got a little too hard and the tent has been packed away, apart from an occasional tenting experience in the house. We were actually outside under the stars, and there were plenty that night. I even saw the milky way. Its been years since that was seen by myself. Stars are beautiful, especially when you don't see that many. We were camping at Clayton. Martin has a caravan down there and we thought it was a good starting point. Everyone had a good time. The kids flew a massive kite with Martin. We went down to the water when the sun was going down and shared good company. Its a must do again.

Riding and ducks with Grandma



We have heard all about the kids riding their bikes to the duck pond but never actually experienced it until recently. It is quite a nice ride, all except the ride up the hill and then the ride down the hill. However we were treated to a display of horses and even a couple decided we were curious fellows. The only real negative thing is the punctures. You are guaranteed a couple in at least 1 bike.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Ewans version of Alicia

This sums up exactly what Ewan thinks of Alicia. Obviously it prompted a talking to by me. At least he can spell Alicia. Can you tell what he was thinking?

Bunnies or Bunnings

When Alicia and Brad went to the shops today, Alicia thought she was going to see bunnies. Brad was actually going to Bunnings. I'm so glad I wasn't there to try and explain, there are no bunnies. I'm sure that the playground placated her enough.

The Challenge is On!




Frank, do you choose to accept the challenge?

Friday, January 02, 2009

Christmas Day was a ball of fun





Ewan and Alicia were amazing. Santa did as he promised. Ewan got a bike and Alicia got some dolls. The cookies were half eaten, the lemonade was drunk and the reindeer ate their carrots and drank their water. Its a full blown production, but the kids enjoy it and if we can achieve a little of the magic then why not. Its sad when it all ends, but at least we know it will come again. I harassed the family to get some family shots and I think half the fun is actually getting everyone together and taking the picture. Its a comic scenario.

Kids in the pool


Scotty, Fiona and Phoenix came over for a Christmas get together, along with Richard, Jakob and Hannah. The kids had a good time in the pool. Jakob wasn't too keen, then eventually wouldn't come out. Scotty was the only adult in amongst all those kids. Let me rephrase that, all the kids were in the pool! Ewan was riding the whale and I got some spectacular pictures of him, purposely falling off. Alicia was finally doing the swimming thing properly. Head in the water, kicking and using her arms. At least the hundreds of dollars I've spent are finally paying off. Its still a little too cold for the pool but the kids don't seem to mind. They always end up having a nice warm bath.