We had so much fun with Grams and Gramps. Seriously every day we just couldn't get enough of them!
No one was allowed to have some "alone" time. There was a little person everywhere my parents went. It was the best month.
We saw so many amazing things but some of the best times were just lounging around the pool, around the house, on the patio-- doing crossword puzzles or playing our favorite card game, "Pounce" (Oaklee is now the youngest known person to ever learn the game...for generations in our family!)
Here's a great shot of the salmon we "caught"...at the fish market. It was purchased at the Saturday markets but it did make a great fish story to tell the brother in laws.
Everyone wanted a go at the filleting. Well, not everyone. I was fine to stay in the air conditioned house and watch "Call the Midwife" with Grandma. Gotta love Netflicks!
We loved all our adventures. This is us dancing with the cockies (cockatoos) at Lone Pine.
This one was worth putting on the blog twice!!!
Gram and the girls.
Check out this massive tree in Laminton Rainforest!!! Park and Lex looked like dwarves next to it. We loved our hikes over the holidays.
Before they flew home we took one last beach run. This time to the famous Gold Coast. We ate kebabs on the boulevard and saw all the famous high rises on the beach.
We stopped at Hard Rock Cafe --Surfer's Paradise and did a little souvenir shopping on the boulevard too!
Surfer's Paradise is a fun beach. I loved how they put the Christmas gifts up as decor for the holidays. Christmas on the beach!
We all went boogie boarding, of course. We never miss a chance to boogie board.
Me and Oaks building sand castles and burrying our feet.
This is pretty fuzzy, but I wanted to get Lex catching a wave. He rode tons that day. It was a good day for waves.
Grams and Gramps got in on the fun. Riding the boogie board and jumping the waves.
Syd caught a solid wave and rode it all the way in to the shore. Way to go Birdy!
We love our kid-sized boards. Thanks Tinkerbell for joining us at Surfer's Paradise.
Lounging!
That night we showed Grandma and Grandpa how to eat Australia's favorite cookie, The Tim Tam. You can't just eat them, you have to slam them. You bite off 2 corners, suck the milk up through it like a straw and when it begins to crumble and cave in, you "Slam It" into your mouth before it completely falls apart. It's called a Tim Tam Slam. YUMMMY!!!!!
This really was the best Christmas for us. We couldn't have picked anyone we would've rather spent it with. I know everyone thinks their parents are wonderful, but mine are truly amazing. I hope I can have the kind of relationship with my kids that I enjoy with my parents. They've always respected me and my decisions, and they've always made me want to do a little better. They have encouraged me to be myself and given me a lot of support while doing it. And they are 2 of my dearest friends. Each of them has so many qualities I want attain. When I grow up I want to be just like...both of them! I miss them. I begged and begged for them to stay longer. The visitation visa they had for this trip, allowed them 3 months here. I couldn't figure out why they didn't want to get their moneys worth off it! We would've gladly kept them on. But alas, we have to share them. As I said goodbye and tears ran down my face, and I saw my kids' sad faces with tear streaks of their own, I realized the only good thing that came of them leaving, was that for the first time I had a reason to really want to go home. It reminded me that there are a lot of people I love and miss waiting for us back in the states. I suppose that was a good reminder. I've been feeling very sad about how fast time is going by here in Brisbane, but when I said good bye to my parents it was a little silver lining to know it would be just another 7 short months til we could play pounce, sit and visit (not on facetime) and just hang out together again! I'm not anxious to leave Brisbane, but I can't wait to see these 2 again! I love you guys, so much. Thanks for making this year just a little brighter. And for being a part of our memories in Australia!
Well, I can't add a thing to that post. I truly love you all and can't say enough how much fun we had spending time with all of you. I am now looking forward to those card games and snuggling with the girls in front of the TV or in the bed and having many more Christmas' with all of you -- perhaps just a bit closer to Utah. You almost had us convinced to stay on another month -- That's how loved you made us feel. You and Lex are the best examples as parents. Your kids show much love and care about everyone. We saw and felt it in your home every day. I love it. I missed Net Flix when I got home -- and am now hooked on Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife. I eat marshmallows everyday and search all the stores for "Boost" chocolate bars and that good Cadbury chocolate. Loves from Mom
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