We have such awesome friends! When they told us before we left for Brisbane that they were going to seriously think about coming over for a visit during our year here, we thought it was a long shot. But they are always good for an adventure (that's probably why our families got along so well and had lots of fun hikes, weekend trips, mountain cook outs etc. together). And soooo THEY CAME! They actually came! We decided to not tell my kids at all and just let it be a complete surprise at the door. Oh boy was it ever. Pierce had told Parker they were getting a surprise family trip for Christmas and his parents gave them a list of possible options.
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| Oaks is so brave! She went all the way both ladders at the treetop walk! About 50 meters up! Way to go Oaks! 4 years old...Brave as! |
Pam and Matt didn't tell their kids until they were flying out. Pierce told Parker Brisbane was on the list but so was Colorado, Hawaii and Florida...which seemed like much more likely possibilities to them both. I knew Park had given up hope, the little he had in "the list", when March came and seemed Spring Break was over in the states. I went and picked them up at the airport with our home teacher, Brother Hartley (Lex was working). I wanted someone to drive with Matt in his rental so he could get a feel for the other side of the road :) He did awesome. And Brother Hartley did a baptism by fire, he had Matt take the wheel immediately and just followed behind me and the rest of the Christison fam. When we got to the door I went in first and acted normal.
Then they knocked on the door and I asked Park if he could grab it. When he opened the door his eyes were really confused and then just kept getting bigger and bigger. His mouth just hung open. He was actually pale and I thought he was going to collapse. It was so great to see him so completely thrilled and shocked. Then he just grabbed them and hugged them and kept saying, "You're here...what are you doing here?" The girls jumped up and down and everyone hugged, I had to wipe a tear. It was so fun to see them at our door. And I even knew they were coming!
Well, they had just one week to cram in all the great Brisbane sites-- but don't worry we did an awesome job smashing everything in!!! We picked up the kids and went to the Rocklea Market for fruit and veg, lebanese bread, Spanish Omelettes, Malaysian rice and of course don't forget Pofferties!!! I love me some pofferties! Then we headed down to the Gold Coast for some Autumn beach time! It was so much fun to boogie board and build sand castles with our friends from the desert! Their family worked so hard to battle the jet lag and they did it like champs.
Of course we had to take them to the Green Mountains and into Lamington Forest (our favorite rainforest hike). We swung on vines, climbed enormous rocks and played at Elabana Falls. It felt just like old times in Albuquerque with our hiking family buddies.
Mr Matt found some awesome rainforest life. We loved this blue crab with all it's pincers and antennae dangling about!
These 2 boys are always good for some exploring and studying. Research nerds!
We couldn't miss a chance to feed the roos and hold the koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary. The best zoo I have ever been too. Who wouldn't want to feed the roos in their pasture?
Just sitting with the kangaroos and wallabies while they hop around and eat out of our hands!
It was so fun to see Pam again. She's a great friend. Lex told me he couldn't believe how we never ran out of things to talk about the whole week! I said, "Oh of course not...I've been gone 9 months and I only had a week to pack all that catching up in. I had to speak fast because I knew I was short on time!" It was just awesome hanging out Pam again. Love her!
We had so much fun at the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and getting hands on in the children's gallery.
Poor Maddie-- she acquired a bit of a shadow during the trip. Oaks just couldn't get enough of Maddie! It was really sweet to watch them hanging out. And of course, Birdy has always loved Maddie too. Zoe and Oklee and Syd had tons of fun too. It was a great reunion!
Playing at the downtown beach at Southbank!
Who says the Fall season isn't good beach weather?
Burying Parker seemed like a great idea!
Turning him into a mermaid seemed even better!!!!
Parker you are awesome! What a good sport. We had drawn a good crowd by this point! Zoe and Oaklee out did themselves on the flower petal mermaid top! No one wants to see a topless mermaid stranded on the beach-----right? ;)
Dinner in Chinatown was great. Birdy made a great fashion statement with Mr. Matt's hat. It looks very chic on her!
It was just really great to see these 2 mates together again. Such good kids. I love listening in on their conversations. Good brains in these 2 heads. Parker has really missed Pierce. There's been lots of times we were on some adventure that Park has said, "Hmm, Pierce would really like this." It's usually something to do with the ocean, rainforest or nature in some way. These 2 love some oceanology. They have done countless Powerpoint presentations on all different parts of ocean life...just for fun-- you know? Love that making a powerpoint about sharks is fun! It was awesome to have the chance to show Pierce these things in person. Here they are on the train...mates forever!
We took a nice little night cruise down the Brisbane River. The city is amazing at night and it looks spectacular from the river. Love this city so much!
All up-- this was just an awesome week. We did so many things from fish and chips to botanical gardens and planetariums. Having friends visit was cool as. It meant heaps having them here and sharing in our life. Thanks so much! Wish we could have all of our friends here for a week-- or 2 or 3 :) Thanks for making this week amazing!!!
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