Grandpa's Visit to Oz

My Dad surprised me by buying a ticket to Australia to spend his Spring Break with us. I have to admit I felt like a little girl, giddy that her Daddy was coming to visit! For those of you who know my Dad can appreciate what a big deal it is for him to make a trip half way around the world, leaving his home and animals for an entire week on his own. It is certain, I am still Daddy's Little Princess :)

He arrived last Saturday, perfect timing as Don was out of town, and Makoa and I woke early to pick him up at the airport. Koa couldn't wait till Grandpa arrived (especially since his flight was a little late and I had run out of special treats to keep us busy). When Grandpa came out he ran and gave a hug and then strutted in front of us, proudly showing the way to the car! We were all pretty tired and lazy so didn't do much, but we did manage to make it downstairs for a swim before Dad cooked a yummy dinner.

On Sunday we went to our favorite place, Putt Putt Golf. We hadn't been in a while, but the owner still recognized us walking up with our own putters!


Monday was Dad's birthday and Koa was in day care so I took him to Bondi Beach for lunch.

After picking Koa up from day care Dad relaxed while I made dinner and Koa very very meticulously decorated the cupcakes and his and Grandpa's chairs.


We found ourselves at the Aquatic Centre on Tuesday. It is where the Olympics were held and now there is a kid's play area in one corner. We have been a few times and I was happy this time just to take photos and not have to get in the water! Here is Koa and Grandpa in the river current type ride that goes in a circle.

And then going down one of the 3 slides.

In the evening Koa and I compared the size of our bellies . . . not sure who won!


On Wednesday we went to Gladesville Playdays - an indoor play centre. Koa spent most of his time on the bouncy castle slides, not exactly sliding, more of a jump down.

And then he practiced his photography skills:


Thursday I wasn't feeling too well and my legs were hurting (could be the fact that I crawled around on that bouncy castle and then walked all over Darling Harbour with Don on our date night, but whatever), so I took a nap while Dad and Koa brought toys to the garden downstairs. I hear they blew and popped bubbles, played catch with a ball and frisbee, and Koa learned how to play hide-and-seek with a base (normally we just hide and find but this time they had to make it to the bench to win), but sorry no photos.

Friday was Good Friday. In Australia Easter weekend is a much bigger deal than in the US, and EVERYTHING is closed on Friday. We were invited to my friend Susie's annual party, but somehow the men found themselves at Darling Harbour for a late lunch instead! Koa and I went to the party though because "Auntie Susie has cupcakes" and yummy snacks and kids to play with, and I took advantage of the photo op as my boy looked very Aussie in his had and collared shirt.

Don took the photo, then Koa wanted to take a picture of us.

I think Koa's photo might win the contest though as my whole head made it into this pic :)

On Saturday we went to a party at the park. My friend Jenny organized an Easter Egg Hunt and get together with some of the other kids from Koa's class at day care. Here they are after finding 8 eggs each and then pausing for the photo while shoving chocolate in their mouths before the mommies took the baskets away!

And some cute family pics.


Easter Sunday was Grandpa's last day, and daylight savings day so we were up very very very early.

Koa found his basket hidden with his toys.

Then hunted for the 10 Easter eggs that the Easter Bunny (aka Grandpa) hid around the house.

After breakfast we decorated eggs with dye and stickers. The one Koa is holding has been awesomely dyed yellow - but note to self: brown eggs don't really change color very well but what could I do since you can't buy white eggs here :)

Then we tried for one more photo with Grandpa before heading to the airport, but Koa was in a cheeky mood.


What a wonderfully busy week! Thanks Dad for making the big trip to see your little girl and grandson (and Don too!) We had such a great time, hope we didn't wear you out too much :)