Before we even got to Hong Kong, Australia had always been at the top of our list of destinations. Then, over our first two years, we became dear friends with a family from Brisbane. They ended up moving back at the end of our second year, and that's when we knew that Australia would be a reality.
We left for Brisbane on the evening of December 17th. We had a short layover in Bangkok, so all in all, we knew the flight would not be easy since it was a red eye. We flew Thai Airways, which we love, so that was helpful. And in general, the kids were pretty good...watching movies, reading, eating and sleeping. Even Sarah was pretty independent...watching a Disney movie to Bangkok, and then slept most of the time from Bangkok to Brisbane.
We arrived around mid-day...and we had quite the welcoming party! Ron and Rebecca arrived the day before...so between them and all 6 Savonoffs...we had two full vans of people greeting us with hugs...it was great!
 |
| Our welcoming party arriving to the airport |
We spent the rest of the day visiting and catching up. The kids picked up where they left off...swimming, cards, trampoline, etc And while the kids caught up, the adults enjoyed eating and chatting on the patio in the beautiful Australian weather. There was a field trip to the grocery store that night...because taking food to Hamilton Island was going to be cheaper than buying it there...and we all retired in decent time.
The next morning it was back to the airport. It was a much easier goodbye since we would see our friends in less than a week, and they were gracious enough to get all nine of us back to the airport, about a 45 minute drive.
We all enjoyed the flight, just over an hour, to Hamilton Island. I'm not sure what we all expected...but it surpassed all my expectations. We flew into a tiny airport and were met by the people who gave us keys to two golf carts. They took all our luggage in a larger cart and we followed them to our accommodations.
 |
| Getting on the plane to Hamilton Island. Sarah says, "Wait for me!" |
 |
| Andy and Ron getting comfortable on the golf cart |
Our place was amazing. It was large, very open, and had a phenomenal view. We were all blown away. The kids all stayed in the same huge room, Andy and I had our own bedroom, and Ron and Rebecca had their own upstairs suite...it was perfect. We spent the rest of the day getting settled, exploring the island, getting a few groceries and relaxing.
 |
| Our Amazing "Take Your Breath Away" View |
 |
| My favorite thing to do...eat on the balcony |
That evening we learned a few things about our new digs while we were having dinner. First, one of my favorite parts of staying in this place was our balcony. We ate outside every night over looking the water. We were often greeted by our new friends, the cockatoos, and just when we were finishing up our meal, around 6:45pm, large fruit bats would fill the sky. At first we were a bit taken a back...but then we got used to the idea over the next few days, as it happened the same way every night we were there.
Our first full day, we spent time on the beach, time in the pool, and time driving golf carts around the little island. Andy, Ron and Rebecca also set up some trips for us to do later in the week, and we had another laid back enjoyable meal on our balcony.
 |
| Sarah doing her best "Baywatch" impression |
 |
| Josh and Abby loved looking for sand crabs |
 |
| Birdie want a cracker...yes, this was illegal |
The next day started with the thing that I had at the top of my priority list...cuddle with a koala. I had made that appointment earlier in December, so we went down to the Wild Life center and got in line. We found out that we were holding the same koala, Willy, that Taylor Swift encountered just the week before (made my oldest excited). After all the cuddles and pictures, we went briefly through the small zoo, and then went to meet the boat that was going to take us to Whitehaven Beach. We had a lovely 45 minute ride out to this remote beach that was spectacular. We chose the"day"trip (4 hrs), versus the morning or afternoon trips which were each 2 hrs. The trip included lunch, a tent, and stinger suits. It was a wonderful way to spend the day...just relaxing on this beautiful beach that was fairly unpopulated, with crystal blue water and the softest sand we have ever experienced...a slice of heaven.
 |
| My dream come true:) |
 |
| Rebecca's workspace...one of two place on the island to have wifi |
 |
| Whitehaven Beach...a slice of heaven |
 |
| The girls in the stinger suits |
We got back to Hamilton Island in time to catch a bite to eat at a fish and chips restaurant...yum! All were exhausted...it had been a full day!
The next day was at the top of Andy's to-do list...the Great Barrier Reef. We woke up early to catch the boat, then took the 90 minute ride out to the reef, where the pontoon boat was waiting. It was on the pontoon boat that we would receive our snorkel gear, ride the underwater glass boat and snorkel at the reef. At first we went on the underwater glass boat that gave us an amazing view of the reef. Then we ate our buffet lunch that was included, then it was time to get on the gear. Everyone but Sarah and I went snorkeling first, while she and I played in the cage at the side of the boat. Then we did some switching around, so I could go as well. It was as amazing as promised...gorgeous coral, colorful fish and it went on and on and on.
 |
| Underwater tour of the Reef |
 |
| Getting ready to snorkel |
On the way back to the Island, Sarah crashed and slept the whole way and the rest of us enjoyed afternoon tea, talked about our reef experience, and discussed the rest of our time on the Island.
Our last morning was short...but eventful because the girls went paddle boarding! We had tried to go earlier in the week but the tide was too low and we were told it was unsafe. But our last morning it was perfect, so Rebecca, Grace, Emma and I rented two paddle boards and had a blast learning and enjoying the board...I won't say, but only one of us got wet:)
Then it was back to the condo, finish packing, and drive our golf carts back to the airport...next stop...back to Brisbane!
 |
| Rebecca, where did your hat go? |
