Australia Trip Part 2 - Brisbane

After having a wonderful and relaxing five days in paradise, we were so excited to get back to Brisbane and spend some quality time with our dear friends, the Savonoff Family.  We arrived mid-afternoon and continued with the fun we started before we left for Hamilton Island.  Kids in the pool, on the trampoline, and the adults spending time cooking and eating on the patio...with wonderful weather.  Ron, Rebecca and Andy also did a late evening run to Target and the grocery store because the next day was Christmas Eve!!!  And even though it didn't feel like it to us because of the warm summer-like weather, we needed to be ready for Christmas morning and the feast that would ensue.



Christmas Eve day was pretty laid back in preparations for the following celebration...and the 20+ people who would be joining us. Lots of cooking and wrapping, as well as eating and swimming filled up our day, as we just enjoyed the company and being together.

Christmas Day came early:) We opened up our gifts by the Christmas tree, while Ron and Rebecca slept in and the Savonoffs opened up their stockings in their bedroom.  Then everyone came to join us and we had a wonderful breakfast feast with beautiful fruit, yummy croissants, baked oatmeal, and of course, tea. Then we gave gifts to each other and had a great time laughing and enjoying each other's thoughtfulness.  When we were done, it was time to get ready for the day, enjoy the pool, and prepare the food.  Family started coming around 3pm, and by 5pm there were over 30 of us and we were ready to feast on another amazing meal...with lots and lots of lollies (candy or chocolates). By 9pm we had a quiet house (its all relative) and we were thankful for an amazing day.



                         

Opening up stocking gifts

                         
                          




Boxing Day (December 26th) was recovery day and eat leftover day...but we managed to sneak in some sights, as well. After dinner, we decided to go to a point that looked out over all of Brisbane...it wasn't quite Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, but it was beautiful and a great way to get perspective on the city. Then from there, in the rain, we went to some caves to check out the glow worms, which were awesome!!! It was a late night, but so much fun to see more of our friend's hometown.

Sarah, Jenna, Abby and Eliana played nicely by the pool

Josh and Lachlan sat on the wall and played pig in the pool

Emma rebounded:)

The next day we were up and out of the house in good time because we were off to the Gold Coast.  This beach is south of Brisbane and famous for their surfing.  It was a very overcast day, and we knew the forecast was rain, but we were die hards and excited to see a real beach (sorry Hong Kong)
We got there and it was still a nice enough day to give us a challenge in parking.  But we found some spots and had a nice picnic lunch...and then it was off to the beach.  We had a marvelous time in the water, building sand castles, finding sand crabs, and playing cricket. Then we saw the storm moving in and got off the beach just in time for a downpour.  We headed to shelter, found bathrooms to change into, then found a wonderful fish and chips restaurant to eat dinner...then it was time to get
home.

Kahrie and Sarah checking out the water

And impressive storm coming into view...motivating us to get off the beach

When we got back to the house, we decided that we should go and check out the waterfront in Brisbane.  They have a great area of restaurants and souvenir shops, and even a man made beach. There is also a large ferris wheel and lots and lots of green grass...which at first, our children didn't know what to do with, but then they ran all around and played tag with Robb and Andy...such a great night!

Our last full day was dedicated to Australia Zoo. Bern's sister, husband and two daughters joined us, which was great.  The Savonoff family had never been to the zoo either, so it was an exciting adventure for everyone.  This was the zoo that Steve Irwin had worked at, so we were eager to see the crocodiles...but what stole our hearts were the kangaroos.  There was an area called Roo Haven that was an open area filled with kangaroos.  You could pet them and feed them and our children LOVED it...in fact, we all loved it. The rest of the zoo was great too...we all agreed that it was one of our favorite zoos ever. Finally, we headed back from the zoo and had pizza.  Then while the  kids watch Inside Out, the adults played a hysterical game of Telestrations where we cried because we were laughing so hard.

                                              Can you guess what our favorite animal was?

Taking in the croc show

Rebecca taking a selfie with her new friend

The next day was sad for all of us. Because we were able to have help from Robb's dad, the whole Savonoff family was able to come to the airport with us to say goodbye.  There were tears, but I think we all have come to know that our paths will cross again...and we were so grateful for the time we were given:)