SNOW

Well its been a hectic few weeks with the Walmley Dawsons staying for three weeks. As Sam said its pretty hard to sum up and detail each days activities but ill try.

THE SNOW

Sam was keen to experience the diversity of Australia in winter and this meant a trip to the snow after just getting back from the hot in Cairns. After much googling a decision was made on BawBaw as it was relatively close (or so we thought) and still had plenty of snow. We set off at about 9ish for what the computer said would be a 90min drive. The weather was beautiful and the scenery once we got off the highway was stunning. The closer we got to the mountains the windier the roads became and the temperature gauge on the car slowly dipped. We stopped to hire some snow chains (the law) at the bottom of the mountain and set off again. Now the roads became super windy and narrow and an 8 months pregnant woman became a little nervous. It seemed to go on for ever with no signs of snow. We passed through the park gate and up the last steep climb. Finally the first few piles of snow were on the side of the road, after a few false alarms with piles of white rubbish.

We parked and rugged up and set off. It was cold and foggy up the top and there was plenty of snow. Sam dragged the sleds out of the car and onto the piste. There was a smashing little café overlooking the toboggan run so before getting too cold and wet we decided to have some lunch.
The run wasn’t the biggest in the world but the kids had fun. After a while Marshall had about a litre of slush in his boots and was losing interest but Xander with the Bunnings Specials on was having a ball. We played for a while and then left the Walmley Dawsons to it and headed off. They had a lodge for the night and enjoyed an extra day.

The trip home was a bit problematic as we had hardly any fuel. We found a servo and they only took cash!! Eight Dollars filled up later and we were off again. A pleasant enough journey to end a busy day.

In between these adventure activities we really enjoyed having everyone stay at Cobblestone for a few days. We managed to fit in a few trips to the park, lots of scrummy meals and fun. It was nice watching the Amigos play with Cammy and Pops and they became very firm Friends. Marshall and Xander mention them all the time now and cant wait to see them again!!
Here are a few random photos. Lots more to come.

PS. CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Liz on the birth of William Dutton. 6 lbs 6 ozs all our love to you all.

TEST

This is a test. I have my new computer and Word 2007 and it lets me post from Word. Pretty cool. When I promise, like Sam, I will add some blogs soon. Bit hectic here at the mo.

Countdown Over

The countdown is over. The Dawson clan finally arrived at 2ish on Friday night. The evening started with Pete and Richard going to the football (saints and dogs draw) and then to the airport with a quick stopover at the Casino.

It seemed like ages but the Walmley Dawsons finally walked through the gate and into a warm welcome. Everyone seemed to be quite perky despite the long flight and up for a chat, even though it was now 3am.

The first day in Oz coincided with Fraser's birthday so once everyone had enough sleep we met at Pete's and had a get together with some gift swapping and Pizza. All the kids seemed to get on really well and went off and played. Marshall especially took a shine to Pops.

The weather being a bit crap we decided on an indoor trip to the pool instead of the usual Dawson back yard Biff Ball. (PS we must have a game). Casey Arc was the venue and even with the spread of ages everyone played nicely, Sam was splashing but he got told off. The Walmley Dawsons got to see the computer on which this blog was written on with a quick pop in too.

Monday unfortunately I had to go to work, boo, however Tuesday I got a day off and we visited the Hastings Marina to feed the pelicans. They are huge. We also had a play on the very cool park and Marshall got to fly a kite with Cammy. He was very patient and played with Marshall very well, (see cute photo). Then a snack in the cafe and home to a well deserved sleep.