As briefly mentioned earlier the whole family has had a varying degree of gastro this past week. The bouts overlapped with unfortunately mummy and daddy both on Friday/Saturday (NASTY). But we are through it now and have caught up on some housework and I mowed the dust out the back. The Cranbourne Police Station had an open day so we popped in for a squiz and Xander learnt about Gaol. Bad people goto Gaol not naughty people. Final of Aussie Idol tonight so cup of tea and settle in.

Some time during the sickness haze. Marshall was given a new set of blocks for his birthday by Dee. Marshall hogging same and Xander begging to join in. Mummy, "Marshall, you'll let Xander play with them wont you." Marshall "Of course . Xander....."

Well its been a week now and I have finally got round to the post. We had a hectic couple of days and then all of us got sick to some degree. So here it is.

Friday.

We caught the flight from Avalon airport. It's tiny but has everything you need and we were off. Landed in Sydney and caught a Taxi to our hotel, The Raddison.




A smashing modern room. Settled in and went for a stroll and a bit if lunch in the CBD and a look around Pitt street. Centrepoint tower was calling so we had to go up. Smashing views of the city the weather was clear and sunny.



We spent a bit more time walking around the city and had a look at St Micheals Church. A beautiful traditional Catholic Cathedral. Then back to the hotel for a swim, spa, sauna and a relax. On the way back we bought something in for tea and a couple of bottles of wine, try finding a bottlo in Sydney !!ARGH.


Saturday.

Not woken up this morning by a child!! We have a lovely sleep in and one of the best buffet breakfasts before heading to Manly on the ferry. This is the cheap but probably best way to see the harbour. Weather again perfect so the views of the Opera House ecetra were fantastic.

We had a lovely conversation with a welsh couple on the ferry and then docked. The short stroll from the bay to the ocean side was great and we did a bit of shopping. Manly beach is a quintessential Aussie beach, beautiful people everywhere. The Australian Beach Volleyball championships were on. We had a smashing stroll along the sand a bit of a sun bathe. (Yes, Richard got a little burnt). Nivea, who were sponsering the volleyball, had a giveaway and we got a suitcase full of stuff, (no sunscreen though??).

Back to hotel for another swim etc and then an uninterupted afternoon nanna nap. BLISS. Woke up without crying again and off to Darling Harbour for dinner. We were in walking distance of just about everything so off on shanks pony we went. Darling Harbour was great but we were hoping for some more street entertainers, jugglers perhaps. Dinner was at a rather flash Italian restaurant with the backdrop of the city in lights, Price Waterhouse Coopers building included.



We then had a pleasant but slightly sore, (Dette had nasty blisters) walk home. We planned to goto Mass at St Micheals in the morning but the sleep in was too tempting Another stuffed belly following breakfast and cheked out. We resisted the temptation to speak to Cath about the kids and it turns out they were good and had a ball. It was good to get home and although it was a relaxing weekend we were still knackered. For more pictures click on the FLICKR site (thats the box on the right with the pictures).

A Weekend Away...No KIDS!!

Well, Richard is paying me back for spending a long month at home without him...we're off to Sydney for a dirty weekend!!!!!

Up early this morning to drop the kids off at Catherine's house (7 kids for 3 days!) and then the long drive to Avalon Airport, where we are now.

Waiting for our flight which shouldn't be too long. Watching Dr Phil while we wait!!