September 29: Manly Lantern Parade

This weekend saw the annual Manly Lantern Parade.  The weather wasn't great and when we arrived there were very few people around.  We thought that the event may have been cancelled but actually the start of the parade had moved to the other side of town!  By the time the parade arrived at the art gallery there were so many people around that it was almost impossible to get a decent photo - never mind Daisy had a go at capturing a few 'atmospheric' shots for the blog.  Surprisingly they were better than our efforts!

September 23: Jack's party

Todays was Jack's 4th birthday party at North Harbour Reserve.  The kids all had a great time tearing around the playground and filling their faces with loads of yummy party food.  There were even bacon & egg rolls for the grown-ups (thanks Matt & Tess!).  As you can see from the photos the weather was fantastic for a party.  Lets hope the rest of the summer will be like today!

September 15: 4 Little monkeys

Daisy, Dylan, Kiera and Gem watching Polar Express on 3DTV at Dylan's House!

We're getting one!

September 08: Art & About

During September the annual Art & About  Festival is on around Sydney (there are some photos of last years festival on the blog).  This year there didn't seem to be as much work on view but we did like this exhibit in one of the wharf buildings in Walsh Bay 

September 07: Too cool for school

The ramp for the ferry was broken this morning so we had to access the boat on the top level.  As we always have the pram this was a new experience for Daisy, but as you can see she made herself feel at home in the front seat...next to the captain!

August 19: Cornetto the Clown

August 19: Cockatoo Island Art Festival

Cockatoo Island is an old ship-building yard in the inner harbour which is now used to host a variety of arts events throughout the year.  During the winter it was home to the Sydney Biennale, a mix of art forms but with some amazing sculptures woven into the existing industrial fabric.  We spent the day wandering around the island getting lost in the old buildings and taking loads of photos.  Daisy even tried her hand at creating her own artwork!  One of our favourites was the boat in the bottom photo.  The sign reads 'Bookings here 2:30-3:00pm. Animals only.  Pairs preferred'!!!

August 11: That red hat again!

August 9: Home from Hamilton

Last day on the island and after a walk around the harbour we boarded the flight back to Sydney.  Daisy managed to stay awake most of the way home but the last taxi ride back to Manly was just too much.  We're off to do some research for our next trip.......

August 8: Great Barrier Reef

  

 

We couldn't visit the Whitsundays without a trip to the Barrier Reef so we took the 2 hour cruise out to 'Reefworld' on the edge of Hardy Reef.  The crossing was pretty rough and it was interesting watching the group of British school lads who had all been quite loud on the way out of Hamilton, hanging green-faced over the edge of the boat as the ocean became more and more choppy!  We weren't at Reefworld for very long but we had enough time for Nick to go Scuba diving, some snorkelling and a trip on the glass bottom sub.  Daisy especially enjoyed watching the divers cleaning the outside of the underwater viewing room. It's hard work all this holidaying lark!

August 7: Where's Daisy?

August 7: More beach time

After yesterday's boat trip we spent today chilling out on the beach and taking advantage of some of the toys that the hotel provided for us to use on the water.  Daisy was really excited about her first trip in a kayak and spent to whole time giving Nick directions and shouting at other people in boats.  She's such a bossy-boots!
You can always tell how much fun you've had at the beach by how much sand you find stuck to you when you get home.....Daisy was coated!

August 6: Whitehaven Beach

Day 3 and we took a boat trip out to Whitehaven Beach right out on the Eastern side of the Whitsundays.  The beach was amazing, pristine fine white sand, clear blue water and we were the only people there....apart from the pirates.....

August 5: Hamilton Island day 2

Day 2 and the tide was definitely in!  We spent the morning relaxing on the beach, and then decided to venture out for a ride on one of the islands golf carts.  There are very few cars on Hamilton Island which is probably a blessing considering how most people drive their buggies!  The restaurants on the island are all very family orientated with early bird specials for kids.  The bottom photo shows the view from the Steakhouse - nice!

August 4: Hamilton Island day 1

Time for a holiday (at last!).  We flew up to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays right at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.  We could just see the Airport and the main resort complex on the island as we were flying in and we were especially loving the colour of the water!  After arriving we checked into our hotel and went for a walk along Catseye Beach, which was a stones throw from our front door.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that the tide is going to come in at some point!

July 28: Little Big Shots

Today we visited the 'Little-Big-Shots' film festival at the Opera House.  An hour of the best new short films for kids from all around the world.  Daisy loved it.....almost as much as she loves her red hat!

July 21: Little Kickers

Daisy at Little Kickers with her Saturday morning BF's Kiera and Dylan (Dylan is on the far right in the top picture).

July 11: Christchurch

Nick had an opportunity to visit Christchurch this week through work, and although it was a flying visit he had a day to wander around the city and take in the devastation caused by the earthquake.  Its hard to describe what it feels like to walk around what was the centre of a thriving city about the same size as Cardiff, but with very few people, no cars, no businesses, and very few buildings left standing.  The city centre is a military zone with restricted access, and they are still demolishing buildings which are unsafe or un-saveable.
The city has just opened a new earthquake museum which had some frightening film footage of the moment the big February '11 quake struck along with hours of recordings of police radio transmissions, and eye witness accounts from rescue teams and council staff.  The city is still experiencing major aftershocks; over 10,000 since the first quake struck.
Despite all of the destruction there is still a positive atmosphere created by those who remain.  Many businesses are popping up in temporary locations, and a new shopping complex has recently opened in a series of shipping containers.  There is a new plan for a carbon-neutral city centre development and although it may take some time to re-build, Christchurch has an exciting future ahead.