Grandpa and Grandma

We finally said goodbye to our wonderful oceanview apartment and headed towards Port Arthur. Port Arthur is one of Australia's great tourism destinations. They say every building and every site has a story to tell. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, gardens and prison still stand for all to view. The Port Arthur Historic Site has over 30 buildings. The Penitentiary, the Separate Prison were all very impressive. We went on a fun ghost tour that evening and enjoyed all the stories they told. Up bright and early on Friday morning we headed to Hobart. There were many beautiful sites to see. We took a long walk along the waterfront and did some shopping in the little shops. You will see pictures of Salamanca Place on Friday and then a whole new world on Saturday ... read more

We started our Saturday morning with a brisk walk to one of the shopping areas to have breakfast. Then we headed to Federation Square. We were able to enjoy some entertainment put on by a local guy. He really made us laugh. The pictures don't tell the whole story that is for sure---but maybe they will make you smile. Also for smile enjoyment is a picture of a Christmas Tree decoration in progress----I think it is really different. They have been working on it since we got here. Hope they get it done before we leave for the US. (Remember only 65 days till Christmas:) ). We continued to look around Federation square and then hopped on to a Tram for some visits to churchs. We visited St. Patricks but were unable to get in due ... read more

Well we arrived safe and sound back in Bairnsdale on Friday the 5th. Erica and the girls were there to pick us up. The girls were excited to have grandma and grandpa back. We enjoyed our trip but it was good to get back to home cooking and "our Australian home". As we had gathered many goodies in our travels (my shopping of course :)...) We decided to mail some things home. We went to Lakes Entrance and purchased a large box. While there the ladies at the Post decided that they really like to listen to us talk. It was really fun. Any way on our third visit, we were presented calendars and a book from them as a gift. We really appreciated it all. And enjoyed being able to bring a few smiles to ... read more

We returned from Melbourne on Friday. On Saturday morning we celebrated Ella's birthday at a resturant at Lakes Entrance. I had oysters :) (Getting to be a habit---they are so good over here--not as slimy as in the states) We played minature golf----no scores kept---grandpa's idea... We then went to the park----really cold. Then home and celebrated all three girls birthdays and Sarn's. Since we won't be here for the actual days. Erica thought it would be fun for us to see them open their gifts. Steve will attach a few photo's of the fun. We leave Monday Oct 1 for a new adventure with just Steve and I on the road (that's right Steve is driving). Will keep you posted. Love to All. PS Logan here is a "Special Picture" for you. The wiggles are ... read more

We left Metung on Monday September 17th. Grandpa was finally able to get everything into the car. Packing for Grandpa, Grandma, Erica and three little ones for a two week trip (including food & toys) was an exciting event. We are able to pull out of the drive at 10 am and thought that was great. We headed out to the Great Ocean Road. Grandpa has taken some great pictures which we will try to identify as they are posted. I will try to give you the fun facts. We have learned several new words this week. When I tired to pay for the motel the other night when we checked in I was told that it would " fixed" till we left. (Which meant that I did not need to pay till we were ready ... read more