September 22 - The Royal Melbourne Show

Lilly and I got our friends, Heather and Alex to go with us to "the Show". I didn't really know what to expect. I just heard it was a lot of fun. Upon arrival, I discovered it was the state fair, with a different name. Everyone asked if I had been to the Show and while before I thought they were talking about the theatre, now I know they were talking about the fair.

We lucked out with the weather. The Show takes place during school holidays so I've heard how busy it gets. The day was warm and mostly sunny but very windy. Every once in a while it looked like it was going to rain and I think that kept people from coming.

Anyway, the first thing we did was check out Elmo. Keep in mind that Lilly is petrified of dressed up characters (it all started with Santa Claus last December and has included a zebra at the zoo and Kung Fu Panda). She was so excited until she saw Elmo and how big he was. She did not want to go up to get her picture taken with him so I carried her and while he tried to hug her, had to ask him not to touch her. She was fine as long as I was in between them!

There were several areas with animals. We watched a lamb be born. That was kind of weird. They bring all these sheep in for the purpose of showing this. We also went into a petting area and got to pet goats, chickens, calves and lambs. One calve was trying to eat my jacket and then my shoe. It took about 5 minutes to get the thing to stop eating my stuff only to turn around and start eating my friends shoes/pants. We left at that point.

The rest of the day was spent walking around and checking out the hundreds of booths/exhibits/foods/rides. We didn't see everything and we ended up staying until almost 8:00 at night. There was a lot of walking but they had lots of things for the kids to do. Lilly planted a flower, dug up potatoes, rode a train (that was the only thing I paid for besides food and entrance fee), colored pictures, and played on a computer. She probably did a lot more, I just don't remember. I was very impressed with how child friendly the entire thing was.

September 21

We have a bike path that goes fairly close to our house. I usually take it when I go for a run (not that I've done it lately, but if I had, I would take it). It winds around through trees and fields, goes by the outdoor pool and a large play park (that Lilly loves to go to) and goes on to the north and south. I don't know where either end start, I've stuck to a few miles in either direction.

Lilly wanted to go for a walk so we grabbed her scooter and left. She also wanted to be a superhero so she has the cape. [This was an awesome activity we did before we left Michigan - a silk scarf and kool-aid, lots of fun!] The first picture is going up the hill to get to the path. Then we have going down a hill that we won't let her ride her scooter on.

After you go around a footy/cricket field, you get to a bridge that goes over a cute little stream. The pictures are looking out from the bridge. And then of course, in complete Melbournian style, the bridge has been tagged.

September 12

We headed into the city for a day and our first stop was lunch at Federation Square. Our budding photographer picked up the camera and snapped a couple of shots of us. Not too bad.

Our next stop was the Immigration Museum, but we weren't allowed to take pictures in there. So this was a boring post!

September 4 - Family Movie Night

We've been having trouble with Lilly and sleeping. She sleeps, just not always straight through the night. So, reward and bribery. That's our solution and sometimes it works. Just not always well.

Anyway, she earned a family movie night. We popped popcorn, turned on the heater and watched in our favorite television viewing spot. Our movie - 101 Dalmatians (the original version). We won't be watching it again for several years. Lilly can find something scary in every movie we watch but doesn't always tell us until it is over.

Lilly also got to sleep in our bed that night. Not sure we'll be doing that again either.

August 23 - A 'Little' Play

The place where I play soccer is this huge park. In March, the Australian Grand Prix race is held there. The track is around a lake. The Melbourne Swimming and Aquatic Center is located in the park as well as a Tennis Club and Gulf Club (although I am pretty sure there isn't a full course). Throughout the park there are play structures for children, picnic areas, and walking tracks. Seth finally took Lilly to one of the play structures during one of my games. He said it was so big they didn't even play on the entire thing!

Day 9 - Say Goodbye

It always sucks to say goodbye to people! I would like to think this one was easier. In theory we will be in the states for a while next year. I just don't know when or for how long.

Seth had to send in his X-box for a little love and care. He had mom take it back with her to send it from the states.

Love you, mom!

Day 8 - Trip to Healsville

For our last full day with mom with headed to the Healsville in search for the kangaroo. Mom wanted to see one and this was the best place to guarantee a spotting.

We saw all the Australian animals and checked out the kangaroos. We checked out the "Meet the Keepers" for the koalas and the Tasmanian devils.

On the way home we tried to find some dinner. We finally found a place that was open and when we went in they asked if we had a booking. Of course we didn't but the place was empty! They took their time trying to figure out where we would sit and finally found space for us in a corner. I couldn't even tell you the name of the restaurant let alone where it was.