The Big Holiday...... Day 12

Our third BIG day – Dreamworld.

Organised accommodation for Brian & Marion tomorrow night at the motel down the road and then hit the M1 for an easy run to Dreamworld.

First stop, of course, was the smaller kid’s playground. Much better than Movie World – a lot more to select from. Aeroplane ride, small roller-coaster, merry-go-round, dodgem cars, blues skidoo spin and a play area with air canons. Whiled away a good hour here and then on for a bite to eat.

Food selection was a bit better than Sea World and Movie World, but there is one generalisation I would certainly make about these places. The choice and quality of food do not match the prices charged.

Had a look around from the vantage point of the Dreamworld railway which winds its way through most of the park. This then led us to Wiggles World. More smaller children’s play things and the Wiggles Red Car ride, which Rob, Lorelle, Ben & Chloe all enjoyed. Looked to be a more suitable eating place here as well, but too late. This area is next to Rivertown and when we went to look at the lake, were amazed to see lots of eels swimming around, and a couple of turtles as well.

From here we walked around to the Australian Wildlife Experience where there were snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos. On the exit from this area, two large salt water crocs were sunning themselves, one of them under apparent attack from a tiny water dragon lizard. Probably too small for the croc to consider as a food offering. We continued on to Rocky Hollow, where there is a log ride.

Surprisingly, Lorelle and Ben decided to give the log ride a go. While queuing it was obvious that we were going to get wet when the log plummeted down the final slope. Still, I was determined to film the experience, so sat up back and hoped for the best. The lead up to the “plunge” and other parts of the ride were a bit bumpy, noisy and dark and Ben got very concerned and wanted to stop. Of course, that wasn’t possible so Lorelle just comforted him as best she could until it was over. The final plunge did prove to be a “dampener” on all of us as the bow wave shot over the log. I think I managed to keep the video camera reasonably dry. Once this was over, a bit of the enjoyment and thrill of the water splashing all over us cheered Ben up a bit and he was managing a laugh by the time we got off – probably more relief than anything else, though.

We made our way back to the original play area to finish the day. Ben had another crack at the dodgems, this time by himself. He really drives these things very skilfully. Lorelle and Chloe must have had about twenty rides of the merry-go-round while Ben and I were in the ‘shoot-em-up’ play area. Ben nearly started World War III by trying to shoot everyone who came within range of his air canon. I was relegated to running around, keeping up his supply of ammunition.

Before leaving, I wanted to go on the Cyclone roller-coaster Just made it onto the last ride of the day. This is a great ride, not as many G forces as the Superman one at Movie World, but a lot more twisty and containing two loops where the car is upside down briefly. For sheer exhilaration, I would have to rate Superman as superior.

Then it was back along the M1 to Tugun and a nice, peaceful evening. I did pick Collingwood to beat Freo at least, so have started the round off well.

Some observations about the three parks we visited. Probably reasonable value given that pretty well all activities are included in the admission. Dreamworld has quite a few small coin-in-the-slot attractions and both Dreamworld and Movie World have arcade-style game areas which are also pay for play. I consider these all to be absolute rip-offs as the admission price is high enough that it could reasonably be expected to cover EVERYTHING. All parks are very commercialised but this should not be surprising as I guess retail sales would be an important part of their income stream. Food is over priced and poor in both quality and variety. All those zealots who like to get stuck into the fast-food industry should take a look at these places – of course, that would be outside their real agendas

The Big Holiday...... Day 11

After the big day at Movie World, another “designated” quiet day.

Off to a relaxed start with some shopping at the Centro Tweed Woollies to get provisions for a bbq lunch (no, no grog this time!). Back to the unit to put it all together and then it was just a very short trip to the Currumbin Creek for lunch and ‘as long as they like’ on the beach, with quiet, calm water all around.

Fired up the free gas barbie, and piled the lot on – prawns, Italian meatballs, lamb chops, fish pieces for Ben and, of course, sausages for Chloe. While this rather delectable feast was being prepared we came across some interesting bugs in the trees around the area.

I had planned this really well, buying just six, large prawns – one for Rob, two for Lorelle and three (of course) for me. When I had finished the cooking, all the food was taken to the table ready for eating. I figured that while I was cleaning the hotplate, I may as well eat one of ‘my’ prawns. As I was soon to discover, this was a very fortunate move.

Back at the table, NO prawns left – bugger me dead, Chloe who wouldn’t normally touch such things, had eaten three of the little beggars. So much for my mislaid plans.

Spent a good couple of hours on the creek beach. Chloe really enjoyed it because there were no waves. Lots of paddling and skylarking, found some strange seeds, a crab and interesting patterns in the sand, made, I think, by sandworms.

Short trip back to the unit. Got hooked into an old spaghetti western (they have Foxtel) and didn’t get to bed until about 1 am. Lo and behold, Rob must have been lying in wait for me – no, not what you think – and she got me for the “pinch and a punch” for about the seventh month in a row. MUST do better next time.

The Big Holiday...... Day 10

Another big day – time for our trip to Movie World. Got away reasonably early, thanks to the fact that I was ripped out of bed at an ungodly hour, so was able to make brekky for Ben & Chloe and myself while the women showered.

First stop was the Tandy at Pacific Fair – the 1Gb XD card Lorelle had bought wouldn’t work in her camera (they worked fine in mine, so I didn’t care). Then it was off to Movie World.

Once we arrived, it was difficult to get to any of the attractions – so many shops in the way. Worked out some of the things we wanted to buy before we left and then tried the Hi-5 shop to get a DVD of Chloe dancing with the Hi-5 team. Unfortunately, she got a bit of stage fright, so that turned out to be a fizzer. Still, no cost as a result.

Then we hit the Looney Tunes park. There was a river tour, speedy Gonzales cars, tweety bird ride, a train and a rocket ship. The river tour really freaked out Chloe so that wasn’t a huge success. A lot of time was spent on the other rides; Chloe loved the train and Ben, the cars and the rocket ride. Must say, Movie World, at this stage was very disappointing – two of the rides were out of commission and the cars were only running at about half capacity. And, as we were to discover, there really wasn’t anything else for the younger kids.

Had a lunch break – food about the same standard and price as Sea World – expensive and not very nice. Caught the Grand Parade which Ben & Chloe enjoyed. Ben had his photo taken with a couple of Happy Feet penguins and then we started to head out.

Ben and I tried the Shreck 4-D movie on the way to exit. Special effects really great, but after about five minutes, Ben was feeling a bit queezy so we ducked down and made for the exit. He didn’t do too badly, because the effects were quite dazzling and unusual – too much for such a young mind, I guess. Definitely recommend it for older folk.

At this point I was longingly looking at the Superman roller-coaster so Rob & Lorelle put me under pressure by insisting we had time for me to try it. (I have previously been on the Lethal Weapon ride, so that didn’t really interest me.) A couple of false starts due to the requirement that you do not carry any loose items (including glasses) on the ride, and away I went. Lorelle on the ground with video camera, hopefully to catch the full glory of my momentous ride.

I should have known what to expect given all the warnings and precautions called for by the attendants. Then I was off. I’ve got to say this was the most exhilarating ride I have ever been on. If memory serves me correct, why it’s almost as good as sex, and just like sex, it was all over far too quickly. This ride, on its own is worth the entrance fee.

The drive home was rather placid in comparison. Ben & Chloe spent some time in the hot spa pool while the ladies organised their tea, etc. Now, I’m sitting here, typing this up, beer in hand – aaah, it’s a hard life, but someone’s gotta do it.

The Big Holiday...... Day 9

After the full-on day at Sea World, we have opted for a “quiet” day today. In fact our plan all along is to do the theme parks on alternate days, with a sort of rest day in between.

Dropped Lorelle off at Pacific Fair – a huge shopping centre on the Coast and then returned. She wanted to get into some of the big shops as she has trouble getting clothes to fit her tiny size in Warrnambool.

On the return trip I found an Internet Café that had wireless that worked really well. That’s why, at last, days 3 through 8 have finally seen the light of day. Got all my e-mails away which was a load off the mind. Didn’t put too many photos up because they were too large – took too long to upload, and Blogspot would only let me put one or two up for each day.

Rob & I then took Ben & Chloe back to the Tweed Centro centre to get some more vital supplies (grog – for Brian & Mazza’s visit on the week-end, of course) and more groceries. We also bought some cheap buckets and spades, which we will probably leave here when we go (space is at a premium in the old work car). Came back to discover that the dishwasher leaks a bit, prompting an unscheduled clean-up

While waiting for Lorelle to call, figured out how to reduce the size of the photos selected for the blog, with the limited software available on the laptop. So, next chance, I should be able to upload all the photos without too much trouble. She eventually ran out of money and gave us a call, so Chloe and I were off doing the chauffer bit.

Not much left to do for the day – think we have run out of time to try out the buckets & spades. Will probably continue the cards, which Lorelle is leading by about 200 points.

The Big Holiday...... Day 8

The big day has finally arrived – off to our first theme park. Sea World!

Got away at a reasonable hour and took our first, tentative steps inside. Had a quick look at the dugong display & aquarium and then got a general idea of the layout by catching the monorail. This led to Ben & Chloe wanting to get to the playgrounds they saw as soon as possible – if not sooner.

By this time, however, Lorelle as well as Chloe were getting hungry (the most common comment we’ve heard so far this trip is Chloe saying “I’m hungry”). The food was reasonably good if a little expensive (aren’t these things always overpriced at such places?). A couple of seafood baskets and a chicken & chips – nearly 40 bucks. While we were eating these, the water skiing show was on so that formed an interesting distraction.

Next stop was the playground. An aeroplane ride, merry-go-round, helicopter rescue and big truck train kept everyone busy and entertained for quite a while. Next door was one of those fountains that spouted water upwards from the ground and also down and about from the top. So, a quick change for the kids and they frolicked in that for a while. This whet the appetite for the main water play area, so it was off in search of that. A bit of rain at this point, but not a great problem as it wasn’t too cold.

The water here wasn’t as warm, but they were still wet from the fountain. Water cannons, slides and general wading & running all came under close scrutiny and testing. Chloe, who was quite tentative in the waves out front, was very keen and Ben, as usual, just loved the water. We overstayed this attraction and missed the dolphin show, but when you’re on a good thing, stick to it.

Chloe wanted to spend more time at the playground, so Ben & I went on the GIANT ferris-wheel. I don’t like heights, so Ben probably handled this one better than GP. Got some great shots from way on high. We then joined the others and finished our day in the playground.

That is, apart from a couple of souvenirs on exit from the park. Had hoped to get time to go to an internet café to try to get the e-mails working and the blog updated, but it was getting too late and dark. And, we just made it, as the rain pretty well set in just after we got back to the car.

The Big Holiday...... Day 7

Our first full day on the Gold Coast. Up reasonably early – at least for me, that is. Last night’s shopping gave us the provisions for a good brekky, then it was down to the beach.

One added bonus of staying in this area is that it is near the Coolangatta Airport. In fact the flight-path for landings is just behind the building. We can watch the jets circle around over the ocean and then come in low, to land. They disappear behind the building next door, and then re-appear briefly, just before touchdown – so we get a really good, close-up view. Others may see this as a disadvantage, but we love it. The noise is barely discernable inside and not very loud outside. We even saw what appeared to be two Airforce trainers, flying in formation, coming in to land. As you will see from the photo, it’s a bit like September 11th – look at the top, right-hand corner of the building.

On the way to the beach, I organised a different parking space and the family inspection of the pool took place. Might take the opp if it arises to try to get some swimming lessons in for the kids.

Ben, without stretching the truth, took to the waves like the proverbial duck to water. Chloe started off pretty well, but got knocked over by a wave, so that was the end of her paddling.

On the way back, it was sand-castle time. Chloe had a fairy princess castle, while Ben had a racing car in the sand. Spent a good hour-and-a half on the beach – a real hit. Even Robbie had a paddle, but ankle deep was plenty for her.

For lunch, I cut up the fresh fruit we got last night. Cold, crisp and fresh – absolutely fantastic. Pineapple, paw-paw (our least favourite – give it a miss next time), strawberries and water-melon. Did the rubbish run to the chute outside and then it was back down to the pool. I actually had a swim, but the old trunks, which hadn’t been worn since our last trip north, gave way. Luckily, for everyone, I was wearing jocks as well. Ben & Chloe loved the pool, especially the “hot”, shallow tub at one end. Couldn’t get Rob into the water. After my swim, I expected the Whale Rescue Unit to turn up, but nothing eventuated.

A bit of a victory – ah, but bitter sweet. Visited local IGA type supermarket and then found an internet outlet. Able to hook up on wireless and thought, beauty, process my e-mails and update the blog. Able to receive e-mails but couldn’t send any. When we got back to the unit, Lorelle discovered that if she held her laptop up, in one corner of the balcony, she could get a wireless signal – and it wasn’t a secure connection. But, same story – able to do some things, but not able to send e-mails. So, will have to find a suitable and comfortable connection so I can do that – and update the blog.

The Big Holiday...... Day 6

Talk about service – bacon and eggs for brekky at the Hutchy’s, then we were off and running – headed for the Gold Coast. Nice, easy trip, though Chloe was sick at one point. Not a bad effort – the first problem she has had for the entire trip.

Started hunting for accommodation when we arrived. Tried our old favourite, the “Foreshore”, but it seems (as we confirmed during the arvo) that most of the offices at the buildings close around 1pm or 2pm. Still, the old mobile phone came to the rescue on a number of occasions. Eventually got to talk to someone – price not bad but too much of a squeeze for the extra bed.

What we really wanted was ground floor, or first floor; direct access to the beach (plus a good view of the ocean) and of course, sleeping five. Tried the “Spindrift” just down the road but couldn’t get close enough to our requirements. Moved farther south, around Tugan. Three bedroom, right on the beach but too many stairs (this brought to the fore an extra requirement). Another three bedroom, really nice but couldn’t see the ocean at all. Then, two places we have stayed at before, in Tugan. The “Pacific Sands” and the “San Simeon”. Pacific Sands was by far the cheapest, but could only get third floor and too tight a squeeze. San Simeon, pretty well filled the bill. First floor, direct beach frontage, overlooking the ocean, only two bedroom but enough room for a fold-up without too much of a squeeze.

Once we had settled in and discovered that the parking space provided was all but impossible to get a Falcon into, it was off to the Woollies at Coolangatta (or Tweed Heads, not sure) for vital supplies (grog) plus a few groceries thrown in. Did the usual, for my “Gold Coast Speciality”, and bought some fresh fruit. Bought some cards so we could continue the Rummy Challenge started on the run up. Two packs, so we could play “Coo & Can” instead of plain rummy.

Ben and Chloe were pretty good at bedtime, probably because we were able to separate them; one with us and the other in Lorelle’s room. They will alternate throughout the stay.

The Big Holiday...... Day 5

Did well to rise reasonably early after the very “heavy” night and set about finding “The Australia Zoo” – Steve Irwin’s love child. Helped greatly as Brian lent us his SatNav Device which led us there with few problems (Got mixed up once when I read “Do a U Turn” – figured we must have gone past it, but it was telling me to do the Yewey in about 6 km, in order to turn into the entrance).

The Zoo is pretty expensive, but as we found when we got in there, it is kept in absolutely pristine condition and the enclosures are top rate – so I guess it is money well spent.

Did all the usual stuff – had a look at the layout on their ‘safari’ bus, then saw the otters being fed. Investigated quite a few of the enclosures before a ‘pit-stop’ at the children’s playground. Jumping castle and a mini tea-pot merry-go-round. Unfortunately, Ben got eaten by a crocodile at this point, so that put a bit of a dampener on proceedings. Still, it had cost quite a lot to get in, so we thought we should push on regardless.

Saw the tail end of the main show in the Crocoseum – can you believe that name (has to be SO Steve Irwin). Real highlight wasn’t the croc at the end of the show, but the tame, yet free, cockatoos and macaws who were allowed to just fly, freely, around the entire stadium. Fantastic to watch and a great training achievement. A bit of attempted humour by the presenters left a few audience members with egg on their faces (NO, I wasn’t one of them, for a change) and that was quite funny.

Ben & Chloe patted some kangaroos – very brave of Chloe as she is normally very timid in such situations. Even braver, they both fed an elephant later on. It was getting late and kids a bit restless so we gave the tigers a miss and headed back. SatNav once again a life-saver, especially as I was running low on fuel.

Much quieter night - Dominoes Pizza (yes, of course it was thin ‘n crispy), a few ales and a relatively early night.

The Big Holiday...... Day 4

Got away from Moree fairly early. A pretty uneventful drive until we got to Brizzy and had to find Brian & Marion’s place.

Had a pleasant stop at a little town about two hours after leaving Moree – can’t remember its name. Cuppa tea and a good little playground, so we stopped there about half-an-hour. Took the Warwick path to Brisbane and got there in plenty of time.

Decided I would just drive along the Ipswich road until we got close to the City when I would call Brian to get directions. As it turned out, we had to make a toilet stop for Chloe, so stopped at a Safeway (sorry, Woollies). Got brief directions from Brian, but he suggested we call Marion “who is much better at such things”. Chatted to a ‘local’ about how to get back to the Ipswich Hwy – unfortunately, he missed one vital turn that needed to be made, so we got completely lost. A friendly service station got us back to the highway, and from there it was easy to follow Marion’s directions (she IS much better at such things!!).

Really great night – Rachel and her daughter Sylvie were also there. We all drank far too much red but managed to steer our way to the respective bedrooms without too much trouble (a pin-ball player would have been proud of the way we navigated).

The Big Holiday...... Day 3

We had planned this day to allow time to visit the Western Plains Zoo and then not too long a trip to Moree for the night.

Got to the Zoo early, but they let us in, so didn’t have to hang around too long. Decided that we would have a brief look around the area near the info centre and then slowly drive the 6 km through the Zoo, stopping whenever something interesting turned up.

First stop were the black rhinos that had just been fed. We also listened to a very informative talk by an attendant. What a tragedy it is that the rhinos, all over the world are endangered because of the activities by poachers and the greed and stupidity of those who trade in the products of their “horn”.

Just after the rhinos, we came across a rather unusual sight. Camels were sharing an enclosure with what appeared to be mountain goats or something similar. One camel just stood placidly in the centre of the field while the goats took turns at jumping on its back. They clambered up and down and back again, and that damned camel just stood there, seemingly not a care in the world. Maybe it was just pleased to have the company and attention.

Got lucky and arrived at hippos just on feeding time. The attendants are clearly very respectful of them and they have a very safe way of delivering the food. Three or four hippos then come out of the water and up to the concrete feeding area. I reckon their mouths are even bigger than mine when it comes to munching down all that food.

The plains animals were interesting if a little bland, but the giraffes and elephants were a treat to watch, especially given that they had plenty of space in which to roam. The tigers and lions were pretty boring because, as is their want, they were just lying around, sleeping. We just drove on slowly through the rest because we had promised Chloe lunch at Hungry Jack’s.

From there, after the lunch break, it was on to Moree. A fairly unexciting drive, although we did get to overtake a lot of semis.

The Big Holiday...... Day 2

Overnight at Finlay, we planned the next couple of days. Dubbo on night 2 with Wednesday morning to have a look around Western Plains Zoo. Then on to Moree where we would stay Wednesday night. That would give us a reasonable run into Brisbane on Thursday where we can meet up with the Hutchy's. The bookings were made (at Best Western's) and off we went.

Got held up a bit by two huge Mining tip-trucks on the back of very large semis, but eventually got past them. Found a way-side stop for a toilet break, with one of those environmentally friendly toilets - boy, what a disaster those things are. Stank to high heaven, almost taking your breath completely away. Wonder the kids didn't pass out, having their noses much closer to the ground. The greenies must be really proud of these little victories.

Lunch break taken at West Wyalong, after a photo op for the kids at the old RAAF DC3 in the local park. This really opened their eyes a bit, especially when they were told that new jet planes were MUCH bigger and more powerful. No multi-nationals at WW, so had a cafe style lunch. Not too bad, but typical cafe food - not hugely appetizing.

Started telling Ben to keep an eye out for the giant "Satelite Dish" as we were nearing Parkes. For some reason, I seemed to remember it was on the right-hand side of the road (at least that bit turned out to be correct) BEFORE we reached Parkes. No sign of the pesky thing (maybe, the greenies had stolen it - creating too much green-house gasses?), so stopped at the Tourist Info Centre at Parkes Discovered it was another 24Km up the road - at least we hadn't missed it. And, it had its own visitor's centre to boot. Ben & Chloe amused themselves with something a little lower on the tech scale while we discovered all this.

Realized we would have time to drop into the visitor centre at the Parkes Observatory. Ben, as expected, found this experience really fascinating. I even bought a $58 short-sleeved fleecy windcheater (a BIG buy for tight-arse me) and we got them a few little knick-knacks for memories. The big dish there is really big - why, I believe you might even be able to have a hit of cricket in it!! Had our first nice coffee at the kiosk there - a relaxing break.

From there, on to the Motel - Blue Diamond Motor Inn - at Dubbo. Paid $8 for 12 hours of wireless internet hook-up hence this very timely update. The local delivery service for meals decided to take two weeks holiday at this time, so it was off to Safeway for some vital supplies (bottle of bubbly) and Red Rooster for dinner. Nice two-room unit again, with bunks and a single in the second bedroom and even a bath as well as a shower. So Ben has had his shower and Chloe was able to have a bath which she really enjoyed. At the moment we are trying to settle Ben and Chloe who are still too excited to sleep.

The Big Holiday...... Day 1

Robbie, myself, Lorelle, Ben & Chloe got away about 10 a.m. - pretty much on schedule. We saw off Aido and Chrissy before we left and headed east with an eventual turn north (remember, we are hoping to get to Brisbane) just before Camperdown. We passed, uneventfully, through the thriving metropolis of Foxhow and headed to Ballarat. It was just past Foxhow that we had our first little adventure.

I spied an orphaned, new-born lamb beside the road, so we pulled over to try to locate its mum. The only sheep in sight were a long, long way off, and this poor little critter wasn't going to last long by itself. So, we bundled it up in Ben's coat and headed for the nearest farmhouse. The farmer kindly took it off our hands, so on we continued.



After Shepparton, we needed to start planning the night's accommodation - it was clear we would have trouble getting to the next Best Western (I have a few "freebie" vouchers thanks to all the time I spend in Mt. Gambier). We diverged from our Best Western plan for one night and decided to stay at Finlay - at the Finlay Palm Motor Inn. Very nice 2 room family unit for $128. Would recommend this Motel to anyone interested; friendly service, nice room.

Ben & Chloe were really good for the entire trip. A bit unsettled at first in the Motel, but that was expected due to their excitement and strange surroundings.

Inventing a better mousetrap .....

Daughter Lorelle gave Robbie an "automated" vacuum - not the robot type, but one that just sits in the corner and you can sweep things up to it, and voila, it sucks it all up. Somewhat novel, but it works well - at least until the other night.

We were awoken several times (its one fault is that it's a bit loud when operating) when the unit went into vacuum mode. Investigations didn't reveal any cause, although maybe a mouse or large spider wandering past might be the culprit.

Same thing happened the next night with investigations not revealing anything.

We were sitting at the table this afternoon when it went off again. Hadn't noticed anything but when I checked the "hopper", lo and behold there it was - a little mouse had been sucked up into the bowels of the unit. Of course, I wasn't allowed to feed it to Stanley (our pet python - over 2.4m long) so had to release it outside. Hopefully, it won't be back tonight disturbing our slumber.

Animal Farm

As a result of Christmas, the Marr menagerie continues to grow.

Making full use of the recently constructed chicken run; we have added two ducks, two bantams and an extra guinea-pig.

The duck additions are two Indian Runners. Quite unusual and very funny to watch. Of course, with ducks, we had to add a pond as ducks really need a good water feature so they can swim and dive and do all the normal "duck things". Conned Adrian and a work colleague (hi, Matt - how's the head?) into digging a hole for the pond, but as you will see, they ran out of puff about half-way down (is half-a-hole still a hole?). Adrian claims they ran into too many tree roots to continue, but I suspect thay just ran out of beer, red-wine, vodka, whiskey, white wine, etc. and were unable to continue.

The new guinea-pig is a female about the same size as the existing one, which we think (and hope) is also a female. It is very shy and is only now beginning to venture forth from its hide-away. Still, it's good company (we presume) for our old, lone g-pig. As can be seen on one of the photos, it is just poking its nose out of the entrance to their home.

The new bantams are not yet in the chicken run. They are young Ancona chickens - don't know much about them but they look somewhat "sporty". When we eventually transfer them to the run, they may prove to be a bit flighty - still, we'll cross that hurdle when we come to it. They are currently in the main aviary because when we put them into the chicken run, crazy chook immediately attacked them - obviously very territorial. The safest option was to get them out of there until they are bigger and more mature (then they should be able to give as good as they get). Crazy chook is laying again and it will be a while before the Ancona's start adding to our egg count.

Christmas lights exhibition

Completed the usual, annual Marr family tour of Christmas lights in the district on the Thursday before Christmas Day.

This was Ben's third such excursion but it was the first time for Chloe. After having spent many years doing the same thing with Adrian & Lorelle when they were younger, Lorelle rejoined the group for this year.

Have to admit, we haven't seen Chloe quite so excited. We walked a number of Courts that had several houses lit up. It was a lovely, warm evening so conditions for getting out of the car and having a stroll were just perfect. Met Santa outside one house and he kindly posed with the kids (big & little)

Apart from the Santa, some people had added that little bit extra, such as decking out the family car to represent Santa delivering presents. This was a nice touch, even after we explained to Ben & Chloe that, "no, the presents aren't for you."

Lots of lawn furniture also featured as well as thousands of Christmas lights - which, unfortunately do not photograph real well.

All in all, it was a very pleasant outing and Chloe in particular slept soundly that night - we must have really tired her out in spite of all the excitement.