Winter Weekend Away...

On the back of a very busy term at school where all too often my hand is raised for the opportunity to do more work (.. still pulling out all the stops for an opportunity next year!) and Beth working full time for the last month it was time to take a break so we booked a weekend away in Port Stephens about an hour up the coast. We managed to pack just about everything for the trip in the car, although there wasn't any room for Amy and Mitchell our neighbours so they had to drive themselves. Amy is always willing to step in and have Alfie at short notice and inexplicably refuses to take any money for having him on any of the days he's not at child care.

They are both so good with Alfie, his eyes light up when he sees them to the point that we think that he might actually think that they are mum and dad and we are the people he stays with when they are working! With them refusing to take the cash (... they do have a wedding to pay for!) we decided to take them away for the weekend.

On the Friday night we drove up the coast and found the resort where we would stay for the weekend. There were little cabins each with their own facilities, kitchen lounge etc. By the time we arrived it was getting late so Mitchell and I went out to hunt and gather. About 45mins later we returned via the Pub with some drinks and pizza. Our excuse was that the pizzas took a long time and we are sticking too it!

In the morning Alfie took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep, staying in bed well into the morning. When he woke we drove to the Toboggans Run. Alfie seemed to enjoy the ride down with Daddy, making excited Woooo noises although the tightness of his grip suggested he was a little unsure. We also took the Red Train (...well more of a tractor really!) up the hill to the maze. We managed to find our way out, with a little help from Alfie who could see over the top (while sitting on my shoulders) and underneath! We then went to Anna Bay for a bite to eat in the hope that we would see some migrating whales (.... they are all heading up the coast at this time of year) but alas nothing but the odd dolphin or two. ;0)

Later in the evening we went out for a meal in Nelson's Bay, we all had great meals followed by the largest ice creams I have ever seen! Alfie helped out eating the wafers, while Beth had the odd spoon or three.

The next day after an al fresco BBQ breakfast we went to Nelsons Bay and had a walk around. The weather was great to we went back to the cabin to get our swimmers. Alfie had a great time in the sand, although his reaction after dipping his toe suggested that the water was a little colder than his last dip. Mitchell and I managed to chuck a frisbee around (on the sand initially but the tide came in so we went in!)for an hour or so, only stopping to munch on the odd chip butty (... our education of English foods, words and customs continues!) Later in the evening it was more board games and a few more drinks...

Monday came around all too soon, although it was a great weekend with some great friends. Enjoy the slide show...