Another Busy Weekend

... and its only Saturday afternoon!

After last weeks weekend in Sydney we decided to follow it up with another fun Friday and Saturday this week. Our accreditation passes from the Masters Games last week allowed us to travel for free on the train network and with those not expiring until this Sunday it seemed a shame to waste them. So Beth and I decided to take another trip to Sydney this time with Alfie, Liam and Joel. It was an early start with all five of us (... we did think by the end of the day what it would be like to have three children... views do differ!) at the station ready for the train. There was time for one freight train to come speeding past to startle Alfie before we all boarded for the nearly three hour trip for the total of $6 (... 3 quid!) This was my first train journey in Australia and I was impressed with the three floor level coaches and the changeable seats which can have you facing in your chosen direction... easily impressed you say?

We arrived in Sydney without too many "Are we there yets?" and made the short walk to the Aquarium, which we also had some vouchers for.... cheap family day out!?!? We took a good look at all the tanks, but particularly enjoyed the tunnels to see the Dugons and the Sharks. We managed to ask some questions of the divers in the largest tank and Alfie managed to spot a "Nemo" before a very large shark glided past the glass to startle him for the second time that day!



Back outside a now exhausted Alfie fell asleep in his stroller giving us the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy one of the street performers. Liam managed to get in on the act earning a $5 note for the throwing of a saucer, cup and spoon which were kicked on to the head of the entertainer who was riding a uni cycle at the same time!!!!

It was then back to the train and the long journey home which was passed with the aid of a DVD player, a pack of playing cards, a small child's rucksack filled with various toys and some crisps! After a twelve hour trip McDonald's was calling as were our beds!

On Saturday morning Beth dropped me off at my charity run, around a local reserve that we've only just started to explore, while Joel went to a birthday party. Beth, Alfie and Liam then returned in time to watch the start, the struggle at half way and the staggering finish. I finished 6th overall which I was fairly pleased with and in a good time considering the course but I'm most pleased about the fact that the pains seem to have gone away! Alfie and Liam enjoyed the wildlife talk that was taking place, and Liam even managed to get involved as an assistant (... pattern developing here!!!!)

... not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store!!!