Magnetic Island - A Long Trip To Paradise

Arriving at Magnetic Island

So far we have driven to the airport, parked in LTP and caught the bus to the terminal where we boarded an Airbus A320. 3 hours on we arrive in Townsville, northern Queensland (north of Rockhamption, south of Cairns). 


Just missing our connection off the mainland, we had to wait a further 45 minutes for our ferry where we were to meet our mini cab. There was some confusion and we had to wait another hour until we finally met our ride to the other side of the island. 


We were on a tight schedule because we had to beat the tide. Alas, we were a little late and the tide was in, blocking us from our beach house destination...


Enter....THE GATOR...

As the sun set and the tide rose, the gator crawled across the sand and then through the lagoon to our destination. The rest of the family were brought around in a dingy. Finally we arrived to our magnificent house in the most spectacular setting...more tomorrow!

Another Gorgeous Sydney Day! - Boating on Pittwater

Another gorgeous winters day in Sydney. Today we are with Caitlin's best friends family for a relaxing day of boating on Pittwater. We set out from Church Point up past Lions Island and around. We stopped for lunch in a quiet bay, turned off the generator and just listened to the quiet of the surrounds.

Our host BBQing off the back of the boat!

                                                          Kevin makes himself comfy in the Skippers chair!
After a bit more boating, we stopped at another cove for afternoon tea...very civilised! After some skylarking, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed, we arrived back to shore just as the sun set...what a wonderful day! Thank you to our friends.

Full Moon Fun...Super Moon 2012

I'm usually pretty tired from shooting at the end of the day but when my job cancelled for the afternoon, it was the perfect opportunity to head to the beach and wait for the super moon - the closest it has been to earth in 18 years! The kids were delighted. We had talked about it so I was glad to make it a reality for them.

 They frolicked in the warm autumn waters for a couple of hours. The sun had gone behind the hills and still no moon. I was beginning to worry that the headland might be too far out or that were in the completely wrong location when BAM, the giant moon peaked over the horizon.

OK kids, it's cold and dark but for the moonlight, I believe it's time to go home!!

There are more Super Moon images on my photography blog.

ANZAC Day March 2012 - Marist College

Patrick...

There have been many firsts for my children since arriving back in Australia and today Patrick was able to participate in his first ANZAC parade. 


His school, Marist College were one of the bands that walked beside our soldiers through the Sydney streets in remembrance of those who sacrificed in the name of peace.


Band teacher, Rod Herbert did a marvellous job preparing these boys as they had attended many a morning practice and also recently performed at the Royal Easter Show.


You can see more of the actual parade here on my professional blog. I also explain a little about the significance of the day...

Getting ready...

Patrick is the tall trumpeter, 3rd row back.

Mum's Birthday-Our House-Chatswood 2012

Seems we have a lot of birthday's around here...this time it's my mother, Denise's 64th.

The Fam...

SO excited that Chris and family could make it as well as well as Norman, Kevin's Dad. Chris did an amazing job with her professional sandwich platters and chicken wings...yummy! Thanks to Janette (even though she couldn't make it) for her amazing chicken wings and Greek salad which complimented the Feta and Spinach Pie. It was great to have all the cousins together although we were sad that Cooper had two assignments to finish and couldn't make it!

Birthday Cupcake Platter...

Brandon thought he wrapped his the best!

Kid wrapped gifts are the best...

Brandon plays The Birthday song whilst we sing!

Cupcake platter!

You can't tell he just ate 12 chicken wings!

Mum with her Grandchildren...

Grandkids...