Family Holiday

After our visitors left, we decided to go away and spend some quality time alone, just the three of us. We drove up north to Port Stephens, about a 2.5hour drive. We left on Monday and took a slow drive, stopping in Terrigal to have lunch with Louise's mom. We rented a little cabin, villa is how they described it on the website, but it was a cosy, self-catering cabin with a heater, flat screen tv and Foxtel (our version of cable tv). Our cabin over-looked the beach so it was a very nice view but also probably the reason why it felt like the windiest spot. Port Stephens is an area made up of little towns called Nelson Bay (which is where we stayed), Lemon Tree, Bobs Farm and more. Tuesday was quite nice weather-wise, the sun was shining but it wasn't too cold and there was just a slight breeze. We decided to go to the Shark and Ray Center where you can get into the pools with the sharks and rays and feed them. They supply waders with boots for those who want to get in and wetsuits for children. Row said he would go in with Justin and I opted to stay out the water, Justin also decided not to venture into the water so it was Row all by himself. He enjoyed it until he discovered his boot was leaking which left his shoe and pants wet and unpleasant. For the rest of the week we actually didn't do much; Port Stephens has so much to offer but definitely better to do it in the summer. The weather turned freezing and windy which made us not go for a dolphin cruise as the water was so choppy. We did take a drive out to an area called Tea Gardens which turned out to be not as interesting as the name might suggest. On our last day we stayed close to home and went up to the lighthouse to have tea and scones. We did use this time to try out new recipes; Row was a star chef! We also spent our time reading and having two hour afternoon naps with Justin. We left Port Stephens feeling rested and rejuvenated so it was a fantastic holiday. On our way back to Sydney, we stopped in Umina to have lunch with Diona and the kids. 

We've been back for nearly a week and the holiday feeling has already worn off. Row is back at work and he says it feels like he was never away. I'm hitting the books again and already have an assignment due for 3 weeks time, just before our next weekend get-away!

Feeding the baby sharks

Row in the pool Dolly, the sting ray

Row in the pool with 3m long sharks

Justin was absolutely fascinated by these pelicans

Going for a walk with dad

Our family portrait