21 August 2012
I had an early start to the morning...my Mum and Dad's plane was due to arrive at 00.30am...so off to the Darwin Airport. Thankfully they arrived on time, not much to do at the airport. Took them home and for their stay they slept in our bed while Carl and I had downstairs in the annexe.
That morning William woke first to discover his Mum and Dad weren't in their beds but some imposter's, so as you could imagine he was a little upset until he located us. But when Harry woke, he noticed the bed had a new quilt and then he realised "MaMa!!!DadDad!!!"...so excited.
The remainder of the day was resting and catching up with each other.
That night we all went for tea at the local Tavern and Mum and I stayed on for a bit of Bingo, where I won $50, not bad for a night out!
25 August 2012
Today we decided a nice cruise down the Adelaide River would be the ticket. Harry was our Captain and he had plenty of info about the area and wildlife. The rest of our tour group was made up of a bunch of Melbourne friends, some of whom had already been on the trip a few years ago.
It wasn't long after boarding and getting underway that we saw our first of many, many crocs.
 |
| one of the many crocs we saw |
We had morning tea on board the boat, however for lunch we ventured on to land at Harry's private camp where he cooked up a mean BBQ. He also let us in on how he eradicated Cane Toads from the area by teaching the meat ants to eat them. He is adamant that he hasn't seen any since.
 |
| lunch |
Before returning home we stopped off at Goat's Island, which is a tiny island in the middle of the river. On this island a man lives with his dogs and chooks. We were treated to a performance by one of his dogs, the kids thought it was fascinating. This man also has accommodation so if you didn't get enough you could stay and enjoy his hospitality. At least there is a bar so you may be able to cope for one night!
 |
| goat island with singing dog |
The day was pretty long but very interesting and enjoyable. Harrison and William got to have a go at driving the boat and after all the excitement had a little sleep on the way home.
 |
| our way home |
26 August 2012
At Doctors Gully there is fish feeding everyday depending on the tide. You grab the bread that is supplied and feed it to the fish, you can get in the water with them or just throw it from the side.
We arrived in the car park and you wouldn't have guessed who pulled up also, the same people who went on the tour with us yesterday. Lucky for us because one of the ladies ended up pulling William out of the water where they were feeding the fish and where I thought Carl was with them. William came crying to me saying "Fish eat me, fish eat me". He continued to say it for the rest of the day.
 |
| fish feeding at Doctors Gully |
 |
| having a great time |
After fish feeding we thought we should feed ourselves, so off we went to the Casino for a buffet lunch. It was very nice with everything and anything to choose from.
That evening we went to Mindil Beach Markets, which are on Thursdays and Sundays. There is numerous food and craft type stalls with entertainment thrown in. The kids like it because there is a jumping castle and playground.
27 August 2012
Happy Birthday to me. Thank you to all for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts.
Today I'm taking Mum, Dad and the kids to a place where Tom worked a while ago, La Belle Station. We made the long journey out there hoping we would be able to look around (since it had now turned into a tourist spot owned by RM Williams Company). However we were sadly mistaken and were only allowed to look as far as the closed gate down the road. At least we were able to eat our lunch in the shade of their trees.
We continued on to Litchfield National Park where the kids had a swim at Wangi Falls and I had offers from a Greek family to purchase William. Yes, I did knock them back. William got a nice feed of chips though.
Onwards James...the drive is quite long through Litchfield but we made it. Had a rest stop in Bachelor and got home that afternoon.
Mum and Dad looked after the kids for Carl and I while we went to the movies. It was great to get out by ourselves, pity the movie wasn't the best.
29 August 2012
Today we had a look at Darwin's Museum. There was a display on Cyclone Tracy, Aboriginal art and old fishing boats amongst other things.
Fanny Bay Goal was just down the road so we had a quick look at that. Very eerie but interesting at the same time.
1 September 2012
Palmerston Water Park had some sort of promotion on so we headed off there for a bit. Peppa Pig did a song and dance which William really liked. As you can see by him being at the front of the stage. Harry like it for a short time especially when he ran on stage but was keen to get back to the waterslide.
 |
| William enjoying Peppa Pig |
That night Harry and William weren't going to miss out on going to the airport to farewell their grandparents. Harry fell asleep on the way and William on the way home. Thanks Mum and Dad for visiting, we had a great time.
