Perth

Arriving at Perth was a little late and rushed, as we had intended to free camp just south of the capital city.  Our recommended site however was littered with beer bottles, toilet paper, and the final straw was when a very drunk local drove his car in and began to sus us out big time.  Needless to say we did not feel entirely comfortable here, and decided to make a dash for Perth.  Thank goodness the Advent camp was open for business… much safer here!

After a day of much needed TLC on the van in preparation of our guest, we caught the train into town to view the art gallery (which was fantastic – the kids absolutely got into it this time! Oh they are so cultured now!).  This was followed by the Perth Mint.  As you had predicted Grandma, this was a huge hit with the boys.

Thursday certainly reminded us of life at home, as we had deadlines to meet – for the first time in months.  First Mandy to do the groceries and present shopping for Nicks birthday, then the boys attended lunch at Joan and Bobs’ house, then to meet Kerrie at the airport by 3pm.  All in a city where we had no idea where we were going!  Lunch was fabulous (the boys loved catching up with their friends/Perth grandparents – who spoilt them with a great spread) and we made it in good time to the airport.  Larina and Nick even had plenty of time to display their signs to all the jet setters before we spotted Aunty Kerrie coming down the escalators.  

YAY!!!! Big hugs and smiles all around.  Any concerns that the children had forgotten their Aunt were cleared up.  They couldn’t stop talking all afternoon.  It was really hard to get our turn!  Poor Kerrie, although we did suggest that she bring a spare pair of ears.  By the next day, Larina was choosing to hold Kerrie’s hand rather than mine.  In fact, for 3 days the children did not want a thing to do with us.  Every now and then Ben would kindly occupy the kids just so Kerrie and I had the chance to talk.

The weekend with Kerrie is a bit of a blur, as it seemed to go by so quickly.  (We were also pretty tired from being kept awake by the most incredible cyclonic winds during the night - at one stage we could easily picture ouselves being picked up like dorothy in Wizard of Oz.  Twas a wonderful welcome for Kerrie, who was already tired from a very long day travelling.)  A few great moments we need to share from our weekend were the trip to Freemantle, and getting lost in south Perth.

 

lost in South perth somewhere - but found a great view

Of course, celebrating Nick’s birthday (a little early) was fun, with visits from not just Aunty Kerrie, but also Uncle Brad - who was in town on business and drove out to say hi in the morning.  

 

Nick woke up to being showered with presents, (his favourite gift being the $1 whoopee cusion as you would expect...)  followed by a day at Adventure World!  How much fun can you fit into a day?   Ben, Kerrie and I were like kids again, running from one ride to the next, not wanting to miss out on anything, and I bet the look of disappointment on each of our 6 faces at 5pm when the rides shut down was hilarious to onlookers.  We just didn’t want the fun day to end.  (“please, just one more ride”???)  The sadness was most likely heightened by the knowledge that we were going to be dropping Kerrie back at the airport in the morning.  But Nick had the best birthday ever – as his grin all day showed.  Honey chicken dinner just topped it all off for the kids - their favourite.

Clearly Sam did not enjoy this ride as much as Nick...