The Next Leg of the Journey

 Wednesday 13th, April 2022

Mangosteen - tropical delights for breakfast.

Duncan and Robin head off for golf at the Mount Coolum golf course while Chris and I do the clearing up and packing. It is quite strange being in their house, although they do have quite a bit of new art, every now and then there is the familiar sight of one of Phyl's paintings.

Try and get it in the Joey's pouch, Dunc!

The trip back to Brisbane is about 2 hours - they seem to do it on a regular basis. Yoshi is left for a couple of days there on his own, and if necessary Phoebe pops in and tops up his feeding bowl.

That night we go to an Italian restaurant back in Brisbane. It is quite a rustic affair, where I have a locally made soft cheese with nectarines and heritage tomatoes, and Duncan and Robin have a pasta with lamb ragout.

The walls have the old family photos. 

Chris's mother's family is of Italian descent, so he fits in very well!

Next day we are heading off to Newcastle, so we have a leisurely breakfast of freshly made French pastries from the bakery down the road - real french people running it too!

Once we arrive in Newcastle we are taken by Simon to Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley. This was saved as a surprise for Clauds and Theo. They were sat down and told at breakfast that they should go and pack their bags. Huge excitement... but then the sudden realisation that they had tidied there rooms especially for Gran and Grandad's visit. Much reassurance that they would stay tidy while the kids were away.

Together again!!

 Claudia was quick to show off her cartwheel skills.

The highlight of the night was ordering room service. Well not so much for us, but the kids loved it!

We are staying in a 3 bedroom apartment, with a lounge, kitchen and 2 bathrooms.  there is some outside area for play and it is a short walk to the restaurant and pool/games area. I'm not sure who was asleep first - the kids or the grandparents!!