Jenolan Caves

Well what a fun weekend away at Jenolan caves (past the Blue Mountains) with our friends. Though it didn't get off to a good start (Tom vomited in the car on the way - projectile, just missed my head) it certainly was a lot of fun in the end. We were 6 families from Mortlake - 5 kids from one class (1/2M) and 33 of us in total. Even the class frog got to come along.

We stayed in dorm style accommodation - we each had a basic room with bunks, with shared bathroom and kitchen. The kids ran riot around the joint, overjoyed with their new found freedom and pack mentality. We toured the Lucas cave for 2 hrs in the afternoon, and Tom spent most of the first hour crying and screaming to get out. Mark had to carry him most of the way as he was terrified, but eventually he got used to it and calmed down. The tour guide was very good humoured and got the kids attention by getting them to stare up for bats whilst he told us stories. Then we gathered for some pre dinner snacks and drinks whilst the kids chased butterflies and lizards!
We had a little trouble finding a place to BBQ that a) worked and b) fit us all in. You would think with all that wonderful nature it wouldn't be so hard..... But it was great fun and the kids had a ball chasing each other, looking for possums and generally running wild!

Some parents made it for drinks in the kitchen but a few of the dads retired early with the kids. The best move of all was made by Paula our organiser who sneaked off early back to Sydney to work on her book (upcoming bestseller!)
The next morning I got up early and went for a walk through the bush. I thought it would be a well marked trail - well sort of - but as i was first out i had to deal with lots of cobwebs - yeuk! I was also a bit scared cos it was so so silent and outstandingly beautiful and serene. I met up with Mark and Tom at the small pond near the caves entrance and we saw a platypus. When we returned and had breakfast, everyone was very jealous to hear it (apparently they are pretty rare in the wild) so we took them down to see. Though with all the kids running and shouting, the serenity was broken and the platypus stayed away!
We headed out after breakfast, packed up the cars (amazing how much 'stuff' you take for just one night!) and ventured back up the narrow winding roads out of the valley. Already talking about where next year will take us for our group adventure. We're moving up - first year was camping (Cokatoo Island) then dorm, next 5 star resort in Fiji?!

A little swimmer

Today was Ela's first swimming carnival. We weren't sure it was a good idea for her to attend as the deal was you had to be able to swim 50m. Ela could do it - just - but that's a long way for a 7 year old. She begged and pleaded to give it a go so we succumbed and today was the big day.

Mark went along to support and she did an awesome job. She race in the 8rs age group (turning 8 this year) and came 3rd. What an excellent effort - we are so very proud of her. Mark said she climbed out of the pool and had a bit of a cry - probably overwhelmed by it all, but she certainly has her Dad's competitive spirit. Well done Ela!

Husky 2012

Can't believe a whole year has passed since the last time we were in Huskinson for the Mark's triathlon (half iron-man). This time was remarkedly different however. We went down with our friends the Smiths as Chris was competing on the saturday in the sprint course and Mark on the Sunday in the long course.
The house (Sail Away) we had booked in Vincentia was absolutely gorgeous, right on the beach and smack in the middle of both the bike course and the run course. (one passed in front and one passed out back!) That meant we could watch from the balconies as (right on schedule) Mark passed by and gave us a shout as we cheered him on.

Despite forecast of rain, the weather was perfect. Warm and sunny. So we spent most of the weekend on the beach with the kids jumping and riding the tiny waves of Jarvis Bay. Fantastic - hope we can go back again next year.