Omi and Opa

At the end of February the kids were treated to the real-life hugs and kisses from Omi and Opa without separation by a computer screen.   They arrived on a Friday and, in typical Australian fashion, I bought champagne to celebrate.  I greatly appreciate that Australia needs very little to break out the champagne and/or fireworks.  They seem to always be up for a party.  What it’s Friday?  CHAMPAGNE! 

We rented a van over the weekend and explored the surrounding areas of Melbourne.  We saw the penguins toddle up from the ocean on Philip Island.  We went to Healesville Sanctuary and saw all the native Australian animals including the beloved platypus as well as the goanna, koala, echidna and Tasmanian devil.  Monday was perfect weather and we enjoyed the sunshine on the deck of an old hotel in Mornington before exploring some wineries in the region.  Perhaps in my next life I could own a vineyard – it was a lovely afternoon.

The remainder of the week my parents explored some additional sights around Melbourne and hung out with us in our little Australian abode.  Then…off to the land of hobbits and sheep….