16 September 08

At no point during the five hour and twenty minute flight from Brisbane to Perth did I think we were about to be handed four parachutes and asked to get off our Virgin Blue flight - the boys coped admirably. Especially taking into account the 75 minute shuttle bus ride up to Brisbane Airport followed by two and half hours hanging around the actual airport. Flying into the night was a goer because they managed to sleep for some of the trip which was an unexpected but always hoped for bonus. Paul and I milked the peace by pigging out on overpriced cheese, crackers and wine. On our return trip I think it is safe to say we were one of those family's we used to see sitting on a plane before we had kids of our own. We'd heave a sigh of relief when we weren't seated next to them. Say no more.

In between, Perth rocked. Paul and I both agree we could easily live there if it wasn't so isolated (I physically felt like I was thousands of miles from anywhere) we had a pool and a couple of mill in the bank. That way Paul wouldn't have to work and could spend his days floating in the said pool when the summer temps climb into the forties. While not tropical while we were there we did have clear weather which suited me fine. The last time I was in extreme heat was in Luxor, Egypt. I'd spent the morning posing round temples ordering Paul to take my picture. I was aiming for the etheral look with my hair long and loose but unfortunately my flowing locks could have done with being covered by a hat because by early afternoon I was flat out with sun stroke. The only bonus of which being the complimentary trots that ensued enabling the loss of those extra holiday pounds. No such luck this time round and Paul wears a disturbed look on his face whenever he produces yet another weight watchers product from the pantry.

We had the use of Paul's sister Jan's cosy Echo for the duration which was wonderful as Perth is really spread out and it made a big difference to our being able to get around with the boys. I met Jan's hubby Greg for the first time. He was a great host and such a funny fellow. Paul and I were relieved that the temperatures were sedate when we heard it said that Greg has been known to wear Speedos or as Jan eloquently put it, 'Budgie Smugglers' when it gets hot. As for Jan well she was just the hostess with the mostess. Snacks and drinks for the boys were ready and waiting every time we left the house. I only hope I can get them both over our way one day to return the favour. Our fifteen year old nephew Adrian graciously gave up his bedroom and we were amazed at how articulate he is for his age. While we were there, Adrian who works at Red Rooster or as the Glendinning family fondly call it Red Rooter, received a letter of congratulations from a customer on his excellent service. I hope he gets it framed. Three year old James shared his room with Josh and Dan and despite constant fisticuffs the terrible threesome rubbed along pretty well. It helped that James has a really cool collection of Thomas toys on Dan's part. As for James and Josh they really were double trouble. Jan and I busted them biffing lemons over the fence at the girl next door neighbours one afternoon. I must admit it bought back memories of my own grapefruit wars with the neighbours as a kid but I wasn't telling Josh I had been there and done that.

Paul's old boozing buddy Dean has been living in Perth for well over ten years now and these days he can be found living it up in the expensive seaside suburb of Hillarys with his wife Di. They have a beautiful home which is like something straight out of Better Home and Gardens speaking of which I knew Dean had mellowed when I heard him ask Di whether Better Homes and Gardens was going to be on the tele that night. It was a Friday afternoon and this came from the lad who used to literally bounce around the Fat Ladies Arms Bar sloshing his beer everywhere as he danced manically to 'I get no doubt'! Before screeching “More Beer!” Still Dean and Paul did manage to push the boat out and sit up until 4.00am one morning which saw them both looking very sad the next day. In the meantime Di and I had a deep and meaningful over a bottle of red then watched Death at a Funeral which if you haven't seen I can highly recommend, it is hilarious. Needless to say we were both fast asleep by a sensible 11.00pm. I so love being the self righteous one the next day!

Freemantle was fantastic and if it weren't for the fact I have preschoolers I could see myself sipping a wine or a latte in one of the many gorgeous old stone cafes. The coastline being the Indian Ocean was every bit as exotic as it sounds. We got the ferry over to Rottnest Island which was a hit with the boys but what was really fun was hiring bikes with kids carriers on the back to cruise round on for an hour. I nearly cycled over a thick black snake and I don't know who got more of a fright me, Daniel on the back wondering why Mum's legs flew off the pedals and flailed in the air or the snake. When I described it to Jan she reckoned it was poisonous so there you go our holiday had drama too! The island is surrounded by turquoise and green lagoons whilst little animals called Quoccas, a mini me mix of kangaroo and possum, frolic around. The boys of course got up close and personal with more than one Quocca and thought it was pretty cool. Back on the mainland Cottesloe Beach with its old bathing pavilion provided a perfect photo opp and Kings park's display of wildflowers and view over the CBD was up there too. The Margaret River region south of Perth was a definite highlight. It was so beautiful with shaded tree lined lanes. On either side of the road ocher soil led out to fields where hundreds of white lilies were growing wild. The area is interspersed with one spectacular winery after another. We found one with a children's playground and that was us. It was gorgeous to sit in the warm sun with a chilled glass of Sav and our beef pepper pot pies while the boys played. Dean and Di recommended we stay at the Yellingup camping ground while we were down that way as the cabins overlooked the sea. We booked in for two nights and my first word on pulling up outside our cabin was 'Wow!”. The view was truly stunning and Paul and I sat and shared one of those moments you know you'll never forget when the sun set over the sea.

Father's Day became Daniel's early birthday and we spent it at the zoo with the whole gang in tow. My wonderful sister-in-law made Dan a yummy chocolate cake with Thomas the Tank Engine on the top and you should have seen his face when he saw it – it lit up and Jan reckons that made it worth the effort. He got very spoiled with lots of Thomas related toys though Dean and Di gave him a hot rod that plays Rock Around the Clock. I told Paul to ring Dean at 5am one morning and hold the toy up to the phone as a thank you.

And that my friends brings us back to the Gold Coast where Paul has enough work to tide us over if I manage to stop hopping on the bus to Harbour Town. The weather is definitely warming up and I have even donned a pair of shorts today and am seriously thinking about a paddle. Bye for now x

PS. Daisy is fine.