Sunday 29TH JULY

Gday people,

So! Moved out of astolat street and into Mount Colah with the family. It all went very smooth and was done quick. Was terrified that we wern't going to get our deposit back but they inspected it on Tuesday and was fine, I should think so too cause we scrubbed that place! Sunday we had a family roast, all the family plus Pauls friend Jim from work so there was fourteen of us round the table- felt like christmas without the hats. Talking about christmas, they have 'christmas in July' here, to celebrate it when its cold, although its mostly just nights out in the mountains.

Paul went to work Monday to Thursday so i didnt do much just unpacked and organised. Thursday was so hot and sunny. I got the train down to the city to pick up our didgiredoo and boomerang (had to be done). The harbour looked amazing, love it so much in the sun. Paul picked me up in the ute so didnt have to make the hours train trip home.

Friday the weather was miserable so we just went to Hornsby to the shops. That night we took the 3 boys (Jake, Aden and Jordan) to the cinema to watch the simpsons, a good time was had by all. The boys idolise Paul so was good.

Saturday me and Paul went to the big tower, Centrepoint and went up the 400m high observation deck, followed by an interactive 3d film about Australia- had a good time. Got train back and then back into go for dinner. Went to this fairly posh restaurant called Ripples, its on the otherside of the harbour right next to the bridge. The view therefore was amazing as was also of the city scrapers. It wasnt licensed so had to take our own drink, took a bottle of wine and big bottle of beer for Paul. He drunk all his beer so the lady kept topping his glass up with wine, very funny as he hates it! He downed the glass and went all lightheaded! Afterwards got the ferry back to Circular quay and went to the ultra posh Shangri la hotel and went to the 36th floor to their Blu horizon bar. Inside theres a big lounge with sofas overlooking the harbour with the bridge and the opera house. However there was an hours waiting list to get in there, this had to be done though because the bar area had views but not of the harbour. They are famous for their cocktails, bit pricey but vital! Eventually got let in to the lounge and then there was a waiting list for the best tables at the window, finally got promoted to the best table, views were great and was all worth it! Had to leave and get the last train home at 0115 but had a good time.

Sunday we went back to the city and went to Paddys market then went for a hot chocolate at the harbour. Back at the house everyone came over and we had snags on the barbie (sausages).

Tomorrow we leave to go to Queensland, flying to Brisbane at 1300. Havnt booked ourselves a hostel yet, tempted to book a luxury hotel but dont think that will be happening! Not taking the laptop to cut down on luggage and to protect it from being stolen. Therefore keeping in touch might be harder but will manage. Fly back to Sydney on 22nd July so have 3 weeks of adventure ahead of us!

Speak soon with lots of cool tales hopefully, hope youre all well, the countdown home is now under way. Love and miss you all loads Laura and Paul xxxxx

PS MAM AND DAD hope youre enjoying posing in the new car, save the other one for us!