I was so excited to be going to Marion as in a day l would see my amazing friend Dusk for a week. Her, Peter, and the boys, Jackson and Liam were driving over from Echuca to Adelaide to stay with us for a week over the New Year period.
We were ready to head off and unfortunately the van didn't sell so we would keep plugging away. We've put it on eBay now so hopefully we'll get some bites. We took the 20 minute drive down the road to Marion caravan park in Bedford Park. It took us longer to pack up than it did to drive to next destination! The park looks great, very intimate than the last with only 30 caravan sites. We had a walk around and checked out the awesome pool, indoor tennis courts and games room and clean, new amenities. Total luxury and quietness compared to the last park that was busy and hectic. We spent the day setting up again and doing the groceries and just chilling out. We had had a busy Christmas and it was showing with the girls. They were very whinny and tired, so sitting around playing with their Lego and having a swim was just what they needed.
The next day felt like forever waiting for the Gronows to turn up. We had a swim to fill in time and also got the girls to make a "welcome" sign with their area and crafts, which kept them entertained thankfully. They finally arrived at 4:30pm and the girls got on their scooters and met them down the front gate. It was so great to see them again, l actually got a little teary when l saw Dusk walking down the road. We helped them set up the Kimberly Kamper, then fed them spag Bol and then relaxed over some wine. I don't think Dusk and l had any silence, so great to talk face to face. The kids all swapped their Chrissy pressies with one another and played well together, like they had never been apart. The boys have grown up so much since we'd seen them. Dusk was also looking fantastic, she looked so fit, best I've ever seen her look. She just looked happy.
The next day we woke early and Dusk and l headed to do some groceries for the week. Don't think Marty and Peter thought about this too much, letting two women head off to the shops. So without saying, we were gone way longer than the boys expected. Dusk and l had a great time rushing they Kmart getting a few necessesties, picked up a cool pair of shoes. We were kids in a lolly shop and with no husbands nagging. It was brilliant to say the least. We quickly rushed around the supermarket, then stocked up on grog and made it back to the van where we were greeted with hungry kids and men!!! The rest of the day we swam and started what would be our tennis match routine for the week. Great laughs slogging it out, Marty was drenched with sweat by the end of it, hilarious!! We finished the day off with homemade pizzas and wine/beer. It really felt like we were on holidays. Surprising how different it is hanging out with a family on holidays compared to travelling families. Everything is so busy and full on with the holidaying family as they try to get everything done that they want due to being on a time frame. Compared to the travelling families that plod along and chill, gradually getting things done.
For New Years Eve day we hung out by the pool and had a few games of tennis. All the kids love having a hit to the extent when we tell them it's adult time they totally crack it!! Well, Boo is the worst with tears most time. We headed out to Brighton beach to have a look. Amazing beach, great for the kids as not too rough. We had a paddle on the kayak and the kids tried their boogie boards out, pity there were no waves!! For New Years Eve we decided to go out instead of staying at the caravan park. It was good to dress up for once, not very often l get to put make up on these days. We had a great smorgasbord dinner at Charlie's Bistro at Brighton for $20. They had everything on offer from Aussie roast, Italian, Chinese and the best dessert bar. I made such a pig out of myself, I think l had way too much Chinese because for the rest of the night l was so thirsty and bloated full of gas. After dinner we headed down to Brighton beach again. It was so packed, it took forever for us to find a park. Eventually we got down to the beach and had a really good time. We played beach cricket and watched to most amazing sunset. All sober mind you! The kids especially enjoyed the glow sticks and the sparklers. We watched a spectacular fireworks show and then headed home. After putting the kids to bed we sat and had a few drinks, counted down to the New Year and sadly went to bed. You know your getting old when you go to bed sober on New Years Eve!!!
Next morning it was up and at em with Peter, he's like the bloody energiser bunny l reckon. He doesn't siting that's for sure! I have been telling him that l will need a holiday after having a week with him!! Lol... Lucky we weren't hung over cause we went for a ride on the bikes with the kids, while Peter and Dusk ran, then we had a swim, then we played tennis, then we had another swim! By late arvo it was time to say bye to Dusk for 24hrs while she jetted home for a friends funeral. Will miss her, and l only hope that the trip home will be healing.
It was a long 24hrs waiting for Dusk to get back, amazing that l missed her so much again. We passed the day by going shopping and swimming. Was great to see her back at dinner time, think l missed heroes than her kids!! Lol... Was definitely worth her going back though, looked like a weight had lifted off her shoulders.
The week was flying by and the last few days seemed to go even quicker. It was 40oC plus so we headed to the shopping centres and went to the movies. Treated the kids to watch 'The Guardian', which they loved. One fantastic thing that happened in these last few days was that we sold our Jayco Flamingo on eBay to a bloke from our old home town Shepparton can you believe it?!?! We sold it at a great price and fiver items after selling it we were on the phone to make an offer on the van we saw in Tunundra. We got it too, for another really great price!! We couldn't believe our luck and we were so happy. We went shopping big time to get all new bedding, towels, plates and utensils. Was so much fun! Definitely exciting times ahead for us, hope the new van brings some new spark to Marty and l......
Good times always have to end and it was time to say goodbye again. I really hate saying goodbye.....especially this time as l don't know when we will see each other again. I was fine till we said one last goodbye at the gate and l think l cried for twenty minutes down the road. I miss her so much. I think l fear that l will loose her if I'm away from her life too much. But l have to put that fear behind me now and move forward with the rest of the trip. 2013 has all the makings of a fabulous year ahead, with the new van and new adventures to be had...... Bye Gronows, we had a fabulous time with you guys and we are so grateful you made the long drive to see us.....

Bell Xxx