We left Buronga to go into Mildura to register the new van before heading to Swan Hill to meet up with Mel, Corey, Fi and kids. We were all excited to be back on he road and to be meeting up with our mates. We thought it would be pretty streamline to register the van but it ended up being a bit of a balls up. Apparently the van was registered in two states. It was still registered in Victoria and then in Adelaide. Once they got that sorted out then she came to check the van and apparently the VIN number has to be stamped on the chassis, which ours didn't have. She was going to make us go and get it done and then come back but then asked Marty "you promise to get it done ASAP?", which he obviously replied "yes". Finally we were on our way again.
We arrived at this dodgy looking caravan park outside Swan Hill and were set up by 1:30pm. It cost us $50 pn and it was so run down, but again it was the cheapest. We were expecting the others later in the arvo so after lunch the girls and l went to the pool to cool off. It was still bloody hot, this heat wave was going on forever. Felt like Alice all over again! While we were in he pool, bloody Mel turned up. She was always one to surprise people. I jumped out of the pool and ran over and gave her the biggest hug. Didn't matter that l made her all wet!! Lol... Was so good to see them again, never felt like we had been apart. For the rest of the arvo we caught up, swam and had a few beverages while we waited for Fi to turn up. I can't believe how much the kids have grown, when we left Josh was a baby, now he's all grown up and Chloe is a real big girl now, not a toddler and Bailey is such a big boy now. Again, all the kids hung together like they hadn't been apart.
Fi finally arrived about three hours late, but it was due to work and l was so grateful that she drove all this way to see us. We said a quick hello as we were all getting ready to head into town on the courtesy bus for dinner. Bloody hell she looked good, another mate who has lost all this weight! Is making me want to whoop my ass into gear and do the same. I have put on a bit due to the amazing lifestyle of wine every night in the tropics and socialising every night. Anyway, we hugged and caught up then got on the bus to head out for dinner. We went to the Murray Downs Sportsclub for a smorgasbord, which was pretty ordinary. All the kids had a ball playing in the dance floor and going to the kids club. Us adults were able to catch up and have a few laughs over some beverages. Again, ate too much. Will l ever learn??
The next went so quick. We started the day late. Mel and Corey and the kids went into town while Fi and l did some shopping for meals for the day. Was a pretty cruisy day. Nothing too exciting. Strangely everyone kept to themselves even though we hadn't seen each other for nine months and we only had this day left before everyone went their own way again. I was a bit off, not sick, but down about things. I was a little upset that the girls hadn't asked too much about our trip and didn't seem too eager to learn about our life. Also, things between Marty and l were tense again. It just all felt too much. Left me feeling a little deflated l suppose. I was also a little exhausted from the last two weeks, they had been massive... Anyway, the day did improve when everyone came back together after lunch. We all had a kick of footy with the kids which the most we all laughed together since we met up. Boo then got the whip out to show the kids but ended up whipping herself, so the years were on. Luckily we have a girl that gets over things quick and before you knew it she was off playing again. All the kids had a ball and l think its the most the some of the other kids had spent outside. For our kids, it's just a normal part of life now l suppose. Overall a good relaxing day, which is what was needed l suppose. Been a busy few weeks.
The next morning Fi and Marty cooked bacon and eggs for everyone. By the time we were all fed and packed up it was getting late. Marty and l just wanted to get on the road as we had a seven hour drive in front of us. Mel and Corey and the kids were first to leave and we said farewell, bit strange as l wasn't as upset as when l had said goodbye other times. Must be getting used to it. Eventually Fi was ready to head off, Mia, Boo, Meg and Nate did a big group hug together. So great that the other kids haven't forgotten Boo and Meg.
So again, we farewell more mates, never knowing when we would see them again. It was probably for this reason that l was a bit bumbed over the last few days. Along with the fact that it was a strange catch up with no one really asking much about our travels or life. But it was time to move on again and finally have some time by ourselves. Apart from a few days at Uluru and Kings Canyon, we haven't had much time by ourselves as a family and it was totally showing. Marty and l were again in tension land and not talking all that much. The girls were also a little out of control and playing up a bit more than usual. Here's hoping that time alone would heal whatever is going on with us at the moment....
Here's a big thank you to Mel and Fi for making a huge effort to meet up with us, love ya's always.....

Bell Xxx