Easter 2011 - Warrnambool

We headed off bright and early on Good Friday, we knew it was going to be a looooong drive but JMK & CJK did really well.  We played car bingo which kept them occupied for aaaages.

Once we arrived and set up camp that was it... the kids were off with their friends, they only had 15 of them to choose from!!  Yep, nothing beats a campsite full of kids, 17 to be exact and 10 adults.  Bikes and scooters were ridden and you didn't hear BOO out of the kids... they had a ball!  On top of that, and as is always the case with this group, there was no fighting or arguing... BLISS!

Nathan & Josh showing CJK the ropes

Leg to the left... tongue to the left... PERFECT!

We decided to head out on Saturday morning for a bike ride down to Lake Pertobe Adventure Park and along the foreshore... all 27 of us!!  Talk about the Partridge Family on STEROIDS... we were quite a site!

The gang getting ready

Now CJK has only recently learnt how to ride without training wheels and on this particular weekend he'd finally worked out how to start off on his own.  We worked out that he hadn't quite mastered stopping on hills or using his brakes to slow down so it made for a little bit of stress on the descents!  However, we made it to Lake Pertobe Playground with no injuries, just an ulcer or two for Rob and I from the stress.

We managed, quite easily, to scare most children and parents away from the park upon our arrival and got the big slippery dip to ourselves.  A perfect opportunity to get all 17 kids on for a photo wouldn't you think...

From the top down... Ronan, Hannah, Aiden, Darcy, Liam, Ben, Matty, Nathan, Paddy (hidden), Jorja,  Mitchel, Ryan,  Tommy, Nick, Cooper, Callum & Josh

From the park we headed back to the bike track and just kept on riding!  There were a few more pitstops along the way but it was a BIG ride, about 7km all up and the kids did a great job.  Both JMK & CJK didn't moan or groan at how sore and tired their legs were they just kept on peddling.  Some of the hills were a little steep so CJK opted to push his bike but he was a little trooper... and actually had a good sleep that afternoon.

Saturday night we went to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village for the "Shipwrecked Sound and Laser" show... it was pretty cool.  A little loud for JMK & CJK - we know how precious they can be - but they enjoyed it.

Sunday... well the Easter Bunny had made an appearance!  The kids weren't overly fussed which is good I guess, there was just too much for them to do and too many kids to play with that the whole Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs thing didn't consume them.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (Go here for a squiz) had a big food, wine and music festival on Easter Sunday so that's where we headed for the day.  It was great, the weather was beautiful and it was just a perfect day.  We plonked ourselves down on the grass in front of the jumping castles and animal nursery so the kids just went from jumping to eating to petting the animals.  They had a 'live' canon which they let off every couple of hours which was a bit exciting.  We also went for a walk around the Maritime village to see what life was like back in the 1800's.  There was facepainting and easter egg decorating... it really was a wonderful day for both the kids and adults.

CJK & Josh getting ready for the canon to fire

CJK & JMK on one of the boats in the Maritime Village

CJK and his PIRATE face paint

JMK and Darcy decorating Easter Eggs

Hangin' out on the anchor at Flagstaff Hill

 It was a great day had by all and we headed home at around 5pm, just in time for all the boys... big and small... to go to the speedway for the night!!  From all accounts they were all well behaved and had an excellent time.  CJK was very excited about the car that flipped over right in front of him!!  A very big day indeed.

Monday was a little more relaxing.  Some of us decided to go for a drive over to picturesque Port Fairy, and it didn't disappoint.  We walked along the marina and met a friendly seal and then we headed out onto the lighthouse walk which also lead us out to a beach walk... it was just beautiful.

Port Fairy marina

At the lighthouse

Happy Family :)

Yet another successful camping trip with a wonderful group of friends.  The kids had a ball, but then I think they would no matter what... rain, hail or shine.  I have such a great appreciation for the camping holiday and I truly hope that JMK & CJK remember their camping adventures with their family & friends with as much fondness as I do.