Malfunction

Yesterday proved a tad difficult, but I have experience in this type of calamity so I didn't panic... Yes, you all guessed it.  I LOCKED MYSELF OUT OF THE APARTMENT.  Seriously, I don't know what is up with me and Australian doors.  I just can't seem to get the hang of these things.  Luckily there were no kids inside and I had my purse with money.  But no phone and no keys.  I left the apartment anyway and went on my way doing what I had planned to do.  Except that I didn't have my phone to map my destination.  Doh!  Decided we'd go back to Skinners Adventure park since it was close and perhaps some nice person would let me use their smart phone to e-mail Devon for help.  I was not about to call a locksmith or the fire department again to have the door knocked down.  While the kids busied themselves on the play equipment (Isla is getting great doing tricks on the trampoline), I found a nice worker there that let me borrow his phone for a quick e-mail to Devon.  I hoped and prayed the message got to him!  I told him to meet me at the apartment at 4 (It was about 12:30 at the time.)  I would have to find things to do to occupy our time until then.  Played at Skinners for quite a while and then decided to walk around the neighborhood a bit.  I saw a sign that led to Albert park and decided to follow it - I knew there was another playground there.  SCORE!  So after walking another half mile, we got to the park.  By then it was about 2pm.  Ok, I can do this!  Play some more children!

Yay, playground fun!

Feeding the big friendly goose pretzels

It just hissed.  Didn't move from that spot

Happy Isla

I asked someone for the time and they said it was about a quarter past 2.  Decided to play for a bit more and then head for the apartment.  We could sit at a cafe and wait or Devon to get home.  Walked about 3km home (I am getting back into shape!) pushing the huge pram.  There are not as many hills, but this stroller may be more of a challenge than the previous monstrosity.  At least the old one had 4 gigantic tires.  This one has about 16 tiny ones.  Makes off-roading and hills a bit more difficult for the calves.  I have been feeling the burn! By the time we made it back to the apartment, I was hot, thirsty and sweaty.  Devon was there awaiting our arrival.  Thank you Lord!!!  He laughed at me and said that I just wanted material for my blog.  Finished our day with a family swim in the pool.  Ahh, disaster averted, but ego bruised a tiny bit.

Today - Wednesday was another fun and busy day.  I decided to pack up the kids (and my keys) and head downtown.  On the way, we stopped at the Arts Center and made a paper flower to add to their goose that will be displayed for all of Melbourne to see.

Our walk downtown

Making the flower to put on the big goose

Getting special treats downtown

Kept walking towards downtown and stopped to watch a street performer with hula hoop and contortionist talent.  Quite the combo I would say.  Isla loved it, clapped and cheered and was super into it.

Contort

4 hoops!

5 hoops!

Then off to Target where just like at home, I spent way too much money.  Got more needed supplies, i.e. a new swim ring for Ian, some water vests, and goggles.  Must be prepared for many days at the pool!

Then the long walk back to the apartment.

All McDonald's will be turning to 'Macca's' by the end of the month.  Crazy Aussies!

Melbourne city

Ian knackered at the end of the busy day!

Later that evening, we met Devon back downtown for dinner at our favorite Malaysian restaurant called Mamak.  SO GOOD!  Then we went to check out the Queen Victoria night market which was apparently for the younguns who wanted to drink alcohol and listen to the live music.  Not great for a huge pram and 3 kids.

Walking to Mamak

YUM!

Queen Victoria Market

Very Crowded

Now back at home, it's very late and I am determined to get a post out for all of you to read upon waking up.  Unfortunately my iphoto library is acting up and I can't get the pictures up for you right away.  Must work on it tomorrow as I need my beauty rest.  High of 98 tomorrow.  HEATWAVE!

Luv yas

~Mary

...Updated with pics!