July 28 our latest outings

We started out this batch with with The Royal Darwin Show.  (The Darwin equivalent to the state fair.)  The kids were pushing the envelope on tired before we even started, but we pushed on through for all the excitement this event had to offer.   We went with our friends Gurty, Detroit, and Shelby,  (and Franky who spent his time at the NTFS booth).  We are now up to 3 cameras, but forgot them all this day.  So thanks for the photos Gurty.  The kids had their first intro to the Bananas in Pajamas-at first they both seemed a little overwhelmed by the 8 ft high singing fruit, but later on after Shantell the fairy had entranced them, Bryson was boogeying with the "bunch"

The next day we headed out of town to Batchelor where we spent the day at the Butterfly farm and petting zoo--This charming little oasis was complete with  the fore mentioned attractions and also offered up great food, good music, beautiful mahogony tables, a gated playscape, and a group of staff or maybe guests that made the place feel like a backpacker commune.  This is possibly the most relaxing meal we have ever had at a restaurant (post kids that is)---What did they put in that chicken curry?  

Saturday found us at the Stokes Hill Wharf where we were able to watch the start of the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race--oh to dream!   (The photos from the race and the butterfly farm will hopefully be on here next week) We worked up an appetite watching the race and trying to keep the kids from diving into the wharf.  The turquoise water did look pretty inviting even considering the 15 foot jump to get there.  So we headed to the Parap market where we found plenty of delicious food to eat.   Sunday we headed to the Botanical Gardens where our rambunctious children seemed to sap away the serenity, but then we realized the gardens were attached to a beautiful children's park so they got to be the kids that they are.  We could hear the music from the Mindil Beach Market from the gardens so we headed there next.  There we got to see yet another beautiful sunset and hear some extremely talented musicians. (To include our first didgeridoo performance.  I was surprised by the diversity of the rhythms the musicians were able to create.  

Then it was back to work for Matt.   He finally met his first grass fire, and was impressed by how different the firefighting is around here-everything from gear to technique.   Lots to learn and loving it.  That night he got his first whopping dehydration headache (Jordan and I already had our turn with one of these--ouch!!), but all was well the next day.  The kids and I kept busy during the work week  --  Jordan riding her bike with Bryce and I on the scooter.  Then it was off to our first swim lessons and our first time with the fun bus.  We found the bus, our friends, and loads of preschool toys and supplies at the park.   The next day it was the park and Howard Springs Nature Reserve where Bryce managed to lose his hat in the protected fish habitat (and snake feeding habitat-yikes!)--that was enough for that day.  Matt's first day off he took the kids to the Territory Wildlife Park with Ben, Sophie, and Tom while I got an afternoon to myself--Thanks Matt.  Everyone had a great time that day, and everyone slept well that night. Today we headed to Casuarina Beach.  The wind was going and the kite surfers were out in force. We picnicked, rock climbed(kid version), and beach combed for hours.  Another day well spent and another night of sound sleep awaits us.