A snapshot of our holiday...

My favourite photos from our recent Hong Kong and England holiday

Dinner in Hong Kong

Sophie with her new Minnie Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland



Patrick trying on a guard helmet at the Tower of London



A walk through Hyde Park






The doll house collection at Harrods

The excitement building as we approach Brighton!

An afternoon at Devil's Dyke

Horse riding in the New Forest



Blue sky in England!!



James in the New Forest with wild ponies

Watching a movie together at the Tower of London

Legoland, Windsor

The girls playing dress ups

James and Mitchell at Devil's Dyke

The tourists at Stonehenge

The New Forest

New hobby

Since our visit to Brighton, the boys have been inspired to start a new hobby of building models. The three boys visited the local Games Workshop two hours after landing in Melbourne and the construction began that afternoon. I don't know how they managed to concentrate! Patrick has been particularly intent on completing his ten figurines and is in the final stages of painting.

Our weekend...

We enjoyed our first weekend at home after three weeks of travel. It was wet and cold outside, so I spent some time cooking for family and friends. On Saturday night, friends came for dinner (eight children in total and beautifully behaved) and on Sunday, mum, dad, Matt, Ben, Ula and William visited for lunch. Sunday night was spent at Ian and Claire's for a lovely roast dinner.

Pat and Sophie looking after their little cousin who loves the outdoors!

Sophie's ELC

This afternoon was 'open afternoon' at the ELC and I spent some time looking through Sophie's portfolio, playing and watching the class perform two songs. She was very proud of her work and confidently performed the songs in front of the large group of adults. We are so pleased that she loves her kinder.

Sophie made a bird's nest with clay and twigs.

Our adventures...

During our time in Hong Kong, we visited Disneyland and it was a fun day out for all. Sophie was particularly interested in Minnie Mouse and purchased a souvenir Minnie which has slept with her every night since. The boys all loved the Space Mountain roller coaster.

 We also travelled by ferry across Victoria Harbour to the well known 'Stanley Market' on Hong Kong Island. an interesting mix of stalls and then stopped for a much needed ice cold smoothie and lunch (it was so hot there!). We found ourselves following the locals in HK using an umbrella when outside to shelter us from the hot sun.

Once in London we experienced some cool summer weather, a nice change after the 33 degree humid days in HK. We purchased another umbrella (for the intermittent English rain this time!)and were ready to explore the city. After a traditional lunch at an English pub, we stopped at Trafalgar Square and managed a quick photo with one of the lions (Sophie had been waiting to see the lions as they appear in one her picture books at home). All in all, a wonderful five days in London.

Once in Brighton, the girls didn't take much time to get acquainted, finding they have many common interests (they are only 10 weeks apart in age - perfect!).

Adam's update

Hong Kong!  With its crowds and humidity we felt like we'd really started our international holiday.  Sophie was the star of the show with people touching her hair and face and asking us "is her hair real?" and "can I have a photo with her?"  When we left HK, the kids said it would be good to go somewhere where people wouldn't be staring at them.  We were lucky enough to attend the 15 years of Chinese rule celebrations and had dinner overlooking Victoria Harbour whilst viewing the 45 minute fireworks display that lit up the city.

(Photo taken by Sophie)

Next to London.  With Pa not available for photos, Sophie has stepped up to the task.  We spent 4 days averaging 6 hours a day walking all over London, so we're all feeling really fit.  Kate and the kids are just about castled out already.  Our apartment was in Kensington, just across the road from Hyde Park so we've spent the week really getting to know the place....loving it!  Our final day in London had Sophie asking 'could we PLEASE get a car'. Her little legs were tired.

Next to our long awaited visit to Brighton! We've had a lovely time so far in Brighton and have explored Arundel Castle, Legoland, the Brighton Pier. English pubs and shops. The children have played so well together allowing the adults some time to relax. A wonderful holiday.