Hobart Lines Up To View HMAS Sydney

HMAS Sydney and crew blessed Hobart with it's presence and beauty this weekend, in conjunction with The 2015 Hobart Regatta. Tours of the ship were available at Macquarie Wharf2, while it's helicopters performed several displays for the Regatta crowd.

The crew of HMAS Sydney were awesome. They welcomed everyone to view their world and were very encouraging to look, ask questions, explore, ask us to be in your photos (this was a true suggestion as we boarded).

Master 8 had a ball trying on the gear and feeling the weight of the vests. Some of those vests are seriously heavy!

There was just a slight difference between Master 8's outfit and the officer behind in fit, so I guess it would be a while before they could take him into their fold.

There may be nothing pretty or colourful about the HMAS Sydney or any of the ships in the Royal Australian Navy, but the flags certainly brighten the scene and give it flair .... almost like it's own bling.

 The HMAS Sydney felt important and the crew spoke about their ship with pride and passion. Having been launched in 1980, HMAS Sydney is the fourth ship of this name and it has played an important role in Australia's Defence history. HMAS Sydney has deployed to the Middle East four times, with Desert Storm and the Gulf War, supporting UN sanctions against Iraq, East Timor and  Solomon Islands, and Iraq War all listed on its impressive resume. Being one of the four ADELAIDE Class Guided Missile Frigates in service it plays an important role in providing air defence, anti-submarne and anti-shipping warfart, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

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It strikes me now that the t-shirt is quite fitting given his prop.

Mt Wellington in view over the bow of HMAS Sydney

 There was a lot to see and some very expensive, technical equipment. The tour took about 50 minutes as we moved about the ship and explored from bow to the flight deck and the narrow corridors and stairs in between. We passed the Captain's chair and took in his usual view.      The crew were extremely friendly and informative as they answered every question.

I Need Not Be Green With Envy

Having lived in the same town all of my life, there has always been the idea that living somewhere else would be exciting.  Imagine living in a town where nobody knew my name or anything about me. I could make new discoveries everyday and everything would be new and exciting.

Don't worry, because I am not going anywhere.

These thoughts have been woken by two lovely ladies leaving my workplace and the state, one to return to her family and familiar surroundings, and the other to pursue a new adventure in a different part of the country.
I am envious of both as they pack up one part of their lives, to start a new chapter.

When I was young and single, I would have been excited at the thought of uprooting and starting anew in an unfamiliar place. Now, I value the familiarity of my hometown, and the parent in me has much to share and pass on to my children about our town. I also have an awesome support network, and love that I am surrounded by friends and family.

In my maturity I can see how something that is new and exciting can wear off quickly. Our town has proven to be a safe haven with much beauty and charm.  Whilst I envy others as they seek new adventures, I am content in knowing that we can travel for adventures, but always return home.

What do you think of the town where you live? Is it new and exciting or old and familiar?

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Family Holidays On The Farm

There is so much to do on a farm. Especially, when you are a child visiting during the holidays. 

As promised, here are some of our favourite memories from our recent family holidays on the farm.

The animals were a real hit, especially the baby Wallaby. A holiday on an Australian farm is full of adventure and fresh air.

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

What Was That For?

The look on his face as he says for what must be the millionth time "what was that for?", is pure innocence. It would be fair to say that our son is always on the look out for adventure and invariably gets himself into multitudes of trouble.

Master 5 is quite the expert at timeout, not to mention having his favourite things banned. Neither of these punishments seem to dull his need to poke, prod and pull things that he is not meant to.

Is he seeking attention? A troublemaker? Or just a curious boy with a good amount of energy?

We are quite sure he is quite run of the mill when it comes to boys. Also being second born assured he was keen for adventure from the get go.

His face is just as cheeky as his nature.

I should be putting all of our savings on backing that Master 5 will be standing in front of various people throughout his life, trying to justify his actions.

When It Gets Cold, We Splash Indoors

 During the last School Holidays we visited the Hobart Aquatic Centre. There were a lot of people there and so much fun to be had.

I admit, I loved the Water Slide as much as the kids!

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

ANZAC DAY And Inspired Children

I am in hiding. The bedroom could be the only safe place for me right now. My house has come alive as three children fight their own war full of ammo, hideouts, tactics and pleas for mercy.

All three were witness to the proud display of the local ANZAC DAY March this morning. They had many questions about the people we honour each year, the people who were marching in memory of a loved one, and those who stood in uniform armed with guns.

The TV has been full of media coverage of Marches across the nation as well as movies relevant to the wars.

Miss 9, Master 5, and their neighbourhood friend have been thinking of nothing else all day, and even though they don't understand the full magnitude of the importance of ANZAC DAY, it was inevitable that this war had to happen.

The camouflage tent is shelter and considered safe. There are various types of Nerf guns being handed around. Spent ammo is littered across the lounge room floor. Each one has chosen which country they are fighting for.

Luckily, when they tire of this game, the guns, ammo and tent will be packed away. Thankfully, unlike a real war, this is an option for them. Hopefully, this will be as close as they get to any war. I'm sure every Mother has wished this same thing.
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