Big Day Out

Sunday in town. We planned to leave by 8.30am, and did pretty well by driving out at 9.04am. I think the very cold morning slowed everyone down. In fact, it was so cold this morning that the water bottle we had left in the car was frozen! Frozen solid! In the car! That's cold.

Non eventful trip in, oh, except for watching a wedgetailed eagle circling close to the ground only metres away from the car. Those birds are so big. Majestic. We were all struck with awe whilst watching such a magnificent creature.

Church was good. The kids had fun doing their activity 'things', and catching up with their friends. It was nice to sit next to the heater after the service and chat with everyone, sipping a hot coffee and getting caught up on the local goss.

Two of Elsie's friends joined us at the 'Highway Diner' for hot chips and gravy. The children enjoyed sitting in the dining area being served. We drew a few looks from other diners, but it didn't seem to phase the kids.

We called into the park which runs the length of the town, to hopefully catch up with some local homeschoolers. There was still three families enjoying the playground and afternoon sun. We joined them; the younger children taking only moments to get acquainted with new playmates and making the most of the hour we spent there. As we left the park, the evening cool was beginning to roll in. We had one more stop.

Max and Fran had invited us for afternoon tea at their place. It was 3.30 when we drove into their driveway, the same time as everyone else. We were introduced to Marissa's 8 week old son (cluck, cluck, cluck). The children settled down for a couple of hours of blocks, food, drawing, and DVDs. The adults settled for freshly brewed coffee and a lot of chin wagging. It was so GOOD to have face to face adult conversation. Five o'clock saw Willem crawling up into my lap for a cuddle, and it wasn't long after that, that we 'hit the road' for the hour's trip home.

I must add, we were short one child - Elsie. She asked to sleep over at Charis's tonight and then get brought back to town tomorrow. I need to check the post office anyway, so it works out well. It does feel peculiar to be without my little buddy. She enjoys her time with friends, I know she'll have a nice time. But I will be looking forward to having her home again.

Josiah set to with the fire, got the generator working and the mattresses set up in the kitchen in no time. Beth and Matilda emptied the car of its amazingly high volume of 'stuff' that had accumulated throughout the day. Lilly, Emily and Jessica got themselves ready for bed. And Willem cuddled. After reading a few pages each while cozied up in their sleeping bags I could see them one by one drift off to sleep. They had satisfied smiles on their faces and I'm sure their dreams will be full of pleasant memories of friends and fun.

Wallaby Scrub is now quiet and peaceful. It was a big day out.