Sunday, August 2, 2009

Beechworth


The Wilson family (Justin - the first counselor in our Branch and his mother Susan) took us to a neat little town where they used to live. It was very historic with lots of old buildings and museums etc. Ned Kelly apparently had some ties here, and there is a show dedicated just to him. Our first stop was a park in the center of town next to the old prison. There was a massive rock that was so worn in one spot the kids could slide down it. It was fun.
If there was a Fonzie in Australia, this would be him..."Ayeeeee"
Here is Justin taking Maeby down the rock slide, weeeee
Liam was getting a little to brave for our comfort.

Everyone had a turn.
And he is SAFE!


Wedgie time
Maeby posing on the cannon that was mounted on top of the rock formation.


Our next stop was another park near a man made lake. Here we had lunch Aussie Style, AKA a sausage sizzle, or snags. The kids played with the ducks and had fun on the playground.









There was an aboriginal maze there at the park too, the kids had so much fun running in and around it. Pretty amazing fun for some stones lined up on the ground.


After lunch at the park, we hit the locally famous "lolly shop". I think it was called Beechworth Sweets Company. The shop was amazing, like it was right out of a fairy tale or Willy Wonka or something. Too bad they would not let us take photos inside, it would have been fun to share. We headed over for some super thick Belgian hot chocolate for the grown ups while the kids tackled their sweet treats. Here is Spencer, almost in heaven.

Liam found a wig in that shop and all the guys took turns trying it on, Justin looks like a crazed rocker.

Maeby was pretty excited about her Nerds.

Willy just look silly. 

Liam looks quite like a wolf-child.

After the 72 million calories, we decided to hit the bakery for somemore treats to eat after our bushwalk. That's what we Yanks call hiking. Here we are at the start of our hike.



The sunset was really pretty. Cool effect from the camera lens eh?

We played by a little quarry where one person had dug out rocks for one house and left this pit with a little bench ledge perfect for camp fires.








Hold on, I need a break. Ahhh, that's better.


This is Justin and Susan with our kids. Susan is like their surrogate granny while we are here.




Spencer checkin out the scenery with the binoculars. They had a weird name for the binoculars but I can't remember what it was. Notice he is ready for the quick draw with the sucker holster.


Looking north from the big rock outcropping on our hike.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Horseback Riding

Melanie and I (Mom) went to a Young Womens Fund Raising activity in Wangaratta. Afterwards we went to Penny's house to hang out for the day and ride some horses. Penny has become a very good friend since we have been here.

Melanie is getting good at riding Aussie style. This is the las time we get to ride Millie (Australian Brumbie) since she has been sold. 
This is Jane, Penny's daughter taking Millie showing us her stuff. Jane is such a sweet girl, my kids adore her.v