Our Weekend in Echuca Moama - Part 2

One of the highlights of our weekend away was a trip on a paddlesteamer. We chose the PS Canberra - primarily because we could get the pram on board! I was interested to see that she actually celebrated 100 years this last weekend.

The PS Canberra coming in ready for us to board.

Here are a few photos taken during our one hour cruise:

PS Emmylou chugging past.

Paddlesteamers tied up at the wharf.

An iconic scene.

The historic Echuca wharf.

Neil and Lucinda relaxing on board.

Each of the girls was given a turn at the wheel, and received a certificate to prove it!

Captain Charlotte (with help from Mum).

The weather was very hot and sunny, so enjoying an icecream was high up on the agenda.

The epitome of happiness!

The other thing we couldn't miss was the traditional evening drive to see the Christmas lights. This giant Santa was just off the road leading to our accommodation, and the girls were fascinated by it.

There was no missing this Santa!

As Christmas approaches again (believe it or not, the supermarket already has fruit mince pies for sale!) it's nice to look back on what we did last year. Perhaps we should make it a family tradition!

Our Weekend in Echuca Moama - Part 1

[This post is about 7 months old, and for some reason missed out on being uploaded. But I thought the pictures make it worth sharing even if it is late!]

Two facts you may not know:

1. My husband is quite clever sometimes.
2. Going away the weekend before Christmas has a lot of advantages.

No, I wasn't quite organised enough to have done all the shopping, so I did spend quite a bit of Christmas Eve buying last minute presents and groceries. But the holiday park we stayed at was quiet, and we could enjoy all the facilities with ease. For us, it was a great time to go away.

On our first evening, we bought some take away pizza and had a picnic by a billabong in Echuca. The girls had a lot of fun running around and expending the energy they had accumulated while sitting in the car.

Our 'perfect pizza picnic'!

Charlotte and Grace having fun chasing each other.

Two beautiful faces.

We stayed in a cabin at the Moama on Murray Resort for three nights, and found the facilities were perfect for a young family.

There was an animal nursery, where we could feed the animals each morning.

Grace feeding the chickens.

Beatrice the pig.

Rambo the sheep.

Squiggles, the indoor play centre on site, proved to be the biggest hit with our family.

Lucinda exploring the ball pit.

Grace.

Charlotte.

Lucinda playing with Daddy in the baby's area.

We also loved the lagoon style swimming pool, with a large shallow area for toddlers to paddle in, and shade sails to keep the fierce sun at bay.

Enjoying the affection of my three little girls.

A great pool for toddlers.

Daddy and Lucinda chilling out.

There are so many photos to share, I'll need to use another post to tell you about all the sights we saw around town.

A Holiday ... and No Holiday

Should you be wondering where I've been over the last couple of weeks ... I've been on holiday!

I'm sorry I didn't warn you about the impending hiatus in posts, but my list of things to do before we left was so long a few things had to give.

My husband, daughters and I flew to Brisbane in early January. We spent two weeks with my parents, hanging out a lot with my sister and her family, and catching up with friends. Lucinda was dedicated on the 12th January. And the girls LOVED being with their cousins.

All of this will feature in future posts. For now, here's a picture of my three girls with my sister's five children, all enjoying an ice cream together at Southbank (thanks, Grandma!).

The cousins enjoy an icecream together on a hot Brisbane day.

And now to the 'no holiday' bit ...

Yesterday I signed up to the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation program.

And so begins a new battle in this long standing war.

They say you should keep trying to quit smoking, because every attempt brings you closer to success. I guess the same is true with weight loss.

One of the pre season tasks involves committing to your goals, and telling others about them.

So, here it is ...

My long term (and I mean a couple of years!) goal is to lose 52.3 kg.

My short term goal (in the next 3 months) is to lose 20 kg.

As I said on Facebook, I begin this journey with a great deal of trepidation. I've had small victories in the past, but never won the war.

However, there is also determination. I will give it my best shot.

Maybe if I'm successful, I'll deserve another holiday!

Lovely Lavendula

Lavendula is a Swiss Italian farm just a few minutes drive from Daylesford.  I've visited a few times over the last ten years, and have always been drawn to the ambience of the place.

The golden sandstone buildings were built in the 1860s. The farm was owned by the same family for over 150 years before the current owner restored the buildings and created a European garden.

The complex contains several garden areas, including a pattern garden, lavender field, vineyard, and olive grove. You can sit in the cobbled courtyard, play pentaque, eat indoors or out, and buy various home and body products.

The barn is the first building you see.

Jonquils -  a sign of spring.

Jonquils.

Bluebells.

The original farmhouse.

There were lovely spring floral arrangements everywhere.

Daffodils.

A table on the verandah of the farmhouse.

A window in the old farmhouse.

Grace on the verandah of the farmhouse.

You can eat outdoors in the ash grove.

Checking out the farm animals.

Some of the geese.

The donkey.

La Trattoria.

Neil pushed Charlotte when she got tired.

An old wagon.

I would have taken photos of the kitchen garden, but I was busy using the camera as a shield to protect my head from a swooping magpie!

Grace and Charlotte on the lawn.

Charlotte.

Grace.

Charlotte sitting in the lavender field.

The girls frolicking in the lavender field.

We shared a serve of lavender scones.

A view of the European garden.

Another garden view.

Neil got a photo with the girls, in almost the same spot we took a photo of him and his mother quite a few years ago when we visited. How things change!

Neil & Iris - 2005

Neil & Grace, Charlotte & Lucinda - 2012

If ever you're in the area, Lavendula is well worth a visit. I'd love to go back again during one of the festivals.