Our weekend

We started Saturday very early, up before 6 am to watch the Opening of the Olympic Games, thoroughly enjoyed the whole event, 'specially the lighting of the Cauldron.  This time I thought the Aussie uniforms were very tasteful, even if worn by a most casual and happy lot.  Lovely event all around.

We then took our walk - and at 12 noon gathered around at Kumi and Bob's place for what was a very very long lunch.  There were 11 of us, all neighbours, catching up after being away - or going away.  The Barrys leave for a month to Honolulu, Philadelphia, Boston, Nova Scotia and Canada to Singapore this coming Saturday, Suman has just been to India, Jag was back from Minnesota, we have been gone for 3 months, and of course Kumi and Bob have only just arrived home from a 6 week singing tour of Japan.  Kumi put on another really great lunch, and there was quite a lot of singing around their baby Grande later on - mainly Frank and Bob.  It's a really good group here, and we did have a super time.

Below is one of Kumi and Bob's posters from their recent trip - and these two are forever smiling.

Sunday, was another lovely sunny day - caught up on a lot of things around the house, photos from the last week, and Frank went to the Resident's Meeting at the Golf Club.

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This morning we woke to yet another glorious Gold Coast winter's day, a little nippy, but that sun was out and the sky ever so blue - so we took off to Burleigh Heads Beach for a walk.

She looked so different to when we were here last Thursday

with Sarah, Ian and kids

The scarping from the high seas last week was still evident

but the sea and surf was calm again

in fact there were very few board riders today

more waders and wanderers

People were sitting reading their books, laying under this winter sun

the tide was way out also

the flags for swimming were up

and I always enjoy our time on the Burleigh beach deck

just a perfect day.

Day 9 - last day on the Gold Coast

Friday morning, we picked up Immy and Ethan to go back to Sea World and catch up on a few things they may not have seen.  Sarah, Ian and Dan stayed home to sort out the packing, have a swim and hopefully relax.

We were met by these characters above - I think they are part of the "Sponge Bob" crew.

Our first stop was into the Dinosaur Experience Exhibition

They loved it

and Ethan is quite knowledgable about them now.

Then we passed the dophin pools

definitely had to have a stop here.

Some people training going on in this pool

Next, back through Dinosaur Island

they roar at you as you walk past

Found this ride below

(l to r) first and fourth

Back to the Helicopter

Immy is not tall enough yet to ride this by herself - so Grandpa accompanied her.

and up high they went.

Immy went riding again

And Grandpa joined them again

on these petite trucks

Next - the Polar Bears

the only ones within Australia

Immy and I were hoping this one would go for a swim

but as Ethan and Grandpa had already left for Shark Bay

we needed to catch up with them

They then spent half an hour or so on this massive exercise marathon climbing, tumbling thing.

A change into their swimmers

for that pirate ride - again

I didn't take too many photos, as you get very wet, and I had decided against that venture today

We caught the Gondola again back to the entrance/exit

The kids tried out the "Foot Massage"

Then we headed to the fishing trawlers

to buy very fresh prawns

which were caught overnight

to take back to the cabin for a very late lunch, and a bottle of white wine to farewell the Kiwi Wroes

They left very early on Saturday morning, and have arrived back in Auckland safely.

They really enjoyed their stay, lovely mid winter weather, loads to do, and also they had plenty of family time with each other.

Day 8 - Warner Bros Movie World

Thursday was a day full of activity, we went to Movie World, arriving around 10 am on another lovely sunny winter's day.  We were met by another dinosaur.

and a few super heros

We went straight to the Roxy theatre

to check out the "Ice Age Dawn of Dinosaurs" Show - which involves strobes and sudden movements, including the seats tilting and jarring actions simulating dramatic action packed events., and of course those monsterous Dinosaurs moving around and glaring down at you.

Everyone, but moi, went to this show and really enjoyed it.

I stayed outside and watched the dancing!

Young Dan leading the way

and I have been caught snapping again.

Next stop - the Kids rides

Taxis were their first choice

such concentration!

Then off to the Merry-go-round

Not quite sure what character is carrying them.

The little man checking out the garden.

Then back to "Dancing in the Street"

Daffy Duck and his crew

Little Dan below is enjoying this

A really happy bunch of Looney Tunes

I too, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Immy was joined by Catwoman.

Then there was Batman

and one of his mean machines.

Next we went to

The Western Town Show down - Ethan "on set".

Thoroughly enjoyed the dancing

The story was lean with a few gun shots

Ethan asked if they were real guns!

and we all enjoyed these dancers.

Then back to Batman

"Shadows of Gotham"

Grandpa (in his bumblebee shirt) playing with Ethan

while we were waiting for "Marilyn"

She arrives

This was a Tribute to Marilyn Monroe

Grandpa got to hear her "up close"

He liked that.

She sang the Hollywood classics

and again, we thoroughly enjoyed her dancers.

Now to the Hollywood Stunt Driver Show

Incredible driving, and quite witty as well

loads of noise

and Dan slept through it.

Ethan now needs to try his hand at the wheel

so down to the Dodgems

Frank and Ian stayed with Immy and Ethan in the Kids ride area, and Sarah and I took Dan up to the Cafe to give him an OJ, and we sat and enjoyed a glass of wine each.

Joined up again in time for the Grand Parade

Started at 3.30pm

Dan meets "Bug Bunny"

Here comes Cat Woman

with her whip

look out Ethan.

Batman rides past us

On one of his mean machines

The kids have got some "Fairy Floss"

however, Miss Immy told me it was called "Candy Floss"

Daffy Duck greets Ethan

and somehow ends up with his bag of Candy Floss.

We left at the end of the Grand Parade, as we had to meet with our neighbours for Happy Hour at the Golf Club.  The others stayed on till 5pm - the kids just rode a pile more rides in the Kids area, Sarah said they really enjoyed the day, as we did.