Maleny

As we head north it's, great to find these gorgeous little towns.  Kaz's parents had recommended Maleny as a nice spot to stop, and they were right.  We stayed at the Maleny Showgrounds for 9 nights.  I'm not sure if I've mentioned but the reason we stay in the show grounds is that they are $15 per night as apposed to $50 at a caravan park,  it gets expensive.  Maleny is a pretty little town inland from the Sunshine coast.  We set up our camp next to the Ellis family, as they had arrived the day before.  We had a great week hanging out with the Ellis gang and exploring the area, oh and doing school work.

We set off together to do a little walk along the river and to check out a local waterfall, which I cannot remember the name of, oops.  The kids had a great time running around and climbing on the rocks.  that was until all of the kids had a tumble and hurt themselves!! Then we went for a drive and checked out the view from a couple of look outs.  Of course it was pretty spectacular, like they all seem to be around here. 

Next stop to visit was Montville for afternoon tea and a bit of shopping.  Another gorgeous little town.  Jake had a great time with his new harmonica, so much so that I took his hat of his head and put it at his feet, as he played 'music'.  Only problem was we were the only ones who gave him money.  Am guessing his musical ability won't pay for us to travel around OZ.

We spent most mornings doing school work, and went out in the afternoon.  Jake finds it hard to sit and do school work, so we have been trying a few new things with him.  He's very proud of his body he traced and the labels we added.  He's learnt his alphabet almost and has started to learn to read.  Which is great as he is still Jake and doesn't like to stop still!!
Charlotte is going great guns with school and is improving heaps.  Its mainly her spelling and handwriting that needs work, but really that's why we have computers! hhehheee

We took the kids to Mary Cairncross Reserve, a subtropical rainforest in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.   Named after the family that donated the land back in the 50's.   It has a fabulous education centre, walking tracks and picnic area.  The kids played on the playground, while we cooked the BBQ.  Then we went for a walk through the forest.  It was a great day out, lots of learning and education for all.  I think I'll class this as a school day excursion!

Mark teaching Jake about old trees.

There were lots of these beautiful tree roots, check out Jake's face.  He's loving having his picture taken.

The education centre

The view from Mary Cairncross

Where we were staying there is a nice boardwalk into town.  We decided that we deserved a night out for tea.  We don't do this too often, gets a bit expensive.  As it would be dark we rugged the kids up and set of with torches and lanterns.  It was a great night.  Some yummy food and a few drinks.  Was very amusing when Mark hid on top of the bridge on the way home and scared Kaz by shouting 'Who's that walking under my bridge'.  Not sure kaz or Will found it that funny!

Sam, Charlotte and Will

There are these cow statues in the centre of town, and of course the kids decided to milk them.

Kaz and I and our delicious daiquiris!

At the showgrounds, right behind our van is the towns tennis courts.  We had watched plenty of people playing tennis and decided we had to have a go.  We had to borrow the kids racquets but boy was it fun.  I used to play tennis years ago, but not in a long time.  Mark played badminton and Dan played tennis in his junior days. 

Mark and I decided to have a friendly game which ended in me beating him 6-0, much to my delight!!  Then in my excited state, and competitive nature, I agree to play Dan.  He then had great delight in pulling me down a peg or too and beating me 6-1.  Apparently he was doing it for the boys!!!  Was still great fun, but I was a little stiff the next day.

The kids had some hits too.  Charlotte reminded me of me when I was a little girl. I can still remember getting my first tennis racquet at her age.  She got a little frustrated, but gave it a good go.  Think we will buy some racquet, Mark wants to try to beat me next time!

I know why I'm smiling but not sure why Mark still is???

In our van we have a shower but no bath.  The kids miss their night time baths.  Kaz was bathing Zac outside so our kids also wanted a turn.  They looked so cute, I just had to take a photo or three.

Jake, Will and Zac

On Sunday afternoon we went to Kondalilla Falls.  It was a great afternoon out.   Except for us not taking coats and it raining.  On a plus side the rain was really beautiful streaming down through the forest. 

 You walk for about 25mins to the Rock Pools, this very lush and beautiful pool with a small waterfall at the top.  Some kids had been swimming there today, but not us.  Would be fabulous on a hot day in summer. 

We then walked down a heap of steeps to the viewing platform to see the falls themselves.  A really long drop down.  The word Kondalilla is aboriginal for rushing water,  and it was definitely rushing.  We chose not to do the full walk to the base of the falls.  The kids were spent and we were told by a few people that it was a harder walk with even more steps.  We'd all done a great job that day.

Rock Pool

Kondalilla Falls

Nice family shot, except we're all a bit wet!

Our good friend Simone was up visiting her mum in Eudlo, just near where we were staying, so we organised to catchup.  We headed to Underwater World at Mooloolaba, on Monday to meet up with Sim, her mum, Luke and Pip.  We last saw them back in Singleton about a month and a half ago.  It was great to catch up and the kids had a wonderful day.  They got to see a seal show, an otter show and plenty of other informative marine creatures.  Charlotte even touched a turtle, she was thrilled.  Was hard for us to say goodbye, especially Charlotte, she's starting to miss her friends a bit more, poor pip was sad to say goodbye too.....:(

Letting off a bit of steam at the playground before heading in.

Mooloolaba Marina

Charlotte and her dear friend Pip

Seal Show

Mark and the kids enjoying looking up at the aquarium.

It was set up so that you could climb under a tank and put your head up in this semicircle bubble.  Was very amusing.

Touch and feel education area.

Maleny was one of those very cute little country towns with some fabulous cafes and shops.  Kaz and I even had time one afternoon to do some shopping and go out for afternoon tea.  Very enjoyable.  We said a sad farewell to the Ellis gang, will no doubt see them again, they are a bit hard to get rid of, heeheee (put that in there for you Dan and Kaz!!!).  They're Victorian, what can I say....:).  Off to Rainbow Beach next and maybe Fraser Island.