Second Week of our Aussie Trip:
Christmas in the Hunter Valley
with Grandma & Grandpa

A short 30min drive from Wangi Wangi and we arrived in the beautiful wine district of News South Whales...The Hunter Valley.
This is where we were to spend the next week out at Dave's moms B&B in one of her cottages, nestled in the vines on Kelman vineyard.

http://www.huntervalleycooperage.com/accommodation/lumberjack.php


Here's a map.....

We had a wonderful week, catching up with family, relaxing at the cottage, exploring the Hunter Valley and the vinyards in a classic convertible car, wine tasting, chocolate tasting....and lots more!

Dave, Grandma and the boys went swimming every morning at the local pool. Which they loved, they even had swimming lessons for a few days.
We had barbies (BBQ's) out on the deck most nights under the stars, joined by the company of a colony of bats, which Harry found to be very entertaining.
Mom and I spent some more time painting, playing cards and reading home magazines! I even managed to finish a novel while staying here!

We had lots of visitors, Steve came to stay for a night, it was so great catching up with the new daddy! Hayden came and stayed with us for a few nights, which was wonderful. Mom came out to visit a few times, which was so nice to just, chat and paint.

While Hayden was with us We all went out to the Hunter Valley zoo together and got to hangout with some local animals....
The boys loved chasing the baby peacocks around, it was hilarious watching them scatter at the sight of one of my boys, the mom peacock would screech back at the boys to say stay away from my babies, it scarred them and they came running to me...a little ironic!
They had a wonderful opportunity to pat a koala and a wombat and feed the kangaroos and wallaby. We saw emus and ostriches in full run across the fields and loved hearing the cockatoos talking...hello, hello! Harry was amazed that birds could talk.
Another wonderful highlight of this part of our stay was the beautiful Hunter Valley Garden Christmas lights. It was so nice to walk around out doors at Christmas, looking at the lights in the heat! Not having to rug up in scarves and coats. The lights were so magical and it was quite the adventure walking through the huge grounds. We bumped into Santa so the kids had to say hi, and give hugs. Dave whispered into Santa's ear the boys names, Santa said "hello Harrison" well that was it. Harry was jumping up and down with pure excitement and a beaming smile..."Santa knows my name!!!" A totally priceless moment. Santa then went on to say be good to your brother and listen to your mom and dad. What a great Santa!

The boys had a ride in a small kids ferriswheel. That went on and on and on. Had to be the longest ride ever. We then realised that it had broken down and would not stop. A very scarry moment for all parents watching. The opperator started to grab the kids out as they came around. There were my two little guys right up the top, baning on the side...let me out! Finally they were able to figure it out and get all the kids out safely...I was ready to become hysterical! Thank god it was over!

During our stay in the Hunter Valley, the weather was perfect. Sunny and Hot with a little breaze that made you want to sit outside under a tree and soak it all in. I love this pic, it shows the beautiful sun beams...

We celebrated Christmas with Dave's Moms family while here. This was also our first chance to meet our new gorgeous nephew, Tyler and sweetie pie niece, Keeley. Lots of snuggles were had that day. Great Grandpa Leask was also there and it was so good to be with family. Grandma put on a beautiful traditional Christmas lunch, Turkey and Ham with all the trimmings....yum! We then finished the day with a movie down in the theater.
What a wonderful day, thanks Mum for all the great memories of Christmas and our stay out at the Hunter!

Unfortunately our cammera was playing up through this part of our trip, if anyone has pics from Chrissy day, or any other parts of our Hunter Valley stay we would love to see them and I would love to add them to the blog...thanks =)