Oz

It's been a long time since our family has been in "Kansas", but we felt right at home on our recent trip to Oz.

For my anniversary present this year, Michael surprised me with a trip to Australia, Oz as the locals call it.

It was absolutely amazing, and we both agree we'd live there if given the chance.

The trip started off wonderfully with Grayson having his own personal bassinet on the long flight over (about 15 hours total travel time). I was like a school girl listening to the flight attendants' accents. Everything sounds so much nicer the way they talk, although, at times, I found myself wondering what they were saying.

It was springtime so the weather was in the seventies--perfect for walking around in jeans and a short-sleeved top, which in itself was a nice change from the island. I especially loved the lavender trees.

We started our tour of 3 cities in 11 days with Sydney.

The city was absolutely beautiful with a gorgeous view from everywhere you went, and the people were very friendly.

Our first adventure was to go out to the famous Manly Beach.

So we headed to Circular Quay where there is an abundance of cafes and shops and took a ferry across the Sydney Harbor.

Grayson was in love with all the boats sailing by!

While on our ride, we got to see Luna Park, a free amusement park and...

Fort Denison which is still used to protect the Harbor.

After a quick bite on the wharf,

we headed down the Corso shopping district to the beach.

The Pacific was freezing.

But, we had fun playing in the sand.

On the way back, we strolled through the Rocks...

a historical block now full of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 2 started out with a tour of the opera house.

Michael met Seth Green over lunch who he said was a really nice guy.

Next up, the Botanical Gardens.

The park was in the middle of the city and had a great view of the government house.

We finished up day 2 by strolling through Hyde Park, where the city was holding a Noodle Market Festival in the middle of the trees with lots of tasty treats and lanterns everywhere.

And looking at St Mary's Cathedral, the first Catholic Church in Australia.

Day 3 was our Taronga Zoo day. We took a Sky Safari up a huge hill to the zoo overlooking the city.

Of course, the koalas and kangaroos were the best.

Notice the joey in her pouch.

We'll continue our Australian visit with Perth...