Keeping it Real (Australia)

(Charlie and puppy having a midday sleep)

If you have read any of my posts about Australia, the general theme has been what an amazing time we are having. This really has been a wonderful trip, one that a lot of people could only dream about. Our family feels so fortunate for the time we have had here with our extended family, but also all of the fun things we have been able to partake in. 

(No thongs folks, this is an upscale restaurant down under!) 

 

But there is definitely a flip side to the beautiful, sunny days. Traveling with little children is hard no matter where you are. For me, it has been difficult and tiring to be outside of the comforts of our home and familiar routine. The kids have had a tough time - Charlie in particular - with constantly changing surroundings and beds. 

(Charlie riding Pappa's tractor at the farm)

We spent some time in Brisbane, time in Cairns, and then out to Millaa Millaa, and then back and forth again between the three. Then to top it off, this week we have been at an apartment on the beach in Coloundra with just our family. This week has been such a pleasant ending to our 5-week holiday, but the first day we arrived here Charlie was not happy. "I want to go to back to MY home!" he cried while going down for his nap. It really broke my heart because he wasn't being defiant or ungrateful, just absolutely honest with the fact that he was tired of all the travels. Thankfully after his nap and ever since he has been enjoying his time like the rest of us, but the little sweetie will be quite happy when we finally get back home. 

(Malachi sleeping in the car) 

We are choosing to remember all of the good memories from this trip and try to let the not-so-good ones fade to the back. But we must always learn from our choices, right? ;) For the next trip, I don't think we will come for quite this long. Maybe 3-4 weeks would be ideal. We also chose to have Ben working for the first two weeks and while he managed this really well (despite working early mornings/through the night), it was especially hard for me. One week of him working, under the same circumstances, may be a better choice in the future. We would also try to limit the number of times we have to pack up and sleep in a different place. Adelaide has managed quite well through it all which could partly be her age and partly her personality, but that has left me with the conclusion that age 4 may be a better time for (international) travel than age 2. 

(Cousin Henry with Adelaide, Charlie and Ben) 

The best thing about this whole trip though is the time we have spent with our extended Hockey family, time that cannot be replaced. I'm quite certain that Adelaide will clearly remember this trip, Charlie will remember bits and pieces (the farm, phone calls to Mickey, and playing with his cousins, if nothing else), and Malachi won't remember anything at all, but everyone who has gotten the chance to spend time with him has truly been touched by his sweet personality and gorgeous smile. His Nanna and Pappa have been able to see so many of his first-year milestones happen firsthand (new teeth, crawling, starting solids, etc.) and I am truly grateful for that. 

(My two blue-eyed beauties, Adelaide and Malachi) 

I am really looking forward to getting back into a routine at home and seeing what adventures we will face in the coming months. Hopefully a lot of sleep is in my immediate future! ;)