Leaving on Thursday 14th December, we made a stop on our way out of Adelaide before heading to my brother Dave's house.

Megan, the boys loved meeting you!

Thursday night we stayed at Dave's house on his farm at Drumborg. It was September 2011 when we last visited. The boys reacquainted themselves with their cousin Peter and Uncle Dave. We saw wild Kangaroos and Koalas and played with kittens. We learned to shoot clay targets, played cricket and met new friends who dropped by!

Friday 15th was a long drive to see my mum, Lyn in Warragul - my home town. Upon arrival I found a lovely gift basket from a friend of mum's, Margie. We got lots of cuddles and played with Minnie and Sam, mum's dogs.

Saturday 16th we had our Christmas morning. Last time we saw mum for Christmas was at my Uncle's house 8 years ago. The last time I had a family Christmas in Warragul was 18 years ago!

We opened our presents with mum. The boys loved their enormous towels, but the 1kg jars of Nutella was the overall favourite of the day! Mum loved her brooch and scarf. I got the weight-lifting gloves I've been wanting and needing! Lots of surprises and thankfulness for what we got.

Heading to a local park to celebrate our special day, the boys met Kaye, Gary (Kaye's husband), Peter, Kylie (Peter's wife), Robert (step-siblings), Glenn (cousin), Rebecca (Glenn's wife, not pictured), Holly (Peter's daughter) and Kai (Glenn's son, not pictured) for the first time.

Holly

Kylie

Peter

Glenn & Rebecca, Kai cannot be pictured

Kaye & Gary

Rob

Diane & Keith

Lyn

After lunch the boys played in their Bubble balls (so did the big kids!). Adam played a huge game of cricket with others in the park. Xavier helped the younger park kids play in the bubble ball, and we blew lots of bubbles with the special mix.

Saturday night, I stepped in for a list minute Christmas Carol gig in Drouin with my very first Brass Band - Warragul Municiple. I substituted my mum, who looked after the boys for Nana/boys time. I had a blast, so did they!!

Sunday 17th saw us head off to Healesville Sanctuary. What a lovely day to drive through picturesque hills and walk around the zoo

From Healesville, we toured through the Yarra Junction State Forest until we hit the stunning Noojee Trestle Bridge. Once a railway line, it has been restored for the public to walk across. An amazing area to hike!

Monday 18th Kaye, the boys and I went to see Star Wars at the Movies! We are all keen fans of the series, but had never seen it on the big screen. This was a wonderful experience to share for Christmas.

Monday night Peter invited us up to his beautiful home for a BBQ dinner with our brother Rob and his daughter Holly. The kids laughed and played in the big backyard, played pool, went for a run, and played Hide 'n Seek. So much laughter, wonderful bonding moments and fantastic quality time with my big brothers!

Tuesday 19th Kaye came with us to Phillip Island! What a fantastic adventure we had. First stop the chocolate factory! 400Kg of chocolate goes through a fountain every 3 minutes! We were the first through the factory, so were able to enjoy at our luxury. We made our own chocolates, explored the behind the scenes of the making of chocolate, but no oompa loompas! Xavier loved making the chocolate, while Adam loved having a shot of white chocolate! I think Kaye and I enjoyed our frozen chocolate bananas!

From the chocolate factory we went to San Remo to watch the pelicans be fed. We also had a visit from a hungry stingray waiting for left overs!

Adam was hanging to see the Grand Prix Circuit. We didn't do the museum (but he has that planned for our next trip!). He was in his element standing on the podium and standing next to the legends.

While having a coffee at the circuit we were joined by the stunning peacocks and peahens (and babies!). And for a treat, they opened their tails!

Kaye & I took the boys down to the Nobbies and Blow Hole. Sadly the tide was out and we didn't stay for the penguins, but the views were spectacular all the same!