Australia: Melbourne

I don't know about everyone else ... but life in Middle Tennessee right now is reminding me much more of Rockefeller Center at Christmas time than the muggy honky tonks everyone expects.  Sunday evening were were hit with a frigid cold front that left the us in a "State of Emergency" and everything in it's wake covered in nearly two inches of ice. Baby B and I finally made our way outside today and got a little human interaction, which was MUCH needed. 

But now we're back at home, holed up in the apartment looking at the cold bleakness that is winter and wishing we were back in Melbourne. So, for today let's pretend we are!  

And just like that, we're in city numero dos of the trip to the land down under.  Catch up on the travel and our first city recap, Cairns and the second Cairns: Photodump here if you need to. 

Ahh, Melbourne.  

My absolute favorite city we visited on the trip. Such a great mix of awesome modern architecture, fancy canals and bridges that had a Chicago-esque feel, and one of the most awesome live renditions of Silent Night I've ever heard. 

Tuesday, December 23

We landed in Melbourne on December 23 in the late afternoon and my child was being a HOLY TERROR. He was so tired and just completely over it, and it literally drove me to drink out of the mini bar in our room (that's acceptable right?). Although from this adorable picture, you would never guess this tiny sweet thing eating ice cream only a few hours earlier could ever be anything other than perfect. Ha!

We stayed at the Hotel Crown Metropol. It was awesome, attached to a casino and a ton of restaurants and things to do. Which was perfect for a long day of travel and a cranky toddler who was hungry. After we got settled into our room we headed to dinner at Merrywell, which had been voted best burger in the city. Nom Nom.

Wednesday, December 24

The next morning we woke up and grabbed a quick coffee from the hotel at a place called Degani. Bennett opted for a blueberry muffin and couldn't have been more happy about it. After we had our caffeine fix we piled into a can and headed to Queen Victoria Market, the largest openaire market in Southern Hemisphere.

Uhhmm … yes puhlease.

We kept eating little delicacies from all of the shops and trying new things. It was the perfect way to spend the morning.

Sidenote: it was at this very moment while I was chowing down on olives and cheese .. I received a text from one of my besties, Baili, with a video of her Lee boy proposing! It makes this picture of half eaten food so special :)

After our bellies were full we walked around, hit up some food truck donuts, shopped some of the local boutiques (shout out to Madame Proper and their ADORABLE little bags momma and I swooned over … and purchased, duh). Naturally, the boys tired out quickly and opted for a foot massage instead of shopping … some things never change (Look closely, Bennett laid on top of his daddy and snuggled him, cue heart melting).

After the market, we walked around Victoria and just took in all the city had to offer. The boys headed into the Maserati dealership, and we checked out the Victoria state library, complete with the most interesting street performers ever (Max, if you're reading this you know EXACTLY what I am talking about).

And of course we had some sweet treats to top it off in the Oasis. Plus macaroons from The Cupcake Factory (not pictured) and I think they were some of the best I have ever had. 

After our family-scapades GoGo and PaPaw took beebster back to the hotel to swim in the pool while Hubs and I had a day date. We ventured down Swanston Street and headed up the Rooftop Cinema Bar.

And kooky who we ran into … Barbara Corcoran!  I was so nervous to take the picture I forgot actually look and focus the image … soo, It's a little blurry - but you get the idea.

After the rooftop, we walked around a little more and grabbed a little sushi snack at one of those sushi carousels before Christmas Eve celebrations. 

 It's Christmas Time in the City!

 We headed to Federation Square to be a part of the city's celebration for some food, drinks, and Christmas caroling.

 Well hey there Santa.

 And for good measure, we ordered "Frozen Snowman" drinks to make it feel a bit more Christmassy.

 Panorama of our Christmas Eve!

 And we all gathered into the "star" in the square and lit out candles and sang silent night, which was broadcast all over the country on the broadcast.  Such an awesome night.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 25

We woke up early Christmas morning and exchanged very small love tokens before boarding the car with our mini Santa to head to Philip's Island. 

 Quick outfit change and all of a sudden Rudolph also joined the Christmas party.

 We had Chinese for our Christmas Dinner and ordered duck because it was so cliche. Hello, A Christmas Story … Fa-ra-ra-ra--rahhhhh.

Merry merry!

 We topped off the night by checking out our girl JLaw in Mockingjay Part 1. Solid.

Friday, December 26

Bright-eyed and bushy tailed we started off the next day by heading the WWII Memorial

 Hello, Melbourne. I like you.

Next, we took a stroll through the botanical gardens.

 Then we checked out the Queen Victoria Gardens, which I coined the Central Park of Melbourne.

 We continued to stroll along the Yarra River while little man snoozed in his stroller.

 We stumbled upon a great little lunch spot at the Public House and played some mad ping pong games.    

Fun fact … McDonald's is called Macca's in Australia. WOAH. Mind Blown. After lunch we shopped along Bourke Street and took advantage of some Boxing Day deals. We checked out the Christmas Extravaganza at the hotel, and maybe took a tiny nap :).

We wrapped up the night  on Lygon Street and stuffed our faces with Italian food.

And of course completed the evening with Gelato.  Ice cream is always a good idea.

Saturday we had an early flight and were headed to Sydney!  Leg three of the trip is up next!

Australia: Cairns Part II - Photo Dump

Looks like my sly online comments from my original Cairns post worked … Penny handed over the pictures :)  I realize, I've already recapped you, but I felt compelled to share the additional images after making such a big deal about it. I'll try to keep my mouth shut so you can enjoy the look book without my repetitive commentary, but I'm not making any promises.

Saturday, December 20

Snorkeling/Diving the Great Barrier Reef - Chartered Catamaran out of Port Douglas 

 WHALES!

Jon Ryan heading in for his first Dive!

 Even Baby B got to play!!

 Sunday, December 21

Paronella Park and Queensland Waterfalls

Creeping on Uncle Max :)

 Getting artsy :)

 Lovebirds ...

 And more lovebirds + one ...

 And sibling love.

 Just a boy playing with sticks.

 Oh my heart ...

 Water falls!

 Climbing the Cathedral Fig Tree … DANGER: WATCH FOR PYTHONS

 Showing off our figs.

 Annnnd, we're out. Melbourne up next!

Infatuation Inquiry

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Which could mean so many things to so many people. As for Hubs and me … the lead up to the weekend has consisted of LOTS of searching and re-searching for Disney Junior Live! On Tour: Pirate and Princess Adventure tickets in hopes to take little man on a hoot date and for some reason or another, LOTS of trivia that has made for some seriously fun conversation.

Hehehe funny trivia. I bet you tried it. Silly. I'm laughing at you.

In lieu of upcoming dates and need conversation fillers … I thought I would share some of the trivia that's been happening around these parts. Just in case you find yourself in the middle of a situation where you need some conversation fillers. And/or you're like me and Shane and simply have been together for so long, that mindless trivia can just be a fun addition to any date (In the off chance you want to play by yourself … I'll write the answers far enough below so I won't burst your bubble of mentally answering)

• Random Questions:

1. What state is Mt. Rushmore in?
2. What state is most well known for cheese?
3. Which country would you find the world's longest fence?
4. Which country has the world's longest coastline?
5. What river flows both north and south of the equator?
6. Which country has the most volcanoes?
7. How many bones are there in an Elephant's trunk?
8. In which year did Princess Dianna die?
9. How many dots are there on a pair of dice? (ANSWER QUICK!)
10. What is the only planet that rotates clockwise?

• Valentine's Day Related Questions

1. How many roses will be sold and delivered within a three day time period?
2. Where are most of the USA's roses imported from for Valentine's Day?
3. What percentage of women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day?
4. How many candy hearts (the NECCO ones with messages on them) are sold between January 1 to February 14?
5. How many heart shaped boxes of chocolates will be sold for Valentine's Day?

• Date-y Questions:

1. What is the other's shoe size? 
2. In what city was the other born? 
3. If the other had his or her dream job, what would it be? 
4. What single word would the other use to describe you? 
5. Which of the following candies best describes your first kiss? Starburst, Good and Plenty, Hot Tamales, Goobers, Milk Duds, Zero.

Answers:

• Random Questions:

1. South Dakota
2. Wisconsin
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. The Congo
6. Indonesia
7. Zero
8. 1997
9. 42
10. Venus

• Valentine's Day Related Questionsa

1. 110 million
2. South America
3. 15%
4. 8 BILLION! 8 BILLION! WHAT?!?!?
5. 35 Million

• Date-y Questions:

1. I obviously can't answer these for your date :) - Have fun!

Okay chickens enjoy your love-filled weekend. I love you! Muah!