The one where we have some friends...

Dee Why beach from Long Reef , with Dee Why Lagoon in the background

Long Reef from Dee Why beach

Yesterday was a great day. It wasn't raining for a start which was a good sign, and we walked down to the Wharf so that the children could take part in the community Easter Egg Hunt. Their search was rewarded with a Lindt chocolate bunny, then we nipped back home to change our clothes because it was hotter than we thought.

We had made arrangements to go over to see Paul and Lydia for the day. Paul is the guy who Andrew will be working with in over here and Lydia is his wife. They have two children - Jack and Will - who are 10 and 7 years old and when we came out in November we spent quite a lot of time with them and got on very well.



When we arrived at their house in North Curl Curl, they had already been to the beach for a surf, so we sat on their terrace admiring the fabulous view of Dee Why beach and Long Reef (photos above) eating egg and bacon rolls and drinking tea. Andrew and Paul talked work stuff whilst Lydia and I chatted about girly things and the children. It was so nice to have a woman to talk to and have a giggle with. The children were busy on scooters, skateboards and the trampoline, but eventually they wore us down and persuaded us to take them to the beach.



I have to admit that I find watching the children playing in the surf very stressful, even with the ever attentive life guards. They went up and down on their boogie boards whilst I scanned the water for sharks and made ready to launch myself into the water should they get into trouble. Andrew thinks I'm a nutter, and I think Paul and Lydia do too! However, the children are not that sea savvy yet, and Anna is such a daredevil I don't feel I can take my eyes off her. Nevertheless, after about an hour I did start to feel more relaxed - but I was relieved when they got out! I didn't go in myself, but apparently at this time of year, at the end of the warm season, the sea is about 24 degrees! Will definitely go in next time.



The area that Paul and Lydia live in is where we are looking for a house. The children's school is there, and although there are wonderful beaches and parks, it is only 40 mins by bus to the city - even quicker when you drive and it's not rush hour. The area seems to offer everything we need - a bit of country, a bit of beach and a bit of city. There also lots of really nice restaurants and cafes by the beaches, and an excellent shopping mall about 10 mins drive away. Perfect.



After we'd been to the beach we went back up to Paul and Lydia's house and had supper. The children ate first, and poor old Anna, who has been struggling with a terrible cough and cold, had an awful coughing fit at the table which culminated in her bringing up all her tea! The boys vacated the area pretty quickly, and I felt for Anna as she was a bit mortified. Just one of those things though....



After a bottle of wine (between Lydia and I), and a lovely steak supper, we set off back to our flat at about 10pm with two exhausted children. It had been so great for them to spend some time with other kids.

PS As you can see, I have finally managed to add a caption to a picture! Might go back through and add to other pictures later!