Day One - of being 30 & on holiday.
Monday, August 27, 2012 at 8:28PM Yesterday I turned thirty. We rung in my special day at midnight - dancing, drinking, celebrating, loving, laughing & living it up at my best friend; Monica's; thirtieth bash. She put on an amazing party. She's good like that. And although, us girls *may have* hogged the photo booth most of the night and I *may have* done a Sambuca shot - the first in MANY years, it truly was a fun FUN night! I danced on a dance floor with friends, clinked champagne glasses, cheered, cried, reminisced and reflected. And as Chris & I scurried through the cold carpark after the party, holding hands - childfree; me with my heels in my hands, no longer on foot, I smiled. Being 30 is going to rock! I can just feel it.
Thirty started with a bang.
Yesterday then followed on with other lovelies: happy kids, visiting family, cake, presents, girlfriends around for a pizza dinner and more champers.... & packing for our family holiday! Our family holiday that began TODAY!
After a morning of packing, cleaning, organising & ticking off 'don't forget' lists {yet I still forgot so much haaa}, we headed to the Brisbane Airport - the 4 of us. My favourite 3 by my side. And we boarded flight DJ1497 - Hamilton Island bound.
The flight was fairly smooth. I had my usual micro panic attack on take-off, but calmed once the plane did. Ryder passed out in my lap on take-off & woke just as we started to descend for landing....perfection!
And although the weather here was ever-so-slightly overcast this afternoon......it's still paradise....
This trip was my 30th Birthday Gift from Chris! What a man! I tell you what!!!!!
I spent my whole 20's with him. We met when I was a mere baby-faced nineteen year old. And although, we {ike all couples, I'd like to assume}, had our down's & hard times, we also had a HEAP of great times. He's stood by me through a decade of growth & change. Seriously - Cheers to him, and the joy he brings into my life. No he doesn't do night feeds with baby, or pick up his wet towel off the bathroom floor.......but he makes me laugh, loves me BIG, works hard to provide a good life for me, and treats me like a Princess......like last-minute trips to Paradise....just for turning 30! I love you Chris xx. I really, truly do.
Once we were settled into the hotel, we set out on foot to explore the local area.
We scoured the shoreline for shells & treasures. We enjoyed the balmy weather.
After a rough few weeks with Ryder, today he was a champ. He went-with-the-flow, flirted with strangers, showed off his love of travel, and made the already hard job of traveling with kids....that little bit easier :) His giggles of delight could be heard across the crumpling water, as his Daddy splashed.....
And he loved having his delicious little toes dipped into the ocean.....
I'm hoping this fresh sea air and salty goodness will clear out the snot, germs and congestion we've all been suffering....once & for all for the season :)
These three make me whole. Welcome to the centre of my universe:
We then ventured on. Along the beach, into the dining area, and discovered some more amazing pools, which we'll definitely be testing out this week :)
A bar stop to re-hydrate....of course.
And made creative use of a bar table. My little bongo playing groover:
Chris & Ella {and Barbie Mermaid} had a quick dip in the Hotel's pool before dinner.
This little man is a water-loving-baby! No fear of it at all. Unlike Ella at that age {and still to a degree now} is so cautious of water. But not Ryder. Ryder just wants in!!
And now.....
We're back in the hotel room after a divine dinner in the pool-side restaurant. Kids eat free here {you NEED to come here....seriously}.....Don't you worry....we ensured Ella had a lovely big serving of fish n chips, frog in the pond & pink lemonade. hey....we're on holidays.....and it was FREE!
The kids are asleep. Ryder in the porta-cot by our bedside - his big sister in a queen bed all to her self - all 4 of us in the same room. Just as it should be :) Chris & I are now outside on the patio - iPadding, blogging, listening to Train's new album and breathing in the magic of the Whitsundays!
Lucky. Loved. And loving it! Signing off now - for an early one.
See you tomorrow for Day 2 :) {and Bookworms post coming this week too}
Reader Comments (12)
Oh Claire this is absolutely beautiful! You deserve this so much! Have an amazing week! Ryder toes in the water made my heart melt! And Ella on those drums...you go girl! Enjoy lovely lady! Rock out your first week of 30 ;-)
Claire, I hope the rest of your holiday will be as beautiful as today was for you. I spent alot of time on Hamilton Island in my 20s working over there, and it is the place my husband and I chose to spend out honeymoon... Your post has made me want to go back! Enjoy! Happy Birthday :)
Beautiful Claire, I have heard only amazing things about Hamilton Island, I'm sure you will have a great time and look forward to reading more.
Gorgeous family too - don't forget to BE in some photos too, Mamma's are always taking photos, need to make sure they are in them too ;)
Did love the photobooth, awesome idea! Enjoy Claire xx
What a perfect spot for a family holiday. I went to Hamilton Island when I was 21 and had a fabulous time there. It is such a great place to relax and unwind. I am sure you will all have a lot of fun :)
Just sat down to have a nice big catch-up on your blog but I can hear Soph waking from her nap, so I might have to continue after tea instead:) Anyway... welcome to the 30's club Claire!!! 30 is the best and from the glorious start to this decade you've already had, yours is going to rock for sure!! I am so glad to hear you're having such a wonderful holiday together, especially after the rough few weeks of sickness you've had. How awesome Ryder slept for the flight and has been in a good mood since you've arrived:) I smiled at the vision of Ella all tucked up in the huge bed with Ryder in the porta-cot and you guys out on the balcony. How nice to have warmer weather to enjoy and to be able to swim. Enjoy the rest of your time away Claire, can't wait to see more pics...
P.S Your 'story' is so similar to ours too Claire... I met Paul about a month before my 19th birthday :)
Welcome to the thirties! It's not all bad ;) lovely holiday spot, m a little jealous of the warm weather! Enjoy!!
Thirties seem pretty cool so far Shelley :) and yes this warm weather is so so lovely! Perfect temp actually. Xx
It sure is the perfect place to unwind Susan. I truly love it here :) xx
Thanks Carly :)))
Now that I've sourced a straightener for my hair I may appear in some more shots :) haaa!!
It is lovely here! I've always wanted I come. Can't believe I'm here!
Xx
Oh Teresa, it truly is a perfect honeymoon destination :) love it!
Xx
Thank you so much Sarah :))))
Xx
Ryder's toes.....I know :) yum! Heee!
hahaha Claire, I read about the straightener... I'm the same so completely understand!