A traditional Easter weekend

Easter Weekends are by tradition now, spent in Sydney.  Despite the temptation to head off camping or to Fiji - we enjoy our Easter weekends at home.

We've kept up our traditions this weekend with a Family Bike Ride and our now famour Easter Egg hunt at Chinaman's Beach on Easter Sunday.

Good Friday
The Easter weekend kicked off with a trip into Sydney to enjoy the free Hoopla Festival - a series of circus events staged in Darling Harbour.  We had a great time watching lots of different acts do tumpling, trapeze, slightly weird dancing and a cabaret act that was almost funny.  The kids got taught how to spin a plate on a stick and walk on stilts (while I had a beer) and the ice creams from the Lindt Chocolate shop marked a good end to a good day.

An impromptu visit to the Underhills resulted in a 'come in for a cup of tea request' - we were there for 4 hours....playing Bridge of all things.

Easter Saturday
Despite the torential rain all night we met up with the Kelly's and the Sherry's at 10:00am for a family bike ride.  Our friend Helen has a torn calf muscle so she pushed the pram as the rest of us set off on a 15 km ride through the bush, alongside Narrabeen lake, through the campground and all the way to North Narrabeen beach...and back....via the cafe for hot chocolate and muffins.

The kids got wet and muddy - they were happy.

Emma got mud thrown at her by the kids (at the suggestion of another dad) - Emma was not happy.

Saturday night was back to the Underhills for a 'games night' with three other couples.  The games involved more Bridge (glad I learned the rules the night before), Rummikub, Cribbage and more.  I think I lost more than I won.  A few too many beers, Pinot Noir's and Shiraz's meant the night went quickly.

Easter Sunday
The traditional Easter Egg hunt was under threat from rain....but we set off for Chinaman's Beach at 9:00am with sunshine in the distance and dark clouds threatening.  I am glad to report - the sunshine won!  It was a glorious day filled with Champagne & OJ;  Bacon & Egg rolls;  Easter Eggs galore; lots of games of rounders, cricket, soccer;  Swimming, kayaking and sand castle making competitions.

I think we max'd out at 6 families.

 Olivia and Stuart Hoffman spent ages building elaborate castles on the beach.

 Emma does not believe me when I tell her she sticks her tongue out when she plays sport....

 and James closes his eyes when he swings....

 Our good friend Deb Kelly with Jack.

Olivia looking for eggs left by the Easter Bunny.

 Chinaman's Beach has a fantastic park just behind it - which is where we spend the morning (in fact until 3:00pm today).

The Easter Bunny cannot cope with the number of kids we had - so Emma helps out a bit.

 A rare photograph of me.

Our Easter princess - with bunny ears and pretty dress.  Olivia had a great day.

Well Easter Monday is actually on Tuesday this year as tomorrow in Australia it is ANZAC Day (our equivalent of memorial day).  We are attending a Dawn Service at 5:00am...James is taking part with his Cub Scout troop....so it will be a long day....

More next week.

Ken