Spectacular Sydney!!

After thirteen days at sea, we were at our final destination, Sydney.  The first sight that welcomed us into the Sydney harbor was the world reknown opera house that our cruise ship docked just across the harbor from! Walking off the boat onto dry land, we definitely all felt like we had forever "sea legs" making us feel a bit wobbly!  However, we had no time to lose, as we were in Sydney, Australia!!  Directly from the cruise ship, we each (including Preston) pulled (or dragged in some people's cases) our luggage to the Marriott a short couple blocks from the port.

Once we were settled in our hotel, we were anxious to see the sights around us, and get a closer view of the beautiful harbor, and Opera house.  It was a wonderful day in the harbor.

Lucky for us, we were able to catch a private tour of the Opera house, and learn all about its architecture and history.  The individual microphones allowed us to listen to the guide without making a loud entrance into theatres where people might be rehearsing.

After visiting the opera house, music must have been on our mind and in our thoughts as an "Australian aboriginee" nearby caught our attention with his music, and we all had to get a closer look.

Later, Tyson gave it a good try...it sounded more like a dying elephant.....

Thanks to John for staying back with the boys allowing Alison, Grandma and Papa to spend half of the next  day at the Sydney temple.  It was a wonderful experience to attend the temple together.

The Sydney botanical gardens were just a stone's throw from our hotel as well.  They were beautiful and well kept.  However, we were surprised to see the "uninvited" guests who hung from the tree tops.  Hundreds of bats swarm the area at night.  It was more calm for us during our daytime visit, as they all just slept with one eye wide awake on US!

Another day in Sydney, we  took a 2 1/2 hour shuttle bus from the city to the Blue Mountains.  

The boys kept asking why they would name the mountains "The Blue Mountains??"  However,  as soon as we arrived and looked out over them, they actually did look BLUE in the distance.

There were three types of transportation available in the Blue Mountains for tourists to get better views from down low, and up above.  We took them all, and were able to get some fabulous views!

The day tour also included a trip to an Australian wildlife park---we couldn't get enough of these animals from down under, and became even more confident and daring with them this second time!

Papa gets VERY close to this little kid, and even shares a treat they both love---ice cream cones!

Tyson...a LOT more daring than most...

and even remained calm as this guy slithered around his body!

It was a great day, but that night made it even better with our tickets to the Broadway show "Wicked" in Sydney!

The next morning, we sadly said "good-bye" to Grandma and Papa.  We were so grateful they were able to come on this vacation with us, and will have sweet memories forever.  Thanks Grandma and Papa for spending two days in airports and airplanes to meet us so far from home, all your patience, fun spirits, energy, love, and forever support in everything our family decides to do--we love you!

And even though we were sad to see them leave, we had one last day to party in Sydney!!  And party we did in the tourist favorite, Darling Harbor.  A perfect place to walk along the boardwalk, do a bit of last minute souvenir shopping, and devour some Australian beef!

The next morning, we headed to the airport---sad to see our vacation end, but soooo excited to sleep in our own comfy beds.  It was definitely an incredible trip, and we will forever be grateful for our opportunity to travel to "The Land Down Under."

And a final note.......

Since this was Preston's first "official" vacation with the family, we were a little nervous how he would manage with a tight schedule, late night dinner times, strenuous walks, and sleeping away from his own bed!  However, we are THRILLED  to say that thanks to entertaining dinner-time toys,

Brothers and a Dad that were ALWAYS willing to pull a little extra weight,

Big brothers that are always ready for fun,

And great laps that always made the perfect pillows when you are just tired of being tired.....

The family vote was unanimous.....Preston passed the test with flying colors, and we would have NEVER had so much fun without him!  LOVE this little buddy---our newest Wilde trooper!