After so long flying we were delighted to arrive in Buderim at an oasis hidden on the sunshine coast in Queensland. We savored a hot shower and relaxing with Sandra and John. We were happy to be staying put for the next few days. John and Sandra looked well and were immediately besotted with our little man! 

They say Queensland great one day and perfect the next but it was rainy one day and rainy the next. Here we are ready for a good dose of vitamin D from the Aussie sunshine but poor old Buderim was besieged with rain for most days. Incredible! Despite the rain though it was very hot and humid which was novel for us and Keian loved being striped down to a nappy and singlet and not having to be bundled in layers of clothing! He discovered he had these funny things on the end of his legs with 10 wiggly bits hanging off them!

Sandra and John have recently moved into a fantastic Queenslander style house which is gorgeous. We had a lovely time getting over our jetlag and sharing Keian happily with the Murphy Grandparents – Miss Chloe the Dog was most bemused at this little person who had arrived and taken all her attention time from Sandra and John! Keian did not care he thrived with all the attention!

We spent our days relaxing and going out to the shops, consuming chocolate milkshakes and coffees, visiting Noosa and just catching up with our family. It really is a great spot so we are very happy they have decided to settle there for us to holiday at!

One of the nights David, Lisa, Amy-Lee and Dylan came up to meet their new family member and have dinner with us. It was great to catch up with them all and introduce Keian! A feast of pizza was had by all at the local pizzeria which of course had milkshakes so I was happy!

All too quickly our days came to an end so we had to pack up all our goods and chattels again and head off to the plane to go to Cairns! Landed and found our hire car company, went to collect our allocated car BUT….PROBLEM, no chance our SWAG of luggage would fit in that car boot! (I thought) So I leave Paul with the luggage in 30 something degree heat and take Keian with me back to the counter and to see if I can arrange a Four wheel drive with massive boot room…….BUT whilst I had gone to arrange a new car, Paul had managed to fit the luggage in using every bit of available room in the boot and front seat, back seat and had the driver sitting nearly under the bonnet to drive so you can only imagine the look on his face dripping with sweat when I said he had to take it all back out cause we had a 4WD coming and with that it pulled up beside us…..so sweating like no tomorrow he did not speak he simply started unloading the car again – he did say later that the 4 wheel drive was much better but……timing timing timing!

Cairns Casino Hotel became our home for the next 3 days, again it was hot, humid and wet outside but we did manage to get one rain free day and squeezed Keian’s first swim in the hotel rooftop pool – see photo!

We had a dinner the first night we were there with all the folks from the wedding that came down. Paul went down earlier than Keian and I to meet them all, so I dressed Keian up in his very best Pooh Bear overalls and dressed up myself, blow dried my hair and off we went to meet them all.

By the time I walked into the restaurant I was dripping with perspiration and Keian appeared to be melting. Quick smart Trish had whipped Keian’s clothes off down to a nappy and singlet and had furrowed around in her bag for hair clips to quickly get my sticking hair off my neck whilst I stripped down to my camisole despite those lovely thick maternity bra straps I could not have given a hoot!!!! – It certainly did not cool down that evening.

We did have a great night of seafood and drinks and laughter.  Paul particularly thrived to be back in Cairns amongst his longtime friends and there was lots of laughter and reminiscing of times gone by! After dinner the boys walked Keian and I back to the Casino and as Paul pushed Keian’s pram the comment was passed as follows “Wow times have changed the only thing I saw Murph push down this street was “xxxx” in a shopping trolley, now look at him pushing his son in a pram!!!!!!” Keian and I then left them to it and the boys headed off to their old stomping ground at the bar and casino tables.

I manage the next day to get a “little” shop in but could not choose between the 3 pairs of shoes I found so I bought all 3 pairs as any self respecting shopaholic would do!

Next night Paul and I had a lovely dinner down on the water front. Keian slept right through it and awoke when Paul was having his coffee (great timing), so out he came for his traditional play on the table - this always amuses the waiters and other guests and this restaurant was no exception!

Sunday was a day of visits, we started with prawns for lunch out at Grant and Di’s place which was great and their hospitality was terrific with their daughter “helping” to entertain Keian. Next we whipped across town to Trish and Warwick’s place where Keian was smoozed by the girls for some hours, something his father predicts is the start of the lifetime of girls falling all over him to come! (photos). Meanwhile his mum and dad inhaled the Tim Tams put out on the table!

All too soon we were off to Nico’s place where Shane met us with a seafood platter of fresh mud crabs and prawns which he had been out in his boat that morning, caught, cooked up and served that night for us.  Paul thought he had died and gone to heaven! (photos). This turned out to be the entrée to a feast which Anna cooked up for us with only a few hours notice I might add. We then enjoyed some great discussions and quality time sitting and chatting amongst all the kids and their fabulously renovated house! Thanks Anna and Nico you’re legends……..

About midnight we headed to the hotel to finish packing and set the alarms for 4.30am for our early morning flight. All went well and we arrived at the airport returned the car and made it to the check-in counter with 50mins before the flight (flying business class so not a problem). Paul starts loading the bags on the belt and the lady checking us in says stop you are meant to be at the International terminal which is a 5minute walk. She then rang through only to be told that we could not be checked in on our direct “International” flight to Sydney it was too late! I could not believe it and could not speak I was so furious! Instead we had to be rescheduled on next flight which was via Brisbane and a 1.5hr layover….this is red rag to a bull when you have had 4hrs sleep and are traveling with an infant who now has to tolerate two take offs and landings not to mention having to land get a car and drive to Nelson’s Bay that day so every hour counted.  I decided that I could not open my mouth as I feared VENOM would fly out at anyone in a 50metre radius……FURY FURY FURY, Paul was a little calmer than I as usual.

Anyway…………we finally landed in Sydney, got a hire car with a VERY big boot and raced to Bent Street to unload some of this luggage before shooting off up the coast to Mum and Dad’s new place which is also fabulous and a great location for our future holidays. There house is a great design and comfortable so we were able to relax after our day of traveling.

We had a lovely time exploring the Marina, local shops and restaurants.  We also met up with A. Jeanette and U. David’s and visited there lovely home.  Whilst we were there mum and dad took delivery of their brand new red lounge. We helped set it up and then Keian and I sat on it for his feed time. AH OH within in 30 minutes of receiving this lounge Keian had christened it…….these Australian nappies really cannot seem to compete with the European nappies for leakage and yes Mum quickly had to remove the number “2”s stain from her brand new lounge suite. Grumps said he was relieved cause Keian had already been the first so he wouldn’t get in trouble when he spilt something on it.

Mum and I also squeeze a visit to Curves in together which was fun; no doubt there will be more visits here when she comes over for the month of June.

The last night we all went out for a fantastic seafood feeding frenzy down at the Marina! Delicious!

	Oh what a babe!

On the Friday we hopped in the car again to head to Sydney, more rearranging and packing of luggage ready for our trip to Tasmania. We had a quiet dinner at CJs with Neil and Doreen on Friday night. On Saturday morning Karen, Josh and baby Makenzie came to introduce themselves to Keian. It was a delightful exchange with Kaz and I completely overwhelmed to see each other after missing our pregnancies and births only to now get together with our new little boy and girl…..amazing! The morning absolutely flew by and no sooner had it seemed they sat down than we had to leave for the airport……

Off we went landing late into Sydney but to be greeted by John at the airport. He and Sandra had flown down to stay with us at Bent St. On the Friday Mark, Tracey and Cailyn also joined us as they had driven down from Canberra. We all walked up to CJs for dinner that night and Neil and Doreen joined us also. Poor Keian decided to get a teething attack so Doreen and I raced off the chemist to get bonjella and panadol, whilst poor Nanny paced up and down with this loudly distressed child (where was Dad? On the telephone for a work call of course). Finally I got back and dosed him up and we then could sit down and eat and catch up, a good time was had by all. Cailyn and Nanny walked Keian in the pram and slowly but surely Cailyn became a great helper and into a photo with Keian. The following morning Paul whipped to together breakfast for all before Mark, Tracey and Cailyn headed off home again.

On the Saturday lunchtime it was a free for all at Homebush bay!

There were 47 people who made the effort to come and see us, including Shaun Huthnance who had come all the way from Wagga Wagga,  The Thors and Gay gangs from down the coast and Gran and Grumps and Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nan and Pop Murphy and friends from all over Sydney – we were certainly humbled and loved seeing you all looking so well and happy! It was also a treat to meet all the new additions from friends and family….we certainly have a broad age band now which is heavily weighted at the under 1yr old age bracket!

The weather held out, Aunty Wendy and Aunty Lois’ cakes and slices went down a treat when served by the illustrious Uncle Neil and Uncle Glen. The cousins then rallied up for a game of Cricket as per Duffy tradition which is always fun to watch. Uncle Ray even packed the push bike from the ark which was the mode of transport for those wishing to relieve themselves at the rest rooms! I came home from this day quite overwhelmed at seeing so many of you for the first time since the wedding and the arrival of Keian. Thank you all for coming the photos are terrific!

Sunday was another great day together with a large number of family joining us at the Mosman Rowing Club restaurant for lunch, the weather, food and company were fantastic. Unfortunately it was then followed with more goodbyes……

	These new mothers will learn - best leave the kids at home

The following week we had planned to just sit around in Sydney visit people and relax – Ho ho ho see those pigs flying by!

Instead we got involved in resolving the dispute holding up the terraces on our Bent St property, inspecting our Rangers Rd property, and trawling through tile shops to find tiles for our Bent St property……

We decided as nice as it was to be in our own house there were distinct advantages to being in a hotel where you just rang reception to report any problems…..

Alas we did enjoy having a taste of our Bent St life, being able to host people dropping in, the walk up to the Oaks, the shops and the HarbourBridge….that reminds me!

We decided to walk down to the HarbourBridge and over to Circular Quay to see Narelle for a coffee one afternoon. When we got to the bridge we saw one side with a swag of steps and a sign to the other side saying cycle way. With this we assumed that there would be a ramp, hence there was a ramp albeit a steep concrete one over the stairs that I think had been there since the bridge was built and heaven help any cycle or wheelchair or any wheeled contraption for that matter that went up or down this ramp it was soooo steep.  Paul made it to the top and off we went….about halfway across we were greeted by security! Unfortunately this was not a friendly hi how you going visit, we were advised we were breaking the law by wheeling and walking across this “cycle way” and unless we turned around and went back where we came from we would be fined (we were exactly halfway if not further I would say but do you think they would let us continue oh nooooooo!). When I asked where and how I could get my pram up on the other side they politely informed me that we would have to carry it up the 50 odd stairs….can you believe it! What do the poor people in wheelchairs do I asked….no response! As we walked back where we had come from, carried Keian and the pram down the stairs (ramp far too steep) and then carried him up the other side, then walked across then carried him down the stairs on the other side I was mentally writing my article to the local papers and members for parliament, disabled association, Mothers association and anyone else I could think of to scream bloody murder on the inapt service provided to any wheel bound or stair ill abled person at one of the most recognized and visited tourist attractions in the world. How hard would it be to extend the ramp there or provide a new ramp to access the bridge……ok I will now exit my soapbox…..

We had a terrific girls lunch out at Penrith Log Cabin on the 22^nd (Wednesday) where Leisa, Mez, Sherri, Netti and her Mum, Kazzie, Jenny, Agnes, Alison and all the respective babies (excluding those that had children in daycare or school) spent the afternoon comparing notes and eating/drinking the day away (did I miss anyone - apologies if I did).

It was then off to Kazzie’s for feeding and tea/cake before the journey back to NeutralBay. It was great to see all the bubs and mums and I look forward to doing it again and the ones who could not make it being able to come! Fabulous!

There were many lunches/dinners at Neil and Doreen’s new outdoor pergola area where Paul shopped up a feast from the fish markets and the Whoaphuckers came in force including Debbie and Phil and the girls who traveled down and back to the Central coast just to see us for dinner! Thanks Deb and Phil.

We hosted a dinner/lunch or two when we weren’t frequenting the Oaks or other local restaurants in Northern suburbs.  Sheila and John cooked for us in their super new house and whilst we enjoyed it Keian and Flynn (Angela’s boy/Neil’s grandson) decided not to settle into blissful slumber so Neil and I found ourselves walking the blocks of Willoughby together with prams laughing about how when he met me and hired me as an SDA 10 years ago who would have guessed we would be walking the streets trying to get our babes off to sleep HA! You never know where life will lead you…..aint that the grand part of it!

We had a fabulous lunch out with Cheryl at the St Leonards Rugby Club which has been completely decked out and is lovely, (see great photo on the photo page).  Then a visit to Castle Hill and Kieren and Cheryl cooked up a storm for us and we loved catching up with them as well as Jess and Hayden who have grown up so much in the last years.

We finally got to see the BigWogMansion that Kim and Michael have built up the road from their old house and I must say I was completely impressed and could move in there quite happily tomorrow. Fantastic indoor/outdoor living – gorgeous!  The night went far too fast and by the time we ate, talked and shared a wine it was time to go again, definitely have ear-marked another follow up chapter and will bring the PJs and Swimmers next time!

Morning cuppa at Kylie and Kari’s so Millie and Keian could continue their long distance love affair (Keian has two girlfriends already Millie and Makenzie –like his father when he was younger always keeping his options open!) Millie was fascinated with Keian’s eyes and was quite happy to try and pick them out HAAAAAAA! I warned her that the next time Keian saw her she had better be careful as there is no doubt he would be able to pick her up lock stock and barrel!

Paul and I thoroughly enjoyed all the social catch ups formal and informal, one on one or groups! It really reminded us what great family and friends we have back here in Australia, in that we could simply have a meal and pick up conversations and be as comfortable as if we had not been over the other side of the world for three years – THANKYOU!

Mum and Dad arrived the day before we left to give us some coverage with Keian whilst we tried to perform the miracle of getting all our acquired and existing luggage into the delegated suitcases! I actually thought I had been quite good in the shopping department and since we had brought over one whole huge suitcase of presents thought we would fit what I had bought in easily – hmmmmmmmm!

When it came to the crunch, not only had we emptied one suitcase so I had that to play with but we ended up borrowing another from Neil plus two additional backpacks for the plane! Incredible to say the least. We were so lucky to be blessed on every flight to have a very sympathetic checkin lady who allowed us on with over 120kgs of luggage which was excluding cot, pram and car seat!

Finally it was all in and after a speedy dinner at CJs with Neil, Doreen and Mum/Dad, we got home and the entire luggage had been loaded for us and fit into Neil’s station wagon and it was again time for goodbyes – sigh more tears! Remembering all the goodbyes still has the ability to reduce me to tears at the thought, some days you all seem soooo far away, others its like you are around the corner…..

Neil kindly helped push the two trolleys of luggage whilst I took Keian into checkin and our time in Australia drew to a close…….huge sigh!

Steve, Wendy, Caitlyn were all up to greet us and help unload the two cars, the trip there was smooth and went so quickly when you were busy looking at the building and Countryside between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  It looks like one big newly built and currently being built site with incredible new buildings with plenty more under way.

We were welcomed into the air-conditioned house and breakfast.  Then began our holiday in Abu Dhabi. Steve and Wendy were fabulous experienced hosts taking us around the town, showing us the area, the shops and the Marina. On the second day we all bundled into their boat and off we went out to our own private white silky sand beach with Turquoise water Ahhhhhhh delicious! Keian loved the boat trip and slept all the way there and back in his car seat, he also had his own private tent and umbrellas and between the Duffy’s and Murphy’s we prevented any sunburn what so ever which was amazing in that heat and sunshine. Stephen had constructed a double shade system of a tent with umbrellas secured over the top of it! Keian had his first saltwater swim which he enjoyed and all of this was captured on camera and you can see on the photo page. Regan and Caitie entertained us on the raft pulled behind the boat and then Regan showed us his wakeboarding prowess! He must have made it look dog easy because Stephen and Paul then had a crack at it and between them strained muscles and never got up! Wendy and I got to watch all of this from the beach laying in the sun and Keian slept. A great day where we basically swam and ate the day away!

Since we had soooo much luggage I was not game to shop and add to this luggage however…..if I could wear it home I could get it! Wendy took Paul and me to the Gold centre (Paul knew he was in trouble as he entered the shopping centre which had only jewellery shops). I was spoiled rotten with a diamond watch which I just love! After much bartering and discussion Wendy was able to get them to less than half their asking price…. Beautiful!

After all this bartering the three of us met Stephen at the Expats Club and laid by the pool giving Keian another swimming opportunity!

That night we had a terrific BBQ up on the roof top terrace with great food, wine and company.

The last night Caitlyn babysat Keian whilst we all went out to the 7 star hotel there for dinner (photos). The hotel was quite remarkable to walk through and is 1km end to end. We had a feast of food and wine with 4 courses….and enjoyed the night immensely!

Next morning we were up at 430am and back in the two cars (Wendy had had to fight for these as they say we had not booked two cars with enough notice – Wendy won the fight thanks Wend!) to the airport for our final leg home….more goodbyes! We then had a good flight home and arrived back at our house late afternoon – unpacked and sat down for a drink.

We reflected on how different travelling with a baby is and on how far we had travelled and how incredibly proud of Keian we were, who just took it all in his stride and never failed to give out a smile wherever we went.

What a trip! As many said to us, Keian has been to more Countries and traveled more air miles than some of us have! Thanks to all of you who helped make our time as easy and as special as it could possibly be – Neil and Doreen thanks for arranging Bent St for us!

What a trip!

Now we are back in the cold (Keian has grown so big and with his Winter coat on you can barely see me carrying him in the baby bjorn.
 

There is still more travel to come………Keian does Europe continues -stay tuned for April’s travelling adventures……..