Sunshine Coast

Hope everyone had a happy easter and indulged in lots of chocolate. We spent the Easter break having fun with family and friends on the North Coast. Kate lost her very first tooth on Good Friday, so we also had a visit from the tooth fairy which was very exciting (Kate was very disappointed when the tooth fairy did not leave her $50 after she spent the time thoroughly scrubbing her tooth before bed).



Glass house mountains

 At the moment we are still searching for the sun on the Queensland sunshine coast.  We have also discovered just how wet it has been here. We tried a little off-road exploring only to find some very sticky mud, so we tested out the winch and yes it does pull the troopy and the camper out of a bog hole really well.

Our first night we set the camper up was at the base of the scenic glasshouse mountains, what a breathtaking view this would be to wake to every morning.

We spent a day at Australia Zoo (http://www.australiazoo.com.au/), which was absolutely brilliant. The girls loved the hands on animal experiences. Darrin loved the bird shows; they are amazing creatures and so much time must go into training these birds for the shows. My favourite part was patting the koalas, they are so soft and gorgeous animals to watch. The Irwin family are amazing, with their dedication and passion for wildlife and conservation of wildlife.




Kelly, Kate, Danielle, Emma

 At the moment we are in Noosa. We haven't seen our good friends the Pajalic's for a few weeks now so we thought we would stay with them while they are on holidays. We have spent the day kicking back around the pool and spa, sipping beer and wine and soaking up the balmy 20 odd degrees weather.
Noosa is a very busy place, beaches are packed and carparks are full. So hanging out with friends around the pool was a great way to experience Noosa.

Happy Birthday Wendy

We miss our camping adventures with the McMullen's already

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to Wendy,
Happy birthday to you.


Thinking of you and enjoy your day. 
love and friendship
The Smidts 
xoxoxoxo 

Our Adventure Begins....

 We woke early to a cold morning in Canberra, it was such a great feeling to finally squeeze that last box in the shed and do a final check of our empty, clean home before we left it all behind for 6 months. It has been such a massive last three days for Darrin and I sorting, cleaning and organising everything. Emma and Kate have had a wonderful time staying at Grandma and Grandpa’s, I have to say a huge thank you to my mum and dad for their support and having the girls for the three days.

Thank you also to all our friends and family who have cooked us meals and helped us with our preparations, we very much value your friendship and thoughts, and I am sure you have all kept us sane.

After a crazy morning we eventually left Canberra around midday, our first stop was to spend time with family on the central coast.

Kate really does not have the concept of "travelling around australia" or just how big this country is: We were 30 minutes out of Canberra when Kate said “travelling around Australia is boring, we haven’t seen anything yet”. What a surprise Kate is in for over the next six months.

We are going to miss our family and friends, but we look forward to everyday and the adventures that each day will bring.

Only days to go....

Our home to be

Our departure date is getting closer and the excitement is building. Reality is finally kicking in as we are busy packing, sorting, cleaning and still trying stay somewhat sane.