Port Stephens

So the week before Christmas we found a vacant apartment up in Port Stephens. It is about 3 hours north of Sydney and a beautiful groupie of beaches (26 to be exact) with some exotic islands off in the distance. It is smashed against a national forest (jungle) which has Kolas just hanging from the trees. It is the mating season so even though they are nocturnal they can be seen crossing the road to get to the other trees. We are mid week but I thought I would upload some of our pictures.

Our apt is on the water but you do have to walk through some brush to get to the sand. Olivia and Mary love the water and Thomas makes sand angels and blows kisses to girls that walk by...WHAT?!? Stan has been in utter relaxation mode, and after a year with no break it is really refreshing. In the seven years we have been married this is our first family vacation (all other trips have been with our extended family), so it is really fun doing things at our own pace and getting to make all the executive decisions. The trip was financed by Stan's recent promotion (ask Stan about the details), I guess you could call it a Christmas present from PWC.

The busy season....and yea that is US on the left (this is back at Shoal Bay!)

Stan taking Thomas into the water to jump the tide...Thomas was NOT a fan and was really excited to go back to the sand once Stan put him down!

Making a run for it! I love the reflection in this picture!

Mary super happy, she is my beach baby

Olivia learning how to ride the tide in...just wait until she discovers boogie boards!

Thomas is always finding stuff to eat that the tide brings in.

Mary at Shoal Bay.

Fingal Bay, when the tide goes out you can walk across those two islands. It is great for kids, no big waves or big fish and fairly shallow water!

Sand angles! We will have to settle since there is no snow at Christmas here :-(

Fingal Bay and my two girls!

Tired of the salt water and onto the apartment pool. Here Thomas is testing the water before he jumps off the edge. He has NO FEAR, so this man will be in swimming lessons ASAP.
Thomas recently got his first hair cut...can you tell? And I love the gap in his teeth, he looks so juvenile!
Daddy and the girls!

The pool from our balcony, I love it but I will be happy to be home for Christmas, and more to come....we are riding camels tomorrow across the dunes!