My sister Katie came to visit us for two weeks over Christmas and New Years. It was an awesome visit that went by way too quickly. We took many pictures (881 to be exact!) and made some great memories. Here’s some, definitely not all, of the pictures from her first week in Melbourne.
Katie’s first tram ride:
Fun pictures around the City:
Our day trip along the Great Ocean Road:
Amusing sign at one of the beaches :)
Katie wanted to see some kangaroos in the wild while she was here. On our way back from the Great Ocean Road, Anthony took a turn-off down a rural road near some fields. After a bit of searching, Katie spotted some roos peaking above the grass in a nearby field. We pulled over, but the kangaroos were a ways off and across two fences. Anthony led the way in slipping through the gates and sneaking up to the kangaroos. They kind of got scared off as we approached, but we still got some decent pictures!
Hike to Erskine Falls:
Upper Falls lookout point:
At the bottom of the falls – so green and beautiful!
Group shot at the lower falls lookout point:
Climbing back up:
Breakfast and souvenir shopping at the market before driving to Philip Island. 
We also took a day trip to Philip Island. :
On Christmas Eve, Katie and I made sugar cookies with homemade cream cheese frosting (Grandma’s recipe, of course!) while watching Christmas movies. It was a very relaxing day.
Sitting down to Christmas Eve dinner:
After dinner, we popped open our “crackers” – an authentic aussie tradition (there are prizes inside each one that pop out when you pull them apart).
Showing off our cheesy “prizes” :)
Christmas morning:
We opened our stockings first and then had breakfast (our traditional cinnamon toast).
After breakfast we listened to the Christmas story from Luke 2 on a bible-on-CD. Usually we read it, but we decided to do something a little different this year.
Next – it was time for presents :)
We had a wonderful Christmas and a great time celebrating together. We felt a little closer to home having Katie with us.
The day after Christmas, we visited Luna Park - a small theme park near our house. We were having lunch along the water and decided it would be fun to check it out. Anthony and I hadn’t been there before, so it was fun for us too. We had a good time riding the roller coasters :)
Later, we dressed up and took Katie to the casino in the city. We tried our hands at blackjack and actually came out even! All those nights playing 21 with Dad paid off :)
At night, the boardwalk in front of the casino lights up with periodic bursts of flames.
Stay tuned for part 2 – our trip to Sydney for New Year’s Eve!
