This has been an odd Christmas for the Smiths and one I believe Madelyne will not want to repeat. It’s her first Christmas “as an adult,” we opened presents on Thursday before we left and we’re not in our home. Live and learn but what a GREAT PLACE to learn!!!! This is my early morning Christmas shot to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the Long Island Resort on Happy Bay in the Whitsundays, Queensland Australia!

Strange one this year. Up in Queensland, far from the Sydney home and even farther from the USA. Weak attempts at Christmas carols in the restaurant made the whole thing surreal. Christmas Eve should be all about a snap in the air (with or without snow). Should still be bowl or pro games on TV. Should be a tree here with presents underneath. The girls & I agree: No spending Christmas in a hotel or resort again. Rumor is that Santa will stop by with stockings for the girls tonight. He planned ahead, it would seem!

Everyday at 4:45PM, the resort feeds the Rainbow Lorikeets and it is definitely a feeding frenzy!

And one forgot his table manners and one is telling me, “Don’t eyeball me girl!”

A little rain isn’t going to ruin our day!

Just arrived at Hamilton Island, on Australia’s northern coast. Warm and humid up here, but after our 1.5 hour flight from Sydney we’re ready to see those white sand beaches!

Unfortunately, kangaroo meat doesn’t taste like chicken. Got some of these about 6 months ago to try, but never again.

All dressed up and ready to go!

I arrived home to a non-working airconditioner….so not fun! So this morning I have opened the windows to let the cool breeze flow through the house. Mads and I were watching Mythbusters: Shark Week when I mentioned to her that while I was gone, the Kookaburras have returned for the summer. I was so excited – they have quite chaotic bird calls but are fascinating to observe. Just then I heard one that was far closer than we have experienced at this house. Low and behold there was a Kookaburra on the fence around the spa FIVE FEET from our sliding glass door. I was able to walk to the window to take a picture but unfortunately one of the plants on our back deck was in the way. Following is a Wednesday good morning picture from one of the many Kookaburras in our backyard.

Kookaburra on the spa fence.