Final Expedition Prep

I wonder at times whether we are in fact attempting an assault on Mt Cook with the large logistical operation that seems to result from an attempted family holiday.

We did some final shopping today and we left the Junior Grendels with Grandma (Yay! Grandma!) and went off to Indooroopilly shopping town.

Indooroopilly is a vast complex - about 400 metres from end to end and 3 and a half levels of shops.

It makes most Perth shopping centres look pretty laughable in comparison and we were able to pick up most of the final items we needed before our flight tomorrow.

The Junior Grendels have both loved spending some time with Grandma, and Junior Grendel Number Two has lapped up the attention from his birthday party but also determinedly set about ensuring that his two-day grandma experience is as full as it can be - this means ensuring that the day commences with a cuddle in bed with grandma, followed by a grandma-prepared breakfast, an outing, cookie baking and the Pièce de résistance, lounging while grandma waits on you with watermelon and strawberries.

Junior Grendel Number Two is most particular about the forms being followed - this includes the proper procedure at parties, as in, there must be cake, a rendition of happy birthday and the distribution of party bags. Yesterday as he saw that I was indeed putting together party bags he said nothing, but just came over and gave me a big hug.

Today he was enjoying the leftovers - at one point he was inventing a new hymn of joy entitled "I'm a lucky boy" in which the title is repeated as both the verse and the chorus. The hymn is sung while you sit in a recliner with your feet up and a bowl of Freddos and Bertie Beetles at your side. At least until Dad realises what has inspired the song and removes the remaining few chocolates from your reach.

Suffice to say that so far the holiday is exceeding their expectations.

Tomorrow we fly again!

In not-so-good-news, today was warm and windy in Queenstown - not great for snow.