Hi Everyone,
I love participating in these end of year contests giving myself and my followers a recap on what has happened in the last 12 months of 2021. 2021 have been an unusual year for my work, family, homeschooling and COVID. While looking back at the photos I've taken, although we outside of the country, but we have managed to see a lot of different things in Australia and locally. Although I didn't take as many photos as we have had in previous years, we did snap some great shots for great memories. All my photos below are taken from my mobile phone as we haven't used our usual gear since the lockdown, which maybe we should try to change that for next year.
The year started when I was able to get together with some girlfriends and go on a girls weekend away. 2 years ago, I booked a trip with a group of them to Korea but due to COVID we had to cancel it which was a shame. This year, I managed to get with another group of friends and drove to the Blue Mountains and spend the weekend away from the family and enjoyed some time with friends. We went to a spa, had lots of great food, did the touristy things and visited a few op shops. We haven't been able to do this and now the kids are at an age they can somewhat look after themselves, it feels like our job as mum have succeeded the first stage. It was great to go away without the kids but a few days was enough, anymore it would be pretty hard on hubby who has been trying to keep up with the housework and dropoffs/pickups.
Having a day out with the kids is hard when you are trying to juggle work and with the restrictions in place, a day at a zoo needs planning way ahead of time. Normally we go to the zoo as a family but this time I thought they are no longer babies and I can manage everything myself without too much stress. My kids loved the zoo and as they are older, they are more interested with everything they see. BB E can read so he was able to understanding a little but more of everything rather than waiting for me to explain to him what is what. Taronga Zoo is right next to Sydney Harbour so there are so lovely scenery around while visiting the animals. Although this picture may seem to be a normal family picture, but to me who rarely take photos with the kids (I'm always behind the camera), this picture means a lot to me.
Due to the COVID, the Easter Show was cancelled last year. When it was announced that they would open but with restrictions, I thought I would try and book for a day out with the kids and my mum. COVID have thrown off too many plans and the kids were worried we weren't be able to make it the second year in a row. Finally the day came, we were able to go in, everyone was excited. The smile on the kids faces made it all worth while. The photo here shows how much fun everyone missed and were able to get this year.
Lastly, our first visit the reptile park was pretty fun. I'm really scared of crawly things and going to the reptile park wasn't something I would suggest for a day out but a friend thought it would be a good idea to check out so the two families went. Everything in the park was ok but cannot compare to Taronga zoo but one thing did make it a memorable day. There was a huge area with many koalas and I've never seen so many in the one area. They were so close to us! These cute koalas were so calm and didn't get bothered by the anyone. They were clever, cheeky and loved to play games amongst themselves and visitors. I've been living in Australia for so many years but never have I seen koalas so amazing cute and clever.
Thank you for such a great contest once again! It's a nice way to look at all the great things happened in the last year rather than focus on the less exciting stuff like homeschooling, lock downs and shortage of toilet paper. A few more days till 2022, hope you all have a happy and safe New Year!
Thanks for reading. If you like my post, please follow, comment and upvote me. There will be more exciting posts & destinations to come.
All photos & videos are taken by me & co in all my blogs/stories unless quoted.