Esperance Weekend Trip

Uncle Bradyn's last weekend was December 7th and 8th.  So we decided last minute to take him to Esperance for the weekend so he could see some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia.  We left Saturday morning and came back Monday afternoon just in time for Bradyn to catch his 32 hour flight back home.

We arrived in Esperance around 11 and couldn't check into our hotel yet, so we went to the Rotary Look out, where you will see just amazing picturesque views.

 There are also some trails you can hike around to see even better views.

 These steep rocks were so scary with this little maniac running full speed down them.

 Gorgeous! With these views we couldn't wait to get down to the water!

When we finished with that, we still couldn't check into our hotel, so Cory got a hold of the guy and went to get it sorted while we went to this fun park the kids spotted.

 This was an awesome see saw.

 Will saw this old roller and was in love.

 Across the street from the park was this museum with all this old equipment out back.  We decided to check it out.

Finally, we were able to check into our hotel.  We got our swimsuits on as fast as we could and headed to the beach.  The coastline is just beach after beach in Esperance, so we just went to the first one we could find.  It was called East beach.

 Silly kid, refused to wear his hat!  Would have really helped with that bright sun!

 Didn't stop him from being a master sand castle destroyer.

 Lily taking a ride on the boogie board.

 I came in from a swim, and Ava was just over in her own world literally just frolicking around.  She is the best beach babe.  She loves every minute.

 I looked around for Will and he was making his escape climbing up this sand hill as fast as he could!  He loved climbing the steep sandy slopes.  Every beach we went to he would find them and just go crazy!

 Cory went out boogie boarding and we almost lost him!!  Apparently, at this beach there is a warning sign about the dangerous tides and currents.  Haha, probably should have read it.  But phew, he made it back in safe and sound.  Gotta love that view!  :)

That night, Cory and I took advantage of our last few days with a babysitter and we went and saw the Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire, that I have been dying to see for ages!
Here are the kids all tucked into their sleep over bed when we left.

 And here is our hideous selfie at the movie.  Haha!  We look like we had a really long, tiring day!  Well we kind of did.  And I forgot my straightener on this trip. I had some wild hair some days.  Loved the movie.  I thought it was so well done.  I was bawling through a lot of it.  I don't remember getting so emotional in the book, but maybe I just don't remember well, I did read it three years ago.  And well,  I am pregnant, maybe that is why I was more emotional.

The next day was Sunday so we went to the lone members house here in Esperance, our good friends, who also happen to be Americans, the Barr's.  It was so good to see them and catch up. We had a lovely church service at their house and we stayed for a delicious lunch. We really love the Barrs.  Lily often says, "Remember when we went to the Barr's in Esperance?"  Haha, it doesn't sound very good if you don't know what she is talking about!!

Then we hit the beach again.  We went to the most popular of Esperance beaches today, Twilight Beach.

It was fantastic.

 After a bit of a swim, we headed over to do some bouldering and rock climbing.

 Will loved climbing but boy was it scary for me as a mom.

 Ah-mazing!

 Love Ava's little camouflaged head. :)

 Will saw Lily on the huge rock, so of course, he had to go up too.

 Ava's favorite little spot.  The tide would come in and sink her feet.  She loved it.

 Here I am after my surfing attempt, that was a major fail, but I was posing trying to look like a legit surfer.

More swimming and more rock climbing, then I think everyone was spent.

 That's Cory and Bradyn out there surfing and boogie boarding, if you can't find them, just look for the two glowing white spots.  They had to be two of the whitest guys on the beach!

 Will found another sand hill to scurry up.

 Look at his cute little bare behind all covered in sand.  :)

 Ridiculous attempt at a family photo!!

The next day was our last day.  Bradyn had to make his flight at 6 pm in Kalgoorlie that night.  So we, of course, decided to hit the beach one last time before driving home.

We went to the back side of Twilight beach and boy, were the waves amazing!

 Bradyn was by far the best surfer.  He kept at it till he got it.  Well sort of.  Better than the rest of us!

 Even Lily caught some waves boogie boarding.

 After our last swim, we showered off and headed home.  Here is adorable Ava on the car ride home, sporting Uncle Bradyn's hat.  She's pretty adorable.

We got back with enough time for Bradyn to shower and do any last minute packing.  Then it was time to say good bye.  I was exhausted.  Getting on a 32 hour flight after that weekend sounded miserable to me, but he is young.  I'm sure he was just fine.  :) We were glad he could come and stay with us for a little while and we sure do miss him.