Happy Australia Day 2015

(For GYB 2015 click here)

It's our Australia Day weekend

where we celebrate our National Day.

We managed to winkle our American guests

away from Melbourne Park tennis for a quick trip 

to the Mornington Peninsula

and some well deserved rest and relaxation.

A gentle sea breeze was perfect for our 

impromptu flag raising ceremony.

Which unlike at Parliament House, 

involved Mr Wren with a pair of pliers, 

as the salt air had wedged the clips shut!

The next thing we do is kick off our shoes 

and head to the water

for some ocean therapy...

We did have a laugh at the 'lost in translation' moment 

hearing shoes called "thongs."

Flip flops to me...

'What the...?' cry the Americans

The surfers in our group had driven ahead

but had been disappointed not to catch any good waves

only a good dunkin'!

Still the wild waters make for some good photos

Here is our favourite, Rye ocean beach.
Gotta love it down here,
it may be the busiest weekend of the year
but we can still have the beach to ourselves...

We love the fact also that on the 'Pen'

 we can take the option to head for the calmer bay beaches.

The Crazy Poodle aways loves a trip to Blairgowrie dog beach

where he happily can run off lead chasing flies.

Now of course no Australia Day is complete without a barbecue

We cook everything on the BBQ

even a breakfast...

Although often when we are at the beach 

we just eat out!

Here is my favourite breakfast at the moment:

smashed avocados on muffin with poached egg, 
feta cheese and sun dried tomatoes.
Just don't tell Weighwatchers...

After brunch and various coffees, we have work to do.

The new deck needs oiling...

Aussies love their outdoor entertaining

and we're very happy with the new deck!
A not-so-quick trip to Bunnings 
(our hardware store,
 where everyone it seems has holiday jobs to complete)  
and a quick slip, slap, slop of sunscreen & hats
we're out there, painting away...

Finally it's time to head into Rye for the foreshore festivities.
Every town has something on offer 
there are Fun Runs, Australia Day parades and the like.

Rye has a big stage and a mural for the kids to paint

We come across a classic car rally.
We used to own a Fiat 500 like that first car - classic!

We order a gelato and sit looking out to Port Phillip Bay

tonight there will be fireworks.

We can't stay long 
as we're heading back to Melbourne for, yes you've guessed it,
a barbecue.

Before we know it the weekend is over,

all that is left is trying to remove the temporary Aussie Flag 
tattoos from all over the place!

We love our flag on Australia Day!

If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy Australia Day 2014

When we all became Aussie citizens

Linking with Blue Monday, Thank you Sally

Mosaic Monday Thank you Judith

Our World Tuesday Thank you to all the hosts

Please visit and enjoy the other posts!