Now that I've FINALLY published the Perth post, I can move onto our Easter holiday post! Then maybe, just maybe, I can get back to some semi-regular blogging, without the pressure of massive holiday posts hanging over my head!!! (Self-imposed pressure, of course!)
SO, we enjoyed the concept of our
2011 Easter trip complete with dogs so much, that we wanted to do the same thing again, only this time, we wanted to be within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, the beach, etc. Last year, we had to drive everywhere, which was OK but not ideal.
And so, we found Scott's Folly, at Ettalong Beach - Central Coast. A gorgeous, comfortable little old beach house, situated about 5 minutes walk to the beach and cafes. A further 5 minutes along, got us right into the centre of Ettalong for the supermarket, bakery, more cafes, etc. PERFECT!
We had SUCH a fantastic time. It's a real novelty for us to be able to walk out of our front door and be at the beach or shops 5 minutes later. From where we live, we need to drive everywhere, and I mean, EVERYwhere. Needless to say, we headed out on foot every day!!
Apparently, it was far too exciting to expect Hannah to sleep in the car on the way up (at her normal sleep time I might add). So she had a little lay down on the mat with the dogs once we settled in!!
I was too starving to take photos which is a shame, but we had the most delicious wood fired pizza for dinner on Thursday night once Hannah was tucked up in bed. It was sooooo goooood!
The next day, off to the beach we went! We had a glorious day on Good Friday, it was warm, but not too hot. Hannah wasn't too impressed at first, but warmed up to the idea. The dogs loved it, as per usual.
That afternoon, after Hannah's nap, we headed back out for a stroll and some afternoon tea. It was quite warm, so Mark and I ordered milkshakes. Here is Hannah with my chocolate milkshake - LOVING IT!
Once we got back to the house, there was a gorgeous breeze and we sat outside just enjoying the fresh air. Hannah and I read the catalogues together, which came in their dozens (we don't get them delivered here - another novelty!!)
 |
| Hey Mum! Check out this special! BARGAIN! |
Being Good Friday, we did the right thing and got fish and chips for dinner ;-) Mark went to pick them up while I got Hannah sorted and into bed. Then we enjoyed our feast together with a nice cold shandy. YUMMO! This was not a calorie controlled holiday!!
On Saturday, we caught the ferry from Ettalong to Palm Beach, which takes about 20 minutes. Palm Beach is where they film Home & Away... alas, filming takes place right at the far end of Palm Beach, a good 15-20 minute car ride away from where the ferry deposits everyone. So I didn't get a photo of the Diner or Surfclub :-( But we DID have some really yummy morning tea! (Yes, more eating. Do you see a pattern forming?!)
 |
| The ferry at Ettalong wharf (taken another day, while we were on the beach!) |
 |
| Palm Beach |
 |
| The doggies, waiting for our morning tea, in case they got lucky |
 |
| MMmmmm, babychino! |
 |
| Enjoying it just a little bit ;-) |
 |
| Bubby and Mummy cups! |
There were some VERY yummy fresh berry muffins to go along with our coffees, but again, I was too interested in stuffing my face to remember to take a photo!!
Afterwards, we took in the view and relaxed in the shade while we waited for the ferry back to Ettalong. Soooo blissful!
 |
| Happy just sitting in my lap with my iPhone while I played with her hair - LOVE! |
Easter Sunday was upon us and we started the day with a stroll down to the bay. It was absolutely stunning. Calm water, nice and warm. Norman swam his little legs off. At one point, we turned around and he was a speck in the distance, swimming towards the jetty where people were fishing. Social little furbaby!!
 |
| Ohhhh noooo, the wave got me :-( |
We made a quick pit stop (3 minutes from the bay and 2 minutes away from home) for the most yummy coffee for, wait for it... $2 each take away!! Then back for breakfast.
After some play time at home and all getting ready for the day, we headed out for some morning tea. As you do. Because it would be just WRONG not to! We found a very nice Bavarian cafe which served the most delish pastries. We got talking to the lady who owned the shop the day before when we were strolling through the markets. She has a little girl about Hannah's age and we got to chatting (as you do!). She gave Hannah a pretzel "on the house" which was so kind of her!
 |
| Hey man, I'm ready to roll |
 |
| Put your hands up, in the air, put your hands up in the air! |
 |
| Mmmmmmm, Pretzel! |
Home for Hannah's nap, then out again in the afternoon, this time by car. We took a drive to Patonga, about 20 minutes away. The idea was to have a late lunch/early dinner in the pub, however we had the dogs with us and they weren't allowed in the outdoor area, plus the set Easter menu was very pricey. So we improvised with a small snack of chips and calamari to share with a nice cold Corona instead :-)
 |
| What is it with kids eating lemon?! |
Of course, no Easter is complete without... EASTER EGGS! Suffice to say, I think this was a big hit!!
Our holiday was drawing to a close. Just one day left. We spent a gorgeous afternoon at the bay. Hannah enjoyed some afternoon tea while the dogs swam.
I took a couple of panoramic shots while we were walking along the foreshore, and from the bay. Ettalong is a really gorgeous spot and I have no doubt that we'll go back there again.
I'll finish off by saying that in addition to being able to walk everywhere versus driving everywhere last Easter, there was one other MAJOR difference between this Easter holiday and that of a year ago. Last year, I spent all night, every night, for 5 nights, getting up every 1.5 to 2 hours to pop the dummy back in Hannah's mouth!!! THIS year, she slept through the night, every night, for 5 nights... :-D MUCH better!!!
