We arrived late Thursday in Melbourne and had to be at the hotel before 9.00pm. After flying in we headed straight to the car hire company to pick up our small car. We were hoping to be able to upgrade to a bigger car but there was nothing available.
Trip To Melbourne Three Days Is Not Long Enough
It seems that Melbourne was fully booked out – Hotels, cars, and anything that was holiday related. It seems that Australia Day, the tennis open and the navy march out parade was all on the one weekend! Fancy that 🙂
Friday Morning Was Our Reason To Be In Melbourne
Friday morning we all had to be up early and out the door. Luckily my brothers were able to upgrade their hire car because there was six of us, my two brothers and David’s Parents (a total of 11). I am so glad that we decided to all make the trip to see our older son proudest day.
Arriving at the Navy Base I was amazed with the buildings. Some of the Buildings were so old with so much character. The drive to the car park reminded me of the English Countryside – if you have been to England you will know how pretty and green the country is..if not imagine the countryside of Tasmania and that was what the Navy Base was like!
We parked the car and headed to the parade area. There were heaps and heaps of seats so our worry about not being able to all go was really not an issue!
Welcome To Melbourne!
Such a great way to let us know where we have landed!
We waited for the parade to begin. Sitting underneath the covered area gave us a chance to have coffee and a chat.
As soon as we heard the drums starting we looked up and there was a sea of white. White marching towards us. There are no words to describe the scene in front of us…..I so wish I could share photos!
How did they all get in time together? They listened to the commands of their officers. Not sure what he was saying as it all sounded like screaming. Yet all the cadets understood every word and they all marched together.
Proud
Tall
Strong
As one.
It was so good to watch the men and women who had been training together. Some of the training would have been the hardest thing that they have ever done….now they are part of the Navy for at least the next four years!
Kyle David and Cameron plus my brothers ~
Watching our older sons March out parade!
An hour of marching out in the hot sun, and then the biggest scream they have ever done….it was over. Not one of them went down….it was really hot, and a few of them had wobbly legs, hot faces and didn’t look too good! Yet there they stood.
As soon as their formal March Out was finished their hats were in the air. The hugs were shared, the back slapping and the grins on their faces.
We are very proud parents of our older son who now has his dream lifestyle come true. It was the most amazing day of our life – seeing our older son smile and know that he was happy.
That was what it has all been about – watching our son set a goal, be determined to reach that goal, and be proud of himself. We only had three days there – wish it was a lot longer!
Will share more about our magical stay in Melbounre…from parks that we played in, to where we had our dinner as a family, to even exploring the sights around us! We loved the fact that we could stay up late playing with our boys in a playground even though it was past their normal bed time.
We also enjoyed our late Saturday sleep-in, our time as a family of seven, and seeing my brothers. The only thing that we could ask for, was for the three days to be three months!
Summary of our Melbourne Trip
- All of our boys enjoyed the plane trip down
- We loved the location of where we were staying as it was right on the beach front
- It was good to see our older son stand proud and tall – with a big smile on his face!
- I loved spending time with my two brothers.
- I was so over the moon that we were all together for the three days.
- The amazing lend of the best camera that I have ever used – it was so good to take good quality photos that I can keep forever
- Seeing the Navy Base where my son has been training
- Having time together to enjoy each other
- Driving the nicest car around (actually I didn’t Drive..I was the passenger!!)
- Eating out and not having to cook, clean or wash clothes!
It was not long enough in Melbourne but it was so worth the trip.
Have You Ever Stayed Somewhere And Wished You Could Stay Longer?
Cheers
Lisa
** Linking up with “Our Seaside Baby – My Favorite Trip”
Sounds like you had a perfect weekend. I wish you could have stayed there longer but I am sure you will visit Melbourne again soon. I can imagine how proud you are of your oldest boy.
Jackie Stenhouse recently posted..Cupcake Wraps
Congratulations on becoming a Navy Mom, and a big round of applause to your son for achieving his goal. I’m so glad that you got to be there to see the March Out. A moment you’ll never forget I’m sure.
Steve recently posted..Entertaining the Non-Rider – The Games
Hi Steve,
Thanking you so much for your Congratulations – it was such a fantastic weekend…so glad that we all went down for the event. At first it was only going to be myself and our son Zachery. Then we made it so that all of us went down 🙂
The march out parade was amazing!
Cheers
Lisa
Congratulations all round!
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Thanking you so much Jan 🙂
Cheers
Lisa
What a fantastic trip and congratulations to your son! It sounds like you had some perfect quality time together. I’ve never been to Australia and would love to visit one day. Thanks very much for linking up to #MyFavouriteTrip Polly 😀
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