We had found it impossible to find mum accommodation near by, so Nick suggested hiring a Britz campervan. It had all the necessities - ensuite, kitchen, bed and lounge, and proved to be a great option, one which we could explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks with mum and have her stay next to us at Tumbling Waters Caravan Park. So while I took the kids to the airport to greet grandma, Nick went and picked up the campervan.
When grandma finally got off the plane (we were beginning to wonder if she was on the flight) Abbey and Zach fought for first hugs and kisses as grandma acclimatized to the warmth of Darwin.
Once back at the caravan park Grandma had no time to rest. Zach wanting to show her the crocodiles, Abbey wanting to show her the pool, Matt wanting to show her the shells he'd collected and Josh wanting to play scrabble with her, while I hurriedly prepared for Zach's birthday party. If grandma thought she was coming to Darwin for a relaxing holiday she was in for a very rude shock, between excited grandchildren who hadn't seen her since Easter and the action packed itinerary we'd prepared, mum will have to wait til she goes home in 11 days time to relax and recover.
The day Zach had been longing for finally came, July 14th, the day of his 9th birthday, the day of his birthday party he had been dreaming of since leaving Melbourne back in January. Zach woke early, and expected us all (including the Leonard's and Grandma) to follow suite. There was, after all, a big pile of presents ready to open and a party to get ready for. Excitedly he opened his presents, eyes and smiles getting bigger with each present he opened. (The surprise, delight, appreciation and joy of watching a child open presents is such a priceless moment that a camera can not capture, but leaves a special imprint in my mind and heart). Afterwards enjoying a yummy breakfast together before heading into town to spend the day at Crocosaurus Park - the ultimate party location for a crocodile obsessed 9 year old.
Crocosaurus Park certainly doesn't fit into the "usual" image one has of a crocodile park. It is located right in the heart of town, a multi story complex with indoor and outdoor enclosures architecturally designed. Zachs excitement was almost causing his body to convulse, suddenly overwhelmed with all that was on offer and where to go to first. The program had numerous crocodile and reptile feedings listed, as well as a detailed map, which Zach studied meticulously. During the day we pretty much did EVERYTHING listed on the program except the cage of death (because of age and money restrictions). These included feeding young crocs meat on a fishing line, watching them jump and fight amongst themselves as their toothy jaws snap for the scrap of meat, listening to facts about the largest variety of reptiles in Australia in captivity and watching them get fed and holding them, seeing a snake eat a rat, feeding turtles, walking from one enclosure to the next watching the big (some VERY big) crocs get fed, holding a baby croc, and probably the biggest highlight of the day SWIMMING WITH CROCODILES!!!! Well from where I was standing on the outside of the pool it looked like they were swimming with crocodiles, but it was actually a pool which was separated by glass from the crocs. None the less, the kids (& Jo) had a ball swimming up to the glass and "kissing" a croc, flipping around and imagining they were real life wildlife warriors swimming with these prehistoric creatures. I'd prepared a party lunch of hotdogs, chips, drinks and lolly bags (no not the healthiest of party foods), and by chance there was also face painting happening too, and just to complete the party experience,
Grandma let Zach choose his present in the gift shop. By the end of the day there were exhausted adults and excited but tired children.
Once back home we prepared a BBQ and wombok salad dinner (at Zach's request) and of course, for dessert birthday cake - which, thanks to Jo's cupcake maker, was a cupcake crocodile.
Happy Birthday Zach!!!!!
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