Lismore

We finally found a place to stay over Easter.  We are in Lismore, a very large regional town close to Ballina and Byron Bay.  We had no option but to move inland for this peak period as the coast was completely booked out. We even got it for a bargain price of $100 for the 6 nights.  Now try and beat that for an Easter peak period.  Impossible right.  Not at Lismore. Yes I'm hearing you.  The place was not the most lavish and the local residents not always the best but they stayed away from us and we stayed away from them.  It ended up being a great week. 

 

This year was our first Easter away from the extended family and it was very strange.  Not having the family get together...hunting for eggs around Pa Ace's house.  Not tucking into a great meal at Grandma and Pa's.  Those were the little things we missed.  We look forward to celebrating Easter with the family next year.

Good Friday...my favourite day in the whole year.  The only day when it is mandated in the house that seafood is the only thing on offer.  We had an absolutely amazing lunch.  A wide variety of fish, prawns and oysters.  All the things I just love.  Nigel even gave the prawns a go.  His first ever try and he really like the garlic & chilly prawns(Thanks Nathan for the recipe).  The two older kids enjoyed the prawns again and tucked into the fish also(whiting tails...yum yum!)   Kaleb tried a nibble of each but came to the conclusion "That's yuck...I HATE FISH." Oh well, maybe next time.

Alstonville & Ballina
Easter Saturday we took a drive to Alstonville and Ballina.  We went to Amaze'N'Place. A very cool lattice style maze.  The kids had quest sheets to complete and had lots of fun trying to find the centre of the maze.  Very cool indeed.  Next we visited the Big Prawn...sad old prawn he is, all shut up and lonely... Oh well off to the beach, can't dwell on the problems he is facing....LOL.  We drove back to Lismore to attend the night Market and to await Easter Bunny's arrival.  He visit for a quick moment and then dashed off to go and start his night of egg deliveries.  It was a nice Easter Saturday.

Easter Sunday arrived with the three kids squealing with delight & excitement.  Yeah Easter Bunny found us and he gave us lots of eggs to eat.  Kaleb dived in straight away and tried to eat his entire stash.  Wooo boy.  Keep some for later(AKA Dad).  We did a quick trip to the book store and brought some new books for all of us and Jordan and Dad got straight into their books as soon as we arrive back at camp. What a lazy enjoyable day.

 

Anzac Day - Easter Monday.  We pulled ourselves out of bed at 4.15am to attend the Dawn Service at Lismore Memorial Baths.  The kids struggle with the wake up but finally we hustled off around quarter to five.  It was a little miserable and the drizzly rain continued for most of the service.  The kids really seemed interested and plonked themselves in the front row so they could see the marching veterans and current service men and women.  It was very interesting and amazing as it was also our first one also.  As the start of the 2 minute silence was announce and just a mere moment into it, Austin pipes up as loud as can be.  "Can we go home now?"  Bless his little heart.  He thought it was all over as it all went quiet.  After the service was completed we took ourselves off to Maccas for breakfast.  A little reward for getting up so early. 

Byron Bay

After breakfast we packed the car and took a day trip to Byron Bay.  Not expecting much weather wise as it was so dreary at Lismore but as we climbed the 40kms to Byron the sky opened up and the sun and blue sky shone through.  It end up a lovely day, the beach and lighthouse walk were superb.  Very busy though and a backpackers haven.

Heading across the border in the next day or so.  Kids can't wait.