We made it to Melbourne

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Rubies first ever blog, as we journey to the other side of the world! This will be our own family diary that we would like to share with you, as we experience new things and keep you up to date with all things Rubie in nature!

So firstly we wanted to let you know we arrived in Melbourne! We packed up our lovely house in West Beach, with many thanks going to family and friends who helped us out particularly in that last chaotic week. If any of you know how to make those last few days easier then let us know. No matter how organised we think we are, the last few days are always crazy. Then we headed down to Victor and spent 2 days sleeping it off while my lovely parents took care of us! I would call it a moving hangover!! Suddenly realised I had to say goodbyes at this stage which was a bit sad. I think I was so busy packing that part of it slipped my mind. Never being good at these they were quick, but I felt quite daunted at thinking what it will be like in a years time when we say goodbye for 3 years. Saying see you in 6 months was bad enough. Again, any hints at how to say goodbye with the least amount of pain would be gladly accepted!!
So Monday morning we left with our trailer at 7.15am from Victor and then arrived in Parkville Melbourne at 6pm that night. Surprisingly the time went quickly and all went smoothly except arriving in peak hour traffic was slightly hairy! We had downloaded google instructions to get here and they were really helpful. I recommend to anyone travelling, and behind the times like us without owning a GPS!
I had broken down activities in the car to half hour time slots, so the kids didn't get bored, and also to cut down on the computer game playing which tends to make them all stir crazy!! We played eye spy, guess that song, spot the..., did drawings, read jokes, and of course ate plenty of food!It was a good day actually, and we stopped occasionally to stretch our legs. We had a running race at Aararat wild life park, where Dad nearly did his hammie, trying to catch Tom. Our bodies aren't what they used to be!
So at last we arrived at St Andrews House our new home for the next 5 months. Someone had suggested our appartment would be like a shoe box, but thankfully its a shoe box for Shanes size 12 EE width shoes! We have 3 bedrooms, sep toilet and shower, and all in one kitchen dining, lounge. It's warm, cosy and cute. I personally think large homes are over-rated. This way I have less cleaning, less place for clutter, and I've discovered many benefits of close living. Our table is so small you don't have to say pass the sauce, everyone can reach everything, if we need more cutlery, the person at the top of the table swings back on their chair and can reach anything in the kitchen, and deliveries of clean clothes to the kids rooms just takes a well aimed throw from the lounge room!
After arriving Monday night I spent all day Tuesday unpacking, decorating and making a home, and was done late afternoon. I figure one days work was worth it for 5 months living here. I'm so glad I bought the kids quilt covers and a few things from each of their rooms eg Maxs ladybird money box, Lucys bunting, Toms posters, and a few of Oli's fav photos, because they have all made this place their home. In fact Lucy has already told me she loves it here, and wants to stay for a long time!! While unpacking though we also had to clear out clutter left here by the last set of missos, or perhaps the ones before them, or the ones before them?? Obviously past tenants didn't want to throw anything out, but after down sizing like I have the past 18 months that was no problem for me! We found one black rubber car mat, a new gold outdoor tap, (I didn't chuck this but passed it on to caretaker) copious plastic containers - NONE with matching lids, and a childs pink little broom, with most of the bristles missing!! All handy things one needs when moving to Melbourne!!
So now we're in Melbourne, and have had a week to explore, rest and settle in. Unfortunately not all has gone to plan. I'm actually writing this in bed, where I (Naomi) have been for the past 2 days! Lucy, Max, Oli and I have all had a virus, although it seems I've fallen hardest (I wonder why that is??) We've drunk our way through a whole bottle of Panadol and Neurofen, as the virus is fever, body aches, tummy ache, cough. Only Dad and Tom have been left standing, but we're thankful it was now, and not next week as school starts monday.
Chow for now (as my sister Sonya always says!!)
love Rubies