Week one, day two...

After a 3am start, three backpacks, a stroller, a car seat, a booster seat, two laptops, two carry on bags and five very tired Grays arrived safely in Sydney. I'm astounded I managed to fit pretty much everything into such a small about of luggage (essentially the three backpacks, as carry on luggage contained food, inflight entertainment and Girl Guide biscuits for Tama's godmother)... have discovered I successfully managed to forget to pack:
1. sun hats (packed warm hats for London, but no sun hats)
2. deodorant (sitting next to bathroom sink) - essential!
3. case for my normal glasses

Thankfully nothing you can't buy in Sydney - so we're off shopping.

Recommending
First day recommendations for anyone else planning to travel with a seven, five and one year old...

1. Taking your own food is good on a plane - we boarded armed with blue berries, crackers, peanut m'n'm mixed in with some Hubbard's cereals (Rumbles)... anything small that takes time for little fingers to gobble.
2. In flight TV is great for 5 and 7 year old (especially when they see none at home). Take lots of 'new' toys for baby - we had stacker barrels, small planes, car, finger puppets, stickers and crayons.
3. Get more than 3 hours sleep the night before and make sure the MOTH is not completing his GST at this time!
4. Antihistamine is a good thing - wee Tama had a rash last night, liquid antihistamine is a god-send
5. Rescue remedy (we have the drops to suck) - fantastic for relaxed and happy flight to Oz, and for frazzled children at the end of the day.

Highlights so far
Tane's brother and whanau... their lovely house and their fantastic hospitality. SO BLESSED.
Swimming - Akira's belly flopping may migrate to diving before we leave.
Duchess - the pet dog and Keilani have bonded.

The saying goes:
"This is the longest day ever, Mum!" Keilani

Having a quiet day today - go buy missing essentials, swim and hang out.. tomorrow adventures (aka sight seeing)!