Australia 2012 - Farewell Sydney

All good things must come to an end!  Farewell Sydney.  Hope to see you again!

Australia 2012 - Darling Harbour

Our last night in Sydney was a quiet one in Darling Harbour (after our trip to the Blue Mountains).  We were tired, and getting ready for our flight the next morning.  One last walk along the water, beautiful weather and "accents". 

 Walking around the Maritime Museum.

 Santa Koala always made us smile.

Australia 2012 - Around Sydney

Those who love breakfast found out about Pancakes on the Rocks, a popular eating place around Sydney.  We went twice, because of the lovely looking pancakes featured below.  Chocolate pancakes, with chocolate sauce and even, ice cream was a very popular menu option.  Just check out the smiles!

 AND, a Target.  I guess the ladies were missing Target, so they quickly headed to Target to enjoy shopping for familiar items in familiar sizes.

 The girls enjoyed the Wallace and Gromit exhibit at the Powerhouse Museum. 

 And you can't visit Sydney without seeing a number of these guys around.  It is wasn't for the microphone, the "please give" box and the crowds of people, he might have looked like a local.

Anna learning to "hang 10" at a local park. 

A friend we saw close to our house (ring tailed possum with three babies).

Australia 2012 - Blue Mountains Family

And, some family pics from our hike through the Blue Mountains. 

The Three Sisters are in the back right corner.

 At Katoomba Falls

 Up close, the three sisters at the Three Sisters.  The background was a photo instead of the real thing.

 Painting Aborigini Style

 The Ausie hat and a five day beard.

Australia 2012 - Blue Mountains Scenery

Beautiful scenic vistas in the Blue Mountains.  Our visit included stops at Echo Point where we could see the Three Sisters, as well as a hike to Katoomba Falls and other vantage points of the cliffs and valleys.  Were visited on a cold rainy day, as well as a beautiful clear day.  They reminded us so much of the Smokey Mountains, and pictures can't do justice to God's beauty.

Australia 2012 - Blue Mountains Accomodations

On Christmas Eve, we headed out of Sydney to the Blue Mountains for a slower, country and cooler Christmas.  We rented an amazing (based upon the response from the girls) house ready for our enjoyment for the three nights over the holidays.  So beautiful, so relaxing!

Australia 2012 - Balmoral Beach

For a short outing, we headed to Balmoral beach for a short walk and dinner.  Just a few of the fun pictures from that afternoon.