Sea Shells, Stones & Stingers

We've spent our last day on the beach scavenging for interesting shells and stones.

The kids were fascinated by the poisonous blue bottle jellyfish washed up on the shore one day. Thank goodness they didn't come in contact with them while body surfing.

The kids were also keenly interested in the Surf Life Saving training that students were undertaking on the beach and in the water.

Sand, Shopping & Smorgasbord

SAND

We are so happy at the Sands Mediterranean in Burleigh Heads, Queensland. It is well-maintained. Lovely landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool with some shade and waterfalls, lots of lounge chairs or tables and a couple of barbecue areas. The indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym are handy on rainy days. The rooftop also houses barbecues, dining tables and lounge areas, as well as amazing views.

The beach is perfect for walking: miles of pristine sand; no pebbles/rocks; firm sand when the waves recede; well patrolled. The beach front also has great walking/bicycle trails with exercise equipment and playgrounds.

SHOPPING

For shopping excursions, we prefer Marina Mirage, beside the Palazzo Versace and opposite the Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa.

It's become tradition for the Dads to kit themselves out at Gazman during February sale time. Store Manager Meg is a fantastic help.

Robina Shopping Centre is also a favourite of Mom and Dad. I like Southport for discounts.

SMORGASBORD

Conrad Jupiter's Casino offers a popular buffet at Food Fantasy -- a family favourite. Prawns, lamb roast, stirfry, soups, salads, desserts, ice cream.... It's $39.95 for adults, while children are free.

Gold Coast

We've been camping out at the lovely Sands Mediterranean, Burleigh Heads. Pictured is the rooftop area.

Days have been filled with swimming, walks on the beach, good food, family togetherness.

Travellers Enroute

My parents are winging their way to Australia. Hooray! We can't wait to have their company after only seeing each other via wondrous Skype for the past year.

Some of our favourite places to take them in the past:

• Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
• Ocean Grove
• Sorrento
• Rickett's Point
• Southbank, Melbourne
• St Kilda and Elwood
• Maling Road, Canterbury
• Goulburn River

Starting High School

My daughter has soooo eagerly anticipated the start of Year 7 and her secondary school career. Weeks of organising books, writing utensils, school bags -- and modelling all her school uniform items. After years of watching high school hijinks on American shows like Lizzy Maquire, That's So Raven and Hanna Montana, it's now her turn to experience the real thing in Oz.

Given the school locker seems to symbolise this crucial period of a teen's life, she has cleverly crafted magnets out of bottle caps to decorate her first locker.

How lucky that her locker is right beside her new friend who lives three doors away from our home.