Sunday Activities

Sunday dawned and Andy headed to Slap Up Creek for the day (he is controlling the 2013 Australian Long Distance Orienteering Champs event to be held in October). Rather than go on the merry-go-round in town, we ventured out to the Hall Markets for a real pony ride. Ella was convinced that she was going to ride a Falabella (miniature pony) she had seen in a book.

Meet Calypso, a 20 year old chestnut pony who dutifully took Ella and Katy around after I had emptied my purse of money ($9 per child for about a 200m loop!!) Both girls beamed and were very excited by the whole adventure. We enjoyed some dutch pancakes and that was the morning.

Our afternoon plans involved attending Josh's 8th birthday party. He had decided to have an orienteering, code breaking, treasure hunt around his suburb.  Wasn't sure how Katy was going to keep up with 8 year olds so I threw in her balance bike which proved to be an awesome move. 

Maki, Ella, Katy and I started the course early and managed to mostly stay ahead of the pack. At each control, there was a symbol with corresponding letter as well as a little challenge e.g. go down slide 3 times, throw 3 water balloons at someone....there was even a monster who jumped out of a thicket...Ella looked worried, Maki said that's my monster mask and Katy just cried!!

Eventually we got to the last clue, cracked the code to discover the treasure was hidden in a nearby hedge! Susie, Patrick and Grandpa did an awesome job at organising and coordinating the whole thing without losing any of the guests as well as making a very impressive treasure chest cake!