Spring time at the Botanical Gardens and New Friends

Yesterday, we met some new friends who have just arrived from the US.  Their story is similar to ours-- the dad/husband accepted a job down here for a few years and here they are!

We took the bus down to Circular Quay to meet them.  On the way there we saw this-- people repelling down the side of a building.  It looked like something out of a movie!  We watched for a bit and then continued on.

We met at Starbucks (I know, imagine that) and then headed over to the Royal Botanical Gardens to chat and let the kids play.  The kids had a wonderful time running and playing and completely exhausting themselves.  We adults got to talk a bit about relocating, Sydney and home.  Here are the kids before we parted ways for the evening. Coop actually requested that this photo be taken. Tucker chose not to be in it.

Mallory, Cooper and Morgan

We had been to the Gardens several times throughout the fall and winter. I was impressed then at its beauty and the variety of birds that lived there. But, the gardens in spring is absolutely incredible. The place was alive with color!  Everything was in bloom and a feast for the eyes.  There were also a few new species of birds there that we had not seen before.  We had a great time there with our friends and then went back this morning to explore some more.  The following photos are from the two visits combined.

At the Gardens

(day 1)

Tucker and Morgan

Coop in a cool tree

Tuck in a tree "cage"- hmm, can I get one of these for home?

A bride and groom having their photos taken

At the Gardens

(day 2)

Tuck with binoculars

Coop and the lion 

Tuck and a palm branch

another bride and groom!

Coop and his new bird,  Magpie the Magpie

Birds

Little Pied Cormorant and Little Black Cormorants

Little Black Cormorant

 Pied Cormorant

Little Pied Cormorant

Masked Lapwing 

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

unknown 

Flowers

Bamboo

gorgeous bamboo

Succulents

succulent garden

This Cracked Us Up