2017 Australia

Grandma, of course, “needed” to go visit Riley in Australia (much like Ella “needed” to go to Harry Potter World when it opened). Marguerethe needed to see her baby in his new natural habitat. Us Jaede women have a lot of needs and, thus, a trip was born. We spent a week doing whatever Grandma wanted to do… Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and a week in Brisbane with Riley.

Our Sydney adventures included staying in a fancy downtown Marriott (thanks, Patrick) and talking walking adventures across the city… because Grandma can “walk anywhere… as long as we walk slow.” We soon figured out that while Grandma can walk anywhere, once she gets there, she needs to sit and misses the chance to enjoy the actual destination. So, after a few days, we decided to Uber everywhere… and then walk:) This approach worked magic as we walked along Manly Beach, hiked the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, and toured downtown Sydney.

While in Brisbane with Riley we saw Kinky Boots, took a river boat ride to the Lone Pine Kaola sanctuary, and spent a few days chasing wild kangaroos on North Stradbroke Island where we had the BEST EVER tour guide who, along with his grandchildren, offered a 4-wheel personalized tour across the island. He even got Grandma up the sand dune so she could take in the 360° view of the island. Riley and I watched an amazing sunrise and them met Grandma for our fifth meal at the only restaurant within walking distance in our dorm room-like Airbnb on an island with no public (or private) transportation. Luckily, the food was good each time.

- Marguerethe