After leaving PNG, we had to overnight in Brisbane (Australia).
Once we finally figured out how to get into the hotel that had a self-check-in system, and then maneuver four suitcases and three car seats up to the second floor with no elevator to help us, we thought we would settle in for a much needed night of sleep. However, it was a rough night as we were forced to separate the family to two rooms due to the fire laws and sizes of the rooms. Mommy was forced to share a bed with Wiley, Noah, and a suitcase. If you can see the space between the boys in the picture, that was where she slept. Needless to say, there was not as much sleep as we would have liked. (If you are ever looking for a hotel in Brisbane, just let us know.)The next day was a new day though as we flew south to Sydney (or Sydyney, as Wiley says). The plan was to spend two nights there so that Mommy and Daddy could reminisce about the last time they were in the "Harbour City," and Daddy proposed. I think they found it was not quite as romantic with three little boys, but was still a lot of fun.
As we left the airport, we loaded up in a "maxi taxi" (mini van taxi that accommodates extra luggage and people, and has become the boys' new fun word to say as they often request one while playing cars together). As mentioned in a previous post, Wiley suddenly broke out into song, singing "Life is a highway. I want to ride it all night long." All little eyes were on the enormous amount of cars, trucks, roads, and construction.
Of all the things we did in Sydney, I think the highlight for the boys was riding any form of city transportation. After the maxi taxi experience, we rode the train down to the Harbor. This is where you can see the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. While the bridge did hold some attentions for a few seconds, the big questions were, "when are we going to get back on the train, and when can we ride on one of the ferry boats."The next day, we took a train and a bus to see the world famous Bondi beach. Surfers were out, but it was a little cool still in Australia. So, the boys were curled up on the bench with Daddy, while continually asking when we could get back on the bus.
Aden actually kept asking (and did for the rest of our time in Sydney) if we could 'catch a car.' He wanted to just ask someone if they would give us a ride. Not real sure where that came from.
We did finally ride a ferry boat when we traveled across the harbor to the Taronga Zoo.
This was one time when the attraction was just as exciting as the mode of transportation for getting there. 
Everyone loved seeing the animals, especially the elephants taking a bath right in front of us. While we spent many hours walking all over the zoo and seeing many different animals, the visit was all for naught (according to Wiley) without seeing the giraffes. It took us awhile, but we finally found them. 
The zoo was very well done and had some amazing views of the harbor. We capped off our visit with a ride on the skyrail back to the ferry boat dock.Our next stop was finally to the Opera House, where Mommy and Daddy wanted to reminisce their engagement. This was short-lived, but we did manage to take a photo on the same steps (or at least in the general vicinity). Oh, the difference seven years can make.
Other places we visited in Sydney were Darling Harbour (and riding a miniature train), The Rocks, and Hillsong Church. We capped it off with a picnic (of sorts) down at the Harbor, across from the Opera House.
We had a nice time in Sydney, but I am sure you can guess what the next big highlight was...flying on an airplane for nine hours to our next destination of Hawaii. Watch for that trip in our next flashback.
