Day 17 Gumeracha and Birdwood

It was a rather slow start to the day as Gemma had a really bad night (too windy for her!) and ended up in bed next to Jeanette – so once she settled she slept beautifully while Mummy got none!
Today we were heading off to Gumeracha – the home of the biggest rocking horse in the world. It was a rather scenic trip winding through the Adelaide Hills to what seemed like the back of nowhere when the larger than life rocking horse appeared. It is 18.3 meters high, weighs 25 tonnes and is made of steel. There are three levels to the horse – the first is a platform at the base of the rockers, the second level requires you to climb up a thin rail ladder encased in one of his legs and the third level – another rail ladder to the top of his head. Needless to say with the kids we only managed level one! Located at this giant horse is The Toy Factory which is a large shop with an extensive variety of handmade wooden toys. Most things came in a kit form or you could purchase them already assembled. The three little toy shop enthusiasts had some Christmas money so we let them wander and choose – Gemma chose a bead puzzle frame, Ethan chose a cement mixer and bulldozer and Zac chose a car carrier truck. The boys choices were in kit form so Daddy and the boys would assemble them together later in the day.
Then it was onward and upwards to a place Darrin has long wanted to visit – the National Motor Museum. After paying admission fees we discovered that there were a couple of adventure trails that the boys could complete on their way around while Daddy enjoyed strolling through the cars (Mummy enjoyed it to!) They had to find nine Santa hats hidden in and around the cars and nine old paper model T fords with coloured wheels – They really enjoyed this and it was a good way to keep them motivated. Once completed the kids could hand the sheets back in to claim their prize – three Holden car posters – (Darrin was most disappointed they were not Ford ones! The museum is sponsored by Holden… so it was only Holden posters) Zac, Ethan and Gemma were also able to make little magnets and have them laminated – cute little souvenir for them.
Picnic lunch in the grounds and more wandering around to be done before we headed home - kids napped in the car for the 50 km trip home – very peaceful. A quick trip to Woolies for supplies and home for the usual evening routine – dinner, bike ride, showers, stories, milo and bed!!!!!

PS. We have edited yesterday’s post and added photos so if you have already read it feel free to look again. J