Classic pack up morning. We checked out of our Airbnb at 10 and called an Uber to take us to the car rental place near the airport. A few funny things:

When I was packing up milie’s shoes I had to laugh at how much glitter I’ve been carrying around.

Then, in the uber she kept asking the craziest questions. She’d pause for 5 minutes or so and then break the silence with a new one. I started taking notes of them to remember. The ones I wrote down were: Does water have memory? Can I marry my daughter someday? Can you tell me a story about a time you pooped?

Lastly, Nick finally gave in and wore the men’s non-surfer uniform of Australia. Shorts and Blundstones. Or should I say “blunnies”?

We picked up a rental and started our drive up to the Sunshine Coast. Our rental car rankings have continued and today’s was mid: no apple carplay and annoying beeping for god knows what. The hybrid RAV4 we had in the outback is the front runner for what to get once we’re settled at home. The drive was a quick hour and Millie survived without her iPad. We were surprised to see large, dark green trees.

Our first stop was Amazeworld, named after the many mazes it houses. We spent way too much on our tickets and then proceeded to kill a few hours. We played mini golf—Millie is getting good and no longer screams when she misses—and we went through the mazes.

She spent a while building a castle out of jenga blocks.

It was enough activity to wipe her out and she fell asleep during the 20 minute drive to our next stop. Our impression of the Sunshine Coast so far is: this is Florida. Similar foliage, old people, house style, etc.

We stocked up on basics and dinner at the grocery store and then checked into our Airbnb. I usually book the lower end places for money saving, but for this stint I booked a slightly nicer house. It was nice to spread out and enjoy a full sized house. First order of business: dance party. In a humiliating turn of events, we all followed a YouTube tutorial to learn how to floss.

Second order of business; snack plate and crocodile hunter education. We are going to Steve Irwin’s zoo in the next couple of days and wanted to get Millie up to speed on who he is. We watched a couple of episodes and she perfected her incredible impression of him. She said “nointeen nointy noin” (1999) and “aw krikey”. It makes us laugh every time.

For dinner I grilled lamb kebabs and made a salad and some simple potatoes. We ate outside and just had a generally nice time together.

This whole trip has been good but there have been some stretches that have felt especially good. Our week on the beach in Thailand, some of China, Cape Town, Uzbekistan, Laos, and Oman. I think we’re in one now. It’s partially because of the place—Australia is easy and familiar—but also partially because we’re just all in good moods and really enjoying each other. I know in life these things come and they go. But for now I’m noticing how nice it is to just be together, not doing much, and enjoying our lives.