Water fun!

Helen had asked us if we'd like to meet her at a water park today.  Her school was doing a "Walk to Water" fundraiser- being sponsored to walk to the park to raise money for people in Nigeria who don't have access to fresh water. So while Philip went to see the doctor to have a small carcenoma removed, I took the children to the park.
It is a lovely venue, especially for children! As well as a huge swimming pool, which shelves gradually and is ideal for little ones, there are a series of fun wading pools with stepping stones and waterfalls and a water playground full of fountains, water canons and slides.  There is also a big adventure playground and large lawns with picnic tables and shade shelters.  Best of all, it is open to the public totally free of charge!  I gather it's provided as an alternative to swimming among the box jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles which make local beaches and waterways so unsafe!

Philip joined us for a while but went home to have a rest while we stayed on a bit longer.  His doctor was Indian, which may explain the turban! Under all the bandages he has a neat little incision and seven stitches!

While swimming, Helen introduced me to a number of her colleagues.  One came up and said, "I know you from somewhere.  Moonee Vale Christian School? Yes- you're the oldest van der Staal!  Amaria, isn't it?"  It's not always easy to recognise people in the swimming pool, especially when they're wearing sunglasses and you haven't seen them for about 25 years, and she must have seen my blank look because she laughed and said, "Amber Spiker." She had taught my "little" sisters and I'd done some work experience in her class... a small world!