Claire’s 7th Birthday!

This morning we went to Sydney’s Powerhouse (science) Museum per Claire’s request. The place is huge – 3 levels of exhibits – we spent most of our time on level 1 – lots of child-friendly exhibits (musical, hands on experiments, planes/trains, even a science playground).

From there we hit the airport and flew to Melbourne (short 1 ½ hour trip) and were shuttled to our hotel, center city. Saw tons of sculptures, nice skyline and great views of the Yarra River.

Claire was thrilled to find balloons, a card and chocolates from the hotel staff in honor of her birthday. From Mom and Dad she received, among other things, a necklace with her birthstone from a trip to Udaipur, India (known for its silversmiths). And from Ava a t-shirt commemorating our time in Sydney.

After settling in we took the City Centre tram (free and geared to tourists) to Docklands’ Waterfront area ( a new living/dining/recreational center) for Claire’s birthday dinner. She opted for Medici, another Italian restaurant.

Her cake – two big slices of delicious chocolate – had a sparkler for her to blow out.

We caught our free tram on the return, only to be booted 10 minutes into the ride as apparently it was the last run. Not far from the hotel, though, and we crashed shortly thereafter.