ANZAC day | elephant rock

Ever since I was a little girl I have always felt very emotional on and about ANZAC day and like to pay my respects and remember those whom lost their lives for our country during ANZAC day services. Each and every time I hear "The Last Post" it brings tears to my eyes. This year was the first time I have attended a dawn service, my family and I went to Elephant Rock, Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Its such a beautiful part of the world and I was sure the service would be lovely.

As people close to me know, I AM NOT a morning person and the thought of rising at 3:30am was a scary thought (lol) but I was so excited to join in the the commemorations it was actually easier than I thought it would be. Getting my boys to wake up was another story...they were sleep walking for the first hour of getting up! ;-)

So, we went...along with around 20,000 other people. We found a nice spot up high on the headland, we had a big screen right near us to see the ceremony up close. With the amount of people, all being quiet and respectful it was such a "feel good" atmosphere on the beach, it was fresh but not a cold morning.

 It was a beautiful service and watching the sun rise over the beach, with a sea of row boats floating just behind the surf break {holding their awes up as a sign of respect} and the sheer mass of people there paying their respects was just perfect. I felt honored and proud to be an Australian.

When the ceremony was over we took a walk along the beach, went down to Elephant Rock and has a play around the rocks and water. There was a group of Soldiers with their horses which we were able to pat and take photos.

After this was over we went and met up with the family for breakfast. We went to a Cafe called "Paleo", silly "unhealthy" me thought that was just a name for a restaurant and had no idea about the Paleo eating craze..I couldn't find anything on the menu to eat so I ordered a "cup of tea" haha!! It was still a lovely way to finish off the morning.

From there, we went back to our hotel for "40 winks" then headed out for the afternoon. We had planned on going to the Currumbin RSL for TWO-UP but unfortunately children are not permitted, so my husband went in and caught up with mates and I took the boys down to Surfers Paradise for some lunch, shopping and a play on the beach. We had such a fun afternoon. Hubby did well also, he came out from playing some two-up $300 in front!

It was a fantastic day, one I will always remember and will definitely go back there for the Dawn Service another time.

LEST WE FORGET

4am wake up call isn't easy for a kid *YAWWWNNNNNN

My favorite photo from the day...(taken by my husband)

.....here comes the sun little darlin'.....

My idea of a PALEO brekky ;-)

Luca and his lovely Aunty Sharna xx

Rhys, Daddy, Nannie and Zac xx

Memorial at Surfers Paradise Beach.

A perfect ending to a wonderful Anzac day, on the beach with my boys xo