Brandon's parents came to Perth to meet Ella (and visit us of course)! This was a long anticipated visit! This is the first time that someone from the Reese side has visited us. :)
The day they arrived was a bit of a rough day... I got in a car accident that afternoon and was really shaken up about it. Brandon and I had been driving to pick up a rental car (our Getz is too small to fit 4 people and a baby). After we picked up the car Brandon took the rental car home, and I took the Getz with Ella. I got on the freeway and was headed home. There is this horrible spot on the freeway where there is an on ramp and off ramp right next to each other, so people are always trying to merge, and the traffic is horrible. I was behind a pick up truck, and was trying to switch lanes. I couldn't see past the truck (the Getz is very small) so I didn't realize that traffic was slowing down due to people merging. Just as I was switching lanes the truck slammed on it's brakes, and I smashed into the back of him. Ella had been asleep in the back seat, and immediately started screaming. It was the worst feeling in my life because I didn't know if she was hurt. My car was completely smashed on the left passenger side, and it wouldn't move. I was trapped in the middle of the freeway with cars racing by me. It was terrifying. All the while Ella was screaming. I called the police and Brandon, then jumped in the back seat to try to calm down Ella. I didn't want to take her out of her seat in case she was hurt, so I just tried to rub her face and calm her down. I felt so helpless. Finally the police and an ambulance came, and shortly after Brandon showed up. The paramedics took a look at Ella, and said she was fine but said they would take us to the children's hospital just to be safe. Everything checked out fine at the children's hospital. We were so grateful. This seriously was the worst experience. Even after the accident I just kept crying thinking about Ella screaming in the back seat, and thinking about what if something had happened to her. I feel so blessed that we were protected. Anyway, by the time we got home from the hospital it was time to pick up Joni and Steve from the airport. I was still feeling really upset so I stayed home with Ella. There were big plans in the works, for Ella to be holding a welcome to Perth sign and everything, but after a horrible afternoon I just didn't feel up to it. They were both very understanding.
Steve was able to stay with us for a week, and Joni stayed for two weeks. It was so nice having them around, and getting to show them around Perth. We took them to all the main attractions: Fremantle, a drive around the coast to all the main beaches, Curtin University (the university I graduated from), the city, Kings park, Margret River Chocolate Factory, Hilaries boat harbor, Perth aquarium and Caversham Wildlife Park. They even watched Ella a couple nights (even through the night) so that Brandon and I could go on a date, and get a full nights rest. It was awesome! We had such an amazing time, and as always it went by way too fast. I'm so grateful that they were able to make the long trip, and that we were able to make some Aussie memories together.
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| In Freo |
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| Caversham Wildlife Park |
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| Perth aquarium (this picture is for Heather because she is terrified of sharks) |
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| Caversham Wildlife Park (Joni had the time of her life. I'm pretty sure kangaroos are her favorite animal now) |
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| Some how Joni and Ella always ended up being color coordinated. haha |
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| Hilaries boat harbor |
