A visit with Her Majesty...

Mum.

On Monday, Brisbane was all abuzz with a brief visit from Queen Elizabeth.  The last time she and Prince Philip were here was back at the opening of World Expo 88.  Given that she is into her 80s, and the intervals between Brisbane visits, I took the opportunity to join the crowds at Southbank knowing that the opportunity might not present itself again.  

There were local 'celebrities' everywhere - news crews, including Sharyn Ghidella from Channel 7 News, Campbell Newman, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, and more.

It was an extremely hot day, with thousands and thousands of others trying to capture Her Royal Highness on camera.  When she eventually arrived, all we could see were the people in front of us - we were about 8 people back from the barricades, with even more behind us.  The only way we could tell that she was getting closer was by the direction that people were holding up their cameras and phones!

A screenshot from the video I took - you can just make out the Queen's pale green hat and a tiny bit of her face in the focused part of the photo.

Prince Philip.

Premier Anna Bligh.

After the Queen had entered QPAC, we finally caught a live glimpse through the windows. I even managed to capture part of her face as she greeted guests!

Just making memories...

On today's pupil-free day, we decided to embark on a little outing into the City.

 

We took a bus trip...

 

... And hopped off at King George Square, where we ate a little snack.  I asked the kids if they knew what the big fancy building is, which they didn't.  When I told them it was Brisbane City Hall, one of the two asked very curiously if anyone lives there!

 We ventured down Queen St Mall, and entered Queens Plaza, where we discovered an interesting statue.  We discovered if the statue is viewed from a particular side, we could photograph some rather interesting reflections!

Upstairs, we met Daddy and indulged in some yummy hand-made chocolates and gorgeous drinks as a special treat.  Yummmm!  

I've never had a tea-bag like this before!

Andy enjoyed his thick, custard-like Italian hot chocolate!

Afterwards, Daddy returned to work, and the kids and I wandered up to the Brisbane City Square library, borrowed a couple of books, and made our way home again.  Wind and overcast skies made for a perfect afternoon of reading under the doona!