Australian Open 2018

It was so cool to be in Melbourne during the Australian Open. We had no idea when we planned this trip that the timing would work out. We wanted to experience the Open since its such an amazing tennis tournament and only one of  4 Grand Slams that happen in the world (Wimbledon - London, US Open - New York, French Open - Paris, and Australian Open - Melbourne)!!!!! We bought ground passes, which allow us to see all the practice courts and tennis courts besides the main ones along with the kids area. We had no idea what to expect, but were ready for the experience.

We first ventured to the kids area and we amazed by the activities they offered for free. The kids did rock climbing, face painting, Jedi training, mini tennis. Later we went back to the kids area for high ropes course and more rock climbing.

Rylie chose to rock climb.

Derek chose to rock climbing and then free fall from the top! It was so awesome to see him tackle this challenge with confidence.

Derek jumped off the top and LOVED it!!

 We played tennis as a family in a min court. It was fun. We weren't very good, but there was a net around the court so our tennis balls didn't go far. Maybe when we go back to Phoenix we can take some tennis lessons. 

Rylie got some beautiful face painting!

  Kids waiting patiently to do Jedi Training! 

 After the kids area we got some lunch and headed to find some tennis. The lines to get into the arena were SO long. It is very interesting how it works. You stand in line outside many doors to the stadium and when a seat opens up you can fill it. Unfortunately, the likelihood of us getting 4 seats together was slim to none. So we headed to some smaller, less crowded courts with the less popular players so we could watch some tennis. We settled on a couple courts one with men's singles and one with women's singles. The tennis was good. Derek sat intently listening to Matt explain the game. Matt loves tennis and used to play tennis as a kid and take lessons.

 After watching tennis, we headed back to the kids area before leaving.

 I am beyond proud of Rylie for tackling this high ropes course. She was so excited to climb the course, but when she got up there the height of the course and the lack of anything to hold onto set in. She was pretty much stuck still for a while. I could see her mind racing and she was nervous. I called out to her from the ground and encouraged her. I tried telling her several techniques or tips for her to move along on the course, but ultimately it was up to her to move. There was a long line of kids behind her waiting to go and my baby girl was scared. I couldn't do anything about it. But eventually she decided she would take some of my advice and step out in faith. SHE DID IT!!! She was shaking as she went but she made it through the whole course 1x. I couldn't be more proud watching her tackle the course and tackle her fear. She never gave up and I'm sure she was proud of herself. 

Way to go Rylie!!