Friday, January 12, 2018

Duggars in Australia

The Duggars have just arrived Down Under! As we announced several weeks ago, they have speaking engagements in both Australia and New Zealand.

Michelle and Jordyn are all smiles after having survived the long flight.

Michelle Duggar and Jordyn Duggar in Australia
 Michelle Duggar and Jordyn Duggar

How much luggage does it take for more than a dozen Duggars to go Down Under? Lots!
 
Duggars in Australia and New Zealand

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

128 comments:

  1. Please tell me that was a photo here in the US. Do they not inow it is summer down there? Who needs a parka in summer?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A Parka with sandals on her feet!

      Delete
    2. Well if they didn't they know it now. I'm sure they will be fine.

      Delete
    3. When traveling by plane sometimes it gets cold. No harm in wearing a jacket. You'll notice that Jordyn has on sandals. Be kind & stop picking at everything.

      Delete
    4. She is wearing sandals

      Delete
    5. Anon, it's cold, very cold in Northwest Arkansas where they started from. I've worn my coat to the airport even when flying to a warmer clime.

      Delete
    6. "After having survived the long flight" so I guess it's in Australia. They probably didn't know

      Delete
    7. I was wondering the same thing. It's summer in Australia.

      Delete
    8. Melbourne in Australia can have 4 seasons in one day...they are best to take a coat even in summer. Today it was really cold in Melbourne...16 degrees Celcius ( 60F).

      Delete
    9. Last Saturday in Melbourne it was 42°c today it reached only 20°c...it happens

      Delete
    10. I thought the same thing.

      Delete
    11. Even on a cold summer day its abit overkill

      Delete
    12. Since when is 60 degrees F really cold? Not cold enough for those winter coats.

      Delete
    13. Enjoy our beautiful country

      Delete
    14. Do any of you negative people understand how hard it is to get multiple children threw an airport without loosing items? I may be easier to have them wear their jacket to the car instead of risking loosing it when it will be needed on their return trip. Don't judge unless you want to be judged.

      Delete
    15. The Duggar "children" are old enough and responsible enough to keep track of their belongings. They don't have to wear them so as not to lose them.

      Delete
  2. Exciting! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unless they flew first class, they're probably looking at some hefty bag check fees there. Is all that luggage really necessary?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's only like one bag per person. They have to pack all their clothes and toiletries.

      Delete
    2. If 16 are going 14 plus Mom and Dad, It looks like barely a bag each. not really that much luggage

      Delete
    3. Are you this bothered by the luggage Hollywood stars, professional athletes, and politicians take when they travel?

      Delete
    4. There are only a little over a dozen bags and that many people. They should be fine.

      Delete
    5. Dear anon, looks like 19, 20 bags for 16 people. Some fees but for that long a trip overseas for that many people I would say they packed light. Hubby and I when we go internationally generally do one checked bag each and our stanard-not-trying-to-get-more-in-the-cabin-than-supposed-to carry-on, always mindful of others needing space.

      Delete
    6. Actually, I was thinking the opposite! I was thinking it wasn't all that much luggage for how many people were going out-of-country!

      Delete
    7. Most airlines to Australia allow two cases per person each weighing no more than 50 pounds/23kg. And that is included in a normal ticket, not first class

      Delete
    8. With 16 people I'd say so!!

      Delete
    9. Depending on how many days they're are there, and the fact that there's more than 12 of them I would say they need all that luggage.

      Delete
    10. One large suitcase for Jim Bob’s hairspray and another couple for snacks. The Duggars always pack snacks on their trips

      Delete
    11. In my family this is a hard and fast rule; if it doesn’t fit in the overhead bin it doesn’t go. Tough for the first couple of trips but after that my children and husband became expert packers and learned how to only take clothes that were versatile and practical. Our longest trip has been a month excursion to Geat Britain and Europe. It’s a great feeling to pick up those carryon bags and go and not have to deal with the crush at the luggage carousels and potential lost suitcases

      Delete
    12. What's it matter to you? They didn't ask you to pay their check-in baggage fees. I think ppl forget that "Buy used, save the difference" is what helped the Duggars raise 20 kids. It doesn't mean they have to still live by that principle if they have made plenty of money to support themselves otherwise or that they can't splurge sometimes. Do you know how many ppl went? And haven't you seen them pack lots of extra bags to bring gifts? Also, have you traveled to another country with kids? Toys can be a real blessing no matter where you take kids.
      Just some things to consider bc I guess to answer your question "all that luggage" may not be necessary, they can wear the same clothes the whole trip and bring one extra pair of underwear that they can wash in the sink every day and hang it on the shower rod for a nice,fresh,stiff pair the next morning. 😉😃

      Delete
    13. If it were just ONE person, yes, there would be a lot of fees. But I think each of them had to buy a seat (none under two that could sit in a lap). So, while it is a lot of luggage, there are a lot of people. Per person the fees would probably not be excessive. But yes, multiplying it all out, for the family group they were probably a lot as a family.

      Delete
    14. When traveling international 1 check in is allowed per person plus 2 carry ons, at least that was my experience. I guess it would depend on how long the trip is.

      Delete
    15. International flights for basic class allow for one checked bag at a certain dimension and weight per person plus a carryon per person. So I doubt they paid much. Keep in mind international flights are more expensive and those still provide meals a no additional cost.

      Delete
    16. Michelle, Jim Bob, and 14 of the kids made the trip. That's not really a lot of luggage for 16 people.

      Delete
    17. ???. You're looking at baggage for 16 people. It takes a LOT of luggage to bring clothing for that many people.

      Delete
    18. There are only like 20 bags there. If 14 of them went, they probably do need that many. It's not even 2 bags per person. Last time I went to Chicago, I took at least 3 overnight bags and two totes, and I was only gone two nights.

      Delete
    19. I swear there is a critic I even crowd.

      Delete
    20. For that many people, it's really not that much luggage.

      Delete
    21. The luggage bags also carried hundreds of copies of their book which they kindly have free to families at the conference. This is why their bags are so large! But it was one bag per person

      Delete
  4. Are they filming this trip for tv?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope they're not filming. Can't they have a private event?

      Delete
    2. TLC never shows the IBLP/ATI connection

      Delete
  5. Who else went besides Michelle and Jordyn?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim Bob and Michelle and 14 of the kids are in Australia.

      Lily and Ellie

      Delete
    2. Janas in the second picture

      Delete
    3. Jana, of course, to watch the littles. She's the one struggling with the suitcases in that picture.

      Delete
    4. I'm going to guess Josh Jill Joe Jinger and Joy stayed home since they are all pregnant, have a spouse who's pregnant, just had a baby or have a spouse who just had a baby

      Delete
    5. Lily and Ellie I am going to the event and conference if you would like any information/photos please comment back and I will email all that I can

      Delete
    6. Thanks! Which 14 kids?

      Delete
    7. Michelle, Jim Bob. Jana, Josiah, jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Tyler, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn and Josie were at Kilsyth today

      Delete
    8. Rumor has it that Josiah brought a new girlfriend on this trip.

      Delete
    9. Hi Janey,

      We would love information/photos! Our email address is duggarfamilyblog@gmail.com

      Lily and Ellie

      Delete
    10. There was a girl sitting between Josiah and Jason but I wasn’t sure who’s girlfriend she was as she was talking to Jason more than Josiah!

      Delete
    11. That was Lauren, and she signed her name with Josiah's at the book signing.

      Delete
  6. Please stop calling Australia 'Down Under' all the time. No one here calls it that and it sounds ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1940's journalism style.

      Delete
    2. "Down Under" is a relative term, so it makes sense that people in Australia don't call themselves "down under." It's based on relative geography.

      Delete
    3. 11:06 -- Haha... true.

      Delete
  7. It looks like Jordyn's wearing Chacos! They are the best sandals ever!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And isn't it amazing that you can find them at the thrift store! Save the difference!

      Delete
  8. They won't need any jumpers that's for sure! Are they coming to Brisbane?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jealous! I hope it's an amazing trip!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jordyn is wearing a winter coat with sandals-LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nobody ever seems to properly coordinate the clothing of the youngest girls.

      Delete
  11. Michelle just keeps looking younger and younger. She looks great! Miss seeing more of her on Counting On. Jordyn looks adorable in the pic. She is really growing up : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Her hair is still really thick and beautiful for her age. Many women experience thinning hair as they get towards 50 and beyond.

      Delete
    2. 6:49- I'm 63 and my hair is as thick as it ever was. The only woman I know past 50 with thinning hair is my mother and she's 94.

      Delete
    3. 1:13 PM - God has truly blessed you. I'm about Michelle's age, and almost every woman I know my age and older complain about thinning hair. You must be so happy!! :))

      Delete
  12. If 14 of the kids went...which one of the married couples went?

    ReplyDelete
  13. 20 suitcases and all those backpacks for 16
    people? Someone in that family needs to learn how to pack properly. What a headache trying to keep account of all that luggage

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You try packing for that many

      Delete
    2. I’m sure tlc may pay for the trip if they are filming if not I’m sure they can pay for their own bags as we all do

      Delete
    3. It's not that much luggage for that many people. Why are you judging how they pack? They're the ones who have to lug it around and they're the ones who have to pay for it.

      Delete
    4. Mate. Stop complaining about baggage!
      If anyone asked why and not just accused they would have found out that packed through all of the cases were hundreds of copies of the families book which they have for free to all the families at the conference

      Delete
    5. Except for the little kids, the rest should be responsible for their own packing and luggage. The parents, yes the parents and not Jana, should be responsible for the luggage of the younger kids.

      Why is Jana struggling with the luggage and not one of her brothers?

      Delete
  14. Hey Duggars! Pay for my trip to Australia and New Zealand and I will pack all your stuff and I can guarantee I will get it in half the suitcases you used. I’ll even be in charge of luggage logistics! Win Win for everyone especially for me! 😁

    ReplyDelete
  15. Have a great time! So wonderful that you are traveling again. The younger kids deserve to experience that opportunity like the older kids did. I have always wanted to go there! Jeri

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just met all the duggars at Kilsyth! They’re so nice! And exactly like on tv! But a lot shorter than I thought haha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you were able to make it to the speaking engagement! If you would like to share photos or an account of the event, feel free to email us (duggarfamilyblog@gmail.com)

      Lily and Ellie

      Delete
    2. A lot shorter how?

      Delete
    3. As in not tall.

      Delete
    4. Probably more petite than they appear on screen.

      Delete
    5. I know what they mean by shorter. We were privileged to meet the Bates and some of the Duggars at an event in 2016. I was very surprised to see how short they are. On screen and pictures they seem like average height people but it isn't really that way. They were shorter than most of the crowd there.

      Delete
  17. Must be getting easier to travel with elder kids married and off on their own...original family size is almost cut in half!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello,

    I’m sorry if this is the wrong channel but I’m desperate to see the Duggars while they’re here in Australia. Apart from the one today, are you aware of any more appearances?

    Humbly,

    Cassandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No other appearances. They had one public event and then a private Iblp conference

      Delete
  19. Won't need those jackets... surely they researched our weather! It's summer here- it gets hot ☀️

    ReplyDelete
  20. I live in Melbourne, Australia so I went and saw them today. I was so thrilled to hear them speak and to actually meet them. What a lovely group of people. I really appreciated their gospel witness too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cassie,

      How great that you were able to attend the event. We agree, they are a lovely group of people! If you have any photos or details that you would like to share, email us at duggarfamilyblog@gmail.com

      Lily and Ellie

      Delete
    2. How great! Wish they would come to Los Angeles.

      Delete
  21. My Gosh! Jim Bob told us all an embarrassing yet dangerous thing that happened. He accidently ran a red light which was a $395.00aud fine! Thankfully no accidents happened as it was a quiet road. There just happened to be a police man driving down the same road. First day here!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Enjoy the trip and hope to see some footage on Counting On

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'll bet half that luggage is stuff they're going to be handing out...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah they handed out a copy of ‘growing up duggar’ to every family that went to Kilsyth Baptist church as well as a picture of their family and a tiny personal bible. They signed all the copies of the book handed out; I have mine on my coffee table

      Delete
    2. They're down to handing out the books now, not selling them? Maybe because the information in it is so outdated? Or did the publisher have that many leftover?

      Delete
    3. 12:30 PM -- Maybe they're handing books out as a kindness? Try giving people the benefit of the doubt. Look for things to praise about people, not to criticize. You'll be happier, I promise you. Phil. 4:8-9.

      Delete
  24. For all those talking about Jordan's jacket. I'm pretty sure that photo was taken in the states. Where we are in winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes and sandals on her feet smh!

      Delete
  25. Sandals and a winter jacket?

    ReplyDelete
  26. So it looks like Jordan is wearing a winter jacket as she lands in a hot Australian summer climate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But she does have sandals on.

      Delete
    2. Melbourne weather can do anything; the day they landed it was only about 18 degrees celcius; the day they were at Kilsyth it was rainy and stormy; today it’s warming up and by the end of the week it’ll be in the high 30s low 40s degrees celcius.

      Delete
    3. Translation:
      18C = 64.4F
      30C = 86F
      40C = 104F

      Delete
    4. Only 18C!! That is balmy temperatures here?

      Delete
  27. Welcome to our beautiful country, I hope they enjoy their stay. Middle of summer here and pretty hot, won't need those jackets.

    ReplyDelete
  28. So it appears that one of the people who went out this trip was a gal named Lauren, a “special” friend of Josiah’s. The Duggars introduced her on stage today at an appearance. If there is a courtship coming for Josiah, I hope it works out well for him. He’s already had to go through the
    experience of one not working out (with Marjorie).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one will work out because they wouldn't let him go through that situation a second time.

      Delete
    2. I don't think that Marjorie was suited to be a Duggar wife. She has since gone on to university, written a book and has/had a part-time job all things she could not have done if they had married. I have a feeling this next relationship will go the distance as the two families have known each other for many years and even had a brief appearance on 19 Kids. I'm sure this courtship will be announced before the new season starts.

      Delete
    3. There never was an explanation about why he broke up with her. Could have been the timing, could have been her parents insisting, could have been a number of things.

      Delete
    4. Anon @ 11:10 They broke up right around the time news of Joshs' scandals broke. I really think she bailed when that happend. She was very young, it would be difficult to have all that attention and for all the wrong reasons at that age, she seemed like a lovely young woman.

      Delete
    5. I wonder how the parents of this young woman would allow her to go to Australia with the duggars?

      There are too many opportunities for the couple to be alone. It also puts the girl in a difficult situation, how can she back out if she wants too. If I were her parents, I would have refused to let her go since she is no longer under the umbrella of her father's protection.

      Also, signing as if she is already married is strange. Unless, there has been a secret wedding,it is strange that she is even signing anything.

      Delete
    6. 9.08am, she went to be a mentor to the children. They were never alone.

      Delete
  29. I am impressed with the luggage! I thought it would be a lot more than that. :) And Michelle is so pretty. I can't wait for the new season!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Are you going to tell us whether TLC is filming the trip?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Enjoy your trip Duggars

    ReplyDelete
  32. Welcome to Australia Duggar family. I hope you have an enjoyable stay. Aussie mum (Canberra)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Send lots of pictures! God bless your trip!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's really frustrating to have to wade through so many hateful comments about the Duggars packing too much or not dressing correctly. Lily and Ellie, I know you've purposed to share all opinions, but is is not possible to stop posting after a certain point has been made and driven into the ground? Do you really not realize that most (if not all) of the comments about a jacket with sandals are made by people who simply want to spread hate? I strongly think that the people criticizing their clothing choices would have a live-and-let-live attitude if they saw anyone else dressing in a way that seemed quirky to them. Seriously, NO ONE here believes that the Duggars naively went to Australia not knowing how to pack or dress - they have traveled the world more extensively than most of the people reading this blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, but it's still best to question what you see in life. The probability of everything being perfect all the time is very slim.

      Delete
    2. I agree! I can't believe the comments about a child having a winter coat on. Do people realize we just low record temps here in the US? So, they obviously wore them onto the plane. Big deal, people. I would have too!

      Delete
    3. I believe these instigators make these silly comments just to see how many replies they get. I just rather not give them the time of day, it's not worth it...Jane

      Delete
    4. Some of the comments are clearly made by trolls -- people who post incendiary comments just to get a rise out of people -- and others are probably made by people who are bored and don't have anything better to do than nitpick. Both are sad.

      Delete
  35. Hope the Duggars have a awesome time in Australia! Hope we hear more about the trip and see more pictures. Thanks for sharing...Jane

    ReplyDelete
  36. Maybe you have already says, bit i'm bit finfing anywhere so i ask, how longer will the Duggar stay in Australia?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.