Happy Australia Day 2011

This year we were living not far from where Captain Cook landed when Australia Day rolled around! There were lots of different things to do, both on the harbour and on the land - but we settled on an Australia Day Breakfast, visiting Cronulla where 'Skippy' was showing on the big screen; watching 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' together at home (Very funny movie) and dinner and fireworks with some kind families from our ward who invited us over. It is always hard when you move somewhere new and don't know anyone. It is nice when you get invited to spend some time and meet new people from church. The fireworks were great and went on for what felt like Forever! Happy Australia Day 2011.

Eryn Turns Twelve

Yesterday Eryn turned 12. She was lucky enough to have both of her grandparents join her for her birthday and her first visit to the Sydney Temple. Turning 12 also marks the opportunity to go to Young Womens ( girls youth group) where she can make new friends; learn fun skills; go camping; go to dances; and work on goals called 'Personal Progress' to help her grow in to a wonderful young woman.


When I was twelve I still remember my Dad writing a poem about 12 things about me. Well, Eryn - here is 12 things I love about you.

ERYN AT TWELVE.
1. You can't deny her beautiful smile always brightens your day.
2. She loves to read, and read, and read, and read, and read.
3. Eryn has an amazing ability to remember the lines to a song after only hearing it once.
4. Her recall of gospel knowledge is quite remarkable for her age.
5. She loves school and wants to work hard and please her teachers.
6. Eryn plays the flute beatifully.
7. Eryn is a wonderful writer of stories.
8. Eryn always keeps her room so tidy and organised.
9. Eryn laughs at the corniest jokes.
10.Eryn loves eating anything from a French Patisserie
11.Eryn still loves a cuddle from her mum and dad.
12.Eryn has continued to surprise and impress her parents over and over since she was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERYN!!

Trip to the Doctor in Photos

Last week Eryn and I both needed to visit the Doctor. While we waited to be called up, Morgan was enjoying playing with my iphone. I wasn't really concentrating on what she was doing, until I realised that she was taking photo after photo. When I had a chance to look at them, I was pretty impressed with her skills. It captured the appointment perfectly!

I won

I can't believe that when I thought I was doing a good thing and donating to the Qld Flood Appeal on this website that I would actually win a beautiful handmade Quilt. The last few days have been pretty busy with getting ready for school starting, Eryns birthday and having my parents visiting. With so much going on I didn't even think about the competition. Thanks to my sister for telling me that I had a comment on my blog relating to my win. And especially thank you to Christine from OnceUponAQuilt for all the hardwork that must have gone into the beautiful quilt.

Finally walking

Little Addison turned 18months this week. For some reason she has been slow to walk. Every effort to encourage her has gone by the wayside. I have had her checked by specialists and they can't find any reason other than desire, as to why she wasn't walking. Then last week, almost over night she just started. She is still a bit wobbly on her feet, but I'm sure before long she will get the hang of it!

Brisbane Floods

I couldn't let this crazy week go by without mentioning the terrible floods going on up in Brisbane. I feel a little useless down here in Sydney, having left before all the desruction began. All the rain combined with a wall of water that already devastated Towoomba and was heading to Brisbane made for some very tense hours. There was the prediction that combined with the King Tide, the Brisbane River would peak higher than it did in the 1974 floods. Thankfully it didn't quite go that far, but it still caused thousands upon thousands of homes that were either completely or partically covered in water. Not to mention all the businesses that have been affected. Power is out, supplies are down and the aftermath and all the MUD will be a nightmare to clean up. I have been a little addicted to the TV while this has been going in, as the coverage has been constant. I guess now they'll be referring to the 2011 floods the way we did the '74 floods for the next 30 years!!

Renovations Complete

Last weekend I went back to Brisbane to check on the house. It was a bit sad looking at all the hard work that I put into that house over the last 6-8 months. Before I left I was able to take pictures whilst the house was empty. The photos below show the before and after's of what we did over the last year! Take a look:











AFTER

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Yesterday we decided to tick off one of the 'Things to Do' List while we are in Sydney. No 1. Walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. DONE! The day was beautiful, except for the 5 year old who decided she was too tired to walk. Only solution: Sit her in the pram and the 1 year old on her lap. Outcome: 1 year old cried the whole way walking back whilst sitting on her sisters lap. Note to self: Bring the Peg Perego next time!

Exploring

Having grown up in Brisbane, I prided myself on knowing where to go, how to get there and even some great shortcuts without the use of a map of GPS! Life has now changed. I am having to go places completely relying on the GPS or my maps app on my iphone. The other day an old lady stopped me in the street and asked directions to a particular shop. I didn't know what or where it was, so I pulled out my trusty iphone and showed her (and I ) how to get there. The other day the kids and I decided to explore a new beach. It was fun not knowing what we would find around each bend of the road. Bronte beach was beautiful. The waves were a little rough, but I could sure get used to living next to it if I had to. After that we headed to Bondi to go to a Jewish bakery that had been recommended to us as having the best bagels. Not only did it have great bagels, but the BEST homemade icecream I've ever had. Try Lemon Meringue if you ever get the chance at Wellingtons Bakery and Icecream on Bondi Rd! And today I had to get the car serviced, and since the courtesy bus would not take a 'baby' in it so that we could go home, we had to occupy a few hours. The kids and I took to exploring the streets nearby, which weren't very far from home. Later, when we caught the regular bus back - they were proud of how they were familiar with the roads that we had already walked on. I know it will take a while, but I think I'll eventually learn the places to go in this BIG city!!

Water Play

Living so close to the beach is definitely a plus while we are living in Sydney. We are surrounded by several water/beach pools that the kids are enjoying swimming in. We also visited the 'historical' landing place of Captain Cook. There were no plaques or markers, but according to the street directory he landed right about where the kids are standing in the 'Boat Harbour' photo.