Jenolan Caves

At the end of January we spent a beautiful weekend up at the Jenolan Caves.  It is such an easy and fun getaway from Sydney.  We stayed in the Jenolan Cabins, which were cosy and in such a picturesque spot. 

 Bright red parrots and several wallabies were our neighbors for the weekend.  The kids loved running around the rolling green hillsides.  I was a little nervous about the "eco toilets" but am happy to report that they were not at all unpleasant.  

The only good thing about having a little baby who wakes up before the sun is that you get to see some gorgeous sunrises. 



The landscape in this part of the Blue Mountains is so pretty.

Of course the reason we made the trip was to see the Jenolan Caves.  We took guided tours of two different caves.  The temperature inside was a cool 13 degrees (c).  We weren't prepared for that!  The kids were fascinated by the giant stalactites and stalagmites. 

 

The Jenolan Caves were magical and we had such a great weekend up there.  Looking forward to many more weekend getaways during our final months in Australia.  So much gorgeous country to see here.

We're Back

Well, we're all safely back in the land down under.  The kids (as always) were great on the flight.  The passengers sitting around us complimented us on how well behaved they were and what good travelers they are.  I think I might be on to something here.  Load them up with yummy snacks, fully charged ipods, comfy clothes and put them to sleep in an airplane seat.  The novelty of it all makes them forget about tormenting each other!  If only it could be like that at home  . . . .

Anyway, we were so busy while in America that our 2 Year Expativersary passed by without any recognition.  Hard to believe it has been 2 years since we embarked on this adventure.  Sadly, it will be coming to an end in about 4 months time.  Time to make a list entitled "Things We Must Do Before We Leave Australia." 

Any suggestions?

The Breakup

She broke up with me- just like that.  From 7500 miles away in an email.  My nanny left me for someone else.  I'm trying not to take it personally- but let's face it- I'm taking it personally.  I really liked her.  I trusted her with my newborn baby.  And- poof - she's gone.  No good-bye hugs, no chance to work it out.  Breaking up sure is hard to do. Sniff sniff.

We Made It

Our whole family has landed in the US and I am happy to report that the flight was an absolute piece of cake.  I was a bit worried about the baby but he was an angel and slept for 10 hours on my lap.  I think we are all getting used to these long haul flights.  Of course, being in Business Class didn't hurt . . . .

Upon arrival the customs line at LAX was unbelievably long.  It's embarrassing that the US doesn't have a better system for this.  Tired travelers were crawling along through the queue at a snail's pace.  Some kind agent spotted us with our three pajamma'd kiddos and heaps of luggage and pulled us over to the airline crew line.  Hooray! Of course there was some sort of mix-up and United had us listed as "no-boards" but the agent was pretty efficient and cleared it all up relatively quickly.  Then, as he was checking our passports, he called for the Little Buddy to look up at him.  Right at that moment the kid sneezed the biggest, greenest, snottiest sneeze ever.  That's my boy. 

And so here we are, back in beautiful sunny southern California.  The weather is gorgeous and I am reminded why I loved living here.  It not Sydney, but it is beautiful.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and for the first time in like 18 years I won't be spending it with my love.  He's at Harvard filling his brain with important stuff and I'm here visiting and running around to doctors and dentists and schools and shops.  I miss him.  It's going to be a long 4 weeks.

xx

The First of The Lasts

For the past 2 years our Spring & Summer Sunday mornings have gone something like this:

-Wake up and shovel some breakfast into the kids' mouths
-Watch them wiggle into their speedos and rashies and swim caps
-Chase them around to get the suncream on
-Double check to be sure goggles and towels are in the bag
-Dash out the door and across the street to be on the beach for roll call
-Then I watch as they swim and paddle and run and race

 I love Nippers.

We're heading back to the U.S. for a few weeks and will miss out on the rest of the Nippers season this year. 

And this time next year my kids will be in America doing whatever it is American kids do in February.  Soccer?  Baseball?  (Seriously I don't even know).  But they won't be here, on this beach doing Nippers.  And that makes me a bit sad.  It's the first of the lasts.

A Chance Meeting

To the lovely couple from North Carolina I met today in the queue at the school uniform shop:

I am so surprised (and a bit flattered, really) that you recognized me from this blog.  Thanks for speaking up and introducing yourselves.  I'm thrilled to welcome you to Australia and look forward to having you over for a cuppa when you're settled in your new place.

Glad to meet you, neighbors!  Hope you love it here as much as we do.

Aussie Aussie Aussie

Today, Wednesday January 26, is Australia Day- a public holiday commemorating the landing of the First Fleet in Australia. 



The city of Sydney puts on quite an impressive series of events to mark the day.  Who wouldn't want to see a Ferryathon, or witness a flyover, or ride on a vintage Sydney bus?  Not me!  That's why last year I thought it would be a good idea to drag my two sticky kids, my sweet agreeable mother-in-law, and my own pregnant self into the city for Australia Day.  After fighting the crowds, waiting in lines, and cramming onto over-crowded public transport we eventually gave up and headed home- feeling exhausted, deflated and a bit defeated.






When I saw my friends' photos of a fun-filled day at the beach I realised I'd made a mistake.  And so I vowed that this year would be different.

I spent the last week waiting, hoping one of my lovely friends would organise some great Australia Day party.  But as Tuesday afternoon rolled around it became painfully obvious that if there was going to be a party I would have to get it started.

Twenty minutes and ten text messages later we were in business.  Six families threw together a last minute BBQ that turned out to be one of the best beach days "evah!'

It was an awesome way to end our Aussie summer.