The rest of the week was spent busy working on Halloween costumes (still working), school, swimming, & enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Mid Oct weekend
We had a pretty low key weekend. We headed south and checked out the outlet mall, Harbour Town. Tons of stores. Some good deals, some not so much. The kids weren't as enthusiastic as Matt and I were until the shopping was about them. MA was on a mission for paper. She can never have enough notebooks, office supplies, etc. DB wanted anything. EL - pink and purple clothes. They ended up getting giant rainbow erasers (giant rubbers just sounds wrong) at Smiggle. Moments before a meltdown we found a place to grab some lunch. An American style diner of sorts. Highlight was they had Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke! We paid way too much and enjoyed every last sip of those 2 cans of soda. Refueled we hit the rest of the stores. Then called it a day. Sunday we just hung out at home. Did some cleaning and relaxed.
The rest of the week was spent busy working on Halloween costumes (still working), school, swimming, & enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
The rest of the week was spent busy working on Halloween costumes (still working), school, swimming, & enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
4th Term and Kindy
DB started Kindy (preschool in the States.) We just lucked out that a spot opened up for the last term at the Kindy a block from MA's school. He was so excited to start. He goes all day so it was a bit different than the preschool he went to before we moved. They have morning and afternoon tea. Morning tea has to be a fruit. Hats are required. And you have to sign off that the student has sunscreen on when you sign in each day. Bare feet are encouraged once in the classroom. He was all smiles when I picked him up the 1st day. And several kids said bye to him as we left and hello the next day :-) He looks forward to going on his days and he seems to be making lots of friends, enjoying the songs and making the art projects. They made a fishing pole the 1st day.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Surfs up!
The community has so many activities planned during the school breaks. It's great We were grocery shopping & noticed the ice cream shop had table set up. Of course, the kids were all over it. So we signed up for a time, went home dropped off our groceries and headed back. They got to make a sundae complete with a choice of syrup and a cup full of lollies (candy) and color a pic for a coloring contest. Ice cream before lunch- Yes Please!
Our last day of break we drove to the beach. On our way we hit some traffic. It was very slow going for a while and the kids were bored. Once we got past the accident things got moving again. It was sure we would have to park a km away from the since it was close to noon when we got there. But low and behold, our parking spot was open! Right next to the beach, in the shade. It was over 30 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. On the actual beach it was a bit breezy. Matt set up our sportsbrella (probably one of our best purchases ever) and then we had shade and wind protection. The tide was in and the waves had been pounding the shore for a while. Normally the beach is a gradual slope into the water. This time there was a drop off at the waters edge. We also got to see some kind of lifeguard training. with a giant row boat, life boats, surfers, & even a helicopter that lowered down over the water.
On our way home we took a detour and checked out a couple outlet shops. It was like hitting the jackpot. adults stuff was 70% off and kids 50%. Everyone walked away with some new Quicksilver and Roxy gear.
Our last day of break we drove to the beach. On our way we hit some traffic. It was very slow going for a while and the kids were bored. Once we got past the accident things got moving again. It was sure we would have to park a km away from the since it was close to noon when we got there. But low and behold, our parking spot was open! Right next to the beach, in the shade. It was over 30 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. On the actual beach it was a bit breezy. Matt set up our sportsbrella (probably one of our best purchases ever) and then we had shade and wind protection. The tide was in and the waves had been pounding the shore for a while. Normally the beach is a gradual slope into the water. This time there was a drop off at the waters edge. We also got to see some kind of lifeguard training. with a giant row boat, life boats, surfers, & even a helicopter that lowered down over the water.
On our way home we took a detour and checked out a couple outlet shops. It was like hitting the jackpot. adults stuff was 70% off and kids 50%. Everyone walked away with some new Quicksilver and Roxy gear.
Dr office punch card?
Spring time is here and temps are headed up. The kids did a bunch of swimming this week. In fact, so much that MA's hair had a green tint to it. Even in a salt water pool there is still a chlorinater ( I have no idea if that is an actual word or not). I am impressed with the kids' swimming skills. MA can swim all over the pool now. DB jumps in with nothing and swims to the side. EL is still content to hang out on the steps and play.
Friday MA woke up with a rash on the palms of her hands and the tips of her fingers were bright red. So we headed to the Dr. It's become a fortnight (2 week) occurrence unfortunately. Its never good when the Dr. (same one we saw last time) says things like "you get all the odd things" & "I am just going to look something up." She had no idea what was going on. She sent us a couple doors down to get blood work done. At 1st they were going to send us to another office that deals with kids more but they were able to find a good vein on MA. DB & EL were good and sat patiently on a stool. DB did cover his eyes. MA was a trooper. She didn't even flinch when they drew blood. The ladies that were there were super nice and explained everything they were doing to MA. The results would be back the next day and they would call us if anything was abnormal. Thank goodness no call came.
Matt and I have pretty much decided she wore her finger tips raw swimming. The tile around the pool is rough. It looked better the next day and we will continue to watch it. In the meantime we have strategically placed towels around the edge of the pool so she can hold on to those instead of the rough tiles. MA swam for 5 hours the next day. Pretty sure she love the water and pretending to be different animals as she swims across the pool. The dolphin and kangaroo are my favorites.
Friday MA woke up with a rash on the palms of her hands and the tips of her fingers were bright red. So we headed to the Dr. It's become a fortnight (2 week) occurrence unfortunately. Its never good when the Dr. (same one we saw last time) says things like "you get all the odd things" & "I am just going to look something up." She had no idea what was going on. She sent us a couple doors down to get blood work done. At 1st they were going to send us to another office that deals with kids more but they were able to find a good vein on MA. DB & EL were good and sat patiently on a stool. DB did cover his eyes. MA was a trooper. She didn't even flinch when they drew blood. The ladies that were there were super nice and explained everything they were doing to MA. The results would be back the next day and they would call us if anything was abnormal. Thank goodness no call came.
Matt and I have pretty much decided she wore her finger tips raw swimming. The tile around the pool is rough. It looked better the next day and we will continue to watch it. In the meantime we have strategically placed towels around the edge of the pool so she can hold on to those instead of the rough tiles. MA swam for 5 hours the next day. Pretty sure she love the water and pretending to be different animals as she swims across the pool. The dolphin and kangaroo are my favorites.
Popsicle break
Busy with his trains
Nap time
On our way to the Dr. office
All done!
poolside
Palm Cove III & Aussie airports
Saturday was more pool and beach time. MA & DB played together for hours. Everyone had a great time. Dinner on the Esplanade and ice cream made 3 happy kids. A nice walk along the beach and time to tuck kiddos into bed. As Matt walked into the bathroom he opened the shower door. A gecko fell down in front of him. OMG I would have screamed so loud. Glad that little guy decided to stay hidden while I was in there!
Sunday I was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. A kookaburra landed on the railing right behind me, not 6 feet away. I am pretty sure it was eyeing my food.
Monday it was time to pack up and head home. Of course we had to take one last swim in the pool. Then we checked out and headed down to the jetty for a walk. It started sprinkling as we walked. We went out on the jetty and it really started coming down. We ran back towards the shore and took shelter under some trees. 30 minutes later it was sunny and warm. We found a small cafe and grabbed an early lunch. Enjoyed 1 last stroll down the beach. While we waited for the taxi, MA made friends with the office dog, Max. She later told us petting him was her favorite part!
We learned learned on our 1st trip thru the airport you need to check your stroller at the ticket counter. We got a dirty look & "We will have to reopen the plane!" statement when we tried to gate check it. Also the public can go thru security in Australian airports (not the international part, just domestic.) It was weird to see people saying their goodbyes right by the gate. They also load the plane from the front and back. Makes the load/unload process a bit quicker.
There was a lady a couple rows behind us that refused to move to let a husband and wife sit by each other. They had a little boy about 1 with them. She informed the flight attendant that she booked her seat online and wasn't moving! Even though the flight attendant informed her that her seat had been reassigned. She clearly didn't have kids. The gentleman ended up sitting in the empty seat by EL and I. I am not entirely sure why the other people in his group didn't offer to move but oh well. We arrived back house and it felt good to be home.
Just hanging out with the fam
Sunday I was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. A kookaburra landed on the railing right behind me, not 6 feet away. I am pretty sure it was eyeing my food.
Monday it was time to pack up and head home. Of course we had to take one last swim in the pool. Then we checked out and headed down to the jetty for a walk. It started sprinkling as we walked. We went out on the jetty and it really started coming down. We ran back towards the shore and took shelter under some trees. 30 minutes later it was sunny and warm. We found a small cafe and grabbed an early lunch. Enjoyed 1 last stroll down the beach. While we waited for the taxi, MA made friends with the office dog, Max. She later told us petting him was her favorite part!
We learned learned on our 1st trip thru the airport you need to check your stroller at the ticket counter. We got a dirty look & "We will have to reopen the plane!" statement when we tried to gate check it. Also the public can go thru security in Australian airports (not the international part, just domestic.) It was weird to see people saying their goodbyes right by the gate. They also load the plane from the front and back. Makes the load/unload process a bit quicker.
There was a lady a couple rows behind us that refused to move to let a husband and wife sit by each other. They had a little boy about 1 with them. She informed the flight attendant that she booked her seat online and wasn't moving! Even though the flight attendant informed her that her seat had been reassigned. She clearly didn't have kids. The gentleman ended up sitting in the empty seat by EL and I. I am not entirely sure why the other people in his group didn't offer to move but oh well. We arrived back house and it felt good to be home.
Just hanging out with the fam
We took about 30 of these. 
They have these along the beach. Fancy 1st aid.
Welcome to the beach
Isn't this so pretty?
Our view at lunch
He loves when I take his picture
Last beach walk
Palm Cove Part II
Friday we had set up to spend the day in the rain forest! We had to wake the kids up early. It was raining outside and they were sound asleep. The shuttle picked us up at 7:15. We took a train up into the rain forest. It was very neat. MA fell asleep on the train and DB & I had fun counting the tunnels. I think there were 14 or 15 we went thru. The train stopped and we got to get out and see a giant waterfall. As we were headed up the mountain it was amazing to feel the sea breeze as it worked its way up the valley.
Once we arrived in Kuranda we did a little shopping and grabbed lunch. Next the girls got hair braids put in. Around 1:30 we grabbed a shuttle up to the mini zoo and duck boat tour. They have one of the biggest crocs I have ever seen there, Jack the Ripper. He apparently killed every mate they tried to put in with him. On the tour we learned a lot about the plants that grow on the rain forest floor. I couldn't believe how many fern type plants there are. Our guide was great, sharing lots of random facts and tips with us as we went along. EL fell asleep during the tour.
The Skyrail is probably one of the coolest things I have ever done! You take a gondola over the top of the rain forest. Amazing! A little nerve wracking at first but so worth it. Our ride took us from Kuranda back down to where our bus would be picking us up. By the time we got back to the condo it was almost 7 pm! Everyone was exhausted.
Once we arrived in Kuranda we did a little shopping and grabbed lunch. Next the girls got hair braids put in. Around 1:30 we grabbed a shuttle up to the mini zoo and duck boat tour. They have one of the biggest crocs I have ever seen there, Jack the Ripper. He apparently killed every mate they tried to put in with him. On the tour we learned a lot about the plants that grow on the rain forest floor. I couldn't believe how many fern type plants there are. Our guide was great, sharing lots of random facts and tips with us as we went along. EL fell asleep during the tour.
The Skyrail is probably one of the coolest things I have ever done! You take a gondola over the top of the rain forest. Amazing! A little nerve wracking at first but so worth it. Our ride took us from Kuranda back down to where our bus would be picking us up. By the time we got back to the condo it was almost 7 pm! Everyone was exhausted.
Here we go
So high!
This captured everyone's mood quite nicely.
EL loves the Cassowary
Oh the things you can find in the gift shop
He couldn't stay awake another minute. Almost back to our apt
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