Shark and Ray Centre, Bobs Farm, Port Stephens, NSW

Clara was a little freaked out by the huge Black Ray

This Black Ray was huge!

Neo was happy to feed and touch from the side.

At the "Kids Day Out" event, I won a prize: Family entry (2 adults and 2 children) into the Shark and Ray Centre in Port Stephens. Port Stephens is a destination I have wanted to visit for some time. Port Stephens is about 2.5 hours north of where we live.

Zoe and I feeding sharks and small rays

When we arrived, we were asked if we wanted to go into the tanks with the sharks and rays - we were told it was the only facility in the world that allows guests to enter the exhibits. Clara, Tristan, Zoe and I each donned wet suits and went in. While Dave and Neo fed them from the edge. Dave took all the photos using his phone.

It was totally awesome experience. The super large black ray rubbed itself against each of us as we stood in the water.

This Eastern Ray has a very rough back. He's hoovering my water shoe....

Tristan loved the Gummy Sharks

Tristan really enjoyed engaging with the Gummy Sharks.

It's an experience we all enjoyed. The children are already asking to go back again some day.

Shoalhaven Heads, Leisure Coast, Southern New South Wales

Clara's drawing in the white sands of Cave Beach in Booderee NP near Jervis Bay

Children enjoyed Shoalhaven Heads Beach.

We had only been as far south in Australia as Sydney. That changed on Australia Day, 26 January 2012, when we drove to Shoalhaven Heads for a 2 day get away. Shoualhaven Heads is about 2 hours south of Sydney.

We stayed in a cabin at the Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park. It was a good place for the kids. There was a pool, climbing structures, and jumping pillow (see video). The cabin faced the river and the ocean was a short walk away.

Shoalhaven Heads Beach

Cave at Cave Beach, Booderee NP

The highlight was our day trip to Jervis Bay area. We did a short explore of Booderee National Park, which has the only botanical garden owned by aboriginal people in all of Australia. There we visited two pristine white sands beaches: Murray's Beach and Cave Beach. We also saw the ruins of an historic lighthouse. The lighthouse was brought down because sailors mistakenly identified it as one at a nearby location, then steer their boats into disaster.

Historic lighthouse brought down.

There were a lot of clouds and rain over the 2 days, but we didn't let that dampen our adventure. We will have to visit again when we will have more time to explore.

Wild kangaroos near historic lighthouse.

Dave on Murray's Beach in Booderee NP

Clara on Cave Beach near Jervis Bay

Harry Potter Expo @ Power House Museum

As we entered the HP Expo

We were fortunate to be able to view the Harry Potter Exposition at the Power House Museum in Sydney. It was a wonderful display. Very interactive.

Flying car!

Neo was "sorted" by the Sorting Hat while we waited for our turn to enter the exhibit. When Neo was asked which house he thought he'd fit into, he shrugged. Big Brother Tristan tried to help out by calling "Slytheren". Neo then said "Star Trek". Everyone laughed. After the Sorting Hat, we were treated to a timeline from the movies. Which ended in a cloud of "smoke" and we were ushered past the "Hogwarts Express" by the train engineer. Very realistic effects.

After viewing the HP Exhibit

We saw all the wands. The horcruxes, robes and clothing for various characters. We saw HP's and Ron's bunk room. We were even able to "re-pot" the baby Mandrakes. Neo even managed to get the quaffle into the goal hoops a few times. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed.

Prior to our timed admittance into the HP Expo, we were free to explore the rest of the Power House Museum. Even with the renovation in full swing, there was much to see. We saw the International Space Station model. It was interesting to learn that there is no washing machine in the Space Station, instead the clothing is disposed up - to be burned upon re-entry. We learned a lot about electricity.

It was the first day of Chinese New Year 2012. The year of the Dragon with the Water symbol. Tristan is a Dragon (metal). We walked through a part of Sydney's China Town on the way to the museum. We saw the recently repainted Kimber Lane with it's whimsical blue clouds and cherubs.

The Water Dragon came for a visit at the Power House Museum too. Neo was especially thrilled.

恭喜发财 Wishes for Prosperity in this Year of the Dragon!

Time Capsule

On Zoe's 9th birthday, our belonging from the US were delivered to our residence in Australia. It was like opening a time capsule. Among the packed boxes were photo albums from my childhood. Photos and keepsakes from my children's baby years. There were paintings and pictures the children had made. Dave's ceramics from his college days. All survived the trip.

The time capsule was not limited to saved mementos. The boxes were packed in 2010 and stored for 1 year before arriving in Sydney. The toys and other personal effects reflected who the children and we were back then.

It was especially poignant to open my grandma Polansky's jewelry box to find the early 1900s birthday card my grandma Sorenson had given to me years ago. Zoe said, "It's like it was given to me on my birthday." Yes. All the way through the generations.

Christmas 2011

What a wonderful Christmas we are enjoying this year! To begin with, Dave has a paid leave for 17 days! It's the first time in years that Dave has received a paid holiday. It's a nice benefit.

We went to Christmas Carols on the lawn at EV Church. It was a lot of fun! Neo had learned a song and happily sang along on stage. I love singing Christmas Carols. We all enjoyed BBQ and a time with friends. The kids each consumed their own fairy floss too. One of the highlights of the night for Tristan was chasing the young people wearing trash bags adorned with lollies. What a unique way of distributing candy :)

Neo sings for Carols Night

Christmas Eve day was spent chasing around for last minute food items in the morning. Followed by an afternoon at the medical centre with Neo who had a fever of 102.5 F by 3pm. I knew it would only get worse. The waiting room was packed when we arrived. The doctor was wonderful and spotted the middle ear infection immediately. Neo had conjunctivitis too. We were fortunate the pharmacy was open until 6pm for urgent cases like ours.

At 2:30am Christmas morning, Neo made his way to our bed, stopping by the Christmas tree to check on Santa's progress :) After a quick dose of pain meds, he was content to return to sleep for a few more hours. Zoe was awake at 5:30am wanting to announce the arrival of Christmas to the slumbering household. I convinced her to hold off until 6am. The 3 younger children flew to the tree and distributed gifts while I woke Clara. Clara was not impressed with the hour, regardless of the day, and returned to her bed, where she remained until a more respectable 8am.

The PJs are wonderful and fit quite well. Thanks Aunt Ranae and Grandma Stallman. :)

Thanks so much everyone for sending packages. The children were very happy with their gifts! Tristan's Ipod touch was a gift from Grandma Sorenson, Grandma & Grandpa Smith and us. Likewise for Zoe's Nintendo 3DS. Clara's big gift was a unicycle and Neo received a bicycle and helmet. The books were well received. Zoe is thrilled with her Peter Rabbit mini books. The gifts from the Met from Aunt Jen and Uncle Bob were spot on. Thanks so much! We always love goodies from Trader Joes. Dave is looking forward being in the stands on 5 January for Australia v India Test Cricket at the Sydney Cricket Grounds.

Beautiful weather for the cabana.

The weather Christmas day was awesome! Sunny, with a bit of breeze and 80F. We swam in the pool and sat out in the cabana.

Clara and I braved boxing day for the 3DS Mario Kart game, new clothes for each of us, new earrings from the jeweler for Clara and a Kindle for me.

Happy New Year to all!

Completion of the 2011 School Year

Neo graduated from Preschool.

Today, December 16, is the last day of school! In the last few days, there have been parties, a talent show, a "thank you" tea, Christmas carols, and report cards. All these events were wonderful and treasured.

Tristan on Presentation Day

We received two invitations to attend "Presentation Day" at Copacabana Public School to see Zoe and Tristan receive awards. Tristan had earned an honor and was to be awarded. There are 6 students from each classroom awarded for various academic or citizenship achievements. Tristan received top honor from his teacher, Mrs. Wilson. His award was for "Academic Achievement and Effort in All Key Learning Areas". He also received a book.

Zoe examines her award on Presentation Day

Zoe and Tristan were both recognized as people who had completed the Premier's Reading Challenge. Zoe also received a sports Pennant for competing at the Brisbane Water level of Cross Country running.

One of the paintings that was submitted for Clara

Neo had a Christmas party with his preschool class. He also participated in a graduation ceremony. There will be a family Christmas party on Monday night at the Surf club. Neo is thrilled to be ready for "big school".

We are excited for Clara as her painting will be on display in a local art gallery. Her teacher submitted two of her paintings on her behalf for the selection committee. Her painting will be part of an exhibition displayed from 16 February to 14 March at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery. According to the Exhibition website, "around 80 artists were chosen from 300 submitted to appear. The link to the Gallery Exhibitions page is here. In addition, she received an award for being the "best Visual Artist in Year 8".

Clara's painting that will be exhibited....here it's not finished.

We are very proud of each of our children and their achievements this year.

Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat

Zoe's year 2 class performing a dance.

Class 2S performing.

Happy at the end of the final performance.

Backstage

The Copacabana K-2 put on a musical based on the book: "Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat"

authored by Stephen Michael King. Zoe's teacher put the book to music and the children danced in between reading/reciting the picture book to the audience.

On the way out of the theatre.

After many weeks of practice during the school day, there were four performances. The first was a matinee for the older students and teachers/staff. Then there were two night performances and a matinee performance. Zoe was tired but happy at the end of it.

Just a glimpse.

The children were all adorable. They performed quite well. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience on both evening performances. They out did themselves in the final performance.

All performers onstage at the finale.

Nippers

Neo wearing his Copa Surf club Nippers uniform.

The cap is what under 6s wear.

Nippers is a surf/beach learning classroom for children from 5 to 14. Nippers is run through the volunteer surf clubs. We decided to join the Copacabana surf life saving club. Neo and Clara are eager participants. Zoe has attended 3 of 5 sessions so far this year. Here's the link to Nippers.

Zoe's under 9s group (red cap) practice how to swim under waves.

Clara and Zoe had to pass swim tests in the pool. Clara had to swim 200 meters in 5 minutes. She made the time, but held onto the side too many times to catch her breath. They said they'll keep an eye on her as they go out - which is good to know. Zoe had to swim 25 meters and pass a flotation test. She did fine.

Neo paddling a board in the rock pool.

On Zoe's first day at the beach, she went out the furthest she has ever ventured in the ocean. The water safety team had people stationed out and back making it very safe.

Clara does board training. Because of her age, she is beginning training to become a member of a patrol team. She has already learned CPR. Her time on the beach is spent mostly on the boards.

I took the Senior First Aid training offered by the surf club. I can tell you that CPR has changed over the years. I hope to become an active member which means I'll help to patrol the beach. Another set of eyes. Hopefully I won't need any first aid knowledge.

Neo loves nippers.

Bubbles, Book Sale & Blue Tongue

Neo and Zoe with bubble wands and bubbles

First day of October and it was a busy Saturday. Dave and I walked down to the beach for our morning date. We have coffee at the Beach Club every Saturday. We walked over to MacMasters' Progress Hall for the semi-annual book sale. We bought several books for a donation. The sale was so much fun, I took the kids over again after lunch and bought another bag full of books. They also had a dog show, which we enjoyed very much. Many dogs were wearing costumes.

Blue tongue lizard showing how he got his name.

At home, the kids observed a blue tongue lizard in the backyard. Tristan put on my leather garden gloves and caught him. He said the lizard was very strong. The rest of us petted him and took pictures. It's the first time Tristan has caught a blue tongue lizard.

Tristan said the Blue Tongue lizard was strong. He doesn't sun in our yard anymore.

Later Clara photographed the kids blowing bubbles in the backyard. They also went to a short swim in the pool.

Big, beautiful, bubbles.

Just a note about my car. The dealer provided us with a loaner vehicle for a week while they repaired the damage caused by their automated car wash. The car was restored to new condition. Then in mid-October, I heard what I thought was a stone lodged in my tire. Clara and I were driving in the car when quickly found out it was a nail...and the tire was flat. There was damage to the tire wall (tyre as they spell it here) had to be replaced. Hopefully that's it for the car dramas now.

Python in our backyard.

Speaking of reptiles in the back yard. We had a python in our backyard. The whole family was invited to come and see it first hand.

Flat Stanley does Bondi

Flat Stanley at Bondi Beach - (I like the small people above the sign)

Panorama of Bondi

Tristan's 4th grade class created Flat Stanley at the end of Term 3. Their assignment these school holidays is to take pictures with Flat Stanley in various (iconic) places. We have never been to Bondi Beach. On Tristan's birthday we went to Bondi.

Kids on playground at park by Bondi Beach

Neo watching/feeding ibis

Kids enjoyed feeding the pigeons

The day was warm with gusts of wind. We packed a lunch to grill on the barbie. While I was grilling, Clara cut the bread. She had some crumbs which she threw to the 3-4 pigeons that had come to partake of our lunch. Instantly more then 20 pigeons and an ibis descended on us. We had a fast lunch between holding our plates down and keeping the birds at bay! The kids enjoyed feeding the birds after eating.

All the kids played on the playground. Then we went for a walk along the coastal track. The Bondi rock pool is really special - 50m with swim lanes.

Big rock must be climbed.

Along the coastal walk near Bondi

Bondi's rock pool

On the way home, we stopped at an automated car wash. The car wash damaged my new car! I was so distressed. They say they'll fix it and give me a rental while they do so. We have to bring the car in next week.

My poor car!