Wow, as each day passes I love this place more and more. I have been here for 10 days and I feel so 'at home' already. I have met some of the most amazing people, with such great stories to tell. If I wasn't so attached to my home and my family, I would seriously consider living here permanently. We just finished watching the SECOND set of fireworks from our window tonight. Yes, not only do we have the most beautiful view of the city, we also get to see fireworks almost every weekend. I honestly feel like we are living a fantasy.
It was another great day here. We stayed in most of the morning trying to Skype with the family and failing. I cannot wait until we get proper internet here in another week. Oh, and speaking of which - I finally got a working phone last night, then upgraded the OS and apparently botched it! So, I still don't have a phone. It's hard not being connected to the world! We ended up getting out a bit later and going to the playground. We met a Swedish couple that just moved here a week ago who has 16 month old twin girls. The diversity of this area is amazing! I invited them to the Thursday morning playgroup and hope to see them more.
Tonight we went to dinner with the couple we met from Chicago, It was fun to talk about how we both came about moving here - just picking up and doing it. People from home thinking we were crazy, moving across the world with small children. No regrets so far! Loving this experience. Isla and Bella (the little girl) played so well together, they became fast friends putting on jewelry and chasing each other around the living room.
Now it is time for bed. Tomorrow we will be going to the Koala Park to finally see some of the local wildlife. I think Isla will get a major kick out of that. And then... A NIGHT OUT!! WOO-HOO! We got a babysitter for the kids so that Devon and I can go out just the 2 of us. I am SO excited.
So, more to report for tomorrow.
Good night for now. Miss you and love you!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
keep on Rising
I got my first work out at the gym here in Milson's Point today. I dropped the kids off at the 'Creche' (Australia's term for daycare) and jumped on the treadmill over looking at the fabulous Olympic pool. The treadmills calculate everything in KM so I had to rack my brain to figure out how far and fast I was going. I decided to stop at 5K as that's all the time I had and I know for a fact that it's 3.1 miles.
As I was jogging, I was listening to my running playlist on my iphone and the song 'Keep on Rising' came on. It reminded me that this is what we do every day. We keep rising - out of bed in the morning, we rise above adversity, we keep going and rise above the tough times. This Australia thing is exciting, and scary, and everything is new. I am trying to figure out new routines, make new friends, how to get around. But everyday I keep rising out of the unknown. When I want to throw in the towel, I keep rising. We keep rising because that's what we have to do. I really do love my new life here. I am doing my best to make this my new home and to make sure my kids are happy and comfortable. I look out my window and am so happy about this time in my life. I am so blessed.
And tomorrow, I will keep on rising.
Oh, and I also must rise above this:
My poor little man was practicing his walking skills and hit his face against the coffee table. Huge gash on his cheek and bruises on his forehead. So hard for a mommy to see!
Good night all. Love you and miss you!
As I was jogging, I was listening to my running playlist on my iphone and the song 'Keep on Rising' came on. It reminded me that this is what we do every day. We keep rising - out of bed in the morning, we rise above adversity, we keep going and rise above the tough times. This Australia thing is exciting, and scary, and everything is new. I am trying to figure out new routines, make new friends, how to get around. But everyday I keep rising out of the unknown. When I want to throw in the towel, I keep rising. We keep rising because that's what we have to do. I really do love my new life here. I am doing my best to make this my new home and to make sure my kids are happy and comfortable. I look out my window and am so happy about this time in my life. I am so blessed.
And tomorrow, I will keep on rising.
Oh, and I also must rise above this:
Good night all. Love you and miss you!
Monday, October 25, 2010
The search for the blow dryer
It's been a week. A week with frizzy, out of control hair. I've had enough looking like the crazy American lady pushing the giant beasty pram with the untamed mane. We have been here long enough now that I am beginning to recognize people. They nod as I pass them, we even exchange friendly hellos and have small talk about how many kids I have. Yes, I know - it's more than the usual 2.175 or whatever you're supposed to have. Hopefully, next time they see me, they won't recognize me. Oh wait, I'm the one pushing that crazy stroller.
So today, the kids and I made a pilgrimage to the Chatswood mall. We hopped the train North about 4 stops. I am seriously proud that I managed it all by myself! I think I'm getting the hang of this! There is a Target in the mall - no affiliation with the American Target mind you. It's purely Australian, but it looks exactly like ours, same logo and everything. I am already starting to miss Super Target though, oh the days of one stop shopping are over for a while.
Before going into the store, we stopped for some lunch at a cute little sandwich and pizza place. They even had TWO highchairs which is pretty unheard of in these parts. The kids did so well. I was actually able to sit down and eat for a change! Finished lunch and headed to Target.
So nothing is on the ground level in this mall. You either have to take stairs, escalator or find an elevator. Target was down one level, but had a moving ramp so you could put prams or carts on it. My stroller weighs over 100 lbs when all 3 kids are in it, so you can imagine in any sort of hill, down or up, it is extremely difficult to handle. I had to wedge the front of the stroller sideways so it wouldn't go barreling down, pummeling poor shoppers in it's way. I had to use all of my strength to hold it steady. I couldn't get the brake on because if I for one second let go, it would be a goner. Luckily we made it down unscathed. Yes! Target, here we come!
Found what I was looking for right away (angels singing) and picked up a few other things along the way. We hopped the train back home and the kids went right down for their afternoon naps.
I'd definitely call that a successful day in Sydney.
Hugs and love to you all!
So today, the kids and I made a pilgrimage to the Chatswood mall. We hopped the train North about 4 stops. I am seriously proud that I managed it all by myself! I think I'm getting the hang of this! There is a Target in the mall - no affiliation with the American Target mind you. It's purely Australian, but it looks exactly like ours, same logo and everything. I am already starting to miss Super Target though, oh the days of one stop shopping are over for a while.
Before going into the store, we stopped for some lunch at a cute little sandwich and pizza place. They even had TWO highchairs which is pretty unheard of in these parts. The kids did so well. I was actually able to sit down and eat for a change! Finished lunch and headed to Target.
So nothing is on the ground level in this mall. You either have to take stairs, escalator or find an elevator. Target was down one level, but had a moving ramp so you could put prams or carts on it. My stroller weighs over 100 lbs when all 3 kids are in it, so you can imagine in any sort of hill, down or up, it is extremely difficult to handle. I had to wedge the front of the stroller sideways so it wouldn't go barreling down, pummeling poor shoppers in it's way. I had to use all of my strength to hold it steady. I couldn't get the brake on because if I for one second let go, it would be a goner. Luckily we made it down unscathed. Yes! Target, here we come!
Found what I was looking for right away (angels singing) and picked up a few other things along the way. We hopped the train back home and the kids went right down for their afternoon naps.
I'd definitely call that a successful day in Sydney.
Hugs and love to you all!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday - Church, exploring and shopping
We attended the local church this morning - same church that holds the Thursday play group. It was nice to walk into the small brick building to see that everyone had kids. It was filled with young families so we definitely felt like we fit in. They began with singing some familiar contemporary worship songs, and then there was children time in the front. I brought Isla and Drew up to participate. Isla seemed very interested! Then the kids all went to 'kids church'. We contributed to the children population exponentially! They did a fabulous job while Devon and I were in church. We hung out a bit afterward and chatted with some of the attendees. One couple was from Tennessee and had a 13 month old boy. Other families I had met at the playgroup on Thursday and were very welcoming. One couple even offered their car for us to borrow. Such nice people!
Got home and it was time for lunch. Had leftover Indian food Devon made from the night before, then time for naps. We all ended up taking a snooze, but I awoke after about 20 minutes. Tried getting on the internet but it was down, so decided to go for a walk outside on my own. It was sort of a cold drizzly day, so I grabbed a hot coffee and walked around the kirribilli neighborhood. We really couldn't have picked a better place to live for the next 5 months. Quiet, friendly streets. Smells like eucalyptus, and tropical flowers. We live right next to a private boys school, it's fun to see all the boys in uniform. They all look like Harry Potter. Many small supermarkets splattered around town, a local butcher, and small restaurants. Lots of good hills for me to push my SUV up and down to give my legs a good work out. I read about the construction of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in the 30s and how 500 residences and local businesses were demolished for the greater good of the community. There was a Jazz festival going on under the bridge today and yesterday the Kirribilli Market. Plenty of things to do and see in this friendly neighborhood.
We packed up the kids after nap time and took the train north a few stops to the Chatswood mall. The kids weren't super cooperative so the trip was a bit more hectic than we had hoped. Plus nothing was very family friendly. Hard to find elevators and entrances for our giant pram. We ended up going to Kmart and bought a few essentials, then to aldi for some groceries. Things close early here (6:00) so that's all we had time for. We stopped for dinner at one of Devon's favorite Malaysian restaurants. Food was fabulous, but the kids were not. I was able to have a few bites here and there between chasing Drew and Isla around the very small, packed restaurant. Wow, traveling with kids is hard. It's a different type of lifestyle for sure.
We just cleaned and organized and now it's time for bed. Another productive day in Sydney. On to another day tomorrow. Hoping to join the Olympic pool and health club and perhaps go to Aldi for some more groceries. We'll see how the kids do, my days always depend on them. I have learned to be flexible, patient and yes, even brave. I feel like I can do just about anything now. They make my life a challenge, but they are more than worth it.
Love you and miss you all!
Got home and it was time for lunch. Had leftover Indian food Devon made from the night before, then time for naps. We all ended up taking a snooze, but I awoke after about 20 minutes. Tried getting on the internet but it was down, so decided to go for a walk outside on my own. It was sort of a cold drizzly day, so I grabbed a hot coffee and walked around the kirribilli neighborhood. We really couldn't have picked a better place to live for the next 5 months. Quiet, friendly streets. Smells like eucalyptus, and tropical flowers. We live right next to a private boys school, it's fun to see all the boys in uniform. They all look like Harry Potter. Many small supermarkets splattered around town, a local butcher, and small restaurants. Lots of good hills for me to push my SUV up and down to give my legs a good work out. I read about the construction of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in the 30s and how 500 residences and local businesses were demolished for the greater good of the community. There was a Jazz festival going on under the bridge today and yesterday the Kirribilli Market. Plenty of things to do and see in this friendly neighborhood.
We packed up the kids after nap time and took the train north a few stops to the Chatswood mall. The kids weren't super cooperative so the trip was a bit more hectic than we had hoped. Plus nothing was very family friendly. Hard to find elevators and entrances for our giant pram. We ended up going to Kmart and bought a few essentials, then to aldi for some groceries. Things close early here (6:00) so that's all we had time for. We stopped for dinner at one of Devon's favorite Malaysian restaurants. Food was fabulous, but the kids were not. I was able to have a few bites here and there between chasing Drew and Isla around the very small, packed restaurant. Wow, traveling with kids is hard. It's a different type of lifestyle for sure.
We just cleaned and organized and now it's time for bed. Another productive day in Sydney. On to another day tomorrow. Hoping to join the Olympic pool and health club and perhaps go to Aldi for some more groceries. We'll see how the kids do, my days always depend on them. I have learned to be flexible, patient and yes, even brave. I feel like I can do just about anything now. They make my life a challenge, but they are more than worth it.
Love you and miss you all!
Manly Beach
Here are a few pictures of our day at the beach. We plan on spending a lot of time there this summer!
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| On the Ferry to Manly Beach |
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| Drew was having a blast! |
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| Pushing the stroller towards the ocean. So excited to get there! |
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| Getting situated. Isla didn't want to touch the sand |
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| Me and my boys |
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| Drew is a regular beach bum! |
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| Daddy and Isla |
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| The boys hangin' |
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More fun down under
It's been a busy past couple of days! Here's a recap:
Thursday evening: Devon took Isla out on the town so I could get some alone time. This is what they did:
Friday was a bit rough for me and the kids. Isla had one of her 'my do it' type of days - meaning she had to do EVERYTHING herself. Normally I don't mind letting her try to do things herself, but I was tired and a bit edgy so it was hard for me to dig up enough patience for the extra time it takes for her to put on her own diaper, or climb up in the stroller. She even wanted to unlock the apartment doors with the key. She is such a strong willed little girl and when she doesn't get her way, she is very hard to handle. We ended up getting out of the apartment to let out some energy at the nearby playground. That place is always filled with mums and kids so it's a very nice get-away for us. Then we walked through Luna Park. Isla really wanted to try the merry go round. Maybe some other time! Then we decided to take the ferry across the harbor to the big city. It was my first time taking the kids on the ferry so it was a bit scary. But the people here are so nice and helpful I didn't have too much trouble getting on and off. We made it to the other side and listened to the guy playing the didgeridoo and had lunch over looking the bridge and opera house. Overall it was a lovely afternoon!
Saturday morning: We all woke up bright and early. It was a gorgeous day so Devon encouraged me to go for a run. It was exhilarating! I ran across the harbour bridge, through circular quay, and to the opera house and back. It was around 7am so the only people up were us crazy runners. Here's a few pictures that I captured on the way:
Ater my run, we packed up and got ready for a day at the beach. The weather was lovely - 77 degrees and sunny. The Aussie sun is extra hot so even when the temp is in the 70s, it feels very warm. The breeze is cool which is a nice reprieve. We took the ferry to Manly beach about a half hour away. The kids loved playing in the sand but they will have to become accustomed to the ocean and the big scary waves. I think out of the 3 kids, Drew liked the beach the best. He ran all over with a huge grin on his face. The waves even knocked him over, face first into the water and he recovered with a smile. Isla was a bit weary of the water and would run up the shore every time a wave would come up. She would say 'here it comes' and then take cover.
Devon and one of his co-workers spent about 45 minutes boogie boarding while the kids and I hung out. It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
(Pics are taking forever to upload right now, so you will have to wait for snapshots of the beach)
Now we are full of sand and exhausted. Time to take a shower and hit the sheets!
Love and miss you all,
Mary
Thursday evening: Devon took Isla out on the town so I could get some alone time. This is what they did:
Friday was a bit rough for me and the kids. Isla had one of her 'my do it' type of days - meaning she had to do EVERYTHING herself. Normally I don't mind letting her try to do things herself, but I was tired and a bit edgy so it was hard for me to dig up enough patience for the extra time it takes for her to put on her own diaper, or climb up in the stroller. She even wanted to unlock the apartment doors with the key. She is such a strong willed little girl and when she doesn't get her way, she is very hard to handle. We ended up getting out of the apartment to let out some energy at the nearby playground. That place is always filled with mums and kids so it's a very nice get-away for us. Then we walked through Luna Park. Isla really wanted to try the merry go round. Maybe some other time! Then we decided to take the ferry across the harbor to the big city. It was my first time taking the kids on the ferry so it was a bit scary. But the people here are so nice and helpful I didn't have too much trouble getting on and off. We made it to the other side and listened to the guy playing the didgeridoo and had lunch over looking the bridge and opera house. Overall it was a lovely afternoon!
Saturday morning: We all woke up bright and early. It was a gorgeous day so Devon encouraged me to go for a run. It was exhilarating! I ran across the harbour bridge, through circular quay, and to the opera house and back. It was around 7am so the only people up were us crazy runners. Here's a few pictures that I captured on the way:
Ater my run, we packed up and got ready for a day at the beach. The weather was lovely - 77 degrees and sunny. The Aussie sun is extra hot so even when the temp is in the 70s, it feels very warm. The breeze is cool which is a nice reprieve. We took the ferry to Manly beach about a half hour away. The kids loved playing in the sand but they will have to become accustomed to the ocean and the big scary waves. I think out of the 3 kids, Drew liked the beach the best. He ran all over with a huge grin on his face. The waves even knocked him over, face first into the water and he recovered with a smile. Isla was a bit weary of the water and would run up the shore every time a wave would come up. She would say 'here it comes' and then take cover.
Devon and one of his co-workers spent about 45 minutes boogie boarding while the kids and I hung out. It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
(Pics are taking forever to upload right now, so you will have to wait for snapshots of the beach)
Now we are full of sand and exhausted. Time to take a shower and hit the sheets!
Love and miss you all,
Mary
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Where am I?
Today was a tough one. Finally the adrenaline has worn off, and jet lag has set in - I am exhausted. The boys continue to have diarrhea and horrible diaper rashes which makes them very cranky and irritable. Isla is the only one that seems to be adjusting well.
It was a bit of a rough start this morning. Both boys woke up around 5, but I was able to get them back to sleep for another couple of hours. I stayed up again to watch the sunrise from the couch situated by our big picture window. It is such a rare occasion that I am able to enjoy quiet time so I relish those moments.
Today was play group day! There is a local church (Church by the Bridge) that puts on these neighborhood play dates every Thursday morning. It's actually an organized event with play time, stories, singing, tea, coffee and snacks. I walked in the gated play area pushing my giant SUV. I must have been a sight. My hair all frizzy and disheveled, circles under my eyes, wrinkly clothing. I know that nobody cares what I looked like, but I usually like to make a good first impression at least. Isla immediately jumped out of the stroller and went to town. Who is this little person? Definitely nothing like her mother! The boys got into it too. Man, it's hard chasing after three kids that NEVER go in the same direction. Between gathering up my children and putting them in an area with a good vantage point, I was finally able to chat with a lady who hails from the Chicago area. She has been here in Sydney for 2 months now with her husband and 2.5 year old daughter. SCORE! We exchanged info so we can get together every once in a while. She gave me some good pointers where to shop and get the best prices on things. If you aren't aware, Sydney is super expensive. I bought bananas, strawberries, a loaf of bread, cheese and milk today for $23. I'm pretty sure it would be half that at home. Well, guess what. I'm not at home.
I still can't believe we're here and are actually doing this. Why on earth would anyone want to move their very young family across the globe for 5 months? What were we thinking? Ha! I know I'll have my moments, but I'm pretty sure we were meant to do this. It will be tough at times, like today, but other days will be amazing. That's how life goes right?
Here I am again, sitting on the couch by myself. I just watched the sunset this time. Boys are sleeping, Devon took Isla for some daddy/daughter time, so it's just me and my giant picture window. Life is good. But now I must sign off for some much needed shut eye before I wake up to my next sunrise.
Love and miss you all
It was a bit of a rough start this morning. Both boys woke up around 5, but I was able to get them back to sleep for another couple of hours. I stayed up again to watch the sunrise from the couch situated by our big picture window. It is such a rare occasion that I am able to enjoy quiet time so I relish those moments.
Today was play group day! There is a local church (Church by the Bridge) that puts on these neighborhood play dates every Thursday morning. It's actually an organized event with play time, stories, singing, tea, coffee and snacks. I walked in the gated play area pushing my giant SUV. I must have been a sight. My hair all frizzy and disheveled, circles under my eyes, wrinkly clothing. I know that nobody cares what I looked like, but I usually like to make a good first impression at least. Isla immediately jumped out of the stroller and went to town. Who is this little person? Definitely nothing like her mother! The boys got into it too. Man, it's hard chasing after three kids that NEVER go in the same direction. Between gathering up my children and putting them in an area with a good vantage point, I was finally able to chat with a lady who hails from the Chicago area. She has been here in Sydney for 2 months now with her husband and 2.5 year old daughter. SCORE! We exchanged info so we can get together every once in a while. She gave me some good pointers where to shop and get the best prices on things. If you aren't aware, Sydney is super expensive. I bought bananas, strawberries, a loaf of bread, cheese and milk today for $23. I'm pretty sure it would be half that at home. Well, guess what. I'm not at home.
I still can't believe we're here and are actually doing this. Why on earth would anyone want to move their very young family across the globe for 5 months? What were we thinking? Ha! I know I'll have my moments, but I'm pretty sure we were meant to do this. It will be tough at times, like today, but other days will be amazing. That's how life goes right?
Here I am again, sitting on the couch by myself. I just watched the sunset this time. Boys are sleeping, Devon took Isla for some daddy/daughter time, so it's just me and my giant picture window. Life is good. But now I must sign off for some much needed shut eye before I wake up to my next sunrise.
Love and miss you all
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A Grand Day Out
Day 1: part 1
First night went pretty well. The boys and I crashed around 6pm and Isla and Devon stayed up until 9. No idea how they did that. We all woke up around 3am, hung out a bit in the living room and then were ready to go back to bed by 4am. Everyone else went back to sleep, but I took time to chat with Katie and update my blog during the sunrise. It was so peaceful. Devon got up at 6:30 so he could catch the 7:15 train to get to work. He gave me instructions on how to use the keys, dial '000' instead of '911', and most importantly, where to get coffee. We were able to see this:
Kids woke up around 8ish (good job children!) had breakfast, got dressed and cleaned up a bit then we ventured out to scope out the new neighborhood. First got my flat white - coffee with milk, then kept walking and got to a park. Isla was ecstatic to see a playground and it's SO close to our apartment. We were the first to arrive, but slowly more and more people came. It was a blast. The boys enjoyed putting the seeds of a fig tree in their mouths. I had to ask someone what they were just to make sure they weren't poisonous. So now I know the boys like figs! They also loved chasing around the very tame pigeons. It was funny watching them follow the birds around the playground.
After the playground, we headed down toward the water. I came upon the Olympic Park pool and decided that I NEED to join the pool and health club. They have child care and the pool is amazing! Luna park was right next to the Olympic pool. Sorta creepy looking, but I'm sure we'll spend some time at this dated amusement park. Kept walking along the water with gorgeous city views. The weather was absolutely perfect. Boys ended up taking a little cat nap in the stroller while Isla and I enjoyed the views.
We walked back to the apartment, had lunch and played a bunch then everyone went down for their afternoon naps. I even got some shut eye! We are going out tonight for a family meal so there will be more to post later! I'm not able to post pics at the moment, but as soon as this website lets me, I will do so.
Day 1: part 2
Wow, what a night! Devon got home from work and we immediately headed downtown for dinner. The Sydney food festival is running right now and this week is 'Night Noodle Markets'. We got the kids loaded up in the 'SUV' and took them for their first train ride into the big city. Isla barely said a word the entire way. She was awestruck. Just walking in a new city in a new country made me feel like I was young again. Before kids, Devon and I travelled a bunch. I didn't realize how much I missed this until I felt this crazy rush of happiness. I know it's because this is all new, and I'm experiencing this with my children who are blank canvasses. We are coloring them with this experience. I know, cheesy right. But seriously, it's pretty awesome.
No more time to post, It's late and I need my sleep. Play group tomorrow at 10 am
Love and miss you all!
First night went pretty well. The boys and I crashed around 6pm and Isla and Devon stayed up until 9. No idea how they did that. We all woke up around 3am, hung out a bit in the living room and then were ready to go back to bed by 4am. Everyone else went back to sleep, but I took time to chat with Katie and update my blog during the sunrise. It was so peaceful. Devon got up at 6:30 so he could catch the 7:15 train to get to work. He gave me instructions on how to use the keys, dial '000' instead of '911', and most importantly, where to get coffee. We were able to see this:
Kids woke up around 8ish (good job children!) had breakfast, got dressed and cleaned up a bit then we ventured out to scope out the new neighborhood. First got my flat white - coffee with milk, then kept walking and got to a park. Isla was ecstatic to see a playground and it's SO close to our apartment. We were the first to arrive, but slowly more and more people came. It was a blast. The boys enjoyed putting the seeds of a fig tree in their mouths. I had to ask someone what they were just to make sure they weren't poisonous. So now I know the boys like figs! They also loved chasing around the very tame pigeons. It was funny watching them follow the birds around the playground.
After the playground, we headed down toward the water. I came upon the Olympic Park pool and decided that I NEED to join the pool and health club. They have child care and the pool is amazing! Luna park was right next to the Olympic pool. Sorta creepy looking, but I'm sure we'll spend some time at this dated amusement park. Kept walking along the water with gorgeous city views. The weather was absolutely perfect. Boys ended up taking a little cat nap in the stroller while Isla and I enjoyed the views.
We walked back to the apartment, had lunch and played a bunch then everyone went down for their afternoon naps. I even got some shut eye! We are going out tonight for a family meal so there will be more to post later! I'm not able to post pics at the moment, but as soon as this website lets me, I will do so.
Day 1: part 2
Wow, what a night! Devon got home from work and we immediately headed downtown for dinner. The Sydney food festival is running right now and this week is 'Night Noodle Markets'. We got the kids loaded up in the 'SUV' and took them for their first train ride into the big city. Isla barely said a word the entire way. She was awestruck. Just walking in a new city in a new country made me feel like I was young again. Before kids, Devon and I travelled a bunch. I didn't realize how much I missed this until I felt this crazy rush of happiness. I know it's because this is all new, and I'm experiencing this with my children who are blank canvasses. We are coloring them with this experience. I know, cheesy right. But seriously, it's pretty awesome.
No more time to post, It's late and I need my sleep. Play group tomorrow at 10 am
Love and miss you all!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Amazing Love
Australia is REALLY far away. Seems even further when traveling with 3 kids! I have to say though, they all did very well. We only had a few of those moments where we were 'those people'. The ones with the screaming kids, grabbing them out of their seats and whisking them to the nearest vacant toilet. Yeah, that was me many times. In one of these moments, a very nice lady looked at me and said 'It takes amazing love to do what you're doing'. The whole rest of the flight I had the song 'Amazing Love' in my head it honestly helped me get through the harder times. So thanks, friendly lady on the plane!
I was mostly on Andrew duty, and Devon had Ian and Isla. Drew was pretty tough at times, he isn't the best sleeper anyway so he wasn't happy being stuck sitting in his car seat. We did A LOT of laps up and down the isles and met many nice people. Ian loved the in flight entertainment, he watched Fox and the Hound, Finding Nemo, and Baby Einstein. More tv than he's ever watched his whole life. I think we have him hooked now! Isla was such a trooper! She snuggled with Devon and they slept together for a good 7-8 hours. I gave her the special back pack with her new purse and her polly pockets. She got to eat all the junk food she wanted (incidentally the only time they served us meals was when we were all sleeping) so thanks to Michelle for all the goodies!! I was in mommy mode the entire time so didn't get much sleep. I also cannot for the life of me get comfortable on airplanes. But the excitement of traveling and the adrenaline of arriving in Sydney kept me going!
We arrived at the airport in SYD and got through customs fairly easily. All our bags arrived and our car was waiting for us. The drive to Kirribilli took a while with traffic, but Isla enjoyed watching the trains, and trucks (lories) and going through the tunnels. Our apartment is small, but I think it's perfect. It's pretty kid friendly and the view is amazing. Really, as soon as I walked into my new home for 5 months, I was overjoyed. I gave Devon a huge hug and breathed a sigh of relief. We're here! Do the kids even know what just happened?
Isla's favorite spot is to stand on the couch with her face pressed to the window. She counts the boats, tells us about every train she sees and there must have been about 10 helicopters because she yells about it every time she sees one. I've never seen her so excited. It makes me happy to see her so excited.
So now I'm sitting here on the couch while the rest of my family sleeps. I just watched the sunrise and Sydney is now waking up, getting ready for a new day. I think it's going to be a good one too. I am hoping to get the kids loaded up in our SUV (aka giant stroller) to go exploring. Need to get me some of this delicious coffee I keep hearing about!
That's it for now folks! Love you all and miss you bunches!!
I was mostly on Andrew duty, and Devon had Ian and Isla. Drew was pretty tough at times, he isn't the best sleeper anyway so he wasn't happy being stuck sitting in his car seat. We did A LOT of laps up and down the isles and met many nice people. Ian loved the in flight entertainment, he watched Fox and the Hound, Finding Nemo, and Baby Einstein. More tv than he's ever watched his whole life. I think we have him hooked now! Isla was such a trooper! She snuggled with Devon and they slept together for a good 7-8 hours. I gave her the special back pack with her new purse and her polly pockets. She got to eat all the junk food she wanted (incidentally the only time they served us meals was when we were all sleeping) so thanks to Michelle for all the goodies!! I was in mommy mode the entire time so didn't get much sleep. I also cannot for the life of me get comfortable on airplanes. But the excitement of traveling and the adrenaline of arriving in Sydney kept me going!
We arrived at the airport in SYD and got through customs fairly easily. All our bags arrived and our car was waiting for us. The drive to Kirribilli took a while with traffic, but Isla enjoyed watching the trains, and trucks (lories) and going through the tunnels. Our apartment is small, but I think it's perfect. It's pretty kid friendly and the view is amazing. Really, as soon as I walked into my new home for 5 months, I was overjoyed. I gave Devon a huge hug and breathed a sigh of relief. We're here! Do the kids even know what just happened?
Isla's favorite spot is to stand on the couch with her face pressed to the window. She counts the boats, tells us about every train she sees and there must have been about 10 helicopters because she yells about it every time she sees one. I've never seen her so excited. It makes me happy to see her so excited.
So now I'm sitting here on the couch while the rest of my family sleeps. I just watched the sunrise and Sydney is now waking up, getting ready for a new day. I think it's going to be a good one too. I am hoping to get the kids loaded up in our SUV (aka giant stroller) to go exploring. Need to get me some of this delicious coffee I keep hearing about!
That's it for now folks! Love you all and miss you bunches!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Murphy's Law
10/16/2010 - 11:58pm
24 hours from now, the Gifford family will be on a 20+ hour flight to Sydney Australia where we will call home for the next 5ish months. The thing is, no matter how much planning you do, traveling with kids will pretty much always undo all your expectations. Right now, 2 out of my 3 kids have diarrhea and apparently they think they do not need a good night's sleep before we embark on our over night jaunt across the world. I guess that's what you get when you have twin boys that share everything. Hoping that this will pass and they will sleep like little angels tomorrow night. One can dream right? Or not dream...
Despite the trials that come with traveling with 3 kiddos, I am excited for this new and different chapter in our lives. It should be an adventure and a challenge that will create many memories for our new family.
I will try to post regularly on our daily ventures.
Day 1 starts tomorrow! Bon Voyage!
24 hours from now, the Gifford family will be on a 20+ hour flight to Sydney Australia where we will call home for the next 5ish months. The thing is, no matter how much planning you do, traveling with kids will pretty much always undo all your expectations. Right now, 2 out of my 3 kids have diarrhea and apparently they think they do not need a good night's sleep before we embark on our over night jaunt across the world. I guess that's what you get when you have twin boys that share everything. Hoping that this will pass and they will sleep like little angels tomorrow night. One can dream right? Or not dream...
Despite the trials that come with traveling with 3 kiddos, I am excited for this new and different chapter in our lives. It should be an adventure and a challenge that will create many memories for our new family.
I will try to post regularly on our daily ventures.
Day 1 starts tomorrow! Bon Voyage!
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