Thanks to Give

Definitely not a traditional Thanksgiving this year. In the craziness of recent weeks, we neither extended nor received any dinner invites so we dressed up and ate at the local club restaurant. (Bonus: it was still cheaper than buying a turkey here.) Then we almost went camping. And while all of us truly missed the food comas and family celebrations, at least I was extremely grateful to come home to a clean kitchen (and avoid Black Friday shenanigans entirely.)

look closely - that Huntsman spider we found in our helmet is very much alive

We took some family bike rides. Went swimming next door. Had some unnerving run-ins with more than a few intimidatingly large spiders. Hit up Questacon. Napped. Took a three hour drive into the countryside. It was nice and relaxing and unconventional. But we missed you all, our friends and family that make such holidays complete. And we look forward to doing it right again next year. 'Cause really, a soup and salad bar for Thanksgiving dinner is simply not right - albeit definitely a memory.

We have so much to be grateful for. Health and strength and modern medicine and happiness. Gratitude remains on my mind because about an hour ago we had a near-death experience with a rather humongous kangaroo on the road. Somehow we managed not to be killed or have the car totaled by him or the ditch we almost ended up in. I could feel the adrenaline in my veins for an hour - it was terrifying. Life is sweet and fragile and deserves thanksgiving more often than it gets.

Instead of the Thanksgiving Tree this year we tried to see how long we could make our Thankful list.

Hope you all had a fantabulous Turkey Day and are enjoying heaps of cranberry and turkey sandwiches. Love from Australia - we miss you!

Spring II

Definitely my favorite time of year here. The blossoms and blooms on almost every tree and bush are breathtaking!

We went for a family bike ride around Lake Burley-Griffin one Saturday. (Of course the kids thought the best thing was "riding" atop the car.)

Perfect weather for a picnic and they totally surpassed even their own expectations, stamina-wise.

Summer's still keeping us entertained. Dabbling in big girl beds, big girl undies and failing miserably  at both. :)

 While welcoming some new work friends who just moved in, we walked up the street to some empty lots where kangaroos often congregate and found a mob of over 30. We even counted 8 or so joeys in and out of their pouches. Annie got within 10 feet until Summer ran up to join her. Still love watching those guys bounce around - it's just beautiful.

Enjoyed the glorious Floriade again. Splurged for the ferris wheel this year and the views were worth it - such well choreographed designs only appreciated from bird's eye view.

And of course the obligatory growth pics of little man, although even these are now outdated...

Des is perpetually entertained by Sums.

Until she notices him watching her, then she's all up in his grill until he's super irritated.

That boy is not ignored, I'll tell you what.

Spring Has Sprung

 And it sure feels good to be out in the thick of it!

The kids played very well in netball and soccer, and were thrilled for their medals, plaques and "golden boot"s...


 but we are very pleased to have our Saturdays back!

 While waiting for spring, we still had a raucous time indoors.

Yes, Summer AND Des are asleep on Dad.

Obstacle courses were assembled. Many a gymnastics meet was hosted and judged. Playdates were had. Desmond was blessed. Twister was played. Freezing dips in the neighbor's pool for the brave of heart.

First smiles :)

That Twister mat kept them occupied for hours.

 But for the most part, we've been living outside and loving it. Stromlo Bike Playground is the best. All sorts of ridges, logs and skinny raised platforms to test your biking skills on. Great place to prove your balance, agility and courage. It takes guts, man. Many tears spilt and triumphs claimed. (Bless those kind gentlemen who offered to spot brave Kenna on her first go at the tipping see-saws. Dad was home with Sums, so me with Des in the Bjorn was obviously no help at all for that imminent disaster.)

U.S. Labor Day enjoying Dad's sunny nap on the grass outside Questacon