Popcorn Popping

Sum was fascinated by these silvery mornings last June so I'm giddy just thinking about how fun it will be to introduce her to honest to goodness Utah snow. She thought this frost was the real stuff. One of my very favorite things about Australia is that it turns into The Garden of Eden every spring. With, I swear, probably 80% of the trees/bushes exploding in glorious blossoms, Aug/Sept/Oct is soooo beautiful here.

Wattle, these little yellow puff balls, are a native that grows everywhere in Canberra. They delight me. All of a sudden what you thought were just regular old bushes and trees morph into clouds of yellow glory with hardly any green visible.

Then there's the jacaranda trees. They're pretty much unreal. The blossoms fall like purple snow and you feel as if you've jumped right into a storybook.

 I laid under a grove of them on the temple grounds on my last visit and was transported to I don't even know where.

These were growing like weeds in the grass at the playground, seeds having been blown over from a house across the street.

 Real Lorax Truffula trees - I found them!

sweetest flowering bush

 Even the weeds on the side of the road are breathtaking. Fields of yellow, blowing in the breeze. Seriously gorgeous and everywhere.

Happened upon a grove of cherry blossom magic one day on our walk...

Then of course there's the stunning celebration that is Floriade, held here every spring.

Our kids earned over $100 nervously busking there for their first time ever - a little fact of which I could not be more proud.

They were so awesome. Summer thought she was totally a part of it but didn't sing her 'Skidamarink' song loud enough to be heard over Will's guitar. Annie could take it or leave it, happy to play the violin. Kenna was mortified and hightailed it out after 30 minutes, but Will stayed on for another 30, jammin' up a storm with dollar signs in his eyes. Darren was too nervous to even join us, but he did stroll by with Des in the stroller then shot me a text saying "doing great - gotta play louder."

But back to spring, we're delighted with our beautiful gardening neighbors who bless our lives with their talents each day.

Mostly I'm just in awe at this beautiful land that transforms each year into a place I'm sure I'll dream about the rest of my life.

If you ever plan a trip to Australia - come in the Spring!

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

Floriade

Talk about a love-affair with Spring! Canberrans know how to celebrate the season right. Check out our main city park transformed into an explosion of blooms. The breathtaking and glorious "Floriade"

(Even the Queen of England is here visiting Floriade today - kids were begging to skip school so they could catch a glimpse of her on the boat ferrying her over the lake to the entrance.)

 There were daily cooking shows and gardening experts and a full schedule of presentations.

You'll notice these mannequins are all dressed entirely in plants and flowers. The creative artistry and detail was exquisite.



The plots were all carefully arranged and planted in designs more clear from an aerial view, with signs posted in front showing whether it was a "dragon" or "chili pepper" or what.

With designs continuing to bloom over three weeks, talk about planning!

 The Bonsai tree collection was amazing.

 They had craft stalls, rides, games and petting zoos for the kids. And of course, booths full of cool foods, oils, handmade toys, jewelry and everything else you'd expect to find.

Kids Contest for decorated garden gnomes

Free admission during the day, paid admission for special night concerts & activities.

If I were to suggest a time to visit Canberra is would definitely be during the spring, and if you could manage it make sure to arrive when Floriade is on.