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!

Rugby Fever

 We sort of made Will play rugby this year. He had chosen Aussie rules football (AFL) and soccer the previous two years, but we didn't feel his Australian sporting experience would be complete without being on a real rugby team. Well, despite a frustrating and rocky start, not knowing the rules nor a player on the team, our determination paid off and so did his. His team not only made it into the Grand Final, but WON. Made even more exciting by being the first team in his club to win the championship in over 10 years! They had multiple newbies too, so it was definitely a win worth celebrating.

The boys were to be doubly commended for rallying after a setback mid-season. Their assistant coach got a bit over zealous with the youth ref who was making some terrible calls during an away game. Just so happened the teen's Dad was a cop - they took it to the Club and the assistant was fired, then the coach resigned, taking with him their two top players. The team almost fell apart. And yet... they pulled together for a fantastic end of season. Way to stick with it Will!

Des thinking he's gonna be all over this someday

Officially recognized at the Club

Watching the local Brumbies last season. It sure made it more fun when we knew a bit more about the game. (I kept smiling at these signs - a "try" is like a score/goal/touchdown.)

who cares about rugby when cute Georgia's around??

Annie Bananie Bones

fell asleep this way - sweet girl

About a year ago, Annie broke her tibia and fibula in an excruciating mishap on some ancient playground equipment. Surgery was required to place two flexible rods down the hollow of her tibia to keep the bones straight enough to set, cast, and heal. She was finally able to get them removed a couple months ago. Hooray! It required an overnight stay as it took a bit more chipping than expected to get through the new bonegrowth for the extraction. Her scars are bigger now, but her muscles and bones seem to have recovered completely. It's a joy to see her run and jump unhindered again. Modern medicine, man, it's a miracle.

 After dropping the babes off, we walked to the hospital by way of the park for one last romp before she was back on crutches.

 The nervous smile... They really did take such good care of her - attentive, cheerful staff. The bear with the bandage on its same knee, that was a sweet and comforting gesture.

just out and hopped up on the good stuff

feeling less hopped up on the good stuff

vegemite sandwich anyone?

 Her surgeon inspecting his work next morning. She loved her purple leg.

relearning the stairs

the magic and crafts of the playroom

hospital school

 Before and After scars: