Wonderful Fiji

We just returned from a fabulous vacation in Fiji. We went to a tiny island (located in the middle of nowhere) and basically did nothing. It was a perfect week. It was hot and sunny- a welcome break from the winter rain of Sydney. We snorkeled, hunted for hermit crabs, played backgammon, picked shells, and made sand castles. The kids had a ball and it was nice to see Michael relax (no crack daddy in part due to the lack of Internet). The whole resort was about 2 blocks long so the kids were free to wander. Nate spent a lot of time in the water with his mask and snorkel and although he won't go out to the deeper water he was brave. But his favorite thing to do was to hunt for crabs. The highlight of the week was Nate getting to enter his own crab into the crab races. Little did we know that we had to buy/sponsor our entry. Unfortunately after two brilliant practice runs Hermie cracked under the pressure and finished a sad (& out of the month) fourth. But you should have seen Nate's face- pure joy! The entry fee was money well spent....priceless memories.

check out our photos:

You are invited to view mimi's photo album: fiji

Beach anyone?

As mild as the winter is here (~60's is the worst it typically gets) I miss being warm. It has been raining off and on for over three weeks and we are feeling vitamin D deprived. How quickly we get soft- this winter is so much easier than Seattle let alone NY.

So we are off in seek of a warmer climate. We've decided to go on a holiday. Next week we are headed to Fiji- http://www.castawayisland.com/ for a little fun in the sun. Plus it will be the last time Reese can legally fly as a lap child - we'll be celebrating her 2nd birthday there.

I'll post pictures when we return.

My first big boy bike!

"Look ma no hands"

Nate got his first big boy bike. After making a successful loop around the kitchen (it was raining the night we assembled the bike and we NEEDED to test it out) he was ready for the open road. Here are some pictures and video of Nate's first day of riding. Unlike his mother, he is a nature on a bike and is already trying to do some tricks. It was a fun evening (about 60-65 degrees- not bad for winter) and Nate is sold on bike riding. Hopefully Reese will grow so we can get her one too. Then maybe I will get over my fear and the whole family will go for rides together.

Ahoy there mates

like the mean pirate face and hook arm???

What is a pirate's favorite letter?...............RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

It has been raining quiet a bit over the last couple of weeks driving us to play more indoors than out. We've discovered a love of pirates, treasure hunts, and maps. The playroom door is covered with hand drawn maps. Nate often awakes to find a map on his nightstand leading him to treasure (or a bowl of cereal). And we all walk around saying fun things like "shiver me timbers" and "yo ho yo ho a pirate's life for me" and "aye captain".

My brain has turned to mush

Help! I am not sure if it because I spend my days talking with a 4 & 2 year old or that fact that I will soon be turning 40 but it is official - my brain has turned to mush. In the last 2 months I have lost 3 major items. Of course they couldn't be little insignificant items like a receipt or phone number....noooo I had to lose a camera, a set of car keys and my cell phone. I swear that the phone and keys will turn up in the house but I have looked high and low for them. It is possible that Reese pinched them since she loves playing with keys and phones. Perhaps she convinced Sam to be an accomplice and bury them in the yard. I hope that they will turn up.
In the mean time I am not allowed to hold anything of value and or put anything at 2 year old height.
*****UPDATE***** since the publishing of this post the car keys have been found. I found them in Michael's jean pocket. VINDICATED!!!! at least I am not going completely crazy. Now if I could only find my phone ;)

Nate soccer update- tremendous progress

A quick update for those following the action packed Lasers under 6 soccer season. You may recall from earlier entries that Nate had a rough start to the season- bursting into tears at game one and refusing to play. I am happy to report that Nate is strongly in the running for most improved player this season. At last weekend's game (game #3) not only did he get on the pitch (happily with no bribes or protests) but he actually played in the match. "Played" might be a tad complimentary- as he often could be spotted standing still zoning out -completely unaware that the game was still going on around him. While not the most aggressive player he did make some brilliant kick ins. Good news and bad- Nate scored a goal (!!!!) .....bad news he kicked it into his own team's goal. Good thing they don't keep official score at this age (unofficially we got slaughter...I think it was something like 20-1). I might make up huge arrow signs for all the parents to hold so we can get our team to head in the correct field direction.

Overall some excellent progress but still some room for improvement!

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Our friends Maria & Kristian are in town visiting us from Sweden (note to Seattle friends - some people are braving the journey from even farther away). It has been fun playing tour guide showing them the Opera house, harbour tour, Manly, Dee Why Beach, etc. Today we went to the Barrenjoey lighthouse (look up Palm Beach, NSW on a map)- at the very tip of the Northern Beaches. Only a short hike (20 minutes straight up and about 10 minutes to get down) with stellar views. Nate was a hiking champ- no moaning at all- leaping from rock to rock and peeing off the ledge.

before starting our ascent

incredible views of the ocean and harbour

finally we reach the top- the lighthouse

what do you do when you get to the top- why throw rocks off the cliff of course ;)