only 4 more days to xmas

Only 4 More days till Xmas! Tonight we went for an after dinner walk around our neighborhood checking out all the light displays (a couple of over the top houses). Nate was taking notes and wants us to decorate our house so we have the most lights. I haven't found a giant blow up Grinch for Michael and might have to import one from the States. As we walked around the block he came up with some great santa questions: why does he come at night, do the reindeer really fly, why doesn't anyone see him, why can't we go to the north pole and see him, etc. Then when we went to see "santa" at the mall for the photo Nate told me- "I don't think he was the real guy". I think he wants to believe (if nothing else then for the gifts) but his logically big brain (and skeptical genes) make him question the logic.
If you have kids- check out the track santa website- http://www.noradsanta.org/

Anyway- we have the menorah out and the tree up (a true bi-cultural event). The kids made some decorations. Most Aussies have fake trees- I guess that is more green- so we had to buy a fake one too. I've never owned a fake tree before, nor assembled one- LOT of parts. It is cool and neater- no dropping leaves- but you miss the smell of pine. The kids tried to help with the assembly but ended up just playing inside the box- it was pretty cute.

Have a merry christmas!

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Our 1st ballet

Last week I took the kids to see Angelina Ballerina. For those that don't know what that means- Angelina is a dancing mouse in a book series and TV show. I thought it was a fun introduction to live theater performances since they have read the book and seen the TV show in prep for going. It was a great event. We took the ferry to Sydney (photo above of the kids raiding our snack bag) and after a mad dash through town to make it on time we enjoyed a light ballet. The place was full of wannabe dressed up ballerinas ( I think the average age was 6) who danced in the aisle during the show. Reese & Nate loved it and so did I! It was a special mom and kids treat.

spider update

Lest we forget that we live in the land of dangerous creatures. Michael found another redback spider (yes poisonous) in the garage. It wasn't about to attack us - it was minding it's own business using some tools as a home. But unlucky for him that he picked the wrong house....squash.

Here is a spider that we've seen in a lot of in the garden. Very cool web design and colors. We've given him a wide berth but don't think he is dangerous.

melbourne cup

Michael and I went to Melbourne for the big horse race- the Melbourne cup. The call it the race that stops the nation. It is on the scale of the Kentucky derby or English Ascot races. We traveled to the races on a friend's boat - an excellent way to tailgate and avoid massive traffic. We were invited to a private tent at an exclusive part of the track. It was quite fun to watch the fashion show parading in front of our tent. As per typical Australia- there was a lot of skin and a lot of booze. Funny enough most of the special private tents don't even have a view of the track - you watch from a TV or watch outside. Still it was quiet fun.

My big boy

(imagine trumpet horns blowing- sorry no sound effects on the blog yet)

Nate has successfully gone 4 nights in a row without diapers and no accidents!!!! Our first night didn't go so well (he was very mellow about it) but ever since we've had no issues. Knock on wood. We wake him before we go to bed and make him pee - sleep peeing really as he doesn't remember it the next morning. Tonight he announced that he was done with diapers. I think I'll hang on to a box or two for a couple of weeks just in case (of course I have three packs of them in the closet).

We may never leave Australia

Mom & sister do not read this post!!!! Don't want you to get worried about our return.

Ben & Jerry's just opened a concept store in Manly- I believe its their first in Australia. I've been tracking the construction progress for weeks but now it is officially open. Can't rely how psyched I am. It isn't like Manly is short on ice cream shops - I can think of four without trying. But come on ...it is Ben & Jerry's. In addition to the excellent quality product it brings back fun memories of college- they delivered to the dorms (can you say freshman 20 lbs). We went last Friday night- funny story....the doors were closing so I ran in holding Reese with Nate following. I thought that they were about to close and didn't want to miss out but turned out it was a private function- sort of a training event for the staff. They took pity on the stupid but excited American woman in a frenzy about their store opening and let us stay. Best part was that each ice cream was only $1! So we went again this weekend - during legit hours. Just as tasty just more expensive (and a little less melted- I think they worked out the kinks in the freezer).

Ben & Jerry's fan club- Australia chapter:

Reese a big sister?

Reese loves to wrap her baby and teddies in her baby blankets and play mommy (or older sister). One of her favorite toys is her dolly stroller. I hate to break it to the girl but dad has already seen Dr Snip....so no more babies at our house.