Happy Birthday Hannah

16 sweaty kids at FlipOut trampoline center and one rainbow cake that was almost my undoing. Can't believe she's 8!! Crazy.

Good morning!

Love my new alarm clock that visits me every morning on the patio off the bedroom. So much better than a blaring clock! No Snooze button though :)

Some signs summer is here in Sydney

1. Weather goes from this...

... to this in about 5 mins.  Note it was still sunny where we were sitting, the storm pretty much rolled in from behind us and had passed us before we knew it.  We were still baking in the sun while lightening crashed down in crazy forks on the headlands across the bay from us.

That's celsius by the way for all you Americans (= 97 F)

2. All parenting skills go out the window after a few drinks at the beach (yes, they are building sand castles with our empty beer bottles)

3. A sea of sun shelters ruins the landscape at the beach but reminds you that Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world.

4. You start to see some seriously creative BBQing (those are indeed beer bottles holding up that grill)

5. Sculptures by the Sea returns.  This one was my favorite, entitled "We're Frying Out Here".  For other great examples of the amazing art displayed in the most beautiful venue on earth, go to http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/Home.aspx

 

6. One is talked into going to Luna Park.  Again and again.

7. You start to see more Rainbow Lorakeets and less possums 

8. The Jacaranda trees are back! That's the view from our new living room by the way.  How awesome is that?!

9. School field trips, Sydney-style.  Maths on the Beach!

10. More trips to the zoo.  Its hard to tell in this picture (blame the disorganized photographer for not getting my phone out in time to catch the action) but Hannah FINALLY got picked to have the bird steal a gold coin from her hand.  Now those 20 trips to the Bird Show at Toronga have finally paid off!

11.  Stinky gym has been swapped for Pilates on the Beach

Brekkie Balmoral Style

Mommy-Abbey breakfast at the beach before school while Hannah creates musical miracles at band practice.

The Australians are getting the hang of Halloween

Our third Halloween in Australia was the best yet.  This American tradition is really starting to catch on here in Sydney.  You still have to walk forever to amass any sensible amount of candy as only every 10th house or so is giving out treats, but it's better than our first year when we thought we must have gotten the date wrong.  Despite the noticeable lack of candy, you can't beat Trick or Treating in flip flops.  There are no ski jackets ruining the perfect costume here!

Book Parade at School

Cat in the Hat and Pippi Longstocking

Award for outstanding high jumping

More weird and beautiful bugs

As seen on the bathroom wall this morning

Loving our new morning view

59 Reasons Living in Sydney Ruins You for Life

Click on the link to find out.  For those of you who have never been to Sydney, you'll probably think the person that wrote this was exaggerating but they were not.  It really is that good.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/simoncrerar/sydney-ruins-you-for-life?utm_term=1k0cry2&s=mobile#16dt0ld

Hallelujah! Bagels in Sydney

They cost $5.50 each and you have to wait for 10 mins while the overpaid bagel slicer puts it in the toaster for you, but they are worth it. How is it that this tasty American staple has taken so long to infiltrate this city? Maybe the gluten-free fitness freaks taking over Sydney won't eat them, but the Whitings certainly will!

I've heard of snow grounding planes...

... But rain?? When it's tropical storm rain that is so severe you can't even see through it, yes. Sat on the runway for 2 hours until finally they just closed the airport and sent us home. Where I got soaked walking from the taxi to my front door. Gotta love business travel in this part of the world. At least we never have to wait around for de-icing trucks though.

Tim tam night at Beauty Point

What is Tim Tam night, you ask? Basically an excruciating school band concert at the end of which they pacify you by passing out TIm Tams (delicious Australian chocolate covered cookie). My ears are still bleeding by my stomach is thanking me.

Movin' on up

Up the hill, that is. We were annoyed at first that we had to move (greedy landlords claimed they could get more money re-renting our place in spring vs fall when we'll be leaving). But, as this was the view I enjoyed with my cup of coffee this morning, it's turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We still have room for guests so please come visit!

Mosman Little Athletics

We just had to do this for our last summer in Sydney! Such a great program in a beautiful setting next to the beach. Of course, the girls really only agreed to do it because of the cool uniforms. Mine are the ones with bright pink sneakers (obviously).

Portraits of Mommy

Hannah: "Sorry I made your chin look so fat. I know you're actually thinner than that."
Me: "Good thing you didn't do a full-body shot :) "

First day of Term 4

Only 10 more weeks of school until summer vacation.  Hooray!!

Mermaid

Catching the first wave of the season

With buddy, Tilly

Sister love