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We have been very spoiled by being able to continue one vacation over Christmas with another one in the new year. After a two year break, we managed to get back to Oahu (Hawaii).
The travel was interesting. We opted for a low cost - no thrill airline. The prices were cheap the experience new. They really managed to separate a trip into its components and sell everything from luggage allowance, drinks, food to entertainment separately. On the good side, we managed to purchase exactly what we wanted.
The first leg of the trip brought us back to Sydney. We decided to spend some of the ten hours wait time by going into the city. There we strolled around in the rain and filled up on food for the long plane ride to Hawaii.
The flight to Hawaii was largely uneventful. Sydney slept for a long time and once awake was excited to realize that we had rented her an entertainment iPad. Arriving in the US proved to be interesting. In that Thomas was held up until the INS could true up their internal computer systems. (Thomas had returned his Green Card a while back and carried proof thereof. Unfortunately this was not what the INS office saw in his computer system. So Thomas ended up in secondary inspection.)
Once in Hawaii we had to kill a few hours before being able to get to our apartment. We spent some time in Hawaii and did some of the basic grocery shopping we knew we had to do. Then at 3pm we finally could get back into our beloved apartment. It was the same one we had in 2009; the Haleiwa Surf Apt, 11 steps to the beach.
The ten days we had went by like a whirlwind. David, Christy's dad come for a visit. We ate mostly at home, where we could use the char coal grill to create magic dinners. Throughout the day we also enjoyed icees (shaved ice) from Matsumoto, or Chocolate Haupia pie from Ted's Bakery. Needless to say we also had to visit the various beaches we used to go to in 2009.
Our favorite one, Shark's Cove Beach was not very good for snorkeling. The waves at the North Shore just proved to be too high.
Together we spent some time to snorkel for the turtles in the water right in front of our place. In the evenings then, Sydney showed David where the turtles would come up to the beach to sleep through the night.
Sydney loved the vacation and being together with all of us. She also made some friends who she played with a lot whenever at our place.
Also noteworthy, our friends from Arizona, the Smiths came and spent a few days with us. Catching up after two long years of sporadic contact was fantastic. We enjoyed every minute.
Additional highlights, each of which has a separate entry with pictures:
- our religious ceremony
- scuba diving
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As mentioned in a separate entry we got to scuba after a having sat out for the last 6 years. This time we managed to go on two days for a total of four dives.
David came to the first one and took care of Sydney. She was completely happy on board. Having a big and friendly dog around certainly helped. Sydney got to feed the fishes and saw a lot of turtled (on our first dive site.)
The start for Thomas was not so great. After a long break and repeat warnings that his cough was not a good basis for diving, he had to get over the initial fear hurdle and control his breathing. Afterwards all went well and the underwater world proved to be as good as we remembered it.
on the first dive we found lots and lots of turtles who were kind enough to pose for a few pictures.
On the second excursion David was already gone. We were lucky enough to not only being on the same boat (with the same dog!) but also having the dive master's assistant taking good care of Sydney. At this time Sydney was so familiar with the process that she had a jolly time, entertained the people on board and had a hard time not getting into divers' way as she chased after the dog.
For Christy and Thomas a deeper dive (115ft) to a wreck was on the plan. There was not a lot of time in this depth and after about 10 minutes we had to slowly start making our way back. Still it was interesting to circle around the boat and make friends with a big eel.
Speaking of eels.The last dive was in shallow waters again and we had a lot of time to look for sea creatures. There were lots of (different) eels as well as fishes and corrals. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and vowed to go to the Great Barrier Reef as soon as the circumstances would permit.
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Hard to believe that Sydney has already spent several months in Primary School. She has been going to St. Peters Primary School in East Bentleigh. She prospers and starts in all earnest learning how to read. The daily challenges keep her stimulated and we can see lots of intellectual growth.
With the Spring Break we started to entertain more and had friends over several times. Sydney loves our new house (Note: yes, after two years, we have finally put up our bed from the US again!). Sydney is also very excited to have "friends" over and plays with the kids. Dressing up in addition to coloring in are her favorites.
Almost forgot to mention that Sydney and Christy have taken on playing the violin.
Grandma Jill came to visit, which. Together Sydney, Christy and Grandma Jill undertook some adventures, went to the Victorian Market, play grounds and more.
Speaking of playgrounds, every weekend Sydney asks us to go to the Carnival, a little entertainment park across from Costco. There she loves to go into the bubble and play around in the shallow pool.
We finally got the huntsman spider that was hiding in Christy's car. The spider dropped onto the car one day and had been a constant companion since. Occasionally showing up to disappear again. One day was her last one. The spider is not small!
Now looking for April and Easter!
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Sydney has been counting down the days to her birthday and birthday party. She mentally prepared all aspects of the party and explained a laundry list full of wishes to her mommy.
This year, the party was scheduled to be at our home. There was a princess theme. Christy spent a lot of time to not only plan out all the details but also to perfect the cake. She ended up making two barbie cakes. We also had princess Barbie stopping by to entertain the kids. Yes, kids there were many. Sydney invited her whole class (all the girls and a few boys) as well as her friends from ballet.
In the end she had a great day with her friends. Christy did such a great job to get everything prepared and perfected.
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Winter time in Melbourne is usually grey and wet. Last Friday we were positively surprised when we attended a firework at the Docklands without any rain at all.
During the month of July, the Docklands show a firework every Friday. Each Friday's firework is orchestrated under a different theme. on July 14th, 2012 the theme was "Scarry". Upcoming events will be "Melbourne Rocks" and of course "Olympics" on the 27th. (I am not sure why they would not have chosen anything French on the 14th, but maybe there is still a grudge between the countries.)
For us it was a nice and rare moment to undertake something together. We all, including Tyler, made it there and enjoyed the scenery. See for yourself!