August in Australia

The past few weeks have been nonetheless an adventure. After surviving the 30 hour plane ride with the kids, I felt the hardest part was over. It really wasn't as bad as I had expected. The kids actually slept a lot of the way. We spent the first 3 weeks in an apartment in the city, which was interesting with the kids. We survived and I will say that although I am not a city girl, downtown Perth is charming and beautiful. The Australian people are very friendly and we are learning new Australian lingo everyday. They kind of do have their own language. I figured out if you just add and ey or ie to every word, then you can speak Australian. For instance, Breakfast is brekky. Sunglasses are sunnies. Our first week here, Tim's girlfriend and I were going out to the Aquarium with the kids one day. She said, "Why don't we put the pram in the boot?" I said, "the what in the what?" I was looking down as I had boots on. The translation was "Why don't we put the stroller in the trunk." Hmmmm...



So after surviving the plane ride, staying in the city for 3 weeks, and learning how to drive on the left side of the road as well as on the right side of the car, we managed well I think. We finally got a house right off the beach in Scarborough which is just Northwest of the city. A little far from the city by Australian standards but "far" here is by no means what we call "far" in Houston. They do have public transportation here and I think it fairs ok. Paul takes a bus to the train and a train to the city. I think it generally takes about 45 minutes from our house to his office. Not too bad.



The house is awesome. I love our location. I can see views of the ocean from pretty much ever window in the house. We have 2 playgrounds very close by as well as a grocery store. So, I can walk to those very easily. The kids and I go down to the beach every afternoon as long as the weather is decent. I love to watch the sunsets from the beach. The people here are avid outdoors men-Biking, walking, running, kite surfing, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding are what I see here on a daily basis. Even if the weather is bad, there are still many people out doing all of those things. I look forward to the warm weather approaching.



The kids are doing very well. David turns 5 on Monday and Grace just turned 1. I can't believe it. David really misses his friends and family. He wishes he was going to school in Houston. I have met some other moms around and hopefully will get him with some other kids to socialize. Emily is really loving it here and seems so happy. I am able to spend such good quality time with them here. It has been so refreshing.



We do miss family and friends. I have never lived outside of Texas so it has been a little of an adjustment. I also miss our grocery stores and cheaper prices! :) It is quite expensive here but we are kind of used to it now.



All in all, things are going smoothly and I am really glad we are here. I will keep updating as time goes by. Miss you all..Laura