Maddie and Erin go to the Park

It's been school holidays for the past three weeks; yes you read that right, three weeks. Maddie wanted to spend some days with Erin and I couldn't be happier. Maddie is great with Erin and
this time was no different when we went to Centennial park.

Maddie took Erin on her first slippery dip (slide) and some other playground thingies. I guess I should eventually learn the names of the other playground items otherwise Erin will be made fun of the first play date she has on a playground. The weather has been beautiful lately and the park was very crowded but was a great day out. Erin slept like a baby.

Looking Every Bit The Part

Today we went to pick out some new toys for our flight to New York. The goal was to pick out toys that weren't too big, too expensive and most of all too noisy. I'm prepared to loose a few along our travels. We were fortunate enough to have Jessie and Maddie (cousins) along for the trip to Toys R Us. Jessie made sure Erin was equipped for her shopping excursion and graciously provided her with her own credit cards. As any typical young girl - she held onto these until the credit cards cleared and the goods were acquired.

The shopping trip was a success - well almost. The one item that Erin desperately wanted fit most of the criteria. It wasn't expensive - in fact the money went to charity and it wasn't noisy but it failed miserably in the size department. Have a look.................... (Needed to use the night function on the phone camera as it blocked out the sun in the car window). Why Toys R Us ? Why ???

Australia Day

The official date for Australia Day falls in January but when you're an American visiting everyday is Australia Day. For Terry and Elizabeth yesterday was a unique day in that even a local would be proud of their efforts. The morning started off with a surf (as one does when living in Bondi). Donning a wetsuit and facing an incoming storm they went out for a surf lesson, following by a game of Aussie Rules at Aussie Stadium. Meat pies were consumed as they watched the Sydney Swans win a much needed game. Upon arrival back home they were greeted by a plate of Prawns and Sydney rock oysters (when in Rome). Elizabeth braved the tasks of pulling the heads off the prawns and even tasted her very first oyster. After the entrées were completed Paul followed with a main of lamb and chicken for us girls. If only they could sample the tasty Shiraz purchased to complement the meal. Not a bad way to spend the day, not a bad way at all.

Airport goodbyes are never any fun and today was no different except for the fact that Erin and I will be going to the states in less than two weeks. Also United whisked Terry and Elizabeth away before we could even realise that we had said our goodbyes on United's terms. Tomorrow I will wake with the spitting pig and know that a legacy has been left behind. Erin was just not herself today.

Featherdale

Erin's First Koala Elizabeth and Erin share a moment with a Wallaby

Terry takes on an Emu