Day 5

The next day, everyone kind of needed a "down" day.  We headed to the mall to go grocery shopping (in the mall) - it's a bit hysterical with people pushing their shopping carts through the mall.  John also likes grocery shopping and seeing all the different foods, so he enjoyed going.  We came back home and swam  in the afternoon.  After dinner, we had Wii game night, where the kids tested out their new "Sing It" game they got from Grandpa and Grandma!  Unfortunately, this is the only picture I took of that day!

Day 4

On their 4th day, Lance had swimming lessons that they were able to watch.  We then went over to the kid's school and we gave them a little "tour".  The kids were on summer break at the time, so they didn't get to see their classrooms - only the outside of them, but it was fun to show them around.  Unfortunately, Carlene wasn't feeling well that day (I think the jet lag finally got to her) so John and I took the kids to Josh's plant for a tour while she stayed home and took a nap.  They stayed entertained with their Leapsters in Josh's office while John and I took turns taking a tour with Josh.  Carlene was feeling a little better when we got back, which was good, because later that evening we all went to our first Cricket game here in Sydney!  Our friends, Ben and Suzy, took us and got us front row seats!!!  THANKS, BEN AND SUZY!!

 The Cricket match was a professional Sydney team versus a Perth team.  The ones in green were the home team!

 The field (or pitch)

 Josh, John, Carlene, Lance, and Grace enjoying the game

 getting ready to bat

The one in the orange was the "bowler"

Hit the Rocks, then Hit the Hay!

We then walked over to The Rocks area.  This is where Sydney was first "settled", and where a lot of the convicts lived.  They've kept a lot of the old buildings, so it has a very quaint feel to it.  It's fun to walk the stone streets, along the little alleyways, and see the cute shops and restaurants that are now there.  We ended up eating at a restaurant called "Pancakes on the Rocks" for dinner and then took the train home.

 A view from "inside" The Rocks area

 A mix of the old and the new!

They have built some art around some of the streets, so our kids were being silly....

Day 3

Today we just enjoyed the morning at home hanging out.  Josh came home early from work and we took the Rivercat Ferry into the city so they could see the view of the Harbor Bridge, Opera House, etc. from the water.  

 The scenic ride

 A pic with the grandparents!

We tried as well....oh Lance.....(sigh)...

Christmas....still???

After dinner, the kids were DYING to open their Christmas gifts that Grandma and Grandpa had brought them.  They were so generous and it was kind of nice to spread Christmas out a little!

 Trying to get a quick picture with Grandpa and Grandma...good one, too bad John's eyes are closed!!

 Showing some of the gifts they received.  A new Leapster game!

 Cars 2 Legos!!!

 Grace was SOOO excited to get Kanani, the 2011 American Girl of the year, and let me tell you, she has some beautiful long, luscious, locks to brush, too!!

I personally will take one of these, please!!!

Continuation of Day 2

After Featherdale, Grace had her dive and turn class.  Of course, Grandpa and Grandma wanted to watch her do it.  She was trying to get ready for the upcoming Swimming Carnival at school she had in February.

 Diving in!

 Afterwards, we all came home and took a little dip in the pool ourselves.

 Having a Lebanese style dinner that night.

Chicken patties, lamb roast, cous cous, Greek salad, tabouli, and tzatziki!!  Yum!!

Playing Catch Up!

Well, it's been a little over a month since I've posted anything and we're still in January when Josh's parents were here visiting!!  YIKES!!!  I guess I've done a really bad job at keeping up with this thing, but I have made a promise to Josh that I will catch up and keep up with it!!!  He says it's the only "journal" we have of our "life here in Australia".  Well, that's motivation enough for me.  The good news, I guess, is one of the reasons I fell so far behind is because of all the fun things we've been doing these past few months.  I guess this is my project for the next couple of weeks....to CATCH UP!!! ;)