Disneyland

I went to Walt Disney World a few times as a kid and always loved it. I've looked forward to the first time I got to take my own kids and Matt, who's never been to a Disney park, to enjoy the magic. Hong Kong Disneyland was a great start because it's small and geared towards the younger crowd so it was a perfect day for these two. Do they look a little excited on the way out the door?
And a funny side note - I dressed them in matching Buzz Lightyear shirts to keep track of them, but as it turns out, it's not hard to spot two fair heads among all the dark Asian hair.

We rode two subway trains to the Disneyland connection and started to get pretty excited when it pulled up.

Even the hand-holds were in the spirit of things.

Finally, we arrived at Disneyland! And two little boys were NOT happy to stop for a picture.

The front entrance looked pretty familiar to me, although on a smaller scale.

Mickey plants! Ben was impressed.

And the main guy himself, all decked out for Christmas. Unfortunately, there was a huge line for pictures every time so we never bothered even though the kids would have loved it. And most of the people in line were adults. Gotta love Asia.

More friends.

We arrived at opening time and headed straight for Buzz Lightyear's Shoot-out adventure.

It was a fun ride with laser guns and targets everywhere so of course Matt and I had to compete for the best score both times we went through. Alex was too overwhelmed to even notice that his gun had a trigger. Ben actually did some good shooting.

Cool ride!

Next, Matt took Ben on Space Mountain. It was the first roller coaster I ever rode and I hated it. That may have had something to do with my Granny who also rode it and screamed the entire time, but it scared me off roller coasters for decades. You can't even see Ben in this picture because he was ducked down and Matt was holding his head.

Afterward, Ben was a little shaken and said he'd rather not ride that again. He was a really good sport, though. And poor baby with the crossed eye! We had pulled the kids out of bed for a midnight flight when we left Perth and his glasses were forgotten. He had to spend the entire week in a blur...I hate that he probably would have enjoyed Disney a lot more if he could have seen it all.

We also rode the spinning rockets in Tomorrowland...lots of fun.

Break for lunch and some mickey-shaped mango pudding.

We caught the tail end of the Christmas parade and the kids were so excited to see all their favorite characters. No fairy princesses for these boys, just Toy Story and Mickey.

Ben waved to Buzz.

Alex was taking in all the action with huge eyes.

Another thing to love about Asia - picture taking is serious business! Look at all the tripods in this picture.

We offered to take pictures for several different people (hoping they'd offer to take ours in turn) and were turned down. It's hard to beat the self-portrait.

Finally got someone to take ours together! This is tinkerbell's castle, a lot smaller than Cinderella's.

We had to ride It's a Small World and it was a favorite for the kids.

It was more fun seeing it at Christmas because everything was decorated and they actually threw in a few holiday tunes instead of the same song the entire ride.

Can't visit Disney without a ride on the teacups! Ben and Alex were amazingly patient to wait in the lines for each ride, but we were also very fortunate that most were 15 minutes or less.

Our last ride was on the flying Dumbos, my most memorable ride as a kid.

Hi Daddy! Hi Alex!

The kids had to have their balloons to take home (lots of fun on the crowded subway) and we even saved them and managed to get them reinflated at home today so the fun continues.

Main Street USA was completely decorated and really felt Christmasy. We had gorgeous weather (probably around 70F) but it got cooler and overcast by dinnertime and really seemed like it should be Christmas. Each lamppost had a different color and character's hat on top and Alex pointed out and identified every one. Ben wouldn't stand too close for a picture because he was afraid to hurt his balloon.

Back at the hotel with two tired and happy boys! Some Lightning McQueen pj's and Mickey balloons finished off their day perfectly.

As much as I loved Disneyworld as a kid, it was so much more fun to watch my own kids' excitement over the things I remember loving. This park was the perfect size because Ben walked every inch of it without complaining and we did everything in one full day. I hope it's a day the boys will always remember as fondly as I remember my trips.

Hong Kong

We were fortunate to get to spend a weekend in Hong Kong soaking up a little Christmas spirit - cooler weather, Christmas decorations, Starbucks gingerbread lattes. I went three years ago with some girlfriends so this was our first trip as a family and we enjoyed every minute. We covered every mode of transportation - airplanes, buses, ferries, taxis, trains, and even roller coasters. Our first stop was the cafe at the hotel for lunch and the windows from the second story provided a great view over Nathan Road. Ben kept asking to eat at the "up-restaurant".

With full tummies, we were ready to explore! Next stop, the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong.

It's a short trip that cost less than US $1 for all of us but the views are amazing.


A good look at the International Finance Center, which was just a few feet shy of the World Trade Center towers. It is HUGE. And apparently has double-decker elevators...would have been interesting to see how that works.

While Matt and I were soaking in the sights at the bus stop, our boys were fascinated with some local sights of their own - a pile of rocks.

We rode on the top deck of a double-decker bus and once we drove through some of the skyscrapers Ben began to be impressed with their height.

Alex, on the other hand, just thought riding an open-roofed bus was the most fun thing ever.

My favorite building is the Bank of China tower. Apparently, it's been highly criticized for its lack of feng shui design but I won't judge.


Heading up through mid-levels to the peak tram.

The other Hong Kong must-do is to ride the extremely steep train up to the peak. It's a short ride and Alex was disappointed when it was over too soon.

The view from the peak at sunset.

It was a beautiful view and worth the trip!

A nice family picture, for once!

The sunset on the other side of the peak. Pollution may make for ugly skies but it sure creates some brilliant colors at sunset!

The fun had just begun...Day 2 took us to meet some very special Disney friends!

At the Beach

The boys and I stopped at the beach one afternoon in hopes of getting a cute picture for the Christmas card. That never exactly happened but we had a lot of fun and still got some cute shots. It's a beautiful strip of beach about a mile away that we've never visited because it's a dog beach but the sand was soft, the water was shallow, and waves were gently so we'll definitely go back.







And since I just ordered the Christmas cards a few days ago, please excuse my tardiness once they actually arrive...sometime before Valentines day!

Kindy Gym

We've just finished up another term at Kindy Gymnastics and it's still the highlight of the kids' week. Both boys absolutely love going and have shown great benefits from the skills they've learned. It's actually a full-on gymnastics training center for the Western Australia Institute of Sport and their gymnast Lauren Mitchell won the all-around gold at this year's world championships. Kind of cool since we've seen her help out with the kids on occasion.

Once a term we're allowed to bring cameras inside and capture some of the fun.

The favorite part each week is the long tumbling trampoline. Alex was practicing his rocket jumps all the way down.

Boys both love the instructor, Andre. He's Brazilian and has a great accent and terrific sense of humor. Andre is a big fan of the certificate ceremony at the end of the term where each kid shows off a few skills in front of the class but unfortunately I didn't have my camera ready when he called Alex's name.

Ben always plays in the creche (the childcare room) during Alex's class, but since their classes are back-to-back it's usually a scramble for me to get Alex out and get Ben in before his class begins. Lucky for me, there is a zumba class next door so I can park Alex at the door and let him dance while I fetch Ben.

I don't attend class with Ben since he's older but still love to cheer him down the big trampoline when his turn comes.

Here's Ben certificate walk, only he forgot to pick up his certificate!

Ben especially loves Andre...it's a sweet little man-crush. I usually watch his class from the windows above and can always spot Ben because he's about 6 inches or less from Andre.

Ben also finished his last term of his kindy today but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures. I was hoping for some sort of graduation ceremony since all the 4-year olds will be starting pre-primary next year but since it was the school's first year they're still getting things like that organized.

More Special Deliveries

We were so excited to open our packages from Scott and Lou Anne today. I really debated about saving the gifts for Christmas but they'd already seen the big boxes come in the house and I wanted them to know that the Dulaneys sent the gifts all the way here, so we couldn't wait. I had to do a quick re-wrap of the boys' gifts (thank you Australia customs for guaranteeing there was nothing amiss in those gifts by tearing through the paper) and then stood back and let them go. Ben could barely contain himself.

The differences between these two boys are immediately evident when one watches them open gifts. Ben carefully works at the paper along the edges, Alex starts tearing away...pretty much sums up their personalities. I love how Ben says "that's just what I wanted!" like we've seen toys like this here (we haven't!).

Alex was pumped about his dump truck but immediately infatuated with his slinky. It's been everywhere with him this afternoon.

Two happy boys! (And two happy parents because there were lots of goodies for us, too! But we did manage to save some for Christmas)

Here's Ben describing his "springy-spring". Alex is too busy chewing on his blankie to say much.

Thank you, Scott and Lou Anne, for being so thoughtful and generous! We're so blessed by your friendship. And there was no mention of last year's battery disaster so I think you've been fully redeemed :)

A Little Piece of Home

Yesterday was a banner day at our house! Three boxes arrived all at the same time, one from Grammy and Grumpy and two from our dear friends Scott and Lou Anne. In the middle of my pity party for having to spend Christmas at the bottom of the planet, it was wonderful to get love from some of my very favorite people. I'm spreading out the joy over a few days so that we weren't overwhelmed today.

I only let the kids explore one box (after I'd pulled out a few things to save for Christmas day) so they enjoyed some surprises from Grammy and Grumpy. The M&M's caught their attention first, but after their sweet teeth were satisfied they discovered their USNA goats. Having met Bill the Goat a few times in person, it's lots of fun to see my kids learning about him!

The big treat was a recordable book of the Night Before Christmas and the kids were absolutely captivated by hearing their grandparents' voices.

This was the very first listen and it took Ben a few moments to realize he was actually hearing Grammy and Grumpy's voices.

Ben listened to it cover to cover 4 times before heading off to play with something else. Alex didn't seem as interested and started watching TV, then half an hour later came back and started talking back to the book. It was so precious! Later, Ben was also talking into the speaker and telling Grammy and Grumpy that he loved them. What a priceless gift! Thank you, Mom and Dad, for sending it all the way here because I enjoyed hearing your voices as much or more than the kids, too :)

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas!

We spent our Saturday morning in search of a Christmas tree to bring a little holiday spirit into our house. There are no tree lots or fresh trees at the grocery store here, so we found a tree farm in Swan Valley to go cut our own. Not the prettiest trees we'd ever seen but it sure beat spending a fortune on a fake one!

The other side was a vineyard and Ben was dying to get into all those grapes.

Our lovely tree, tied up and ready to go home.

But first we stopped at Elmar's, a german brewery and sausage eatery, for some lunch out on their lawn. It's a great place with tons of room for the kids to run and live music on the weekends, not to mention the best sausage this side of the equator.

The kids made friends and found sticks so they were in heaven.

Later at home I got some help decorating the new tree. Ben helped with the ribbon and later with some balls and ornaments, most of which have already found new homes around the house. It's nice to have the fresh pine smell in the house!

We also caught a glimpse of a nice rainbow that afternoon...and not just the one on Ben's patch.

On Sunday, Ben had a school picnic with all the families of the 3 and 4-year olds at his school. There were a lot more people than I expected! It also included the biggest inflatable bouncy castle (or in this case, a footy field) I'd ever seen. Aussies love their barbeques but they're also huge fans of picnics, so everyone had blankets and baskets of food, and many even had wine.

Each class got up to sing a song. Somehow I missed the memo on the show starting exactly at 4:30 so Ben missed his class song but joined in for the Jingle Bell grand finale at the end. I also missed the memo that they were supposed to wear Christmas costumes...or maybe everyone just knew that since parties here always have costume themes. After more than a year here I still have lots to learn. My child is the only one in the yellow shirt.

Can't miss the solo dancing! (This is the Aussie version of Jingle Bells...see below for the full lyrics.)

After the singing it was time for some bouncy action. Alex quickly learned that he could hide from me on the other side of the field.

He also figured out he could tackle Ben as much as he wanted!

Ben's favorite activity was just running straight into the poles.

Alex was all over the place!

These little monkeys can never resist a good playground, either.


I also had to share a few precious pictures from Thanksgiving from my friend Melanie. Ben and Brynn, who'd been to a street carnival that afternoon. He's still as infatuated as ever!

Ansley and Alex...not sure what's going on in this picture but it's going to make for a great story in their teen years!

Sweet smiling faces!

Australian Jingle Bells

Dashing through the bush,
in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side,
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in
my singlet, shorts and thongs

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut !,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard,
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way,
by the barbecue.

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap,
Pack the car and all shoot through,
before the washing up.

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.