July 28 our latest outings

We started out this batch with with The Royal Darwin Show.  (The Darwin equivalent to the state fair.)  The kids were pushing the envelope on tired before we even started, but we pushed on through for all the excitement this event had to offer.   We went with our friends Gurty, Detroit, and Shelby,  (and Franky who spent his time at the NTFS booth).  We are now up to 3 cameras, but forgot them all this day.  So thanks for the photos Gurty.  The kids had their first intro to the Bananas in Pajamas-at first they both seemed a little overwhelmed by the 8 ft high singing fruit, but later on after Shantell the fairy had entranced them, Bryson was boogeying with the "bunch"

The next day we headed out of town to Batchelor where we spent the day at the Butterfly farm and petting zoo--This charming little oasis was complete with  the fore mentioned attractions and also offered up great food, good music, beautiful mahogony tables, a gated playscape, and a group of staff or maybe guests that made the place feel like a backpacker commune.  This is possibly the most relaxing meal we have ever had at a restaurant (post kids that is)---What did they put in that chicken curry?  

Saturday found us at the Stokes Hill Wharf where we were able to watch the start of the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race--oh to dream!   (The photos from the race and the butterfly farm will hopefully be on here next week) We worked up an appetite watching the race and trying to keep the kids from diving into the wharf.  The turquoise water did look pretty inviting even considering the 15 foot jump to get there.  So we headed to the Parap market where we found plenty of delicious food to eat.   Sunday we headed to the Botanical Gardens where our rambunctious children seemed to sap away the serenity, but then we realized the gardens were attached to a beautiful children's park so they got to be the kids that they are.  We could hear the music from the Mindil Beach Market from the gardens so we headed there next.  There we got to see yet another beautiful sunset and hear some extremely talented musicians. (To include our first didgeridoo performance.  I was surprised by the diversity of the rhythms the musicians were able to create.  

Then it was back to work for Matt.   He finally met his first grass fire, and was impressed by how different the firefighting is around here-everything from gear to technique.   Lots to learn and loving it.  That night he got his first whopping dehydration headache (Jordan and I already had our turn with one of these--ouch!!), but all was well the next day.  The kids and I kept busy during the work week  --  Jordan riding her bike with Bryce and I on the scooter.  Then it was off to our first swim lessons and our first time with the fun bus.  We found the bus, our friends, and loads of preschool toys and supplies at the park.   The next day it was the park and Howard Springs Nature Reserve where Bryce managed to lose his hat in the protected fish habitat (and snake feeding habitat-yikes!)--that was enough for that day.  Matt's first day off he took the kids to the Territory Wildlife Park with Ben, Sophie, and Tom while I got an afternoon to myself--Thanks Matt.  Everyone had a great time that day, and everyone slept well that night. Today we headed to Casuarina Beach.  The wind was going and the kite surfers were out in force. We picnicked, rock climbed(kid version), and beach combed for hours.  Another day well spent and another night of sound sleep awaits us.

July 25 We've been busy

Matt finally got to start work.  He began with a few days of orientation and the gathering of gear.  Says the support from NTFS continues to be above and beyond. Everyone going out of their way to try to make his time here the best possible-suggesting all kinds of opportunities related to work and days off, and continuing to be some of the friendliest people imaginable.  Matt's first day on the line there was a structural fire.  Somehow he managed to get caught on camera and ended up in the paper the next day--already the celebrity.  Outside of work we've been swimming, playing at some spectacular parks, going to markets, the zoo, the beach, drag races, and watching the sunsets and night skies.  Wondering why I packed socks. 

July 12-exploring/settling in

Our first day--We had all slept the night through and had awoke to the sound of tropical birds--parrots, cockatoos,  gallahs, and more.  The sun shining, the air barely cool, and we finally got to see this place with our own eyes.  What a yard!  Palm trees, pool, play set, sandbox, bikes, scooters, and so much room to play!  We quickly met Fiona's parents  who were, of course, as lovely as could be.  Franky and Gurty and Detroit and Shelby came by with lunch, and Matt took his first driving lesson--all went well, and thus started our days here.  

We have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received ever since we arrived. First the birthday party for Bryson that Franky and Gurty put on --complete with playmates, cake, and present.  Then came the barbeque-thrown in our honor by what seemed to be the entire B-shift.   Delicious food, good company, and even a possum so much fun the kids kept going until 10:00pm.  We've also graciously been given all sorts of tasty gifts-coconuts, fish--(they have salmon here--didn't know that), tomatoes, and wine.  Beginning to feel that it's too good to be true.  The only hint that there might be trouble to come is everybody's forboding talk about the upcoming build-up--for our friends back home, that's the worst time of year when the humidity reaches 90+% and the heat is up in the 80's. -90's--not for another 1 1/2 months.   For now this seems like utopia. 

First real challenge--driving.  Fortunately the Aussies have all sorts of nifty signs on the road that say things like "stay left" and "wrong way".  And unlike Anchorage in the winter, here you can see all the lines on the road--which really keep you where your supposed to be. Matt and I kept finding ourselves, veering away from the medians because the perspective is off, you just keep thinking your impinging on the lane of the oncoming traffic, meanwhile your driving off the road all together.  Eventually, we'll figure this out and we'll stop hitting the wipers instead of the blinker, and eventually (I hope), I'll learn how to park in a parking garage without having to do the X, Y, Z parking maneuver to pull in straight-Matt's got that one figured out already. Harder than any of the road rules for me is that I've had to learn how to drive stick over here, my only saving grace in this regard is that there aren't any hills around here for me to stall out on.  

Facing the driving challenge, we've been out exploring and have discovered beautiful beaches, parks, and  the city as well.  We're beginning to know a few of the major streets, and are getting oriented.  We can't get enough of this idyllic weather and this beautiful part of the country.  

July 6- We made it

Two  flights and several hours later, we finally landed in Darwin.  The kids once again surprised us by being pretty much excellent through this whole thing--except for an intense breakdown at customs in Sydney.  This may have worked on our behalf because they could only ask us a few questions, or they would risk permanent hearing impairment from the decibels reached by Bryson's and Jordan's screams.  The Francis family and Colin, Steve, and Jerry from NTFS surprised us by meeting us at the  gate.  We were flattered by their warm reception and Matt was presented with his helmet.  What a comfort to see some familiar faces over here.  It was finally time to head to our new home.   Had a good laugh in the parking lot as the driver side window got stuck in what was to be our car--(oops, Simon, but no worries Franky our resident mechanic and chauffeur for night was on the job the next day), and I, of course, got into the wrong side of the car--oops forgot about that steering wheel thing in ll the excitement.   We drove to the house in the dark of night straining to see what we were passing  until we arrived safely to the house.  The Burts went above and beyond.   They left the place spotless, and kindly left toys for the kids, and food and drink in the fridge.  Franky and Gurty headed home for the night. We tucked the kids into their new beds--not a sign of resistance from them, and Matt and I sat outside with a cold drink in hand and took a look at the most vivid Milky Way display we have ever seen, and sky full--yes full! of stars--none which resembled any constellations we have ever seen before.  Hello Australia.

July 4th-meet the Burts

Jordan and I woke and strolled to the bakery.  We stopped to drop off pastries for the Waikiki Fire Dept near the hotel.  Surprised to see a badge from the Unalaska fire department on their badge wall.   The firefighters were really excited about our exchange program-maybe we can start some sort of sister city exchange with Honolulu--just an idea. Came back to the hotel to find Bryson and Matt ready to go.  The boys went out on their own adventure to the park and the beach, then it was time to meet the Burts.  As if Fiona and Simon hadn't been terrific enough already, their boys took our kids under their wings like they were tour guides--pointing out the sites, holding hands, and just making the whole event fun.  We didn't catch the fireworks show, but did get to see a palm tree catch on fire from a firework gone awry--and we got to see those Waikiki firefighters at work.  Ended the day/night with a farewell to our new friends, and a lot of preemptive apologies for anything that might break down in the house 

Hawaii-the pit stop-still July 3

After the dreariest Alaska summer in our personal history, we sighed a big sigh of relief when we felt that warm tropical air in the open breezeways at the airport.  The kids were beginning to show some signs of fatigue, but Matt and I somehow managed to find our second wind.  It seems as if this island is a breeding ground for some of the friendliest people in the planet.   Recognizing that probably 95% of the people they deal with at work they will never see again, we were amazed at how genuinely helpful and friendly everyone was.  The kids passed out on the way to the hotel, which really was 1 block from the beach with a view of Diamond Head and the beach-(unbelievable --a hotel that lives up to it's add).   We let the kids sleep in the car awhile, then shuffled off to the hotel room, where we changed to out suits and headed to the beach.  Classic tourists, we walked right up to the surf, and the kids headed in.  Bryson was immediately knocked down by an incoming surfer while Jordan was sucked out in the undercurrent.  Both were retrieved unharmed, and Jordan went straight back for more.  Bryson was a little leery after this intro to the water, but he soon found his way in calmer waters.  Both of them received hang tens, cheers, and laughs from the surfer crowd watching our show.   After an afternoon in the sand and sun,  we went to sleep with the sounds of the night life around us, unwilling to close our windows to that welcome warm air. 

leaving AK-july 3

We said goodbye to the dog, the boat, the house, our friends and family,  and Alaska (all temporarily), and left the frozen North for that place they ironically call the Top End.   It was a relief to put the past several months of maniacal prep work behind us, our only trepidation was enduring the flight with the kids.  We packed our carry ons to the brim with every small toy known to man and a few doses of liquid Benadryl--which security seemed to recognize with a familiar eye.  Surprisingly, we saw a few familiar faces in the airports on our way out, and got to say a few good byes that we thought we had missed.  Then,  yet another surprise, the kids actually behaved and slept some on the flight.  We were off to the best start imaginable. 

Goodbye

Goodbye

Goodbye