sunset at Seabreeze festival

sunset at Seabreeze festival

lilies at the billabong

lilies at the billabong

keeping busy waiting for the sunset at Ubirr

keeping busy waiting for the sunset at Ubirr

Bryson taking in the scenic view waiting for the sunset

Bryson taking in the scenic view waiting for the sunset

scenic outlook Ubirr-waiting for sunset

scenic outlook Ubirr-waiting for sunset

the sunset we were waiting for

the sunset we were waiting for

the Kakadu wetlands from the chopper

the Kakadu wetlands from the chopper

Friday, July 25, 2008

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.



















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Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?
Jordan has to pee

Goodbye Alaska

Goodbye Alaska

Wiped out after the plane ride

Wiped out after the plane ride

more of the same

more of the same

this was worth waking for

this was worth waking for

Nice surf board!

Nice surf board!
You must have some tough "training days"

Meet the Burts

Meet the Burts

Matt's new helmet

Matt's new helmet

Arrival in Darwin

Arrival in Darwin

You mean we're really here?

You mean we're really here?
Can you tell I'm a little excited?

the coconut challenge

the coconut challenge
thanks for the help Bryce

playing at Lee Point

playing at Lee Point

unusual party favor

unusual party favor

Happy Birthday Bryce

Happy Birthday Bryce

Aussie party invite

Aussie party invite

kangaroos are a lot like dogs

kangaroos are a lot like dogs

Franky and Matt at the drag races

Franky and Matt at the drag races

puppy love at the market

puppy love at the market

Bryson's wore out

Bryson's wore out
we've seen lot of this lately

beer can regatta

beer can regatta

sledding in Oz

sledding in Oz

peek a boo at the park

peek a boo at the park

rare moment caught on film

rare moment caught on film
2 kids looking at the camera at the same time and smiling

beachcombing treasure from casuarina

beachcombing treasure from casuarina

just another beautiful sunset-Oh yeah, in AUSTRALIA!

just another beautiful sunset-Oh yeah, in AUSTRALIA!

This is the hat that Kim saved

This is the hat that Kim saved

This is were we had to wait while the hat was saved

This is were we had to wait while the hat was saved

another day another snake

another day another snake
this one's at the wildlife park

Fun bus fun

Fun bus fun

Didgereedooer at the MIndil Market

Didgereedooer at the MIndil Market

Matt's view from on top of the Bronto sky crane

Matt's view from on top of the Bronto sky crane

Hokey pokeying at the Darwin show

Hokey pokeying at the Darwin show

Come on Bryce you can do it!

Come on Bryce you can do it!

Hey mom, can we come out yet?

Hey mom, can we come out yet?

building the castles

building the castles

Bryson sandy, wet, and having a good time

Bryson sandy, wet, and having a good time

Jordan a little blurry, but looking like a Land's End model

Jordan a little blurry, but looking like a Land's End model

I found these for Jo

I found these for Jo
next I need to find out how to mail them

creepy tree legs

creepy tree legs
on the mangrove island

wallaby tracks in the sand

wallaby tracks in the sand

the amazing drumming monkeys

the amazing drumming monkeys
Jordan in ponytail jumping on the right

picnic at McMinn's lagoon

picnic at McMinn's lagoon

Giving Bryson riding lessons

Giving Bryson riding lessons

Dr. Seuss tree

Dr. Seuss tree

Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis
Bryson's favorite thing at the picnic

The biggest bear ever

The biggest bear ever




Hope this never happens while I'm driving

Hope this never happens while I'm driving

Lorakeets? at Katherine

Lorakeets? at Katherine