December,14 -tis the season

Well, it's Christmas-time with an Aussie twist.  Poor Santa's been sweating up a storm, the kids are sliding down hills on the slip-n-slide instead of sleds,we're riding bikes instead of skiis, wearing flip-flops instead of boots, and we're firing up the grill rather than the fireplace.  The monsoon rains cool us down once or twice a day, but we feel as hot and humid as rice in a steamer most of the time.   We opted out of the whole tree decorating thing for ourselves this year, but had a great time helping  Franky and Gurty and Detroit and Shelby (our now neighors) with theirs.   Also in line with the season we were able to catch "carols by candlelight" along with about 3000 other folks in Darwin--a terrific free event at the Botanical Gardens complete with Santa and a spectacular fireworks show.  Santa reappeared at the firefighter kids Christmas bash, play group, and Jordan's school.   We went to the end of the year school disco.  The kids had a groovy time dancing to the hokey-pokey and the like, but I still don' t know how to express how I felt about the whole experience.  I can't remember ever feeling so strongly equally old and young at the same time.  Anyway, it was the last day of school on Wednesday, and I know one little girl who can't wait for the new year.  As Laraine next door said, "you almost feel sorry for them not knowing they have at least 12 years more of the same to go."  But, for now,  the enthusiasm is strong and we're grateful.  Bryson, has gone through some serious growth spurts in between runny noses and we're discovering one of the other advantages of a warm climate-shorts fit a lot longer than jeans.  Well, we'll keep you posted after the holidays--have fun this season wherever YOU are!

December 1

It's finally starting to rain!! The humidity is still intense, but the storms are amazing. Lightning and thunder, heavy rains--all gone in less than an hour.  Some times you can see the clouds.  You can smell the rain, you wait expectantly for the pitter-patter on the roof, but the clouds pass by just teasing you with a release from the heat. Regardless of actual rain the clouds have been bringing some beautiful sunsets so we're sharing a few.   Not too many outings lately, but we did have one fun filled day at the farm with Nick and Laura. The kids saw it all--tractors,farm trucks, cows, horses, ducks, chickens, rabbits, fish, farm dogs, and one dead snake.   Last week Matt went on a pig hunt, unlike his first trip he managed to get a few this time. Then last Saturday we ate our fill on the Thanksgiving feast with about 15 other Australian/American families.  This week we've been lazing around with a few of us getting over some head colds and Bryson working on potty training.   M+M's seem to be the secret to success, but time will tell.  Our other excitement was that the kids and I managed to see our first frilly lizard.