Where the Ocean Meets the Sky

And then, of course, there were the beaches. Strange really, but we didn't actually hang out at the beach all that much. Sure we visited Penguin Island (and watched the worlds smallest species of penguin) and roamed Hamlin Bay for a bit, but the trip was largely void of aquatic experiences other than a foot in the ocean (it was coooold in there!). But it seems beach scenes are always great, even if they give a warped impression of the trip. Looking through our pictures after the trip one would think that the trip was all about the beach and kangaroos. Don't tell anyone, but the beach time, though spectacularly wonderful (and obviously enjoyed thoroughly) was a pretty small portion of the trip. But with ocean breezes and blue skies (much of the time) it's hard to say no to the call of the world where the ocean, land and sky collide into a visual and sensual extravaganza. Life, quite arguably, at it's best. :-)

Of Swings -n- Things

Last Christmas the plan was to spend a week with Tia and the cousins in Perth. But one thing led to another and the fifteen days prior to the holiday turned into a bit of a mad rush to determine the next chapter of our lives. Thankfully things worked out - and quickly - so that there were no dark clouds hanging over us for the long term. But one thing was affected... the plans to head to Australia were put on hold, allowing time for re-grouping and visa applying. Now, months later, we were, indeed, ready to head "down under" one more time. 

The trip had a bit of a bitter sweet feel to it since it was the return to the same place that we'd been to with Scott and Rebecca three years prior. So with the excitement of showing the Brownies around we also had that "ooohhhh" feeling that we're missing Scott and Rebecca so much. Still the memories were good and so we can't really complain. 

The girls, however, barely remembered things. For them some things held on (the kangaroos, for example) but much was relived as if it was the very first time. So they climbed the playground houses as if it was the first time, they visited the same places as if it was the first time, and it was great!  And the swings... well, with swings it doesn't even matter if it's the first time or not as long as they feel like they're about to touch the sky. :-) But there were also some things where it really was the first time. First time to Margaret River, for example. First time seeing wild kangaroos. First time going through a life-sized maze (and out the other side). Australia was great once more. Or perhaps it was great still.

At Home at School

To say that the girls love this school is a major understatement. Our little one is often being described as very enthusiastic and a leader in her class. She's growing faster than we can possibly keep up, now starting to write, and reading a good deal independently. The pictures above were shared by her teacher, Ms. Allison, before spring break Isn't she happy?

Though she doesn't always come home with a huge smile on her face, and there are certainly times when getting her up in the morning to head to school can be a chore, she sure seems content once she gets there!  We're sure she'll miss this place come August, but we will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to give her so much through this school and the people who make it the special place it is. Happy appreciation for everything this school has offered both of our girls, and us.