Allens Downunder

St George Trip

2010-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Traivs went to St George to golf with his friends so we decided to tag along. Trav's sisters also met us there. We had a great time. It was so pretty and the weather was perfect. We did some hiking which the kids did great with. It was nice to have a little weekend get away.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T22:07:00.003-07:00

We had a very fun Halloween this year. Abby and Blake had a party at school, Brady's teacher didn't have a party. We had a party at church on Saturaday then a block party on Sunday. Both party's were very fun. The weather was great not to hot and cooled off at night.

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Brady's 3rd Grade Play

2010-11-03T21:54:00.001-07:00

Brady just had his 3rd grade play it was an outer space story. It was very cute and had a lot of great songs. Brady had a little speaking part, he did a great job. He was very fun to watch sing the songs with his cute smiling face.

Finally

2010-11-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Finally finally it happened...Blake lost his first tooth. He has been wanting to lose a tooth for so long and it finally happened. The next night he lost another one. We didn't get a picture of the second one.

Crazy Storm

2010-10-05T20:36:00.001-07:00

We had a crazy hail storm this afternoon. Some of the hail was the size of a golf ball. It was really windy as well the hail was hitting the window really hard. It was so loud in the house and I thought for sure the windows were going to brake. The kids were at school during the storm I was worried they would be a little scared. Brady said he cried because he heard it was a tornado and he thought I would be in it because I had been in one before. He was very cute when he got home and gave me a big hug because I was okay. Blake just thought it was cool and so did Abby. I usually like having a change in the weather from hot here but this was a little extreme for me.

The Grand Canyon

2010-10-04T22:26:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the kids Fall Break so we decided to go to the Grand Canyon. We have lived in Arizona for a year now and thought it was about time we went. Travis thought it would be fun to take a train ride to get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon...which it was. We had a busy morning Saturday with Blake's t-ball practice and Brady's first soccer game(pictures to come of that)and then we headed to Flagstaff to spend the night. It was so nice in Flagstaff it felt like Fall and the leaves had changed colors. It was 105 in Phoenix when we left for Flagstaff so a change in temp and seasons was welcomed. It was so nice to feel the cool air and have to wear a jacket.
The next morning we head to Williams where we got on the train headed for the Grand Canyon. It was fun the kids really enjoyed it. They had some entertainment but mainly it was just fun to be on a train.

We all loved looking at the canyon it was amazing. It is something everyone should see at least once.

Before the train left the station in the morning they had a cowboy shoot out. It was very cute the kids loved it.

On the way back from the canyon they had some robbers on the train,Abby did not like that at all.

Silly Girl

2010-10-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

I went to check on the kids before I went to bed and this is what I found...what a silly girl.

Labor Day 2010

2010-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

We went to Tucson for Labor Day weekend. We stayed at a resort that had a lot of fun activities for the kids to participate in. The kids painted ducks and got to enter them into a race, they got their face painted, and did lots of swimming. They had a big lazy river and a water slide they were a huge hit. We went on a little hike and I mean little because it was really hot. They ended the weekend with a really good firework show. It was so nice to get away, it was a much needed brake from regular life.

First Day of School

2010-09-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

The kids started school the first week of August and they are loving it. They are so happy to be back in school. It is still so hot here so the first place they head when the get off the bus is the pool. It is fun to see them excited about learning and playing with friends.

Blake is so excited about school and loving it. He has a great teacher which I'm so happy about.

Brady is not so sure about the 3rd grade yet. He has a very strict teacher who is all business. He has already learned a lot just in a month so I guess a strict teacher is not so bad.

Abby is going to preschool two days a week. She likes it most days but it is a long day for her.

Blakes Preschool Graduation

2010-08-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

Blake had his preschool graduation and it was so dang cute. He was so excited about it. He called everyone on the phone to let them know about it and sang them the songs from the program which is so not like him. It was find to watch looking so big.

Brady's Field Day

2010-08-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

It was a crazy week with all the things we had going on for the end of the school year, but we had a great time at Brady's field day.

Brady's Gymnastic Meet

2010-08-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

Brady had a gymnastic meet with the group he has been working with for the past few months. It was great to watch Brady having so much fun and he has improved so much.

The rings were my favorite event.

Baseball Season Starts

2010-08-02T23:08:00.001-07:00

It was Baseball season kick off and it was a big deal. They at a parade of the teams and then games and food booths. It was fun for Blake and the kids.

The Hendricks Come to Arizona

2010-08-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Allyson,Bill and the kids came to stay with us for their Spring Break. It was so fun to have them visit. The kids had fun swimming with their cousins in the pool. It was great weather the pool was still a bit cold but the kids didn't seem to mind

We went to a fun restaurant that was on Dinners,Drive-ins,and Dives it was yummy!!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter this year. Tori was able to come and visit and be here for Easter which was great. The kids went to four different Easter egg hunts so they have more candy then we need. We had an egg hunt at the church then we did one in our neighborhood, the Easter Bunny left eggs in our backyard and the last one was at our friends house. We all had fun coloring eggs I don't think you are ever to old to enjoy coloring eggs. I tried to get a picture of the kids in their Easter outfits but Blake was not in the mood, I didn't get anything really cute. It was nice to be with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful weather, what a great time of year.

Brady Turns "8"

2010-04-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Brady turned 8 on the 31st he started his day out opening up a new outfit before school. He looked very cute and was excited because his new shoes matched his shirt and shorts perfect. Abby and I took Subway to his school to have lunch with him. After school Travis pick up Tori at the airport they came home and we ate Brady's birthday dinner and opened presents. On Friday we went to As You Wish to paint pottery. It was a fun birthday he got everything he wanted and loved that Tori was able to come.

Blake Rides a Two Wheeler

2010-04-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

Blake learned to ride a two wheeler a few weeks ago. Travis took off the training wheels and in about two minute he was cruising around the neighborhood. Need less to say we should have taken the training wheels off a long time ago. He is out riding his bike as soon as he gets home from school.

The Suns Game

2010-03-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

We were able to get some tickets for a Suns game and they happened to be playing the Jazz. Travis and the kids were excited to cheer for the Jazz. I cheered for the Suns...the Jazz ended up winning. The kids had a great time. Abby liked it the most and she really loved watching the dancers. The only bad thing was it ended really late and they had a hard time getting up in the morning for school, but It was a fun night.

The Jeppersons Visit

2010-03-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Over Superbowl weekend Clint, Amy and the boys came for a visit. Travis was so excited to have someone coming for the Superbowl so we could have a party, he really missed watching NFL games while we were in Australia.

It was really fun to have them stay with us. We went for a nice hike and all the kids did a great job hiking. We went to the train park for a train ride, and my kids favorite pass time jumping in our freezing cold pool, Nick and Nat jumped in as well. It was really fun having the Jeppersons visit. Thanks for coming to stay with us.

Blakes "5" Birthday

2010-03-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Blake had three different birthday partys. We had a party for him in Utah after Christmas. We had his party at McDonald's on News Year day. It turned out to be a lot of fun. Then he had a pizza party at his school with all his friends. We ended with a family party at Chuckie Cheeses. He got some great gifts and had a lot of fun.

Blake is such a fun kid. He is full of so much energy and is very creative and makes up fun games for everyone to play. Blake can also be very loving and always likes to follow the rules (except at Home). He is a great boy and I'm loving watching him getting older and excited about all the things he is learning. We love you Blake.

Chirstmas 2009

2010-03-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

We were able to spend Christmas in Utah with all our family. Spencer Andrea and the kids were able to come as well. It was so fun to be with Family for the Holidays, it had been over six years since we had all been together at Christmas. The kids had so much fun with all their cousins it was one big party. It was so fun to watch all the kids playing together. Thanks everyone for such a great Christmas.

Abby's First Snow

2010-03-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

While we were in Utah for Chirstmas we got to enjoy some great snow. It was Abby's first time in the snow and the boys loved playing in it after so long. Abby rolled in it, made snow angels and ate alot of snow. She had so much fun until her hands got to cold. I hadn't bought her any gloves yet she just had socks on so her hands got pretty cold.

Abby's "3"

2010-03-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

We were able to spend Abby's Birthday in Utah with all our family. She was so excited to have a party and have everyone there. She really wanted a castle cake, Allyson and I made her a cute pink castle cake which she thought it was great. She was so cute and just loved having a princess party.

Abby is such a fun little girl she is just so full of life. She loves everything "Girly" we are so thankful she is part of our family. We love you Little Miss Abby.

Grandma and Glenn Visit

2009-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Glenn came for a visit it was a lot of fun. The kids always have fun with Grandma and they had fun getting to know Glen. We went to the zoo, for a hike, and to see the Glendale lights. It has been a great time.

Blakes Last Baseball Game

2009-12-13T14:05:00.001-08:00

Blake had a great Fall Ball season. He did a good job and improved so much this season. He has so much fun and just loves it. He is very excited for Spring Ball. He also got his first trophy which was the best thing ever.

Halloween 2009

2009-12-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

We had a very nice Halloween we went to a friends house they had a neighborhood party and then everyone went trick or treating, it was a lot of fun. It was nice to go all out for Halloween.

Abby was so excited to be a princess for Halloween she wanted me to be one to, thankful my mom had a Snow White costume which workout perfect.

Blakes Halloween Party

2009-12-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Blake had a fun Halloween party at school, Abby was able to go along and enjoy the fun. The kids got to go Trick or Treating to the high school, they got a lot of candy and had fun. Abby spent a lot of time complaining about how itchy her costumes was and it was bugging her so we went home.

Brady's School Play

2009-12-13T13:27:00.001-08:00

On October 15 the 1st and 2nd Graders in Brady's school put on a play about the circus. Brady was a mouse and did a very cute job. I didn't get any great pictures but Brady is cute and we had fun watching him.

Pumpkin Carving and Birthday

2009-10-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my birthday and I wanted to carve pumpkins and hang out with the family. It was a fun day. Travis and the kids always do a great job making the day really special.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

We went to another pumpkin patch here in Arizona that was a lot of fun. They had rides for the kids to go on a big pumpkin patch and corn maze, just good Fall fun.

Fall Craft Projects

2009-10-30T20:37:00.001-07:00

One of the things I missed the most in Australia was Halloween in the Fall and all the fun things that go a long with it. We started out our Fall fun while we were in Utah we went to Cornbellys with Allysons family. The kids had a great time playing with thier cousins. Their favorite thing was playing in a big pile of corn, what a mess. They were all covered in white powder from head to toe, they didn't care they had fun. The kids did some fun little craft projects this past month. Painting a pumpkin and frosting cookies. I just love this time of year!!!

First Day of School

2009-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

What a crazy month!!! We have been in America for a little over a month and are happy to be back. We have been in Arizona for a few weeks and other then the heat it is really nice. I think we will be very happy here. The kids started school 2 1/2 weeks ago and they seem to be enjoying it. Brady and I are getting use to all the homework...much more then we are use to, but Brady is doing great. Blake is going to preschool three days a week for 6 hours and loves every minute of it. He really wants to go everyday but there is plenty of time for that next year. I still want him home a little while longer. We found a nice gym here and Abby is happy to have her class to go to again and kids to play with. I'm also very happy to be back at the gym and back on a bit of a schedule again. Travis is still getting use to being in America and his new job, but is loving the golf he has been able to play a bit here. We are currently living in corporate housing for a few more weeks. We found a house in Cave Creek which is north of Phoenix. We should be closing on the house in a few week and then we will have to do painting and all new flooring. It is a bank owned house so we are getting a great deal but it needs a little work. It will be really nice once we can move in and get settled in our new neighborhood. The kids are very excited about having a pool in the back yard. The kids still ask when we are going home to Australia but I think they are adjusting quite well. We miss Australia and all our friends but we are glad to be back in America.

Hanging Out in Utah

2009-08-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

We got to Utah July 15Th and the next day Allyson and I went to Arizona to find a place to live. We had an idea of the area we wanted to look at after seeing it we loved it. Cave Creek is where we will be living which is north of Phoenix. In the few days we were there we found a house to buy and place to stay until we close on the house. It was a very productive visit it was also a lot of fun to hang out with my sister. We ate some good food (mostly Mexican I really missed it)and did some shopping and of course got a pedicure. We stayed In Utah for a few weeks Spencer, Andrea and the kids were there which was so fun to hang out with them. We did a lot of swimming, mountain visits and just hanging out. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins. We would have liked to stay longer but we had to get to Arizona so Travis could start work and the boys could start school. We had a great time in Utah, it was so nice to spend time with family and friends.

Sight Seeing With Tori

2009-08-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

While Tori was visiting we did some sight seeing...we had to take her to some of our favorite spots. I was able to do a lot of packing and cleaning while Travis Tori and the kids went to the Great Ocean Road, Halesville Sanctuary and a Footy game. Tori was also very adventurous and took all the kids on the train all over Melbourne. It was such a big help to have her take the kids so I could get stuff done. Tori we can not thank you enough for coming and watching the kids and all your help...you are the best!!!

The Great Barrier Reef

2009-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

We got to take one more amazing trip in Australia before we moved. Clint and Amy came to visit before we moved and we went with them to the Great Barrier Reef. Tori was able to come and stay with the kids so that Travis and I could go have some fun. We had such a great time. Our first day in Cairns we went to the reef and went snorkeling and scuba diving. Amy and I just snorkeled and Travis and Clint scuba dived, it was amazing. The reef had so many amazing colors and the fish were like nothing I have seen before. It was awesome.

Travis and Clint getting a lesson before they went for their first dive.

we went on a boat tour looking for cros

In Carins they had a big Fourth of July celabration with fire works and everything...it was quite a surprise.

We had a great time we are so glad Clint and Amy came to visit and thank you thank you to Tori for watching the kids.

Fitness First

2009-08-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

We have been going to Fitness First since we moved to Australia and it was a big part of our time there. Abby and Blake loved to go everyday to play with the other kids and the teachers. We will really miss everyone at the gym. I will miss my workout buddy Janet the most. Janet is the most down to earth person, she is so positive and just has such a great energy about her, she is just great to be around. It was great to have someone to workout with and talk to each day. I met a lot of great people there and will miss them all very much

Great Lady's

2009-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

I was able to visit these amazing lady's each month and I learned so much from them. I was not able to get a picture of my visiting teaching partner Peg which I'm sad about. Peg is the nicest person I have ever met she is just a genuinely kind person and I loved being around her.

This is Betty she is such a great example of using her talents to serve others. Betty knits booties for every holiday for children in the NICU at a children's hospital. She makes things and quietly gives them away and doesn't want anyone to make a big deal about it. Betty loves children and she was always happy to have the kids come and visit. She had a bucket full of toys that were her sons from 50 years ago and the kids thought they were so cool. We will really miss visiting her.

Mavis is a great lady who likes to have fun. She has a beautiful home that she loves to decorate and an awesome yard that she is always working on. She is a hard working fun loving lady. It was always a party when we would go to visit her.

Our Last Sunday at Church

2009-07-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday was the last time we will be able to go to church in Australia. There are a bunch of pictures, we took some at the temple which is across the parking lot from the church and the rest are of the kids in Primary. I had been serving in the Primary over the last few months and just loved it, they are such a great group of kids. I will really miss everyone in Primary.

Dinner Out With Friends

2009-07-02T07:55:00.001-07:00

Saturday night we went out to dinner with our friends from church. We had a great time, good food and some good laughs. We have been so blessed to meet so many wonderful people while we have lived here in Australia. We will really miss them all. These guys have all been a great source of help and support and are just really good people.

Brady's Last Day of School

2009-06-26T02:28:00.001-07:00

Brady is really going to miss the friends he has made and so will I. I will miss talking with the other Mums each day. We have been very luck to meet so many great people, we will miss them.

Tanya and Thomas

Almeta and Brady

Fionna the cross guard is amazing she knows all the names of the school kids that cross her street their parents and siblings names.

Alex, Almeta, Matilda

Linda, Harry, Declan, Sonia

Yana, Lauren, Holly

Brady's Going Away Party

2009-06-26T02:21:00.001-07:00

Mrs. Knee

Kadeen

Creshna

Blake's Mates

2009-06-26T02:10:00.001-07:00

Blake is really going to miss his friends Christopher and Toby. They have a lot of fun together and are all crazy about Ben 10. Chris and Toby came over Thursday for one last play, and had good fun...as Blake likes to say.

Blakes Last Day of School

2009-06-25T03:20:00.001-07:00

Blake's last day of school in Australia was on Thursday. They had a little party for him and made a nice book for him of things they have done this year, it was very cute. Blake had a hard time at first when we told him we are leaving Australia, but now he is getting excited and is asking how much longer until we leave. He tells me it is OK that we are going to America but he is going to miss his friends.

The girl in this photo is Shea, she is such a cute girl. Blake and Shea use to play together all the time, but now Blake only plays with boys. Shea's mom told Shea to tell Blake goodbye but she didn't want to. She told her mom that Blake has given up girls and no longer will play with them so he wouldn't want to say goodbye to her. It was so cute and sad. Blake told me when he is older and wants to play with girls again he will come back to Australia and find Shea.

Mrs Dickson and Mrs Lacey

Georgie his teacher from last year

Singing Acting Dancing

2009-06-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday Brady went to his last singing acting dancing class. He has really enjoyed this class and loves his teachers. He is really going to miss it.

This is his singing and dancing teacher Ms Karen

This is his acting teacher

Back in Time

2009-06-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

This term in grade 1 they have been talking about how life was in the past. The weekly show and tell was about something that happened in the past, they would have to research it and then present it to the class. They also had Grandparents Day and our neighbors Carl and Margie went with Brady. The grandparents told stories about what it was like for them when they were in school. They went on a field trip to a place called Yesterday Village, it is a recreation of what life was like in the olden days. Brady thought it was so fun, he talked and talked about it all night. The last thing they did was dress up like kids in the olden days, here is what Brady looked like.

Abby's First Hair Cut

2009-06-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Abby is 2 1/2 and she just got her first hair cut. She just needed the back fixed up so it blended better. As you can see from the pictures she was not very happy during the hair cut. She was excited about the idea of getting a hair cut and being a big girl but didn't like it until it was over.

The Before Shot

This is such an Abby face

It's Official

2009-06-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

So its official we are moving back to America and heading to Phoenix Arizona. Travis has a new job with a new University named PIU out of Scottsdale. He will be working with some people from UOP which he is excited about, but mostly we are excited to be moving closer to home. PIU just did a press release about Travis being hired so take a look at it. We are very proud of you and all your accomplishment. Thanks for taking such good care of us, we love you.

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=PR&date=20090601&id=9969132

Blakes First Field Trip

2009-05-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

This week Blake got to go on his first excursion/field trip. His class went on a double decker bus to the beach. They have been talking about transportation,traffic rules and traffic signs this term. He was so excited to go he was counting down the days. His favorite parts were riding on the top, he got to ride on the top on his way back to his school, and also playing tiggie/tag with his friend Christopher. It sounded like they had a great time.

Mother's Day Soup

2009-05-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today I got to go to Blake's Kinder for lunch. The kids made all the mums soup for lunch. They painted us mugs to put our soup in, the mugs turned out very cute. It is always fun to go to Blake's school he has so much fun there and loves to play with all his friends. Thanks for a fun day Blakey!!!

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T21:20:00.001-07:00

I had a very nice Mothers Day it was a little different then we normally do, which meant no breakfast in bed. I ran in the 8K Mothers Day Classic with some of my friends, it was for breast cancer awareness and research. It was a beautiful morning it has been a long time since I ran in any kind of race and I really enjoyed it...I mean I'm no Sam but it was a lot of fun. Since the kids couldn't make me breakfast they had to give me my gifts before we went to the race. They were very excited about the gifts they had picked out for me. It was a very nice day!!! Thank you kids and Trav for making it such a great day!!! I'm so glad I'm your Mum(which I am called more often then not now).

They had things for the kids to do during the race so the boys got their faces painted.

The Great Ocean Road Again

2009-05-03T02:54:00.000-07:00

Today Travis, Greg, and Blake hit the Great Ocean Road. Brady, Abby and I decided we would go to church instead. We didn't want to go and get car sick...well Brady and I didn't, Abby would have been happy to go but she wasn't invited. It looks like they had a good time. Greg said it was a long drive...which it is.

How you Doing?

Puffing Billy

2009-05-03T02:32:00.001-07:00

This weekend Trav's Uncle Greg came to visit. He had to come to Australia to do some work in Sydney and Melbourne so he decided to stay the weekend with us since he was here. We were very excited to have him come...we love to have people visit us. My kids are having so much fun with him here. Blake seems to be especially fond of him, he has been acting like a bit of a wild man since he got here. Saturday we went for a train ride on Puffing Billy an old steam engine. The train runs through the Dandenong Mountains, it was very pretty with the leafs changing colors. They let people sit in the windows with their feet hanging out of the train which adds to the experience...the kids thought it was great.

Student Council

2009-05-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

This week Brady received his Student Council pin. They had a pin ceremony at the Monday morning assembly. He was very proud to get his pin. He was voted by his class members to be on the Student council. The Student Council meets once a month to talk about ways they can improve the school and help the kids at school. Brady has to wear his pin everyday that way if any kids at school need help and see that Brady has a pin they know they can go to him if they need anything he will figure out a way to get them help. Way to go Brady we are very proud of you.

Back On Board

2009-04-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Back on the ship to head home, we had a really great vacation!!! It was so much fun spending time together as a family. Once again Travis put together a great vacation.
Thanks babe!!!

Oh Abby!!!

2009-04-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

Abby is such a fun cute, happy little girl...most of the time. Toward the end of the trip she'd had enough of the car, she missed her bed, and her favorite thing T.V.

Tasman Peninsula

2009-04-18T22:52:00.001-07:00

Tasman Peninsula for a bit more sightseeing, Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, The Blow Hole, all very pretty natural rock formations, and of course last but not least a stop by the beach to enjoy the ocean view.

Port Arthur

2009-04-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Next stop Port Arthur... This was the kids favorite place because we met up with our friends Rhett,Stacey,Sam and Sage. The kids were so happy to play with Sam and Sage we could have been anywhere and they would have loved it. Port Arthur is a beautiful historic spot. It's kind of strange that I would say beautiful since its and old prison were convicts were sent but it really was a gorgeous area.

Freycinet National Park

2009-04-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Freycinet National Park is one of the prettiest places ever. We went on a hike that had to be one of the prettiest hikes I have ever been on. The scenery was amazing. It was mountainous, lots of rock, lots of green plants and trees, and the ocean...Amazing. Poor Travis carried Abby on his shoulders almost the whole hike...A mile up hill.

Fire Island

2009-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

We went to this really cool place called Fire Island it was so pretty. Some of the rocks have this red orange color on them...that would be the fire. The sand was white and the water was so blue it was amazing. We went for a fun little hike and stopped to enjoy some gelato. That's why the kids all have messy looking faces...but they are still cute if I do say so myself.

Easter

2009-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

We stayed in a town called Devonport on Easter the Easter Bunny was able to come and visit us there. The kids had fun finding their Easter bags and gathering up all the plastic eggs that were left all over the room. We colored eggs the Sunday before we left so the kids got to do some fun Easter stuff. I would have posted the kids coloring the eggs but I accidentally deleted all the pictures...oops. All the eggs here are brown and coloring didn't work so well, but we had fun anyway.

Cradle Mountain

2009-04-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

After we left the ship we headed to Cradle Mountain National Park. There are National Parks and Heritage Parks covering half of the state of Tasmania. We went for a nice hike around a lake that was very pretty. Blake decided he wanted more of an adventure so we headed up a trail that had big rocks we had to climb over. Blake was carrying the pack back that was full of water and snacks it was pretty heavy but he would not let anyone else carry it. The kids have turned into quite the little hikers. Abby still has a few years still before we don't have to carry her part of the way but for the most part she did great.

The Spirit of Tasmania

2009-04-15T16:43:00.001-07:00

We went on a trip to Tasmania we decided to get there by taking a ship called The Spirit Of Tasmania it leaves right out of Melbourne. We were able to drive our car on the ship so we would have it when we got to Tassie. It is a ten hour boat ride that leaves at 9:00 at night and arrives in Tassie at 7:00 in the morning. We got on the boat parked our car and went to check out our cabin. The kids were so excited they thought everything was so cool. They got their face painted, we had some ice cream, they played in the kids play area for awhile and then we went to bed. We all went right to sleep. we got up in the morning just in time to get ready and get back in our car to drive off the boat and start or adventure in Tasmania. It really turned out to be a great way to go and a lot of fun for the kids.

Brady's "7"

2009-03-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Brady's 7Th birthday. I cant believe he is 7 how time flies. He is such a great kid and I'm very happy to be his Mom. I have learned so many things over the past 7 year from him. His smile can make anyone happy, if you work hard at something you love you can become good at it, and to live in the moment everyday. Happy Birthday Brady Boo we love you!!!

A Day at The Zoo

2009-03-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the zoo with a guy that Travis works for and his family. Guy is his name he's from New York his wife Kayco is from Japan they have two girls Nina 12 and Annabelle 6. They live in Japan and came here for a family holiday. They wanted to met us so we met them at the zoo. Brady and Annebelle got along really well and had a great time, he was very sad when it was time to say goodbye. They were a lovely family and we had a nice time spending the day with them.

Grand Prix Car Parade

2009-03-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

This week at Brady's school they had a car parade to celebrate the Grand Prix here in Melbourne. In the past the kids would make cars out of boxes and have races with them but this year they just had a parade with their cars to show everyone. Because this summer was so hot and there was no rain the grounds where they hold the races are in bad shape so they didn't want to do the race, but they had a good time anyway.

A Great Day At The Beach

2009-03-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Mornington to the beach last weekend it was such a nice day we wanted to get out and enjoy the sun. It as been getting colder here so it may be our last beach outing. There was a big sand hill so the kids and I had races up and down the hill. Blake was always the fastest coming down, Brady and I were to careful.If you look at the boys faces Brady has a smile on his face and Blake is very serious and determined to win. It speak volumes about their personality's.

Rocks Blake found. When we got home he thought it would be a good idea to clean his rocks in the tub with him. It turns out they are not rock but big clumps of dirt that fell apart in the tub.

Catching Up

2009-03-28T01:26:00.001-07:00

It has been along time since I have posted. A lot has been going on since the last post. The kids started a new school year on the first of February. They are having a great time and loving their new teachers. They are already learning heaps. In February my mom and sister came for a visit. It was so fun to have them here. Of course we missed Rick, Bill and the kids but we were glad Mom and Ally could come. We did some sightseeing in Melbourne, we went to the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles, and just hung out. It was a lot of fun. The T-ball season finished up in March it was so fun to watch the kids play and Travis enjoyed coaching them. Sightseeing in Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road

Blake ended up joining the team mid season because a few players stopped coming. He was so excited to play and loved every minute of it. It took him a few games to figure out how to run around the bases and not to stop and pick up the ball while running around the bases. He was so much fun to watch because he was so happy to be playing.

Abby liked watching the boys play too.

Wilson Promontory

2009-01-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

This was our last outing before Ash left and it was amazing. It is a beautiful National Park that stretches along the coast line with the most amazing views of the ocean. It has a lot of great hikes and these pretty rivers all over. It was very green with lots of trees. Most places are not this green in the Summer. I think this is one of the prettiest places we have been so far. It looked like I had always imagined Australia looked. It was cold and very windy but it was worth it to see the incredible scenery.

We had planned to go for a hike around the river and then head to the beach so my kids did not have swimming suits on. The water was too tempting.

Thanks for coming Ashlee we had a great time.

Healsville Sanctuary

2009-01-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

Friday we went to Healsville Sanctuary which is a great place to see all the Australian animals. We went there when we first moved here and it was so fun to see all theses animals for the first time, so we wanted to take Ashlee. They have an animal hospital there so you can watch as they are working on the animals. They happened to be operating on a koala that was having a problem with its eye. They were sewing its eye shut to help it heal and to keep the koala from rubbing it. Then after the vet was finished she came and asked if we wanted to go in and see the koala while it was waking up. The kids were excited to see the koala. Brady was loving it, he has wanted to be a vet since he was three. While we were in with the koala they brought in a bird that was hit by a car they needed to check it out to see what was hurt. We only stayed and watch for a minute because Abby had seen enough. Brady and Ashlee would have been happy to stay and watch but Abby won.

This guy did a boomerang show then after he sold real boomerangs that really work. He was showing the boys how to throw them properly so it will come back to you.

Melbourne

2009-01-25T03:25:00.000-08:00

Ashlee took all these pictures of the city that Travis and I would never think to take, so I thought I would add them. They look so Melbourne. This is Flinders Street Station. The main train station in the city.

Travis's work building.

This is Australia not just Melbourne. Brady had been going to school for a few weeks when we first moved here he asked me one day after school "mom what is rubbish?." I felt bad he had been at school being told by his teacher to put his rubbish in the bin and not having a clue what she was talking about.

Swimming far from Home

2009-01-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

We decided to go to Victoria's only water slide park for the day. It is a little over an hour from our house. The problem was we couldn't find it. After an extra 20 minutes of driving around we gave up and ended up at a community pool that had two water slides that we saw from the road. It turned out to be a lot of fun. It was a pretty hot day so it was nice to be in the water and to enjoy the sun.

Just Hanging Around

2009-01-25T02:43:00.000-08:00

The kids and Ashlee had a fun time playing basketball, playing at the park, and the kids favorite going to the Milk Bar. The Mike Bar is a little convenience store that has a some of the basics and lots of candy, most neighborhoods have them within walking distance. We have one on the same street as our new house. The owners of the milk bar will be sad to see Ashlee go, the kids got her to take them a few times a day. Hey what are aunts for???

Blake shooting hoops

Playing at the park across the street from our new house

The Australian Open

2009-01-25T02:20:00.001-08:00

Ashlee and Brady went to The Australian Open on Wednesday they has so much fun. Brady was in heaven spending the whole day with Ash by himself. They watch lots of tennis and they also had fun things for the kids to do. They had a girl there sing Miley sings and lots of different games for the kids to play. Brady won a ball at one of the games and wanted to get it signed by one of the tennis players. The line was really long to get them signed by a tennis player so he wanted to get it signed by a ball boy. They didn't have a pen so he got a picture with one of the ball boys instead.

Waiting for a train to the city.

Blake's Birthday Party

2009-01-25T01:51:00.000-08:00

Blake had a Birthday party with his friends at the park. It was a really hot day so I was a bit worried about it but it was windy and then it cooled off a little. It turned out better then I thought it would. The kids played at the park , opened gifts and went on a treasure hunt to find there goody bags. Everyone seemed to have a good time and it was nice to see our friends.

The Great Ocean Road

2009-01-25T01:22:00.000-08:00

Travis, Ashlee, and Blake went for a drive along the Great Ocean Road and they also stopped at the Beach last Sunday. It is a beautiful ride with the most amazing views of the ocean, but it is a very winedy road so you have to take it slow. We went last year and everyone but Travis and Blake got sick and had to pull over at least once. I had to be at Primary and Brady wasn't feeling well so we stayed home. We were sad to miss out on the fun but they had a great time. A Koala they saw from the road

Ashlee Comes to Australia

2009-01-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

Ashlee Travis's sister came to visit us this week. She got here on the 17Th. After Blake opened his presents from his aunts and Grandma she was ready to see the sights. We took her golfing of course. Trav and Ash took the boys to the city to ride the Southern Star, it is a huge fairs wheel that you can see the skyline of the city from. They also went around the docklands. They said they had a great time.

Blake is "4"

2009-01-25T00:04:00.000-08:00

Blake turned 4 on January 13th. We had a family party, he opened his presents, we went to McDonald's and miniature golfing and then we had cake. He had a Diego cake. Blake is such a fun, loving, and very silly little boy. We are so glad he is part of our family.

The Zoo

2009-01-17T21:47:00.000-08:00

On our last day in Sydney we went to the Zoo. It was a nice zoo that over looks the city, very pretty. We went to a bird show and a seal show that were a lot of fun. It was a very hot day so the kids enjoyed cooling off in the water. We had a good time but I think Travis and I are all zooed out.

Bondi Beach

2009-01-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

We had to go to Bondi Beach while we were in Sydney, it is one of the most famous beaches in Australia. It was a really warm day and it was packed with people. The pictures dont really show how many people were crammed on the beach. We haven't seem that many people on one beach since we were in Rio Brazil. We had a nice time even with all the people.

Sight Seeing in Sydney

2009-01-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

We had fun sightseeing in Sydney we saw the Opera House and the bridge. We went to a really neat aquarium. We took a boat ride around the Sydney harbor. At the Aquarium

On the boat around the harbor

Brady has wanted to go to the Sydney Opera House since we moved here, he was very excited to finally see it.

Golfing with Kangaroos

2009-01-17T15:50:00.001-08:00

In the beach town across the street from our hotel was a golf course. We were out walking around at night and noticed the kangaroos on the course and figured they just came out at night. Travis went golfing the next morning and found out that they are there all the time. He said you have to be really careful not to hit them. He also said you have to watch where you step as there is kangaroo poo everywhere.

Theres Trav's ball on the green

I think that is so cute the Joey with its mom

Road Trip

2009-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas night we drove five hours to the coast of New South Wales on our way to Sydney. We stopped along the way and stayed in a little beach town for a few days, I cant remember the name of the town. It was a really cute place with very pretty beaches. After a few days in the beach town we drove to Sydney. The drive was so pretty I was trying to get a picture of the view as we drove but the pictures didn't turn out. It really was so amazing how pretty the drive was. We were driving through the Snowy Mountains (were the Man From Snowy River was filmed) which as beautiful and then there were lake everywhere and the ocean. It reminded us of the drive to Lake Tahoe only with more lakes. It took us a lot longer to drive along the coast then taking the freeway but it was well worth it.

These are our summery beach sandmen we made

There was the most beautiful sunset, but we were a little late getting a picture of it.

Christmas

2009-01-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

These are the PJ's the kids got from Grams & Gramps on Christmas Eve.
The kids walking into the room were all the Santa gifts are. I love Brady's expression.

We had a very nice day the kids had so much fun playing with their toys and just hanging out at home.

Christmas in the City

2009-01-16T23:24:00.000-08:00

We went into Melbourne to see all the Christmas decorations. They have Christmas windows at Myer Department store but the line was crazy long so we just looked at them from over everyones head, but they were neat. We checked out some other Christmas decorations and then went and saw a movie. It turned out to be a really fun day.

The Christmas Tree

2009-01-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

On December 19th we moved to another house in the area we are living so we didn't have our Christmas tree up. We got everything moved and mostly set up and put away and then we put up our Christmas tree. The kids were very good about waiting all December till we moved before we put the tree up. We had a nice night listening to Christmas music and decorating the tree. It is kind of a silly looking tree but the kids think its great. After we finished the tree we pulled Bon Bons.

This is the kids pulling the last Bon Bon. They are little gifts that you pull apart and they make a poping sound (like when you open dough) when they brake. They all have a little toy in them and a paper crown, which the kids are wearing. They are a big thing here and everybody loves them.

Brady's Last Day of School

2009-01-16T22:46:00.001-08:00

This is Brady's last day of school. Here are a few pictures of some of his friends. He had a good year learned a lot and made lots of friends.
This is Lauren the girl Brady is going to marry.

Blake's Christmas Program

2009-01-16T22:25:00.001-08:00

This is Blake's last day of school and his Christmas program. They sang Christmas songs for the program and also some of their favorite songs from the year. It was very cute and Blake did a great job singing. He knew all the words and had a big smile on his face. After the program the kids gave the parents the gift they had made for us, they ate lunch, and then went outside to play. It was a nice day and Abby had a lot of fun too. She cant wait to go to school there. In Australia schools all the kids have to wear hats when they are outside during the sunny terms. A guess they have had a lot of problems with skin cancer here so they try to teach the kids young about sun safety.

Birthday Girl!!

2008-12-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Abby's 2nd Birthday. Her real Birthday is on the 19th but we wanted to have a party while Grandmas was here and we are also moving to a new house on the 19th. She was very cute and was very excited to have a party. She wanted to have a Dora party so I made a backpack cake and we played pin the horn on the flying unicorn Dora was riding. She loved all her gifts. She got some dress ups from Grams and she loves the Abby Caddabby costume she had it on all night and has been wearing it all day today. Shelley gave her a little Dora bag which she has been carrying around with her. She will tell us she is going shopping with her purse and pushing her new baby in the stroller. She is such a girl. I cant believe she is almost two she is such a fun cute little girl. She has also been using the potty for the past month and is doing great she still needs a diaper at night to sleep in but during the day she is doing great. She is learning so much and talking better each day. She likes to tease and be silly. She is such a fun little girl and I'm so grateful she is part of our family. Baby birthday little Abby Do.

Gymnastics & Caroling

2008-12-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

Brady had a gymnastics display night this week and also a caroling night at his school. Tuesday was the display night his gymnastics group did a dance number to surfing USA and then did a bunch of different rotations on the equipment to show what they have been working on. Brady did a great job with a big smile on his face. He thought it was great that he got a metal at the end. Thursdays was his school caroling night. The Preps sang three songs, Santa Clause is Coming To Town, Rodolph The Red Nose Reindeer and Oh Christmas Tree in Japanese. They did a cute job. It has been a busy fun week.

Brady on the bars

He does a great job on bars

Dancing to Surfing USA

At the caroling night.

Boating & Snorkeling

2008-12-09T02:23:00.001-08:00

On the last day of our weekend adventures we went on a boat to swim with seals, snorkel with fish and hopefully swim with dolphins. We went to the Mornington Peninsula and took a boat out to were a group of male seals live on a man made structure in the middle of the water. The seals were cool, they would swim by you and do tricks and try to get you to copy them. Travis had two seals that he was swimming around with. After the swim with the seals we got back on the boat and went to a man made Marina were we snorkeled and saw some really cool fish. I really liked watching the jelly fish swim I thought they were neat. After the fish we got back on the boat in search of dolphins to swim with. We ended up seeing a group of about eight dolphins it was so amazing to see them swimming right by the boat. Travis and Brady got out to try and get the dolpins to swim with them but they didn't want to play they just wanted to stay by the boat and have us watch them. It was so much fun we all had a great time.

Brady and Travis looking at the fish

The pictures I got of the dolphins are pretty lame compared to the real thing. They were awesome it was mine and Brady's favorite part.

Blake and Abby really enjoyed the boat ride, Abby would have loved to swim with us.

These are some of the seals we swam with and man were they stinky

This is Travis swimming and playing around with a seal

Fishing

2008-12-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

Travis took the boys fishing they both caught two fish. Travis found a place that had an indoor and outdoor pond. They started outside and Blake caught one then they headed to the indoor pond where they had more luck. The boys had a good time. Abby, Grandma, and I didn't love this activity to much but it was fun to see them get excited when they would catch a fish.

The Koala Park

2008-12-08T03:08:00.000-08:00

We went to a very neat Koala park and saw tons of Koalas. There were a few baby Koalas which was neat to see. Koalas carry their babies in a pouch like kangaroos, they are also called Joey's like kangaroo babies. The babies we saw were to big to live in their moms pouch anymore so they were out on their own. The park was made to help save the Koalas and their homes. It was fun to be able to get up so close to these cute little animals.

Boogie Boarding

2008-12-07T23:49:00.001-08:00

This weekend we headed to the beach so that Grandma could play in the ocean. We got each of the kids a boogie board and they did great. They had such a good time. Brady was the first one in the water as always, Abby loves the water too, Blake is a little scared of the water which is why he played with his board in the sand. I let Brady teach me how to ride the waves and then Blake decided he could do it to. We had a lot of fun it was the perfect day at the beach.

My little fish

Brady waiting for the perfect wave

Abby loved playing in the water, she liked jumping over waves with Grandma

What I big boy I was very proud of him for being so brave

What a Mess!!!

2008-12-07T23:39:00.001-08:00

The other day I went upstairs to put some laundry away and when I came back down this is what I found. Abby decided it would be a great idea to paint the bathroom door and herself with Grandmas mascara. She thought she was pretty cute.

Skater Dude

2008-12-03T00:19:00.001-08:00

Today after school we went to the skate park. I have wanted to take the boys for awhile but just haven't. It turned out that they loved it. They thought they were so cool. They both want skateboards for their birthdays now. It was fun to watch them get so excited. I don't think the big boys thought they were too cute when they kept getting in their way, hey you got to start somewhere.

Abby was busy calling her dad on her new Dora phone

I didn't get any pictures of Blake for some reason but he

was loving it just as much as Brady

The Park & Ice Cream

2008-12-02T00:10:00.001-08:00

Today after Brady and Blake got home from school we decided to take advantage of a nice afternoon and go to the park. We had to take Grandma to our favorite park for a few games of hide and seek. After a fun time at the park we headed to cute little old fashion ice cream parlor. We had a fun time.

After a bit of negoiation we were able to get Abby to wear

her Dora hat instead of the undies

The Perfect Hat

2008-12-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

Abby wanted to wear a hat to the park. She found some of her Dora undies and thought they were the perfect hat. She was very pleased with herself. She enjoyed dancing with her hat on.

Abby loves to dance!!

Grandma's Here!!!

2008-11-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

Grandma came to visit for a few weeks. Everyone has been so excited for her to get here. We picked her up from the airport, took her bags home and headed to play pitch and putt golf. This has become our families favorite pass time. It is really alot of fun because we can all go golfing together.

Grandma did a great job and was a good sport about golfing right after a 15 hour flight

Brady is getting very good and can hit some pretty great shots

Blake has been loving golfing and wants to go every weekend

Abby loves playing in the sand

Playing in The Rain

2008-11-07T01:01:00.000-08:00

Today when we pick up Brady from school it was pouring rain. After walking into the school to get Brady and back out to the car we were all soaked even with our umbrellas. When we got home the kids decided since they were already wet they may as well play in the rain. It was fun to watch them splashing in the rain. I loved playing in the rain when I was a kid.

Abby was more interested in dropping flowers she had picked down the storm drain then splashing in the rain

Brady said he was being Spiderman in the rain

Waiting For Dad

2008-11-07T00:52:00.000-08:00

Blake got all dressed up for his dad to come home from work, but it took to long. I thought he looked so cute with his little gloves and hat on.