Sun is out! Christmas is here! Massive snorkeling tomorrow, but today we celebrate with a Christmas luncheon at the resort.

Had some unexpected visitors today; they walked right up to our front porch so we shared some Christmas crackers with them! Ho ho ho!

Strange one this year. Up in Queensland, far from the Sydney home and even farther from the USA. Weak attempts at Christmas carols in the restaurant made the whole thing surreal. Christmas Eve should be all about a snap in the air (with or without snow). Should still be bowl or pro games on TV. Should be a tree here with presents underneath. The girls & I agree: No spending Christmas in a hotel or resort again. Rumor is that Santa will stop by with stockings for the girls tonight. He planned ahead, it would seem!

A little rain isn’t going to ruin our day!

Just arrived at Hamilton Island, on Australia’s northern coast. Warm and humid up here, but after our 1.5 hour flight from Sydney we’re ready to see those white sand beaches!

Unfortunately, kangaroo meat doesn’t taste like chicken. Got some of these about 6 months ago to try, but never again.

All dressed up and ready to go!

Hard to believe, but it was exactly 1 year ago today when The Smiths set foot in Australia as a family. So much has gone flying by! No pictures to show this time; just an acknowledgment of a significant milestone. One year ago I was concerned about whether MBD would adjust. Turns out she has done just fine this year, and is ready to start high school at the end of January after a long and well-deserved summer break. MBW has had a good year as well, helping out at Manly West Primary School and will move on to something new and interesting now that MBD has almost completed her studies at that school.

So I’ll keep on posting to this blog because there’s always something intriguing to report about our life in the wonderful world of Oz!

MWH

Well, MBD is off for a 3-day adventure to the Australian bush. To be honest, we’re not quite sure where the “Bush” is, but years 5 & 6 are off to a grand adventure this morning!