From our last day on the Gold Coast. I don’t care how old she gets. Even now as MBD has just turned 12, I still can see the little girl in her snuggling up to her purple bear. Some things DO last forever!
Here is a clever idea for a large swimming area. These little things pull the kids along underwater!
At least for the kids, they’ll take you down to the floor of the pool. This is a poor imitation of a reef at the Marriott pool.
It almost looks kind of spooky to see MBD coming at me–Help! Shark!
MBD points out that she does not share her father’s allergies to shrimp and prawns at Darling Harbour in Sydney last night!
Evanescence! Your favourite! Happy early birthday present!
MBW took a stroll this morning in support of the battle against melanoma cancer in the “Melanoma March” along Manly Beach!
Yesterday MBW and I met with MBD’s teacher, Mrs. McLean to check up on her emotional progress at Manly West school since she started. We vere very pleased to see that she has done very well in integrating herself into the Australian landscape. This was one of the things I was most concerned about: How well she could adjust to a different country and culture. Well, the news is all GOOD here! The educational system is a bit more relaxed and less rules/procedures oriented than in the USA, and that environment has served MBD well. Just sitting outside the school when it let out, I saw her with a group of 3 other girls laughing together as a group. Whew! I am glad we are in a place where she can be herself and still manage to blend in with the gang.
She tried out for soccer this week. Already playing beach volleyball and has expressed an interest in understanding what karate is all about. Let the smorgasbord of life continue!
And the cats are getting bigger! LOVE my Nikon D7000!
Checking out the Australian Open of Surfing that began last week and concludes this weekend. Lots of people down on Manly Beach watching surfing and skateboarding. MBD said “Oh, hey I need a new pair of sunnies…(and I can’t believe I just said ‘sunnies’!)”
To My Wonderful Husband,
You amaze me at times I don’t expect it. You cherish me in subtle ways I may not see. Your desire for the best for me sometimes clouds your decisions when your only goal is to make me happy. Your love for me is abundant and something I tend to take for granted. You are always willing to sooth the savage beast within me when it rears its ugly head.. Today I want you to know that I do see all that you do for me. I do see the many ways that you love me. And I do see that I am blessed beyond belief to be your wife. Thank you for the best Valentines Day present ever!
I love you with all of my heart.
Your loving wife
Seems like we’re always apart from each other, with me in Detroit all those years and in Melbourne in 2012. Well, I can’t be in Sydney for the 14th with you but I CAN send this message about some of the many reasons why I love you so much! Happy Valentine’s Day my darling, and I’ll see you on Friday!
The Smiths in Oz 