New Year's Australian Style - December 31, 2007

We went out to Amanda and Mick's for New Years. We had another wonderful BBQ along with Amanda's dad and Greg and Kath. Incidentally Greg worked for Greg.

We had a bonfire after dinner. How often do you have a fire for New Years? Well at least outside.
Left to right: Greg, Kath, Amanda and Greg

Natalie enjoying a Classic Blonde.

Mick making sure his handy work is going well.

Mick and Amanda

New Years Cheer!

Natalie and Mick with our Canadian "Blue" for ringing in New Years.

Happy New Year Canada

Christmas with Larry and Trish - December 29, 2007

We had Christmas #2 at Larry and Trish's. Another fantastic BBQ put on by the master chefs they are. It was stinking hot there. Up to as high as 44C.


Crazy parrot hung around. It didn't talk though. Greg asked it if it wanted a cracker.

Leia and Amanda.

You taking my picture... well are you...[punk.

Mick opening his fancy chair from Larry and Trish.

Debbie and Trish

A friendly possum came to visit.

Good times and good beer had by all

Aussie Christmas 2007

Celebrating Christmas in Australia was totally different as one might expect. Beside the fact that the weather in the 20's, most families have afternoon meals rather than dinner.

We started off the day by going to Ro's for breakfast, then we headed over to Kristy and Troy's for the afternoon.

This is a mural in Gormandale where Greg worked. Sort of sums up Christmas in Australia.



Barb and Howards house decorated for Christmas. Notice the White boomers? Kangaroos?

Mick received a helmet from Ro and Grandma.

Amanda released that being in a vehicle with Mick requires wearing a helmet at all times.

Tell him he's dreaming... Ro gave us a copy of The Castle. In order to get the joke wait to we get home and watch the movie.

Peter and Ro.

Mick vs. The Goat - Typical Christmas activity

Kimba vs. The Goat

Our money was on the goat both times

Ro at Kristy and Troy's.

Jessica opening our Christmas gift. We gave both Breanna and Jessica an engraved bracelet and a Nursey Rhyme book that comes complete with a sing-along CD.

Natalie, Howard and Chelsea.

Grandma, Ro and Natalie.

Grandma and Natalie

We missed home but Christmas down under was full of good food, good fun and family. Thanks to the whole family for having us.

Greg's 30th Birthday - December 22, 2007

Greg celebrated his 30th birthday on December 22, 2007. For his birthday I wanted to surprise Greg with camping but the weather wouldn't allow for it so I arranged for Larry, Trish, Mick and Amanda to surprise him by taking him to his favourite restaurant, The Stockyard in Rawson.

We had dinner and played some pool. There was a band playing that night and I was able to get them to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. I made a Maple Syrup cake and had that at the restaurant as well.

From left to right: Larry, Mick, Amanda, Trish and Greg.

Yummy Maple Syrup cake to remind us of home.

Birthday boy and Natalie

Wilson's Promontory - December 8-9, 2007

Off to Wilson's Prom at the southern most point of mainland Australia. Got to our camp ground around 6pm on Saturday. Had a picnic and drank a few beers. Coming into the park we discovered there had been a bush fire in the past three days so several roadways were closed and a helicopter flying over a water source to dump on the fire.

Sunday we started off by going to Norman Bay beach. We then climbed up Mount Oberon which was a 3.4km hike. Next we stopped at several beaches enjoying the spectacular views.


Here you see a helicopter carrying away a wombat sign. Well it looks like it!

Natalie's quick shooting caught this copter picking up water.

Our campground.

Norman Beach. Sort of misty in the morning.

This is Tidal River. You be the judge if it should really be called a river?

When you walked on this beach it truly made a squeaky sound while you walked.

Natalie in front of huge bolders. Cool view

I am the King of the castle your the dirty rascal.

Hwy Shot

From the lookout

From atop Mt. Oberon. If you look to the first beach in the background, it's Norman Beach.

If you look at the burned patch there, it is where the bush fire hit.

Mt. Oberon from the ground.

From a lookout on the road out of Wilson's Prom.

We stopped at Picnic Beach and had a picnic. Go figure.

A view from Picnic Beach.

This one is for you munchkin!

Beware there may be kangaroos chasing emus.