tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46156669131090308812023-06-20T21:20:33.205-07:00Give me a home... a mile high!Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-70629134887340752822013-10-25T16:49:00.002-07:002013-10-25T16:52:15.862-07:00And then we decided to travel north (in WINTER!!!)I want to preference this entry with the fact that we went to some wonderful and beautiful place - but I was so bloody cold (!!!!) that those memories many be slightly warped...<br />
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This adventure started with yet another early morning flight (via Chicago), and a final leg in a tiny plane to Milwaukee. After we visited the scariest Walmart yet, we went to our hotel, which may have been the most beautiful hotel we have stayed in during our entire time in America. It was a gorgeous old building that had been beautifully restored/maintained in a Victorian style, with grand staircases, stunning chandeliers and ironwork that left me flabbergasted.<br />
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We rugged ourselves up in jumpers, coats, gloves, hats (and buried the baby under jackets and blankets in his travel pram) and set out on a food hunt. I don't know why, but I had always wanted to go to Wisconsin. Possibly because it is well known for beer, brats and cheese - who doesn't like that list! After a brisk walk in the freezing cold we explored the local farmers market and ate some cheese and red wine, and then had dinner at a brewery where Tristan had a burger that had two toasted cheese sandwiches as buns! And he ate the lot! <br />
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After a sleep in and pancakes for breakfast we went for a drive along the beach at Lake Michigan, which was partially frozen and covered in snow. It was so strange to see a "beach house" carpeted in snow; what should have been manicured lake sand, blanketed in so much snow it was actually difficult to tell where the "sand" would have ended and the "beach" would have started. I actually think it was one of the most foreign things we have seen on our American adventure. Next we went to the Harley Davison Museum (Milwaukee is where the original bikes were made) which was really interesting, and Zac did his very first drawing there - which was exciting. That evening we went to a lovely pub/cheese shop (BEST IDEA EVER!!) for afternoon tea and met some lovely locals. Cider, cheese and good company was a definite trip highlight. <br />
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The next day we drove to Chicago. It's a big city! And it has a gorgeous skyline! BUT IT WAS THE COLDEST PLACE IN THE WORLD EVER!!! It is well named the windy city. We stayed in an awesome hotel in the heart of downtown (where parking cost us $49 a night!) that was close to everything that you could imagine. That afternoon we <strike>cold shuffled</strike> walked down to Navy Pier for a sticky beak and dinner. What a fun place this would have been - if it hadn't been sleeting. I can't help but laugh at this scenario in hindsight - but at the time I did want to kill my husband. To cheer me up Tristan took me to Bubba Gump Shrimp for tea. I feel so terrible, because he really was trying to make it an amazing trip, but I was too cold to care. <br />
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The next day we brought tickets for the hop on/off bus to get around the city and explored the Magnificent Mile shopping district, climbed the John Hancock building, and the theatre district (rugged up in five layers of clothes). That night we went to restaurant that was famous for deep dish pizza. I can't say either Tristan or I particularly liked the iconic meal, but I guess we are glad we tried it. Another day, and another day on and off the bus. We went up Sears Tower, went to the planetarium and tried to take photos of the city - which was difficult because, as in Jack and the Beanstalk, the clouds swallowed buildings so you had no idea what was in the sky. Tristan tried a Chicago style hot dog (blurh) and I poked my folk at Italian beef.... (Note: I thought all "Chicago style" food was gross) and for dinner we had some amazing Indian. Overall, I'm sure Chicago is an amazing city, but its not a place for tourists in winter. It was freezey cold!<br />
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After leaving Chicago we drove to Indianapolis, with a quick side trip into Michigan to say we had been there, and stopped at an adorable coastal town that was closed for the season. We learnt a lot of the northern parts of the country are often "closed" for tourists between Labor Day (September) and Memorial Day (May) - I'm guessing due to inhospitable weather. In Indianapolis we stayed at an awesome hotel that was once central station, so there were old carriages that had been converted into hotel rooms, and statues of people who would have frequented the station back in the day. I really liked it. <br />
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Indianapolis was a really interesting city. On the face of it, the city seemed dead - but actually they had built a system of air bridges to contact all the buildings, so basically you didn't need to go outside which was great, because the weather didn't get much above freezing while we were there - though the sun did come out which was great! We explored the local markets, went to a Man Vs Food recommended diner for fantastic pork snitty sandwiches for lunch, and went to the best museum EVER in the afternoon. The Indianapolis Children's museum is the biggest in the country and it's AMAZING! As you drive up, there are dinosaurs trying to escape the building, in the lobby there a life-size Bumblebee transformer from the actual movie, a HUGE toy shop, there was a matchbox toy car interactive exhibit, insects - all around awesome!! The three of us had so much fun together. While in Indianapolis we also visited the Indi Speedway which was cool as we got to walk on the actual track. <br />
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Back on the road, we went to the US Air Force Museum in Columbus, OH, which was enormous! Tristan was in heaven! There were planes from every era (I think there was every military plane!), every war, new spy planes, experimental aircraft, Presidential planes, and a special area on space where there was a mock up of the type of satellite that Tristan works with here in America. I honestly think that Tristan could have spent an entire day exploring!<br />
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We spent St Patricks day in Cleveland OH. We attempted to go to town and explore, but it seems there had been parade earlier that was getting a little wild, so the police strongly suggested we head back to our hotel for the night. Close to the hotel we found this great little bar and bistro that had more beer and bourbon on tap than we had ever seen. It was pretty cool. The next day we visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and listened to heaps of great music. The museum was on the waterfront, so we got to see more frozen lake and snow covered boats. <br />
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The final leg of our adventure took us to Niagara Falls. I think everyone has a picture in their heads of what this world wonder looks like, but nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of this place in winter. We started on the American side and walked to the viewing platform - I need to point out that it was snowing at this point, with a wicked wind that stole your warmth with every breathe - but it was awe inspiring, gob-smackingly amazing, made your eyes pop, WOW! Due to the weather conditions we didn't have any people to elbow out of the way, so all we had to do was stop and stare. Snow and ice frosted every rock and plant, the water spray froze in place creating the illusion that the entire falls was glittering, and the water gushed and pulsed over the edge into an abyss, that was frozen at the bottom, creating an almost complete ice bridge, with small gaps where you could see the waters force pushing everything down stream. <br />
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Crossing on to the Canadian side of the falls, and seeing the iconic horseshoe falls made the American side seem lame - it was that impressive. It was similar in that everything was snow capped, frosted and glittering but more spectacular in the sense it was so much bigger and you could see the beauty of nature cascading over the edge creating a wall of water spray that looked like a necklace of the finest lace. And this was just by day light: of a night, beams of light in patriotic colours are shone onto these spectacular feats of nature. There are no words that can describe that marvel - AMAZING and WOW seem to be both too many and too few words to describe it. <br />
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Away from the falls themselves, there is a carnival feel to the town of Niagara. There are game shacks, wax museums, lego displays, kitchy stores, casinos every time you turn around - it's very family fun orientated. We spent a cold afternoon having a look around, but really our attention had been stolen by the falls. <br />
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After 13 (freezy cold, snowy, windy, icy, miserable weather) days away from home, it was more than time to get back to sunny Denver. It had been an eye opening adventure, with nothing being as we expected. We saw some really cool things, marvels of man and nature, imagination and wonder. We got to experience life in some real American cities that had both grown and contracted, prospered with the economy and become destitute in the recession. We saw the Great Lakes - while frozen and snowy, they had a uniqueness to them that we had never experienced before. It was a truly a wide and wondrous adventure. <br />
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Baby spent the entire trip rugged up in winter woollies, under jackets and blankets, beanies and gloves - so toasty warm that we frequently had to take layers off him. Meanwhile, I'm shocked that Tristan didn't lose a finger in the cold, due to his insistence on not wearing gloves for the majority of the trip. And me - I am over my love affair with Winter. My once favourite season has been booted to the bottom after making me spend a miserable two weeks away from home, being nothing but hard work for my wonderful husband. <br />
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But one thing is for sure - this Apperley family learnt why the birds fly south for the Winter! Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-61734791694105185002013-07-28T11:07:00.001-07:002013-07-28T11:07:11.508-07:00Mexico - the best EVER<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Nanna,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You remember that Facebook message I sent you in Feburary?
Where I said I was running away to Mexico, and never coming home – well this is
why…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 2 long flights via Dallas we arrived at our resort in
Cozumel, Mexico, at sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
driving to the hotel from the airport and seeing this enormous tiki hut looking
building in the distance and thinking: “That is amazing! What a resort that must
be!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And guess what! It was where we
were staying! Tristan picked this amazing (all you can eat/all you can drink)
resort where the tiki hut was the reception area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On arrival we were met by porters who took
our baggage away, and a waiter asking for our drink order. Walking to the other
side of Tiki hut, it was elevated to look down on a rainforest in the middle of
the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful and you felt
your worries melt away in moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our room was on the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> floor and our balcony looked
right out into the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we
waited for our baggage to arrive, we quickly ran down to the beach to have a
look while there was still a little light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had to navigate through the paths in the rainforest, past the pool,
go through a tunnel (that actually went under the main road above) and we were
stopped dead in our tracks – the water was just there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was this tiny man-made beach with six
little sunbeds and the water lapping gently against the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up a few stairs to the left was an infinity pool
that looked like it disappeared into the bluest ocean – and of course it had a swim up
bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the right of the beach, also up
a few stairs was another beach with a volley ball court, buffet, and another
pool with another swim up bar, and a spa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yep! Awesome! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went back to our room, roughly unpacked and went to
dinner at one of the three restaurants at the resort. Most nights and all
breakfasts we ate at the large buffet restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day had a different theme and completely
different food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there was so much of
it!! After eating more than was really good for us, we called it an early
night. It had been a long day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we were woken with birdsong – magical! After a
generous breakfast we hired a car and set out on our first adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we drove to Chankanaab National (Marine)
Park for a bit of snorkelling. Walking in the gate we were met by a native
character, all dressed in blue paint, feathered wings, and bells on his wrists
and ankles (and was so good looking that I actually think I drooled).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few photos we walked past a huge
dolphin pool area to the beach and snorkelling area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set ourselves up and Tristan was
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zac and I sat and played on the
golden sand, watching the dolphins play in the tropical blue water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about 30 minutes we played tag and
Tristan and the baby played while I got wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I walked along the boardwalk and down some stairs to get in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was immediately met by dozens of tiny
colourful fish who I think expected me to feed them…nope…I swam out a little
way in search or some of the submerged treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a Madonna, a holy cross and many fish
and coral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so lovely. So peaceful
and beautiful. Tristan hadn’t found the treasures yet so when I told him about
them he disappeared quickly to find them – he found more than me, but I didn’t care
as Zac and I dried on the beach while eating calamari and chips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we wanted to explore more of the island we left not long
after, (disappointed!) driving around to the light house on the southern point
of the island, and then to another secluded beach where we go to lay in hammocks
on the golden sands while Tristan we back out in the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just watching the wave wash up against the
shore, while zac played in the sand and made friends with some of the other
tourists, was so therapeutic – I don’t think I could have found anything wrong
with the world if I tried!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Tristan washed
back to shore we ate some local cuisine (so fresh and yummy) and drove around
to a local tequila factory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There we met
with a funny older man that had so many stories to tell, and all of them made
you cry with laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learnt all
about how REAL tequila was distilled, that it came from the blue <span class="st">Agave </span>plant
and that tequila with a worm in it was an inferior product! The real tequila
was very tasty and came in a range of flavours that I very much enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wasted enough time at the distillery that
it was time to drive back to the resort for tea once we were done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another night of yummy food!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They next day we just lazed by the pool all morning! My idea
of a holiday!! Feet up, book in hand, and the boys splashing in the water –
could there be a better way to spend your time!! Lovely!! That afternoon we left
Zac with a baby sitter so Tristan and I could spend some quality time
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a nearby snorkel safari
with this guy who could free dive to over 20 metres! Crazy! The water was so
clear and there were fish of all sizes, a turtle or two, conch fish, coral – it
was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not as colourful as
Vanuatu, but it had that feel to it. After a post snorkel lay by the pool, we
got ready for our first dinner without the baby in memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate a the fancy (no children allowed) Italian
restaurant at the resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was
GOOD! And the company was even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We watched the beginning of the show and then headed back to our room to
see the small boy that we had missed so much! Another very good day! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following morning, after another big breakfast, we
walked into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our resort was right
on the edge, so it was a bit of a hike in high humidity and heat. Not the most pleasant
experience – so we stopped at the first stop – Margaritaville! I LOVE that
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate huge nachos, used the internet in for the first time in days, drank fish
bowl size dinks and watched all the people play in the outdoor swim play area,
complete with giant water trampolines, snorkel area, and other float toys – it looked
like so much fun – but we forgot to take our cozzies!! After a couple of hours
we dragged ourselves away and went and investigated some of the other tourist
traps/shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cozumel is a VERY popular
cruise stop so there are lots of shops to accommodate the hordes of tourists. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got a bunch of items that we didn’t really
need – and caught a taxi back to the resort for some more pool time – AHHHH - and dinner at the resort's Mexican restaurant. Yummy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning we got up SO early to catch a ferry to the
mainland to go see some Aztec ruins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were amazing! Considering the huge amount of tourists at the site,
the ruins were well maintained – you could even see where an inhabitant from
the past had painted a hand print on the side of a building – but he had six
fingers as a result of rampant inbreeding! Wacko!! The honey bee was a God like
figure that featured on many buildings and the language of the Aztecs was full
of onomatopoeic features – pretty cool! We drove past a couple of other tourist
sites that looked like so much fun to swim and play at, but it had already been
a big day for Zac, so we caught an early ferry back to the resort – and your
guessed it – more pool time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now to you understand why I want to run away to Cozumel! Not
only was it warm and tropical and so relaxing, but we got to spend some lovely
family time together without the hub bub of our other get aways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 5 days in the sunny tropics, it was time to go back to
snowy Denver <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– I was devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our flight home was via Dallas again, and as
we caught the train around to our homeward flight we caught sight of the flying
kangaroo, which just bought on a wave of homesickness! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in Denver I started to pester Tristan immediately for
us to take another holiday back to Mexico before we went back to Oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that holiday it became my #1 must do
again trip – it was amazing!! The best way/place <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to break up a snowy, cold winter! Best holiday
EVER!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you – but I’m running away to Cozumel every winter
forever<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your missing granddaughter </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penni <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-80125856116149465762013-07-27T15:59:00.002-07:002013-07-28T09:26:16.370-07:00Ho Ho Ho and a Happy New Year<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Zac,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas 2012 was very special for our family – it was your
first Christmas home from hospital, and the second for our family in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all awoke on a snowy day, at the very reasonable hour of
8am, with smiles on our faces – although you knew not why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went down stairs and while you were
curious about the big tree in the lounge room, it was more because of the
sparkling baubles than because of the gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ate some breakfast and opened gifts at homes – Mama opened your gifts
that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You seemed a little
disinterested in the whole processes, but you watched attentively playing
briefly with your new toys before setting them aside. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later in the day we went to Aunty Beck’s house for Christmas
dinner – there were lots of Aussies there. And there was lots of food! We found
a spot and ate all the spoils with laughter and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You received another truck load of toys (all
noisy) from the Mckees, and you seemed much more interested in those toys!! After
food, Daddy had to work, so we spent some more time playing with our surrogate
family in America. But as you got sleepy, we decided to go home and watch
cartoon in front of the fire place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That night, all tucked up in Mama and Daddy’s bed, we all
fell asleep with the safe knowledge of many more family Christmas’, but only
one more white one. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day Jolly arrived with Nini – and I’m not sure who
was more excited, you or Jolly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Jolly spent
the next week sitting on the floor playing with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very difficult to pull the two of you
apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such, we didn’t do too much
out of the ordinary, it was just business as usual, with extra (extra extra)
Jolly play time. The love between you two was so obvious! It filled the room as
you walked in, and stayed with you all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the most heart filling feeling you can imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did pry you apart one day. All the grown-ups went up to
the mountains for some skiing lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was very entertaining to see us all dressed up in our snow gear,
looking more like pork roasts than sexy ski bunnies. Daddy went off and played
with his mates while Jolly, Nini and I fell down a lot and tried really hard to
roll down the hill gracefully – we all failed miserably, though your Jolly
failed the least. One of your Dad's mates hurt himself on the mountain so we called it an early day. Turns out he broke his collar bone in several places...snow boarding is not a safe sport! </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left you with Jolly alone one night so your Daddy and I
could go to an NFL game. I hear you didn’t care in the slightest that we had
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy and I rugged up tight as it
was FREEZING outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was -2 when we
got to the stadium and started to drop rapidly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had seats high up in the grandstand so we had a great view when the
F5s from Daddy’s base did a low fly over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It felt like if you would have put your arms up you would have been able
to touch them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell you much
about the game – I was too cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stopped watching the temperature once it hit -12… I can tell you that NFL is
not as animated and entertaining as the baseball (although I have the same
amount of attention for both).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it
was an experience that we wont forget! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day Jolly and Nini had to go home, and it was New
Years Eve. As you were so little, and Daddy had to work, we did absolutely
nothing to celebrate the incoming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I mean nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all
tucked up in bed and asleep by 10pm. We did wake up briefly at midnight to some
fireworks in the neighbourhood, but it held such little interest that we were
all back asleep before they had stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that my small boy, was how you spent your first
Christmas and New Year home for the holidays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We love you so much<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mama and Daddy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-76193310307879787052013-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:002013-07-27T11:29:18.977-07:00Sailing the Caribbean<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loved ones, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like so many of our adventures, our holiday to Miami and our
cruise started with a stupid early morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a long flight we arrived in Miami, collected our car and navigated
the interstates to Miami Beach and our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As it was our 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> wedding anniversary, we walked down to a
little Italian restaurant for tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometime during dinner it started to rain – now it doesn’t actually rain
all that often in Denver so this was a serious event for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zac spent the entire run back to the hotel between
bemused and completely confused at what this cold wet stuff was falling from
the sky! How sheltered we had kept our small boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we drove to Everglades National Park and caught
a trolley around a small patch of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were taken to a lovely watch tower where you could see for
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way we saw the
swamplands, birds and more alligators than I thought possible to live in such a
small area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little intimidating
how close we got to those monsters! We learnt the Burmese pythons we a pest in the Everglades as they ate the small animals that the alligators also need to survive. There is actually a bounty if you catch/kill them! It was an educational tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For Zac’s first birthday we drove to Key West, the most
southern point of mainland USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
one of the most amazing drives we have EVER done:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>100 miles with 27 interconnecting bridges
(some which were just so long) and the most spectacular views you can imagine.
It made us terribly homesick for the beach, while making us wish we had skipped
Miami completely and just spent some quality time in a small beachside village,
fishing and walking in the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stopped at one little village to feed this enormous fish at the end of a wharf
– it was at least twice the size of Zac and would jump out of the water to grab
at the bait in your hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty
cool, despite the baby being scared silly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ate fish and chips for lunch and Daddy sampled some of the famous Key
Lime Pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our final destination was Key
West itself – such a quaint little town where driving a golf buggy or cycling
was much easier than actually driving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Key West is actually closer to Cuba than the nearest Walmart… bizarre!
We drove home late that night, regretting that we didn’t have more time to
spend in this beautiful part of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our final day in Miami was spent walking the boardwalk.
There is such a difference between a beach in Oz and a beach over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here the beaches are all manicured, with
drags over the sand to make it all uniform (and I guess to weed out any nasties
that might be hidden in the sand).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are little beach shacks scattered along the way where you can rent a beach chair
and umbrella – because you would never sit on the sand! A person will come
along to your chair and you can order table service lunch and drinks – high end
food and cocktails (no BBQ chook sandwiches’ here!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this part of the world, going to the beach
was an opportunity to be seen, not an opportunity to play in the waves with
your loves ones… I’m glad this is one Americanism that had not made it to our
sandy shores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we packed all our gear and set out for our
cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boat was impressive! There
were 3 pools, at least 5 ‘hot tubs’, food, food and more food, bars, casino and
duty free shops to satisfy all your shopping needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At night we ate at a lovely restaurant at the
back of the boat where the wait staff knew our names before we even turned
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were from Indonesia and
Thailand, so it was nice to talk to people who actually knew foods we would
appreciate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw some live shows, a comedian
(and Mama even popped her head in and saw some of the drag show on board – it
was the best show she saw by far!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While there was plenty to do, it wasn’t the most baby appropriate
environment, so we tended to spend a lot of time in our room, or sitting inside
watching the sea slip by. Which was nice, but not really what you go
on a cruise for… While it was a great, unique experience that enabled us to see
many of the tourist sights of the eastern Caribbean, it’s not one we would be
rushing back to do again, primarily because we just didn’t get to spend enough
time at each port (6-8 hours).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, the little time we did spend at each port was
enough to make us hungry to visit each location again for a much longer time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bahamas was the first stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nassau has a grand nautical and colonial history – and you can see and
feel it everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was truly
beautiful. The blue of the water was an indescribable coral blue and so crystal
clear you could see the bottom at over 20 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took a ‘submarine’ ride to see some of the local sea life on a reef.
Zac seemed to really enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fish
didn’t seem as colourful as their pacific cousins, but there were turtles which
were wonderful. We got to sail past all the celebrity homes (including Tom
Cruise’s and Oprah’s two), and the Atlantis resort which looked incredible – a
place on Mama’s bucket list! This adventure was followed by a city tour (and
some crazy traffic) to a look out at the highest peak of the city. There were
some cute little shops at the top near an old fort that we perused while the locals
fell in love with the blond hair, blue eye little boy who smiled at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty adorable. Before we knew it, it
was time to get back on the boat and sail for our next exotic locale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands, is perhaps one of the
most beautiful places in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lush green island, surrounded by the most beautiful blue ocean, is just awe
inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think island
paradise – THIS IS IT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a full
island tour that included a crazy bus ride up to a lookout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the traffic was enough to make you chew
your finger nails off (there were 8 boats in St Thomas that day) the view of the
harbour left you lost for words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
drove back down to Meagan’s Bay, rated as one of the top ten beaches in the
world (they have obviously never been to the South Coast) and the best in the
Carribean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was lovely – beautiful
tropical warm water, lapping waves, the blue (oh so blue) bay and palm trees
dropping along the way – sigh. It was paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zac played on his very first beach, and ate sand as he should, while
Mama and Daddy took turns in the water – baby was not a fan of the water! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our tour of paradise continued after this short stop to
Black Beard’s castle – which is now a rum factory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learnt all about the real pirates of the
Caribbean (I was so disappointed as Jonny Deep wasn’t there), and walked down
100s of stairs, through little shops, past restored colonial homes of yore, to
the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did a little window
shopping and caught a pirate ship back across the harbour to our cruise boat
and our time was all up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
glimpse into a world that seemingly lived harmoniously between its colonial
roots, native landscape (of paradise) and modern living (in paradise). It’s a
place you can see yourself spending a month at and still wanting more time. We
adored it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Puerto Rico was our next stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we arrived, we presumed Old San Juan
wouldn’t be a trip highlight, so we just booked ourselves on foodies tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way we could at least enjoy some nice
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, it was a place that ended
up being high on our ‘if we have time – we’ll be back’ list. The tour started
with a historical walking tour of the old city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We saw these huge, thick, fort walls that have become a part of the fabric of the
island, giving it character and sense living history, fountains and plazas that
gave it an old world sensibility, houses of every colour and hue cramped
against one another without seeming to crowd out the sun or the sense of
tropical laughter, grand churches that have stood the test of time (and war and
uprising).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beside all this history (we
really didn’t realise the amount of history this tiny city had!), was a modern city
that was this unique blend of African American, Hispanic, Caribbean and
American cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And everyone was
happy – people were smiling and laughing everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing and just made you delighted
that you were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our tour visited a rum factory (when in Rome, right?), a
bunch of little shops that sold local foods (sauces and spicy jams seemed
popular) and culminated at a local restaurant where we were given a refreshing
local beverage (Mojito!! Yum yum) and were taught how to make a local
traditional dish (tasted like feet – but it was fun).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After this we rushed up to one of two major
forts in the city to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a
holiday highlight for Tristan – he got super snap happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slowly meandered back down to the boat to
go to our final port of call – but we really wish we had more time here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much more to see and experience –
we barely scratched the surface! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
Our final stop on the cruse was just as fabulous as the
three previous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Grand Turk was
still just a little island, not yet developed in the sense that the other
islands had been, it had this sense of being completely unspoiled and ready for
exploring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a low island – I would
be surprise if a single part of it rose more than 10m above sea level. It still
had dirt roads and locals carrying their catches (dinner) walking along them, with
our cabbie stopping as we drove to chat to his mates and find out what was
biting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the day at the most
glorious beach we have ever seen or been to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was part of a dive resort that may have had
10 other people sharing this lovely long beach of white sand and pine trees
(odd right?). We ate the freshest and most delicious seafood lunch of our
lives, and then Zac and I retire<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">d </span> to lay on the beach while Tristan took a deep
sea snorkelling tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tristan tells me
it was a cool trip. The drop off was specular, but was missing the coral and
colour that you would expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zac and my
day was fabulous as I drank my fill of tropical drinks, napped in the shade, and
played in the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think we
could have asked for a more relaxing day! Before we knew it we were herded back
to the boat and it was the end of our holiday.</div>
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Overall, while Miami was an experience, I think we would
have valued the four days along the Florida Keys a lot more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the cruise, while we are glad we did it,
and we got to spend a little time in four of the most wondrous places we could
have imagined (and most that we could not have), I’m not sure it is our type of
holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much no-time between
islands and not enough time to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We definitely prefer to fly and experience more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no regrets – because if we didn’t do it
this way we would never have had an opportunity to get a taste of the Caribbean
paradises that we saw! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love and wishes that you too get to experience paradise <span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-2220864165255224312013-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:002013-02-24T13:15:28.139-08:00Keeping things orange<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Dear Friends and Family,<br />
<br />
Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Colorado. It's like the world
purposefully starts to slow down and get into the festive spirit. The leaves
begin to change colour, the wind whistles as it blows, snow suddenly appears
out of nowhere and frozen turkeys appear in every supermarket. It is also the
start of football season when Colorado starts eat, drinking and bleeding Denver
Broncos blue and orange -it's a special time of year.<br />
<br />
This year we repeated our visit to the corn maze. 4 families adventured into
the agricultural eastern plains of Colorado, in search of this year’s maze - a
giant pictograph of the local quarter back, Payton Manning (demi-god to any NFL
fan). The drought had a big impact on the maze this year; the stalks were only
6-7 feet tall (in fact you could often see over them) and they were
considerably thinner than last year, but we had so much fun because Zac was
with us. <br />
<br />
We played in the corn pit (not sand pit), jumped on a giant pillow, shot
pumpkins out of a huge air rifle, caught a 'train' around the field, slid down
an enormous slide on the side of a hill, and of course raced through the maze.
What is so great about this place is that everything has obviously been made of
farm left overs. The train carriages were 44 gallon drums cut in half
with a 'bench' and rope seat belts, the slide was obviously a mound of dirt
left over from digging a basement, covered in a tarp with carpet cut offs to
help you slide down, and all the veggies loaded into the air gun were those
that would have never made it to the supermarket shelves. It really had that
backyard/ farm yard/ neighbour’s yard feel to it - despite thousands of people
running around. There were several school aged kids and two babies with us, so
we got to have a lot of childlike fun. It was a beautiful sun kissed day full
of wonderful family memories.<br />
<br />
A week or so later and it was Zac's first Halloween. Daddy and I spent a
couple of afternoons searching for the perfect costume... well one that fit
anyway. As no one was hosting a party this year, we went to one of the other
Aussie family's house so we could watch their kids go nuts. And they did! Our
little Superman fell asleep before any of the frivolity even started, while the
other Aussie kids collected buckets (no kidding!) of 'candy' from their
neighbours while dressed up in some gruesome costumes! It was a true American
experience to see hundreds of little monsters, ballerinas, zombies, football
players, zoo animals and cartoon character running around the streets with
pumpkin buckets in hand yelling 'trick or treat', with protective parents
waiting patiently in the driveway reminding everyone of their manners. It's
something I am very glad that we did.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving followed a few weeks later. Again the Apperley's hosted the
event. A couple of families and a few boys from Tristan's work came over for
the grand turkey feast. Tristan worked this year, so I was responsible for the
turkey. I put it in the oven <u>way</u> to early and it was ready 3 hours
before the meal - but it still tasted juicy and tender so it wasn't too bad. We
just have a big roast dinner basically, which isn't the way that Americans
actually do it, but we object to having boiled veggies with roast meat - that's
just dumb! It confuses any locals at the meal, but since we also insist on
generous amount of beer and wine, people get over it pretty fast.<br />
<br />
That night I adventured out to the Black Friday sales. They are similar in
nature to Boxing day sales, but every store participates and people go bananas
for them. They camp out in front of their favourite stores, they turn up hours
and hours early to place a hand on that one product they can't live without,
and elbow everyone out of the way to get what they want. I just went as a
spectator to this sport, but grabbed 3 or 4 toys for Zac. Turns out that I was
able to get his Christmas presents and a couple of other older gifts for him
for dirt cheap. It was a successful evening. Tristan woke up at stupid o'clock
the next morning sales to do his shopping. As such, there is a state of the art
home cinema upstairs, more Lego for 'Zac' and some tools laying around. An
expensive, but bargain filled couple of hours.<br />
<br />
And most importantly this Autumn saw us celebrate Zac's first birthday.
Somehow we had survived the first year of Zac's adventure. Go team Mama and
Dad! We shared the day with another little boy we know who is a week older than
our little man. Both Mum's spent many days (ok - weeks) preparing for the day.
There were about 20 people who were kind enough to come along to the first
birthday parties. Zac happily sat on everyone's knee, ate too much (well sort
of) and vomited in front of everyone. It was a good day. There were balloons,
cakes (thanks Aunty Beck) and good company. It was a good reminder of the
little community that we have built around us for support - we are very
lucky.<br />
<br />
So it was a fun filled 'Fall' in 2012 - lots of laughter, smiles and good
times were had as the seasons moved steadily towards Winter. Only one
more until we are home.<br />
<br />
Sending you all lots of love <br />
Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-68767482650436281272013-02-14T15:49:00.002-08:002013-02-14T15:51:15.716-08:00Planes, Trains, Ferries and Monorails<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Dear All,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Our most
recent adventure was to Seattle and Vancouver Island..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Zac happily
slept and played through another flight as we drifted to the US far north west.
On arrival in Seattle we were able to catch a train to downtown, and then a
short taxi to our hotel. Yes - before we had even started our adventures we had
been in a car, train, plane, another train and a taxi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">We
quickly dropped our baggage and set out exploring.The first thing that we did
was head to the water (almost ocean). To smell the salt brine, see the harbour
movement, and feel that sea breeze almost brought a tear to the eye. We
wondered along the waterfront for a while and then headed to the famous Farmers
Markets. First we had to climb a million steps, with the pram, to get there -
but it was worth it. The Markets are famous for fish flying through the air and
of course fresh food. There were dozens of fresh flower markets, veggies, and
the original Starbucks Coffee house. We bought some yummy cheese that wasn't
orange - which is very difficult to find in America - and ate it with a fresh
baguette and continued exploring. That afternoon, Zac took his first
Merry-go-Round ride with his mother, his father ate a lot of seafood at local
popular restaurant (another Man Vs Food find), we all rode on a ferris wheel
over the water and caught the monorail back to the hotel. All in all it was a
good day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The next
day we woke very early to catch the ferry to Canada. It was <u>not</u> a good
trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mama was thrown up on as we left
the dock and got to wear parfume a la Zacarais for the entire day!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the rest of the day was pretty good.
Dad tried to hire a mustang to drive around the Island on for the day, but
Zac's seat didn't fit, so we ended up with a regular sedan. We drove to the most
beautiful gardens and walked around for a few hours; through traditional
Victorian and Japanese gardens, and a spectacular rose garden that took your
breath away. We also saw a butterfly garden and ate at wonderful seafood
restaurant with the best entrees EVER! The entire day it was wonderful to be on
the ocean and to not be in America for just a little while. However, we noticed
how much we had acclimatised to the US when everything was expensive, and we
didn't have to tip!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Early the
next morning, after a big breakfast at a cafe that sold sausage rolls, I got to
visit my very first castle, set at the highest point of Victoria. It was very
pretty, with each room 'restored' to a different period, illustrating the
history of the building. We then returned to town and strolled through all the
quaint little stores in the cold. The town reminded us a lot of Kiama so it was
that small bit of familiarity that made it feel homely. We ate lunch at a pub
full of cricket memorabilia, which Tristan LOVED! The funniest part was not a
single staff member knew anything about the sport - so you could tell it was
just a gimmick. After a long day we caught the ferry back to Seattle and our
American life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">After a
late night, Zac and Mum had a sleep in the next day and Dad went off to the
Boeing factory to see the 747, 757 and 787 being made and got to walk factory
floor. From all accounts he was like a kid in a chocolate shop. That afternoon
we went to the world fair grounds and visited a very 'unique' museum, the
(Experience Music Project) EMP museum, that focused on music, science fiction
and pop culture. Despite loving each of these genres, I must admit that we felt
very uncultured there. It was great to look at, but I don't think Tristan and I
were 'artsy' enough to enjoy it. From there we went up the iconic Seattle tower
for a beautiful view of the city and harbour, and caught the monorail and train
to China town for a meal with flavour. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">On our
final day in Seattle, we went for breakfast in the IT district of town. (Seattle
is home to both Microsoft and Amazon). It was AMAZING! I'm still salivating
over the French toast and berry condiment bar! From there we went to the
Pacific Science Centre and had Zac sitting all by himself at one of the floor
activities - very exciting - and we went to a Tutankhamun exhibit with about
1000 other people. While very crowded, it brought back some great high school
memories of Ancient History class. After a quick lunch of a meat pie (!) we caught
a taxi back to the airport for the long flight home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Seattle
was great. It was only a small city, and reminded us in some ways of Sydney.
The food was great, I enjoyed catching public transport again, and it was so
nice to spend some quality family time together. We also liked Victoria,
Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just like the little
towns we grew up near and hold so dear. But most memorable of the trip was the
water - we miss it much! It was unreal to spend a few days living by it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Sending
you all much love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Tristan,
Penni and Zac</span></div>
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<![endif]-->Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-86486346793544392432012-10-13T08:20:00.000-07:002012-10-13T08:20:40.851-07:00lifeDear All,<br />
<br />
The reason that there haven't been any blogs recently is because we have led a relatively mundane life for the past couple of months.<br />
<br />
I managed to get away for my first baby free nights away when a friend of mine was in California for a couple of days. It's amazing how much you can talk and laugh when you are with a good friend. I survived the days away from Zac well - it was the perfect amount of time away! Tristan also managed to survive being a full time Daddy for a few days too.<br />
<br />
Tristan also got some baby free time when he went away to Arizona for work. He got to see the aeroplane graveyard which he was pretty excited about. He also got to spend a few night out on the town, which were well deserved. Zach and I survived without Tristan, but Zach was unimpressed and wouldn't speak to his father for a couple of days on his return. <br />
<br />
Other than these little adventures life is just rolling along. We think we are at about half way through our American adventure at this stage. We are still missing home, but enjoying all the opportunities to see the sights and delights that the US has to offer.<br />
<br />
Much love Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-29525682865081567492012-08-21T19:07:00.001-07:002012-08-21T19:11:07.668-07:00Man-cation 2012Dear family, <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I must say that our latest adventure has been my favourite so far. It was
short and sweet, covered in lush green grass, filled with postcard moments of
cliche small town America. It was great. It also happened to be the perfect
weekend excursion for a couple of blokes - lucky me!!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It started with Zac's first flight. He was surprisingly well behaved. He
slept during takeoff and was so interested in the lady sitting beside of me
that I don't even think he noticed the landing in Nashville. Ah Nashville! The
home of American country music. The small town that had grown into a city but
still maintained its small town feel. Both Tristan and I were much bigger fans
of the city than we thought we would be. There was live music in every bar,
neon lights on every shop, and people in boots everywhere!!!! It sounds a bit
cringeworthy, but it was so much fun, you couldn't help but walk around with a
smile on your face. After dinner at Margarettaville, and a Jake Sparrow looking
pirate making me a balloon flower and Zac a balloon dog, we wondered the street
and enjoyed the boisterous atmosphere. Tristan described it as Bourbon street,
New Orleans, without any of the X rated nastiness - I agree. It was great. And
I could just imagine Tristan and his boys getting their "yeehaw" on
and enjoying a big night out here. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The next day we drove through the picturque countryside to the Jack Daniels
distillery. It was so much prettier than I thought. We did a tour where we
walked up and down and up and down a couple of hundred steps looking at the
process that gives the Tennessee whiskey its distinct taste (running the
alcohol through maple charcoal apparently). It was an education. Did you know
that Jack is made in a dry county!! You cannot buy or drink Jake where it
originates!!! Bizarre The next day was interesting. We drove to Kentucky - and
lost another hour - so we didn't get to do everything we wanted to. But we did
make Jim Beam and Heaven Hill distilleries. We went on a few more tours - Jim
was disappointing, heaven hill had a cool little trolley that we got to go on,
but Zac and I couldn't go anywhere near the tasting room coz he was under
21...but another good day absorbing the beauty of the South. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We did another 4 distilleries the next day - Wild Turkey (rustic and a very
good tour), FourRoses (mpft), Woodford (might be the most beautiful winery/distillery/brewery
EVER - also serves a good lunch!!!) and Maker's Mark (I dipped a bottle in red
wax - awesome!!). It was a really fun day. Tristan enjoyed the bourbon, I
enjoyed the scenery and Zac enjoyed being out of the car. A successful day all
round. And we had completed the Bourbon Trail - Yeah!!! We get a t-shirt for
our efforts ;-) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It was all quiet an education: we learnt all bourbons are whiskeys but not
all whiskeys are bourbons; that you need to meet 41 federal requirements to
qualify as a bourbon (Jack doesn't qualify); that due to the distinct
environmental conditions of Kentucky 97% of all bourbon is made in that state,
but it doesn't need to be made there to qualify; and Australia is the second
highest country to consume bourbon (by quantity not per capita - we beat
Canada, Germany and Japan!!).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />On the way back to Nashville to come home we went to a Man Vs Food
recommended restaurant (not sure if this reference will make sense at home -
google it. We've been to several of these restaurants, not for the challenges,
and the food to always great!!) Lynn's Paradise Cafe looked like every piece of
kitsch paraphernalia had been thrown on the walls, pinned to the roof, had
glitter added to it, then a silk flower or two was added for flavour and BAM!!
Confetti was showered on it too. It was an incredible sight. And the food was
bananas! I had a walnut bread that had been made into French toast, smothered
in REAL blackberry jam with a soft meringue on top. Ok I know it sounds bizarre
but it was FABULOUS!!! So yummy I am salivating while writing!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />So while going on the Bourbon Trail seems on paper to be a Man-cation - it
was great!! I loved it!! Tristan loved it (we have many top shelf bottles of bourbon
prove this) and Zac... Well Zac was able to fly without causing an
international incident - so that's a win ;-) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
A couple more states knocked off our US travel list. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-70998948390528450952012-08-21T18:26:00.001-07:002012-08-21T19:09:34.073-07:00A month of birthday celebrations<br />
As many of you know, June is my birthday month and I celebrate it the entire
length and breadth of it. This started in university when 3 of my closest
friends had their birthday celebrations at the start of the month, and I wanted
to join in. Since that time my self-indulgence for birthday celebrations has
only grown, and I now consider any and all activities in the month of June as a
personal Triumph to my glory - a bit egotistical??? Perhaps, but I share my fun
with many. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I LOVE my birthday! I love looking back on the year that has been, and
celebrating how far I have come, what I have achieved, and how lucky I am. This
year was extra special - it was the first year I got to share my birthday with my
son AND it was the first time I had ever had a summer birthday!!! Whoo!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
So the beginning of the month was the end of the road trip in the big blue
car - not a bad start! This was followed by many coffee dates with the girls,
going to the baseball, quality time with my boys, and finishing uni for the
semester! Then the real fun began at the end of the month! It started with a
post-yoga lunch at the pool with the ladies and their babies. Lots of fun. We
made many American families jealous with the smells of a typical Aussie beach
lunch - a BBQ chock, lettuce and coleslaw. The sun shone brightly, Zac and I
bobbed in the water, and laughter filled the air. A very good day. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
A few days later, Tristan and I got up at the crack of dawn, dropped Zac off
at his 'quarter cousin's' house (that's what one of the boys introduced Zac as
at baseball - awww), and headed to the mountains for an adventure - white water
rafting!!! Ok, so it was Tristan's work function, not a Penni birthday event,
but I had been wanting to go for ages, so in my head it was all for me ;-) We
drove to Idaho Springs, and the mountain banks of the Colorado River where the
water turned and churned its way down the 14,000 ft mountains as snow melt,
into the river that will eventually wind its way to the Pacific ocean. However,
as it was a tame snow season this year the water level was considerably lower
than last year. But we were still excited! We geared up into stinky splash and
life jackets, received a bank side safety lesson, and jumped into the raft (5-6
per raft). Keeping a hand firmly on the t-grip of the paddle, one foot wedged
under the seat in front of us, we pushed off into the water. It was a beginners
course, so there wasn't that much rough and tumble, but instead a pleasant ride
in a narrow gorge (alongside the interstate...). Sure we got stuck on a rock
and one of the other rafts barged us and lost a small child overboard into the
very chilly water, but all in all it was a quiet ride. We had a small splash in
the water at the end (we all cooked in our splash jackets and the sun was
scorching!!), and caught a school bus back to the start point. It was lots of
fun, and next time we absolutely want to challenge ourselves with an intimidate
course. After the adventure, we had lunch at a microbrewery and I left Tristan
to hang out with his work colleagues while I wondered the town, looking at
antique shops, little boutiques and cafes. I really enjoyed myself. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My next celebration was shared with an 11 year old boy - Zac's 'quarter
cousin' was entering his tween years and 'we' (his Mum and I) decided to share
our actual birthday parties. It started with another poolside lunch (yum) and
lots of frivolity. Zac and I shared some special moments curled up under a
tree. We then went back to our house where we had an all-American BBQ. I cooked
ribs for the first time (they turned out fantastic), we had some chicken wings
and other bits and pieces. Everyone had a really good time. It's was lovely to
look around and see how settled we were into our life over here, and how our
extended 'family' came together for a celebration. I definitely missed my
nearest and dearest from home, but it was wonderful to finally have a pool
party summer birthday!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
And then, the next morning I get up and see that I have a few messages from
my nearest and dearest on my phone. It seems they were having a get together at
home and wanted to Skype!!! So lucky me got to spend the morning of my actual
birthday catching up with some mates from home. It meant more to me than I can
ever express. The best birthday gift I could imagine. So you see, my birthday
month was fabulous. Spent in the sun, surrounded by friends, spending it with
my little boy for the very first time, in the arms of my husband, a long way
from home on an adventure of a lifetime. How lucky am I!!!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-83149927313092986612012-08-21T16:48:00.002-07:002012-08-21T19:10:32.474-07:00Family fun timesDear all,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I know I've been slack on the blog front for too long, so I will endeavour to
fill you in on all the fun and excitement of late June. <br />
<br />
It has been an exciting couple of months for the Apperley family in Denver.
This has been topped off with visits from the family on the first year
anniversary of our departure from the wonderful land of Oz. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Earlier this week Jessica came to visit. It was so exciting as it was the
first family member from home to meet little Zac. As this was just a stop on
the way of her amazing American adventure, she told me that she was just happy
to fit in with our normal family schedule. So during her first few days, we did
just that. I showed her all the big places we do our usual shopping, what the
run around normal grocery shopping is like here (three shops instead of just
Woolies), how cheap and easy it was to fill your cupboard full of brand name clothes,
and importantly what life is like with a little boy filling up all your hours.
I’m not sure that I could say she had fun but she got the idea of what life is
like at Mansion a la Apperley. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
On Friday, Tristan finished work and with the two of us to watch baby
Apperley, we could finally take Jessica on a Colorado adventure. But not until
after Zac's swimming lesson (which daddy got wet for this week). First we drove
up into the mountains, and she got her first peek of the left over snow in the
distance. Gasps of wonder continued and the sheer cliffs of the rugged
mountains passed us by (really fast because Tristan was driving). We drove up
over a 12,000 ft pass - her first experience of thin air and Tristan's driving
along a precipitous ridge without guard rails. The view was spectacular and the
air was a little frigid. Next we drove through a few little snow towns, packed
full of RVs for the summer, past the snow fields that are now rugged mountains
with purposely placed trees undispersed with rocky crags that are covered by
snow for the majority of the year. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We then went to Brekenridge. During the winter this is a town/ resort/ party
haven. It's a quaint little town full of snow shops, bars, boutiques, and
restaurants. It reminds me a bit of Halndolf in the Adleaide hills, and a
little of Kiama on the coast. It's a picturque place as my photo on FB showed.
We wondered the street, in and out of little shops, had a wine and cheese
experience as an appetizer, then ate dinner at the world's highest floating restaurant.
It was so nice to spend some quality time together in a grown up setting. We
got home LATE and surprise surprise Roger was here after an epic drive from
Mississipi. More family to spend precious time with. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The next morning we all jumped back into the big blue car and headed for the
Rocky Mountains National Park. Again we climbed up up up, but this time we
followed a narrow dirt road up the side of the towering mountain. We made
12,000 ft, seeing glorious mountain lakes full of snow melt in the distance,
passing waterfalls drizzling freshly thawed ice from the mountain, above the
tree line to where on scraggly bushes grow. It was magical. At the top the view
was spectacular, seemingly going forever. It reminded me of the cartoon 'the
land before time' when the dinosaurs found paradise: it was that type of
breathtaking moment. Following the dizzing heights, we descended back to a
reasonable altitude. We stopped along the way so Jessica could run across the
tunanda and play in the snow (she was like a little girl at Christmas - glowing
cheeks and you couldn't wipe the smile off her face!!). We stopped by a lake
and took a leisurely stroll - Roger had to check to see if there were any
trout. We saw an elk, deer, squirrel, (and trout). It was post card perfect,
and all the more special because of the company we got to share it with. And we
watched the sunset between the mountains, over one of the lakes, cuddled up for
a photo opportunity. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
After two big days out and about, Zac and I spent the day at home while the
other Apperleys went the baseball for a true American experience. I wasn't
there, but I hear it was a poor game, the Rockies lost, the hot dogs were
yummy, and the beer flowed freely into Tristan's cup. Sadly the next day,
Jessica left us to continue her American adventure. But many hugs were had
between Zac and Jess, and true family bonds were solidified. We are so grateful
that she came so far for a visit. It meant a great deal. But we have another
couple of weeks with Roger, so I have no doubt more family adventures are in
our near future. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Lots of love<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-62394123283836692232012-08-21T16:41:00.000-07:002012-08-21T16:41:22.105-07:00The GRAND Tour
This is the blog that has held all the others up. This was an epic road
trip! I'm exhausted just remembering the details - so much so that I had to
have Tristan write down notes for me to prompt my memory! Well, here it
goes....<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
We have travelled a lot in the big blue car. But all these adventures, even
put together, pale in comparison to the adventures we had on this road trip. It
was EPIC!!! We drove from Denver to the Grand Canyon, from Las Vegas to
Monument Valley, to Arches National Park and home again. The car was serviced
just before we left and needed another as soon as we got back. It was long,
hot, <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">picturque</span>,
spectacularly beautiful family holiday that we will never forget!!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It all started early one morning with a few false starts: first the Blues
lost the State of Origin - Tristan was unimpressed after getting up at stupid
O'clock to watch the game live, and when we finally did get out the door Tristan
did a U-turn a mile so from the house because he thought he left the garage
door open,. And then at coffee up the road we realised that I had left me phone
at home. Nevertheless, once we were on the road it was a spectacular drive
through the rocky mountains (up, up, up), stop for some roadworks, more
beautiful mountains, high red cliffs, stop for some roadworks, wide canyons,
valleys of green, mountains (still climbing), a few more roadworks, and finally,
after 8 hours of driving, we made a smallish town close to the border of
Colorado. Just east of this town is a national park called Mesa Verde and it
has a 'city' of cave dwellings that the ancient people of North America lived
in (think pre-Indian). Though we were rushed so didn't get to visit, apparently
it is a marvellous site to see. It's on our 'back track list' of places to go
if we get time.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The next day we hit 4 states at the same time. Four Corners is a landmark
where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona all meet. It's one of those stops
that you just have to go to say "and last week I was so busy I was in four
states on the same day!!!" It's actually a very cool place with market,
stalls around a plaque in the middle delineating the states. These little
Indian (think cowboys and ... Not curry flavoured) market stalls were
EVERYWHERE selling arrows, jewellery, pieces of stone, jewellery, pottery, jewellery,
and sand art. Some of it...well...sigh...but on a rare occasion (every tenth
store - so about 20-25 stores in total) had such breath taking pieces of work
we kept making excuses to buy things we "needed". We have some lovely
souvenirs, and a few things I look at and ask myself "really?" <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Later that day we made the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. It was a little
hazy, but as we drove around we were able to get an idea of the grandness of
the landmark. The colours were amazing! To see how the Colorado River had cut
its way through this amazing landscape, exposing layer on layer of different
geological time lines. It's really had to describe its impressiveness. We
hopped from photo opportunity to photo opportunity, enjoying the vastness.
There were a number of trails that enabled you to hike half way down to the
bottom, but they were terribly steep, we had Zac, and it was disgustingly hot!
So we stayed on top, looking down (way down) to the hazy depths where the river
crashed and rolled its way towards the Pacific ocean. Wow!! <o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
We went back to the park early the next day and walked for a few miles along
the rim. You really got a good idea of the length and breadth of the canyon
this way - mainly because we didn't even put a dent in it. Zac, as always, sat
back and enjoyed the adventure while his parents huffed and puffed our way
around. Getting lost on the way back was a personal highlight. After lunch we
caught a bus out to the eastern most point of the tourist road, stopping at
even more photo stops, taking time to inhale the beauty of this wonder, sharing
special moments as a small family, watching the clouds roll on by without
noticing the wonder that they were passing below. Wow doesn’t even begin to
describe how spectacular it was.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
After a day and a bit of exploring that didn't even begin to scratch the surface;
we adventured further west, heading for Las Vegas. We visited (another)
aircraft museum and went to a drive through zoo called "Bearazona".
It was really cool. We drove through a couple of gates that reminded me of Jurassic
Park, saw long horned sheep, bison and other herbariums large mammals ignoring
the traffic, passing them by. Then we got to the wolves... They were....more
animated... There was a small pack that circled around the car in front and
while the driver was happy snapping at seeing the majestic animals so close,
one of the wolves at the front started to chew on the front bar and tires. It
was bizarre! I don't know that the driver knew what to do, but after some slow
nudging forwards, the wolf moved away far enough for the car to zoom off. We
saw loads of bears - it was breeding season, so we saw several "piggy back
rides". Interesting. The mama bears seemed less than impressed and promptly
told the daddy bears to go away when they were finished playing. <o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
Another day, and we inched closer to Vegas. An hour or so after we hit the
road, Zac turbo spewed all over the backseat as we drove down the
interstate...so we had to pull over, clean him and the car up... So easy when
cars are zooming past you at 130km an hour! After a quick breather and lunch at
Tristan's favourite takeout "In and Out" (an obligatory stop for all
those who travel along the West Coast) we continued our drive past the engineering
greatness that is Hoover Dam. It was a long weekend in the US so there were
people EVERYWHERE. Police directed the traffic, and you had to squirrel your
way through the crowds to get a look. While in theory it is just another dam,
it's a very impressive one. We happy snapped for a while, but the imposing heat
restricted our stay as we didn't want Zac out in that heat for too long. <o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
Vegas was just down the road. We arrived as the sun started to disappear
over the mountains and it had started to cool down to a more reasonable
temperature. We caught up with friends and had dinner at one a casino off the
strip. It was huge and the strangest part was just walking in with Zac in his
pram. Tristan and I crept in like we were convicts waiting to be caught, but no
one paid us any heed. We walked past dozens and dozens of "slot
machines", sat in the restaurant ordered drinks without being ID'd (a big
deal as we usually get asked everywhere) and enjoyed a yummy Mexican meal. It
was a lovely night...until Zac decided to be sick (AGAIN!!). Poor baby - it had
been a big day for the small boy. <o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
After we all got a good night sleep, (Zac woke up his usual self) we were
ready to run and play, and we dared the heat and explored the Vegas strip.
Though I shouldn't say the strip as that gives you the illusion we saw a lot.
We didn't - 4 hours and we managed 4 casinos, lunch, and a yard glass of
cocktail (carried with us as we strolled along the strip). There was so much
more to see, but we just ran out of time!! Tristan and I had our first baby
free date since Zac came home that evening, and we had to get ready!! So as Zac
sat watching basketball on tv with our friends, Tristan and I walked hand in
hand to see a show. It was so nice! Of course one of the shows main character
was baby, so little Zac wasn't out of our mind for very long. <o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
We were back on the road the next day (with fond desires to go back to Vegas
one day sans baby for a big night on the strip) on our way to Monument Valley.
But first, we had a surprise drive through another national park. We were just
driving along, watching bad tv on the DVD player while sitting in the backseat
playing with Zac, following the GPS, when we saw that the road we were
following was going through the heart of Zion National Park. It was so impressive!!
We drove through a couple of canyons, which I imagine would be like being at
the bottom of the grand canyon looking up. The road twisted and turned as we
climbed out of the gorge, we drove through two tunnels carved into the cliffs.
They had grand windows in the sides, framing the beautiful scenery that just
took your breath away. It was a beautiful, unexpected landscape that we both
wished we had more time to explore. There were campsites along the river that
we wished we could have pulled over and spent a day or so relaxing and kicking
up our heels with a beverage or two. It was one of our favourite places yet in
the US. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Later that day we stopped in a three hotel, McDonalds and HJs only sized
town. It wasn’t anything special, and there was no pool at the hotel, but it
was good to have a rest before we hit cowboy country. An early morning start
saw us enter into Monument Valley as the sun began to reflect off the red buttes
and sandy desert. Now this spectacular piece of landscape is where many John
Wayne films were shot, where countless cowboy movies are set and home to the
Wild Wild West. I could just imagine my Poppa standing beside me telling me
about a scene in a movie that was shot just in front of us. We were able to
drive around the park on a serious 4x4 road that took us to some amazing
places. We ate Indian flat bread, drizzled in local honey (YUM!), shopped at a
couple of Indian brick-a-brac stalls, and sat at the edge of a butte, looking
into the valley at sunset, waiting for that perfect photo. It was such a nice
day!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The next day was short drive to Moab, via a few wineries. We just took it
easy. Then the following morning we got up early and explored Arches National
Park. Eons of erosion had resulted in a unique landscape where the salt and
soil beneath large limestone cliffs had been washed away, resulting in 'arches'
emerging along the landscape. It was a magical landscape, and I often felt we
were on a distant planet. We did a few short walks, but it was HOT! Thank
goodness that we had the water cooler in the boot, because we filled our drink
bottles up countless times. I honestly wished we had explored this park more,
but we were all exhausted after 10 days away from home, adventuring across 4
states, and we were very much looking forward to spending a day in our PJs at
home. So we just drove around the park, happy snapped and made it back to our
hotel before sunset.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The next day, we cut our trip short, packed the car up for the last time,
and drove all the way home. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It was a spectacular trip - enough for several holidays - and we squeezed it
all into just 11 days. We visited where the states met, we saw the vastness of
the Grand Canyon, we experienced man's greatness at the Hoover dam, an inch of
Sin City was fabulous enough to call us back, unexpected beauty at Zion made us
want for more, 4x4 adventures at Monument Valley was an experience I wish we
could have shared, and the landscape of Arches made us remember that we truly
are only in this world for a blink of an eye. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I love that we got to experience it as a little family - but I must admit,
that first night home, sitting on the couch together as the very best feeling
of all. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Apologies for the EXTREME delay in posting this blog.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I hope you are all happy and healthy - we miss you allPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-56717623818740072792012-05-06T17:03:00.003-07:002012-05-06T17:03:41.201-07:00Another Adventure in the Big Blue Car<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Zac,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you had been home from the hospital for a couple of
months, Daddy and I took you on your first road trip in the Big Blue Car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was to New Mexico, the state directly
south of Colorado. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had been preparing like a boy scout for days to make sure
that your Daddy and I would have everything you could need, would need, might
need, or want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I packed a HUGE box
filled to the brim with nappies, and formula, bottles and a bottle warmer, toys
and books, washing up bits and pieces (including a kitchen sink), and your
boppy pillow (a U cushion that babies lay on) and sling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then you had a bag filled with clothes (so
Mummy wouldn’t need to wash anything while we were away), blankets and burp
clothes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we also had your pram and
travel cot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, it was a good thing
that the Big Blue Car is so big, or we wouldn’t have fitted everything in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1 was epic! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
drove down the scary Interstate 25 all the way to Las Vegas (not the one you
are thinking of) then crisscrossed down to Roswell. 8 hours of driving!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you’ve never seen a straight road like
those in NM. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no corners or
bends at all; EVER! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a driver it was
damn boring!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just set the cruise
control and twiddled your thumbs. Yep! It was and uneventful drive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The geography was like driving into the western heart of
NSW. You knew when you crossed the border into NM. The Rocky Mountains
disappeared into the distance and the ground became flatter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scratchy bushes and cacti grew on the side of
the road. Houses were flat, built in orange cement, square, and alien to look
at through Aussie eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was
bright and burning, and the earth was dotted in green with an oil well here and
there. Yep, we were somewhere else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roswell was a great little town, seemingly in the middle of
nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like everywhere in America, it
had at least one of every takeout you could imagine, each with its sign custom
made to show that Roswell was the town that the aliens crashed near all those
years ago. There’s nothing quite like the golden arches with a UFO landing on
them, and a playground that was based on the inside of a space ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every street lamp was an alien head, there
are a dozen little tourist trap shops cashing in on the alien junkies selling everything
from t-shirts to alien heads. Yep, Roswell was certainly quirky, my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I liked it – though that might be due to
the yummy dinner your Daddy and I ate while you slept in your car seat at the
table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day, after visiting the alien museum (insert
rolling eyes here) we drove a little way down the road to the Carlsbad Caverns,
the very first national park we visited as a family. It was lovely. After
driving up through this canyon, filled with desert flowers in bloom we sat in
the car park while we smothered ourselves in sunscreen (it was so HOT!). We
entered the main building and discovered that we didn’t even need to walk down
to the caves – we could catch an elevator the 750ft down to the main cavern. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classic! – and so terrible lazy! But it meant
we didn’t need to walk for 40 minutes in the sun, so we caught the elevator
down into the subterranean world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I felt like we were walking in an underwater world.
Everything looked otherworldly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cavern was huge! Reportedly the size of 6 football fields. It was lit with strategically
placed yellow lights that showed the most fantastic natural formations
imaginable. The ceiling disappeared into the darkness, and some of the deep
canyons disappeared in to the depths of the earth, unknown to man. There were
stunning columns, stalactites (holding onto the roof tight) and stalagmites (that
might grow to the ceiling), and all these little rocks that look like they are
covered in tumors (they call them popcorn). It was beautiful! You sat in the
sling on Daddy’s chest, peeking out the sides, while he was a shutterbug trying
to catch the wonders that we were seeing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, it was a great family adventure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we drove to Texas – again, you knew when you
crossed the border (there were bends in the road).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to see the land border between
America and Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Australia doesn’t
have any land borders, so the concept on driving from one country to another is
just plain weird to us. So we made our way to El Paso, a “city” that sits in
the nexus between Texas, NM and Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The parts of the city close to the border are scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exactly what you expect the ghetto to
look like if it were just filled with car rental shops, 7/11s, grocery-marts,
and graffiti. Yep! Mama, locked the car doors and prayed this adventure would
end soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The border is actually a large canal, with three rows of
fences either side of it, just far enough apart that the border patrol cars,
packing big guns, to drive back and forth on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was foreboding. There was one bridge in and one bridge out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were cars queued on either side waiting
to leave or enter into America, filled with people pawing their paperwork, hoping
that they wouldn’t be asked too many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think that the border is based on the gates to Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly couldn’t wait to drive away from
it. Yep! It was truly terrifying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But your wonderful Daddy more than made up for it in the
next couple of hours by taking Mummy to a couple of wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally bought some local wines that we
both enjoyed! Loved it! Yep! We are the family that takes a new born babe into
the winery while we are both tasting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we continued the space theme of our road trip
by visiting a missile park and a space museum. (For those of you who feel like
getting into your geek space, NM was the home of the Manhattan project, and is
still home to one of the major missile bases on mainland America, and thus has
a very rich space history). But it was still so hot (almost 100F) that it felt
crazy to be doing anything but sitting in front of the air conditioner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, my dear little man, took it all in your
stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just sat in your pram and
looked around like a curious little monkey. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, we were so proud! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daddy is very wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When packing the car back in Denver he packed a great big water contain
(20L or so) so we wouldn’t need to constantly buy bottled water, or worry about
where we could fill your bottles up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
this day after we had taken the luggage (and the kitchen sink) into the hotel,
we were driving to dinner and daddy took a corner sharply. And the water
container spilled liters and liters of water all through the car… He was not
pleased! So the car smelt like wet dog for a day or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep! We learnt our lesson! Don’t leave the
water container unsecured in the boot – it ends badly! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Albuquerque was our next stop. We visited the Nuclear Museum
(where I left with more questions than answers), drove down Route 66, explored
the Old town and all its art galleries, and visited a Rattlesnake museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was getting tired! You and your Daddy could
seemingly run forever! But your Mummy was glad there was only one day left of
this trip! Yep! It had been an exhausting adventure for your mother. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we set out for home! Via Santa Fe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually wish we could have spent a bit
longer there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a historical town
filled with boutique jewelry shops, art galleries and fantastic food
carts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We browsed for a few hours and
then hit the road again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep! Mummy and
Daddy might go back to Santa Fe for a grown up trip if we get time later down
the track. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You were a little angel the entire trip! (with the exception
of devil hour between 7-9pm) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You happily
sat in the back, drank your bottles whenever we stopped, played with Mummy and
Daddy when we sat in the back with you, we even watched a couple of (Disney)
movies along the way. Yep! We honestly
couldn’t have asked for anything more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a great trip! We saw lots! Drove very far! Learnt we
didn’t need to pack the kitchen sink! And most importantly, we had a lot of fun
as a family on our very first road<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Big Blue Car took us
all the way there and back without a hiccup. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our next big adventure with the Big Blue Car is to the Grand
Canyon! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now dream sweet dreams beautiful boy, and Mummy and Daddy
will see you in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love you lots! <o:p></o:p></span><br />Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-83624135985958895892012-04-16T14:59:00.000-07:002012-04-16T14:59:20.338-07:00Six short storiesLadies, gents, girls and boys, and all the other creatures who check in on this blog - it has been a big April! And we are barely halfway through.<br />
<br />
As so much as happened, I thought I would treat you all with six short stories on our adventures thus far this month. Sit back, get yourself a cuppa, and enjoy.<br />
<br />
ZAC'S FIRST ZOO ADVENTURE<br />
<br />
At the very beginning of the month Zac and I went with one of the other local Aussie families on an adventure to the Zoo in Colorado Springs. We loaded in to the McKee-mobile (pram, baby carrier, oxygen, baby bag, baby sling and all the other bits and pieces that make up any outing of more than a couple of hours) and headed down the six lane highway (I25). Following the GPS we went through a suburb with some serious $$$ (Ka-ching!). There was a golf club, an enormous club house, and hotel, all looking pristine like on a movie set. We passed houses that looked like they had been stolen off the set of Gone with the Wind, or had been on MTV "cribs", or built to look like a house of parliament. And we climbed. And climbed. And climbed. The city sits at about 6,000 ft above see level: I reckon this zoo would have been another 2,000 ft higher (I don't even think I am exaggerating). Zac was trialing days without oxygen - but not this day. I felt fuzzy headed, so on it went.<br />
<br />
The zoo was unique... there were exhibits where serious money had been spent, and there were exhibits that hadn't been touched since they were first built years and years (and years) ago. But the thing that they all had in common was that you could always see the bars on the cages. That was very strange - I don't think I remember actually seeing a cage at any zoo at home... or maybe I just wasn't paying attention.... but any way, there were some awesome animals. You could feed the giraffes, and look down on this funny, horse-zebra thing; there were (smelly) monkeys galore; hippos that looked like they were swimming in a backyard pool (green stuff around the sides and all); an enormous budgy cage (that with my irrational fear of birds I kept a serious distance from); and the best bear show EVER! The cage had a glass viewing wall that was half land and half water. The bears had just been fed so they were active, diving into the water to pick up toys that must have been filled with peanut butter for them to lick out, playing ball, floating on their back with all four paws in the air - it was one of the most fantastic things that I have ever seen. And given the looks of awe on the Mckee's boys faces, I guess they felt the same.<br />
<br />
The zoo was a mad house. Built on the side of a mountain (not a hill), you caught elevators to the top of exhibts or once you had finished a "level". Crazy stuff! And you should have seen the "map" of Australia near the bush rats.... obviously the artist didn't know where Australia was or it's shape. It gave us a good giggle.<br />
<br />
A very fun day - check out the photos on FB.<br />
<br />
DRESS SHOPPING<br />
<br />
In my absence from the great country of Oz, two of my best friends - the lovely Miss G and my wife Ange - have become engaged. Both of these beautiful ladies have asked me to be part of their big days. I'm more than a bit chuffed. Being that I am so far away, I am missing many of the little preps that my brides are making. So in order to try and be a "help" I went dress shopping. I left Zac and Tristan for some Daddy-son time and headed for the shops. <br />
<br />
OMG - so fun! I would have tried on a dozen dresses. Long and short. Fancy and party-like. All the hues of the rainbow. As much as I love my girls, I must say that it was fun to shop for them without them ;-) Like all things in this part of the world, the stores are huge. There were rows of dresses, in every size (no need for giant bull dog clips or "just hold the smaller size against you. You'll get the idea...") and 32 dressing rooms. So after a few hours of fun, I picked a couple of dresses, and sent them home for opinions. In all likelihood they'll get something from home, but gee I had fun "helping". <br />
<br />
Dresses are much cheaper here than at home, so I think there are a few that need to be added to my wardrobe soon...<br />
<br />
OUR FIRST AUSSIE GUESTS<br />
<br />
Over the Easter weekend we had our very first guests from Australia (well technically one of them lives in Pommy-land, but he's from the coast so...) Ben and Tania road-tripped from NY city to Denver to visit us for a weekend - now that is commitment! It was great to hang out with a couple of Aussies who shared the same "OMG! It's so big" opinions of the US. They experienced many of the big things that the US has to offer: the big Apple, the big road trip, big mountains, big burgers, and even Basspro and Sam's Club (those of you that have spent some time over here will get the references - everyone else will need to come visit so I can show you). We spent the evenings drinking cheap American alcohol (well, I was actually drinking NZ Sav Blanc - but the thought was there), and eating bad American food (we will all now die of heart attacks), while talking of home, and drunk Skyping (better than drunk dialing). It was great. And we appreciated the visit more than we can say.<br />
<br />
As per usual, we all had big plans to go out on the town one night - I even lined up a McKee to babysit. But then Zac decided not to sleep the night before and my eyes were hanging out of my head. And Tristan had just come off a shift and was buggered. And we sent Ben and Tania to drive up a mountain, shop at the outlets and to eat a stroke inducing burger (which as a result I'm not sure they ate properly again for days), and they couldn't be bothered getting dressed and going out either, so we repeated the night before. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
Selfishly, the best bit was showing our little fighter off to people who know us from home. It made us both very proud - until the little bugger spewed all over me. Sigh....<br />
<br />
EASTER<br />
<br />
So after Ben and Tania got back on the road on Easter Sunday, Tristan went back to work (which I will furthermore call Hades as in the ancient Greek underworld) and Zac and I went over to another Aussie's house for a pot luck Easter lunch extravaganza.<br />
<br />
Easter is very different here. There is no Red Tulip aisle in Coles to tempt you with all the wonderful and waist expanding goodies. In fact the only eggs you get are little tiny ones. Most Easter chocolate on this side of the pacific is normal bite size chocolate (i.e. kit kats, snickers, peanut butter cups), in Easter themed wrappers. It made me sad. It just didn't feel like Easter.... But everywhere I went there were plastic eggs (you know the type - with a hinge on the side and empty in the middle).I didn't get it. why would people buy so many plastic eggs? There are only so many chocolate crackle eggs that you can make! But on Easter Sunday, everything made sense. Americans fill these little eggs with toys - like lucky dips. What a great idea! <br />
<br />
Easter just is better when there are little kids running all over the yard looking for eggs. <br />
<br />
Following that adventure, I watched the "big kids" take part in a Mexican easter tradition. Earlier in the week, someone had boiled dozens and dozens of eggs, then dug everything out of the shell, and refilled it with confetti. So the idea was to break these confetti eggs on one another! It was so funny to watch (I had a baby protecting me so no one came near). Glitter went everywhere! In peoples hair, down their shirts (and some pants), some bounced off and landed in th grass, to be picked up by someone else. I am taking this tradition home. It rocks!! <br />
<br />
All in all, Zac's first Easter was a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
MUMMY IS A MEANIE!!!<br />
<br />
Time has flown, and last week Zac had his four month shots. I'm not particularly squimish about needles (I've had my fair share) so during Zac's last doctors visit I held him while they jabbed him with 3 needles and then gave him another immuinzation by mouth. My poor little boy was not happy! After a big cuddle, a bottle and a car ride, he had forgiven me. But the next day he had to have another shot. Well, I don't think that he forgave me for that one!!<br />
<br />
We have had a few days of being off colour, but he's doing OK. But I think for his 6 month shots, Daddy can hold master Zac and look after him for the few days after. I'm not sure that a person is meant to do two rounds of shots back to back. Gosh it was hard! Zac got back at me, well and truly!!<br />
<br />
DADDY GOES TO WASHINGTON<br />
<br />
So around about the same time as Zac's shots, Tristan had to go to Washington for work. (convenient timing?!?!?!). He was so excited for four nights of uninterrupted sleep. I was so jealous!<br />
<br />
Once a year, Tristan has to go to Washington to attend a bunch of briefings and workshops. Zac and I stayed at home this year, so he was a free agent to "network", see (and drink) the sights and delights of the Capitol. From what I can ascertain, he was very busy during the day doing work stuff, and during the nights he did one armed arm weight lifting (drinking beer), spent time getting to know his colleagues from across northern America (drinking beer), and even got all dressed up in his dress uniform to attend a ball and watch the game of influence (while drinking beer). I think it was a big week for my man. And while his sleep may have been uninterrupted, I'm not sure it was for as many hours as he had wished ;-) <br />
<br />
He took some wonderful photos, and next year when me and the boy tag along, he has given us a very long to-do list... Turbo tourism at its best! Lookout Washington and surrounding states, you're on the Apperley to-do list! <br />
<br />
------------------------<br />
<br />
So that is April so far.... Tune in later this month to catch the adventures of the big blue car - the Apperely's go to New Mexico ;-)<br />
<br />
Much love!!!Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-40018706858872650452012-03-28T17:01:00.000-07:002012-03-28T17:01:44.627-07:00The four seasons of ColoradoAs we creep up on the first anniversary of our great big adventure to the US, I've started to think about the weather extremes we have experienced. While at home in Canberra we do get to experience four distinct seasons, those seasons are very different to what we are experiencing here.<br />
<br />
The first thing to note is that seasons don't align with specific months. At home, summer is always December - February. But here in the US of A the seasons are astronomically aligned. For example, summer this year is 20 June - 21 September. It just seems crazy for the seasons to suddenly change mid-month. But the locals think we're crazy for thinking that just because the month changes so does the season... <br />
<br />
The second thing to remember is that geographically Denver is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. So we get to experience unique weather patterns due to the mix of the freezing extremes from up high, and the roasting extremes that creep across the eastern plains. It makes for some interesting weather patterns. <br />
<br />
And the third thing to pay attention to is that Colorado experiences 300 days of sunshine a year. Yes, you can maintain a great tan line all year round!!<br />
<br />
So way back in July when we arrived it was the middle of summer and we were experiencing hot days in the mid to high 30s. It was minus 8 the morning we left Canberra, so the warmer weather was welcome. But what we hadn't expected was the intensity of the sun! Our house sits at 6,000 ft above sea level, and as a result the sun seems more fierce, making it feel hotter than it was reported. (Sidebar: whose stupid idea was it to measure the temperature in the shade, out of the wind!!!) <br />
<br />
I spent my mornings sitting on our back deck, sunning myself before it got too hot, and my afternoons lazing in pool at our community club house. Everything was green! Strict watering requirements ensured the world remained lush and vibrant - a very foreign concept to an Aussie who has been taught to take short showers and to not waste water! But I must admit it was a beautiful way to shift hemispheres. <br />
<br />
But in the late afternoon, the storm clouds would roll in, obstructing the sunshine and the heavens would open with a wild sound and lighting show. One of my favourite times of day was after dinner when I would curl up on my couch (in my heavily air conditioned lounge room) and watch the rain batter the windows. I cannot describe the peace I felt during those moments. I love the rain!! The creek out the back would fill up each night and giggle and trickle every morning starting my daily routine again. Life was TOUGH!!! <br />
<br />
Autumn, stupidly known as Fall in this part of the world, began on 23 September. Unsurprisingly things remained green due to regular watering so "Fall" seemed to be a misnomer. The sun continued to shine brightly though the air became a bit crisper, and they shut the pool :-( But they did blow out the sprinklers in mid-October so we got to stop watering the grass and things started to de-lush-ify (yes - I do have a way with words), beginning to make nature better match up with the season.<br />
<br />
Outside the man made lands of suburbia, the forests and mountains turned vivid shades of red, orange and brown. "Leaf chasing" became a state sport with everyone I know running to the mountains to watch nature shed its greenery. And I must admit it was spectacular to watch. Canberra is lovely in Autumn; Northbourne Ave turns into a beautiful postcard of falling leaves and warm colours. But that beauty paled against seeing entire mountain ranges going through the same natural evolution. Being able to watch how it impacted a mountain, with the colours fading as you looked up, starting at green so dark and healthy down low, and shifting through a myriad of colours until the leaves fade out, falling off the trees nearing the sky. <br />
<br />
After the intensity of summer, I was ready to wrap myself up in a blanket and read on the deck in the dwindling sunshine, to make some hearty meals - roasts, stews and soups - but before I could settle into the rhythm of my favourite season, the skies opened up again, dumping foot on foot of snow - way before the actual "start" of winter on 21 December. You might remember that the week Zac was born there was a foot snow and we experienced temptatures in the range of minus 20. Not even Mother Nature was prepared for such a downfall. Branches collapsed under the weight of the snow, and sap froze causing trees to snap. It was crazy!!<br />
<br />
Several months of snow followed. It seemed every time the ice would almost melt off my street we would get another downfall. Despite the severe weather - an average daily temperature of minus 3 - the sun continued to shine. The mountains wore snowy white mantels and were often obscured in the clouds. From my kitchen window, holding a cup of hot Milo, it was lovely. It was like living in a postcard...<br />
<br />
In Australia, there is a myth that snow has clean and peaceful connotations, that once the snow begins to fall the world begins a hibernation that involves sitting in front of a cheerful fireplace - after living a "white winter" I know this postcard to be a LIE!!! Snow is dirty and mushy, hiding layers of black ice that slip you up. You have to wear layers of clothing to walk the shortest distance between your car and the shop door, but when you get inside you need to strip off all your layers and lug them around (GRRRR). Your car gets covered in some sort of black anti-icing salt that is laid on the roads in an attempt to keep the main roads free of black ice. This black c@%p is near impossible to wash off your car windows yourself, so you need to go to a car wash to be able to see out of them. Of course Murphy's Law dictates that every time you do this it snows again!!(double GRRRR). <br />
<br />
The world loses its luscious green coat in winter and when you occasionally see the grass it is brown, dead, with bare patches where the bunny population has devoured the roots. It's depressing, worse then seeing drought as at least with drought you know that it has taken several season to reach this point. In my mind it makes no sense for the grass to be dead in the heart of winter when in the heart of summer it is so green you need to wear sunglasses to look directly at it. <br />
<br />
When Spring arrived earlier this week (20 March), me and every other Aussie in town was waiting with baited breath for some fair weather. And Denver delivered! Today is a lovely 26 degrees. I'm wearing a dress, and on my little walk around our mini-suburb I saw trees budding and not a trace of ice on the pond or on the paths. It was AWESOME!! But the flip side of this glorious weather is the crazy wind. I mean serious, hurricane like winds - 100km hour. It has shifted my outdoor furniture all over my deck, even blew the table top off. I know we get winds in Spring at home, but this is ridiculous!! <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, our seasons of pollen have more in common that high winds. As you may have seen on the news, wildfires are ravishing the mountains. These high gusts have fanned the flames across several thousand hectares of forests and suburbia taking with it 30 homes and three people in three days. But I must say we seem to deal with these catastrophies better. Despite the fire not being at all contained, there are only 400 fighters being circulated on the front, and government is not at all involved in the coordination efforts (though both the Governor and the local Senator made comments that they hoped the state wouldn't be sued due to the destruction of property and people really should ensure they have adequate insurance to reclaim any destroyed property and/or goods...).<br />
<br />
So, I've seen the scorching hot sun, the spectacular colour shift of autumn, feet on feet of snow (GRRR!!!), and the rebirth of spring. Four crazy seasons that have similarities to home, but are foreign enough for me to know that it is no longer a 2 hour drive to the coast (don't even get me started on how much I miss the water!!!). But it defiantly has its own unique beauty. And as we move further into the warmer months, I know I'll appreciate it more and more. Especially since there are kids around to kidnap and take to the water park ;-) I've already stocked up on sunscreen (that I had to wear all winter anyway), dusted off my sandels (that had a work out in the ice as well), and bought a new swimsuit better suited to my new Mummy status (and jelly body after a long winter of sitting on my bum). I'm EXCITED!<br />
<br />
Now I'm just waiting for the pool to open. You have no idea how buzzed I am to have a pool party for my birthday!!! <br />
<br />
Lots of love everyone - I'm off to have a glass of wine on my deck. Anyone in the area is welcome to join me :-)Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-90509231828901575262012-03-18T16:38:00.001-07:002012-03-18T16:40:20.311-07:00bringing the little fella homeProof that prayers, positive thinking and love prevails - Zac came home on 20 February. For those of you that were keeping tabs, that was his actual due date! <br />
<br />
December was hard. Leaving the hospital with my baby still there was far and away the most difficult thing I have ever done. Seeing his tiny body covered with medical equipment tore a hole in my heart. However, he was so tiny that I knew that the hosipital was only place that he could survive. Plus with Tristan and I as parents I knew his fighting spirit would kick in and he would be fine. So each day we would visit for a couple of hours, waiting with baited breath for that 15 minute window every 4 hours where we got to check his temperature, change his nappy and hold his hand while the nurses made their checks of his little body. <br />
<br />
As December passed into January, Zac started to grow. He stopped looking like an alien as his checks and limbs started to fill out. We got to hold him almost everyday, and more and more medical equipment came off. By the time February rolled in, he was grunting and growling like other babies do. And we started to feed him. <br />
<br />
Daddy had much better success rate than mummy did at getting Zac to eat. Since he was only breastfed once every 8-10 feeds, it was foreign to the little boy, so all he wanted to do was chomp. This did not impress me one bit!!!! However, Zac seemed to slowly get the hang of drinking breastmilk out of a bottle, and Daddy's pure stubbornness ensured that Zac would take at least half his feed out of the bottle when he was around. <br />
<br />
But he wasn't (and still isn't) great at letting us know if he was hungry. So if he wasnt awake and seemingly hungry, his meal was pushed down his feeding tube. Zac, proving that he is a clever cookie, learnt that if he didn't want to take his bottle, or if it hurt too much to eat, he just needed to play possum (close his eyes and pretend to be asleep) and his meal would be tube fed to him. Yes, his little redheadedness learnt to be lazy from a very young age. <br />
<br />
This seemed to be the longest chapter of our hospital stay. Some days he would eat. Some days he wouldn't. We learnt that we could keep feeding him even when he was playing possum. But only Tristan and his primary nurses had any luck with this. I contiuned to try unsuccessfully to breastfeed, and other nurses who had him irregularly didn't know to push him even though he seemed asleep. Then the evil reflux started, and all the hard work of the past few weeks came to a sudden stop. Zac was no longer interested to taking the bottle, and I stopped trying to breastfeed him in hopes that if I could just get him to eat by bottle we could take him home and I could teach him to breastfeed in the comfort of our own home. <br />
<br />
After Tristan and my little get away to the mountains, we visited Zac before we went home. On a seemingly normal visit, the nurse told us that the doctors wanted to have a talk to us about our baby. They sat us down in a very serious manner and told us that they feared that Zac was developing an eating aversion due to his reflux and they wanted to try him on a formula. The formula would be thicker than breastmilk, would be more difficult for him to spit up, and would be more likely to stay in his belly and digest. At this point both Tristan and I were so desperate to have him home, that even though we both wanted him to be breastfed, we agreed to try anything that might speed him home to us. <br />
<br />
So they started him on the magic formula. And before the day was out he was taking full feeds by bottle and a few days after that they started talking about him coming home!!! Sure, he would still play possum, and was only just making or just missing his quota, but he was eating!!! It was a miracle! Not only was there light at the end of the tunnel, but I felt like I could reach out and touch it. <br />
<br />
The next few days are so clearly ingrained in my memory. Tristan worked that Sunday and I was taking an opportunity to have a bit of a sleep in (knowing that sleep would soon become a precious commodity) before I headed to the hospital. At 725 he called he to say that Zac would be coming home today and to get some sleep. Well of course I couldnt sleep anymore, so I bounced around the house making the final preparations to have my family all under the same roof for the night. Then at 930, just as I was about to leave to go into the hospital, Tristan rang back to say not today, but certainly tomorrow. <br />
<br />
While disappointed, I understood that the doctors wanted to observe him for one more day, after all he hadn't been on the formula for 5 days yet. So I just spent the day with the nurse, receiving our last baby classes, getting lots of cuddles, and feeding my son. Life was almost perfect. That night Tristan and I said goodbye to our primary nurse who had become like family over the passed few months, and set home for our last night at home alone. <br />
<br />
The next morning Tristan and I were both having a sleep in, both of us dreaming of that magic momment that we would bring Zac into his home, when I received a phone call from the hospital. Zac hadn't made his minimum feeds that night, and they wanted to keep him for a few days longer. I have no idea how, or even if, I kept a steady voice during that conversation, but I can remember wanting to cry my heart out when it was over. Today was the 20th of Feb - Zac's due date. I wanted him home more than I could ever say. It had been long enough.<br />
<br />
As a girl, I dealt with this problem with tears. As a bloke, Tristan dealt with this as situation that needed to be resolved. I could see the anger and disappointment festering under the surface. I felt sorry for anyone who got in his way that day. They were never going to win. <br />
<br />
We went straight to the hospital and spoke to the doctors. They were concerned that if Zac came home he may not eat enough, not gain any weight and end up needing to be readmitted to hospital. While appreciating their concern, we knew we could feed our son. We had spend hours and hours (and hours and hours) at the hospital feeding him. We knew that we could do it and we had the support of the nursing staff. But the doctor was holding to his position. So tearfully, and hugely disappointed, we set up for another day in the hospital. Tristan was determined to be at the hospital for as many feeds as possible and, if necessary, force feed Zac to ensure that he would meet his quotas. <br />
<br />
An hour or so later, it was rounds. As the hospital we were at was a teaching hospital, rounds were overseen by an experienced (and generally very elderly) attending physican. When Zac's care came up, I turned my head. I just didn't want to hear anyone say Zac wasn't coming home again, but curiosity beat out denial. Each doctor argued their case. It was interesting to hear that there were two opposing camps: one in favour of letting us take Zac home, the other in favour of a more conservative path that would see him stay for a few more days until they were certain that he could eat enough regularly. The attending listened to both arguments and then spoke to us. He seemed to take us at our word that we could make Zac eat. But the pediatrician we choose seemed to sway him enough that he agreed to let us take him home as long as we saw the pediatrician three times a week. We didn't need to be told twice! <br />
<br />
Two hours later we left the small room that had been the only place we could be a complete family for the last 82 days. It was very bitter sweet. The sweet outweighing the bitter 10:1 but the hospital had become an enourmous part of our lives. It was like an out of body experience leaving it for the last time with our precious cargo. I kept waiting to be told to put Zac back into his crib, or for the alarm to go off that we were stealing our baby. But I didn't. We just walked out, staring at our bundle of love. <br />
<br />
The elevator doors closed on our exit that afternoon, ending an incredibly painful chapter in our lives that showed us that we had strength we didn't know we had. And even more importantly, renewing our faith that Tristan and I always have each other. The best part was that this chapter had a very happy ending.<br />
<br />
So if you ever need proof that prayers, positive thinking and love can change the world, all you need to do is look at Zac. I do - everydayPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-84363631441623172222012-03-06T15:47:00.000-08:002012-03-06T15:47:52.413-08:00There are those times...Dear Zac,<br />
<br />
By now, no doubt, you have realised that your Mummy is very silly. And that she loves and trusts your Daddy to distraction. So today, when Daddy said "let's go to the park" I got very excited.<br />
<br />
It was the first day that it was over 20 degrees and I thought it would be a lovely day for a stoll in the park. Thinking that we might want to take a family photo I wore nice jeans, a pretty white t-shirt, and sandals (I had just had a pedicure so my toes were happy). I blow dried my hair, and while I stopped short of painting a full face of make up, I did add a bit of volume to my eyes and some gloss to my lips. I looked great! Even your daddy said so!<br />
<br />
We packed the car up (bottle warmer, oxygen, pram, nappy bag, iPad, camera) and set out on our adventure. The mountains looked picturque, the sky was perfectly clear, and I was with my boys - I couldn't have been happier. We drove down the highway. And we drove a little further (you were peacefully asleep in the backseat and missed it). The mountains got closer and eventually we left suburbia and hit "rural" Denver. <br />
<br />
It was about here that I asked what park we were going to. I thought it must be a very special park given we had driven this far. I was thinking beautiful manicured gardens, perhaps a decorative pond, lovely green grass, and paved paths that would wind through the park passing playgrounds, children laughing and ducks (a good park will always have ducks).<br />
<br />
However it seems I made a stupid assumption - we weren't going to the park: we were going to a state park. After taking a moment to call myself several nasty names(stupidmbeing the kindest)I thought a bit more about it. Your Daddy and I have been to a few very nice state parks, and while there probably wouldn't be any ducks or green grass, we would stil get to take a nice family stroll. <br />
<br />
I started to get worried when we had to drive along a dirt track to get into the park. And then we had to walk up a mountain (ok - not a "mountain" but a serious hill considering we had the pram) to the visitors centre - which had a desk and a coke machine...<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong - it was beautiful. There were these enormous red limestone rocks just popping up from the ground in the middle of no where. There was sunshine and birds singing. It was like a postcard. <br />
<br />
We(read: Daddy) decided that we would take you on a walk around one of those big red rocks. It was a dirt track, but the man at the gate said it would be suitable for a stroller. It was a 3.5 mile walk, which I thought could be a nice hour or so walk as a family...<br />
<br />
But there was still snow on the ground. And slush where that beautiful sunshine had melted the snow. And there was mud where that slush had hit the dirt. And I was wearing SANDELS!!!! To top it off, there were strong wind gusts that blew my hair everywhere!!! My lips were chapped, my toes were wet and muddy and there more hills to climb!!! <br />
<br />
My glamourous park adventure with my family had turned into a farcical event where I could barely keep my balance (or my language) as I slipped, skidded and slided around the "path". To his credit, I didn't hear your daddy laugh at me once - or maybe the wind just blew the sound away... But he did have to contend with the elements and push your pram around. He was huffing and puffing in some parts. I laughed at that.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness your daddy didn't suggest a family photo at the end. I was muddy, sweaty, disheveled and seriously unimpressed. But the glint in your Daddy's eye made it hard for me to be (too) mad at him. <br />
<br />
It was a beautiful walk (I'm sure...) and I would love to go back and do a different trail, but it was just not what I had expected. It was one of those times when making an assumption had made me look like a complete fool. Sigh<br />
<br />
Your Daddy is wonderful man, and loves to go on family adventures, but it will be the last time (at least for a while) that I don't get more details about where we are going.... Sigh.<br />
<br />
And you - you seemed to have loved the entire ordeal. You slept, wiggled to avoid any sunlight, and didn't fuss once. You seem to like the off road (won't that make your Uncle Jonny happy). Sigh.<br />
<br />
And now, while you sleep off your big day out, I'm off to wash my feet! <br />
<br />
Lots of love<br />
<br />
MummyPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-23792807784904293282012-02-21T14:13:00.000-08:002012-02-21T14:13:28.900-08:00Feeling the love :-)Ladies,<br />
<br />
There have been many times over the past few months that I have missed you and wished we could have coffee, chat and catch up without the tyranny of distance. To share our stories - triumph and tragedy - without the awkwardness of Skype or phone. But mostly, I've just missed the companionship and comfort of being surrounded by people who know me as well as I know myself. <br />
<br />
But I have been lucky, there are people on this side of the Pacific that have provided me with unconditional love and support while I have been here. This was most recently evident at my baby shower.<br />
<br />
My baby shower was wonderful. One of the (few) advantages of Zac's early arrival was that I was able to indulge at my shower - blue cheese (I craved this so much during pregnancy); red wine (always a requirement on a chilly day); and skinny jeans (no one wants to wear a moo moo to their own party). The games we played did not involve chocolate in nappies, but rather how many pegs you can take off a clothes line with a glass of wine in your hand - classic! But the best part of the day was the company. It was the first time that I felt like I had just sat around and hung out with everyone. It was exactly what I needed and I was so grateful. I truly felt the love.<br />
<br />
A few days later, Tristan surprised me with a trip to the mountains. It was the babymoon we had planned months ago, but I thought we would never get a chance to take. It was only an hour or so away, so we could visit Zac in the morning and go spend the night in the mountains, then see him again on the way home the next day. It was perfect! Of course there was another motive - there was a heap of powder and Tristan wanted to get in a few runs each day. But I didn't mind in the least - it meant I could hang out at Starbucks and read (or sew). The best part was that we got to spend some real quality time together. We had a spa out in the snow, a wonderful dinner at a cute little Italian restaurant where we got to drink Aussie wine, and a lunch at a "bakery" (I think someone needs to advise America that to call a cafe a bakery you actually need to bake something...).<br />
<br />
I can't describe how relaxed we were after those few days away. And HAPPY. We knew there was light at the end of the tunnel and we had survived this tumultuous adventure.<br />
<br />
The theory of jumping country and spending three years starting a family was fabulous in theory. But, as the cookie crumbles, we were given a less than perfect pregnancy, an extremely early delivery, and an extended stay in the NICU. Without the support network that we take for granted at home, this was difficult (...might be a slight understatement). But the truth of the matter is that without the wonderful Aussies, Brits, Canadians and the odd local, this chapter might have been completely unbearable. <br />
<br />
Everyday we get a little message from home sending us love, luck, prayers and support. It has meant a lot. We feel the love.<br />
<br />
Everyday someone here will do something that will make us realise how lucky we are, and even though we are far from home, we aren't alone. It means so much. We feel the love.<br />
<br />
And, lucky for me, everyday I get a cuddle from both of my boys and their love buoys me though another day. I am always feeling the love. <br />
<br />
It was a week where I felt the love so strongly, that I feel the need to thank you all. Mwah! <br />
<br />
I hope that you can feel the love too ;-)Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-1762835422130469072012-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:002012-02-03T11:41:47.699-08:00Australia day antics and adventuresI must admit that celebrating Australia Day when you are away from home takes on a whole new meaning. <br />
<br />
When at home Australia Day typically means a public holiday (a requestite for all us public servants who have been back at work for a whole three weeks after Christmas without a break - shocking!), drinking Tooheys Extra Dry (lovingly known as TEDs in our home), listening to JJJs hottest 100 (counting the half a dozen songs we know) and spending as much time as possible in the water with your mates who will attempt to drown you at least once over the course of the day. Second to Christmas, its our favourite holiday. <br />
<br />
This year, Tristan and I enviously read our Facebook updates watching you all complain about the heat/fires/floods and other marvelous meteorological events that make our great country the land of droughts and flooding rains. You spent the day celebrating with your "family", eating snags, pizza shapes, cabanossi and cheese, and running around in your board shorts and national footwear. You watched the Sydney fireworks on the news - after all, who wants to get up at the crack of dawn to get a decent position on the foreshore, where you can't drink and need to sit beside/on a complete stranger for hours on end only to realize the wind is blowing all the smoke from the crackers directly into your eyes so you can't see them anyway!!! Needless to say, we were very homesick. <br />
<br />
In an effort to bring the land of Oz to the Mile High City, Tristan and I agreed to host Australia Day celebrations way back in August. The plan was that this would be our last sha-bang before RJ arrived (oh how plans change). Of course, life in its many twists and turns resulted in us paying near no attention to the date. So a week before the big day we realised that we had a party to cater for, but didn't even have enough seats for all our guests to perch on. Luckily, the great Aussie bregade came to the rescue, agreeing to each bring an Aussie platter, Tristan moved all our patio furniture into the basement (liberally "borrowing" odds and ends from our departing brethren) and we made a made dash to Sam's to get meat and salad for a BBQ. Like any good Aussie household, we didn't need beer as the pantry was already stocked ;-)<br />
<br />
The day started out like any other: a visit to the hospital to see our little boy - who incidentally was wearing his Aussie Day best thanks to Aunty Ange. I gave him a bath and inked his feet for more footprints, while Tristan ran home to get the party started in my absence. <br />
<br />
When I got home a couple of hours later, the house smelled of sausage rolls. Yum! Drifting into the basement I was confronted with a sea of green and gold, and Aussie flags decking every surface. There were dips and chips aplenty, Tim tams and crackers galore, beer in the esky, and wine chilling in the fridge. Devine!!!! <br />
<br />
Denver pulled out some good weather (42 - F not C) so not long after I got home (literally Tristan didn't even give me enough time to eat lunch) we grabbed the bat and ball and headed to our local oval to confuse the neighbours with a game of cricket. It was so much fun. The little tackers put the grown ups to shame. The girls stood in the out field doing their best to disappear anytime someone new was needed to bat. And Tristan played one handed as to not spill his drink. <br />
<br />
Later on Tristan pulled out his BBQ skills and delivered the best Aussie BBQ that Denver had ever seen. There was potato and pasta salad, something that looked like beetroot (....), a huge salad that was barely touched (in the tradition of Aussie Day - you don't make friends with salad), steak, lamb, hamburger patties (that shrunk on the BBQ and looked more like meatballs) and sausages of the chicken variety. It was a grand feast that was serenaded by the gentle whispers of Richie Benuet and the Australia Day Test match at Adeliade Oval. It felt just like home. <br />
<br />
Then came my favourite part of the day - DESSERT!!! The Aussie ladies of Denver delivered such delight that my taste buds are still dancing. There was pavolva (covered in aerobar flacks), laminations, chocolate crackles and cake. So good! The best part was that there was left overs!! <br />
<br />
After heavily indulging and being glad that I was wearing track pants with an elastic waist band, everyone decided to head home (early mornings the next day meant we really couldn't indulge too much more...). In an effort to help, one of the kids was carrying the left over cake to the kitchen and just missed the bench. It was the funniest thing I had seen in ages. Chocolate cake all over the floor, the little tacker standing in the middle of it not knowing whether to laugh and or cry, and Tristan's devastated face when he realised his morning tea for the week was on gone (though we did manage to save some of it). Classic Aussie Day memories. <br />
<br />
It wasn't the same as home, but it's uniqueness made it special. The importance of being Australian when you are away from home just seems to be more. You want to scream from the mountain top that you come for the sun burnt country and make every American eat a tim tam so they can appreciate how crap their cookies really are. While we are enjoying our American adventure, we will always call Australia home - and miss it terribly while we are away. <br />
<br />
Hope you are all well and enjoyed Australia day where ever you may have been in the world. <br />
<br />
Xox<br />
<br />
Tristan, Penni and ZacPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-83743423473455555442012-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:002012-01-13T14:51:22.559-08:00Love letter to Zac's Great GrandparentsDear Grandma, Granddad, Nan and Pop,<br />
<br />
It's been a while since my last update, so I thought you might like know how your great grandson is growing.<br />
<br />
It's been six (long) weeks since he was born, and let me tell you he has grown and changed so much over that time. Tristan and I visit him at the hospital everyday, and he is bigger and stronger every time we see him.<br />
<br />
Initially, Zac was so tiny and he had tubes and machines connected up to him everywhere. It was so scary and intimidating. On the few opportunities I had to hold him I was terrified that I was going to drop him. He only reached from my chest to the bottom of my ribs and I had to be so careful when I held him so the cords wouldn't pull. Janette and I would laugh that he looked like a spider monkey - small and skinny with long arms and legs that (tried to) grab on to me. His head and face were so petite and pixie like. Adorable, but so small it just didn't seem real.<br />
<br />
As Zac grew into his features he began to look like Gollum from Lord of the Rings (the cute curious creature that helped the hobbits - not his evil split personality). His color improved, his movements became less disjointed, and he slowly started to act like a little baby. Holding him then was easier as he was a bit bigger - but still less than 3 lbs - and there were less bits and pieces connected to him. Our cuddles got more frequent and longer. Even Tristan and Janette got to hold him.<br />
<br />
Finally, between Christmas and New Year he started looking, acting and sounding like a real baby. His head started to grow, and fine hair started to cover it (Tristan and I are debating the color - I'm certain it is red and he thinks it's blond darkening up to brown). His body grew a bit longer, making his arms and legs look more in proportion, and everything started to fill out. He now has an adorable tubby tummy! When the nurses do their checks every three hours he grizzles, grunts and cries like other babies do - especially when they put a cold wet wipe on his bottom or play with his feet.<br />
<br />
While he is still very small (1690g or 3 lbs 11 today) its not so scary to hold him. He only has a few cords left connected to him, so we can pick him up much more easily. When he lays on my chest he now almost reaches my belly button when he stretches out. The doctors say that once he is about 1800g he can move out of the isolette (humidicrib) and into a real crib as he has learnt some temperature control - Yay!!! We can't wait for that day.<br />
<br />
Because Zac has grown the nurses and doctors have started to begin his physical development. He has physiothearpy 3-4 times a week where he learns to move his muscles correctly. He is doing very well and I am starting to learn the exercises so he can continue his routine when he eventually comes home. He will continue this therapy until his growth rate catches with his age - so likely until he is 3.<br />
<br />
His breathing also continues to improve. Because his lungs are so immature he is connected to an oxygen machine that helps to inflate them. But he has moved to the lowest setting and is breathing very well. He will likely need to come home with oxygen due to the altertude. This is not unusual in Colorado and he will probably grow out of it in a couple of months.<br />
<br />
I am most excited that Zac has started to learn to suckle. He is still fed through a tube (30mL every three hours), but once a day we sit down and spend some mummy-baby time where he learns to breast feed. It is the most wonderful experience. I could swoon about it for hours. Next week the nurses will start him on the bottle as well. While he will be drinking breast milk it is infused with formula for added calories to help him grow big and strong.<br />
<br />
Once Zac is able to sleep in a crib without having any breathing hiccups and feed properly from a bottle he will be ready to go home. All of this will still take a couple weeks. We are aiming to have him home for his due date of 20 February - keep your fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
All in all, your littlest (great) grandson is doing very well. We are so proud of his fighting spirit and that he has grown and developed so well. Everyone's love, thoughts and prayers have paid off. <br />
<br />
Well, it's time for Zac's next feed so I have to be off. Give our love to everyone. We miss you all so much and can't wait for you all to meet our little man later in the year. <br />
<br />
Lots of love <br />
Penni (and Tristan and most importantly Zac)Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-72452138882664432722011-12-27T13:41:00.000-08:002011-12-27T13:41:50.768-08:00On the first ChristmasDear Zac,<br />
<br />
Given your premature arrival, you spent your very first Christmas in the NICU. Your Dad, Granddad "Jolly", Grandma and I all came to visit you, oh-ing and ah-ing over your crib. Jolly had brought you a newborn Christmas outfit for photos, but you were still so small that it looked like you had been swallowed by a red circus tent - but it was cute! Your Dad had his second big hug from you and we got a few family happy snaps of the three generations of Apperley men. You all look so alike it was scary. Even the nurses commented on it.<br />
<br />
Daddy and Santa must be very good friends as you received a truck load of toys. They are all sitting under the tree waiting for you to come home. Sure, all the toys are bigger than you, and you'll need to get a bit older before you can play with them, but I know Santa enjoyed picking out your gifts and putting them under the tree. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so of staring adoringly at your little face (and hands and toes and tubby belly) we had to leave to go spend our first Christmas in Denver with all the other Aussies.<br />
<br />
It was a great day. Somehow we managed to get all 5 Aussie families in Denver at that time to the one house to celebrate Christmas together. We had a huge dinner, shared a secret Santa, and the big boys had a war in the backyard with their pellet guns. There were children laughing and playing, grown ups eating and drinking, and everyone enjoying that special time of the year together. However, you were a notable absentee. We all just kept reminding ourselves that you would be there next year, enjoying the wrapping paper and ignoring your new toys.<br />
<br />
On boxing day, Daddy woke everyone up early to come visit you. You had just had physiotherapy and were wide awake! After changing your nappy, then changing it again because you waited until we wrapped you up and messed in it again(!) you had your first hug with Jolly. Well, I thought your Daddy looked proud when he hugged you, but your grandfather had this smile of pure joy on his face while he hugged you. He took a dozen self photos on his phone and swore he saw you smile when you heard your Daddy's voice. I don't know about that... But you were definitely peaceful. Or at least you were until you messed your nappy again. The smell was so bad that Jolly asked to put you back in your crib! I'm sure that will be a moment of pride in the future... <br />
<br />
After we played with you for a while, Daddy drove us up into the mountains for lunch. The drive was lovely. We saw winter in all it's glory: towering white mountains, frozen lakes and snow frosted roads. We walked on water (well - frozen water); your Grandma was dazzled by the mountains - I think she was so snap happy that she ran her camera battery flat; Jolly saw some ice fishermen and had to pull over to have a chat; and your Dad and I dreamed of a day that we could have a family weekend away in the mountains. It was a good day. <br />
<br />
You are growing so well, slowly putting on weight and learning to breath. We marvel at the little improvements that you make each day. We daily hear from our family in Oz, sending their love and prayers, and asking us to give you a little extra squeeze from them. You are truly spoiled with love. <br />
<br />
While your first Christmas was a year earlier than we thought and not quiet the way we may have wished, it was so very special. Your Daddy and I are so very proud and fall a little more in love with you each day. Christmas is always a special time in our family, and now it is even more so as we have you to share it with. <br />
<br />
Lots of love <br />
<br />
Mum and DadPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-27496704895673390992011-12-09T09:40:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:40:54.174-08:00Surprise Mum and Dad! I couldn't wait any longer!!!As I hope you all know by now, Zachary Bruce Apperley surprised Tristan and I with his very early arrival in the wee hours of 30 November. He was born at 28 weeks (so 12 weeks early) and weighed in at a tiny 810 grams and 35 cm long. <br />
<br />
I can honestly tell you that was the longest day for Tristan and I. It started in with Tristan leaving for work at 5am. I had been uncomfortable all night so I got up and had an early shower and tried to eat some breakfast. About 40 minutes later I was back in bed dozing as I had a doctors appointment with our specialist a few hours later. <br />
<br />
We had been visiting our specialist once a week for the past two month or so. Early tests had shown some "normal but elevated" results. It turns out that RJ just wasn't growing as well as he should have been and the doctor wanted to keep a close eye on us. <br />
<br />
On this regular check up, one of the scans didn't come back very well. I saw it on the screen, closed my eyes and prayed, thinking well there goes our Vegas turbo trip this weekend. The doctor came in and started to ask a few questions and tested my blood pressure. Those results were worse. More questions. Yes I was sore in the ribs, no I didn't have an appetite, yes I had been feeling off color for a couple of days, no RJ hadn't been moving much... <br />
<br />
Gently squeezing my hand our wonderful specialist explained that he was concerned about what he had seen and wanted to admit me for a few tests, and that there was a good chance that RJ would need to be delivered early. I think I stopped listening at this point - panic set in. I was only 28 weeks! Surely this wasn't happening!!!! Due to his concern, the doctor wanted me to go to a different hospital in the city. More panic! <br />
<br />
Tristan was still at work at this point, so I started to try and get in contact with him while the doctor rang the hospital. Somewhere autopilot set in, and all I could think about was how was I going to tell Tristan the news without appearing like a crazy woman - oh and tell him that his long awaited Vegas trip was cancelled. Following a huge hug from the doctor, orders to tell Tristan to call him, and a promise that he would come check in on me, I somehow made it to the car and Tristan rang me. It only took a second for him to take control and tell me that he would meet me at home and we would go to the hospital together. <br />
<br />
Home, pack, panic, tears and Tristan telling me it was ok. <br />
<br />
About 2 hours later we checked into the hospital. We went straight into a delivery suite, RJ was hooked up to a monitor, and they vampired test tubes and test tubes of blood from me. An hour or so later, a new (blonde) doctor sat down with us and explained that I had severe preeclampsia and that the only way to treat it was to deliver the baby. They gave us 48 hours and a hit of steroids to get use to the idea. Tristan and I sat there is shock for a while, and then started the phone calls. Luckily the time difference was on our side!<br />
<br />
About 830 I sent Tristan home for some well deserved sleep. We both presumed it would be a long 48 hours and we would need all the rest we could get. I settled down for a night of being tied to a damn machine, but was comforted by the gentle and regular sounds of RJ's heartbeat. Of the three of us, he was handling this situation the best. Not even a flurry in his heartbeat. He was fine - not a care in the world. <br />
<br />
An hour later blonde doctor came back to my bedside and explained that my results were worsening. They were delivering RJ by emergency C section tonight! I rang poor Tristan who had only just put his head on his pillow to tell him that his son would be arriving tonight and that he better come back to the hospital. <br />
<br />
3 hours later, heavily drugged, Tristan held my hand as the doctors bought little Zac into the world. It was 325am and we were parents. <br />
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Zac was rushed off to the neonatal ICU to make sure he was ok. I later found out that he was fine and came out breathing - unusual for a baby of his age and weight. <br />
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Tristan spent the next two days ping ponging between my recovery room and zac's crib. He was a hero, managing to be everywhere, and exactly where he was needed every moment of the day. No wonder he was exhausted by the time I got home a few days later. <br />
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A week later and I'm fine, though still bruised from head to heal, and Zac is exceeding our expectations, growing and developing wonderfully everyday. While he will be in the NICU for several months fattening up, we are positive that we will be bringing our little wonder home in no time at all. <br />
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Given that he is in ICU and in a humicrib, we won't be posting any photos for sometime. But I can tell you he has the dominant Apperley genes, "strawberry blond" hair and a great fighting spirit that resists being swaddled at every turn. Apparently you arms should be above your head when sleeping, and legs should be able to kick randomly whenever you feel the need. The only part of me my son seems to have inherited is a love of sleeping on his belly (or face planting as my friends so lovingly tell me). <br />
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Tristan and I are so grateful for the love, prayers, and support from you all over the past week. It has been truly appreciated and given us added strength when we were running on empty. <br />
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We will endevour to keep you all updated on his progress over the next few weeks, though you'll have to excuse me if these blog posts are even more irregular as we get use to our new schedule of spending time with our little man at his bedside. <br />
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Know that we are in great spirits here in Denver, missing you all like crazy and wishing we could share these special moments with you all. <br />
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We'll keep in touch<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
<br />
Tristan, Penni and ZacPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-10358980732944401762011-11-22T21:05:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:05:00.946-08:004 days, 4 states and a Grandfather<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that Tristan and I have a "regular" routine, we have been able to make plans for a few trips. "Turbo Tourism" is on the agenda ladies and gentlemen! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first turbo trip was down into the DEEP south.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First stop: New Orleans. NO (as the locals seemed to label it left right and centre) is by no means a big city. It's almost Canberra size - just with a population 4 times bigger! Tristan treated me to a very fancy hotel room on the 33rd floor with a view of the Mississippi river and the French quarter. Conveniently, it was also only a few blocks away from Bourbon street. After walking Bourbon street in the afternoon, we sampled the local cuisine (deep fried seafood) and watched as the night came alive! Despite being a Tuesday night the street was packed with people, drinking frozen daiquiris from plastic cups, and barely legal ladies inviting the general population into their pavilions of fun and pleasure.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While Tristan (literally) drank up the ambiance, I had a horrible realisation that I was an innocent! As worldly as I thought I was - well Bourbon street cleared me up of those misconceptions quick-fast! It was GOLD! Probably not a place to be pregnant and sober, but fantastic all the same! Definitely a place to play and go wild! I have no idea how a person would survive mardi gras there, but I would love to find out! A very memorable night, despite needing to go to bed at 1030 because I simply couldn't stand any longer.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day we explored the French quarter and ate breakfast at one of the well known french "patisseries" Cafe Du Monde. So disappointing! The drinks came in a can, and the only food you could order were beignets- a doughnut kind of thing that tasted like the soles of your shoes - ewww! The water front was nice, but it was easy to see how the city flooded. It's mostly at or below sea level and the drainage is limited... but it is iconic.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We then drove East to go on a swamp tour. I wasn't too keen, but as it turns out, it was one of the best things we have done so far. We saw so many beautiful birds, racoons, and of course alligators. It was a great experience. I think most of the wild life have a sugar addiction as the tour guides fed all the animals marshmallows (which they couldn't get enough of!). It was really an "oh wow" moment when you realised the diversity the region. Of course, it was also the moment that Tristan discovered that my feet had doubled in size and were squeezing out between the gaps of my sandals... travel + humidity = embarrassment and very sore feet! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shortly after we left Louisiana and entered into Mississippi and we finally saw the "beach". Sure it was man made, manicured and looked about knee deep as far as the eye could see, but it was water enough to make us feel a bit home sick. We dipped our feet into the Gulf of Mexico, drove passed about 10 casinos and finally caught up with Tristan's father, Roger. It was so nice to see a familiar face and hear a familiar voice so far away from home. RJ definately could feel it, as it was from that moment that he started wiggling like a little worm - and just hasn't stopped!!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next morning, despite having an opportunity to sleep in, we got up early to start the next adventure. But first, there was that Tornado warning - a lovely alarm clock whatever the time of day. We jumped into the car and kept heading east (past the storm) into Alabama and found a huge memorial park complete with battleship, submarine and huge air hanger. It was slightly raining when we arrived, so we looked in the hanger first. It was awesome. There were mostly "modern" aircraft so I could actually recognize a few of them. Tristan, as always, went snap happy especially when we saw the Blackbird (only aviation geeks will appreciate that one). Then outside it started to rain, and pour and rain a little more. Tristan braved weather to have a look at the sub, while I stayed safe in the hanger, looking a pictures of the damage Katrina did to the displays. A few minutes later Tristan came back a drowned rat and we decided to hit the road again. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few miles further down the road, we made Florida - well the very western edge of Florida anyway. Our destination was the naval aviation museum. It was this massive building, filled top to bottom with planes. There were no spaces or gaps - it was just all planes! However, they were mostly older aircraft. Tristan scurried around taking photos and I strolled around slowly. There were displays on space aeronautics that were cool, but all in all I think I appreciated the Alabama memorial park more. While there Tristan sweet talked his way into a back stage tour of the museum's flight line. The guide was a retired bloke that just wanted to have a yarn and tell his stories. It was really nice and he had a couple of stories about Australia.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We then jumped back into the car and drove back through Florida and Alabama to Mississippi to spend another night with Roger. Spending time with both Tristan and his Dad makes you remember how many similar mannerisms they have. One would answer a question and if you weren't paying attention you would have sworn that it was the other one replying. It still makes me laugh when that happens. The Apperley traits have bred true and strong between father and son. I just know RJ would have joined in if he could.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was another early morning and we headed back to Louisiana to fly home. First we visited the American WWII museum. After spending so much time studying this period of time it was very interesting to hear the story from a US perspective. The museum was very much like the War Memorial in Canberra (thought much smaller), however, it had this fabulous Steve Spielberg/ Tom Hanks movie at the start that walked you through the war. It was "4D" but of greater value was that it visually showed so much of the story that a still museum just isn't able to do. The academic in me picked at all the (huge) gaps (and bias) in the story, but it was very interesting to see it through the eyes of another. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 hours at the airport, and a 3 hour flight back to Denver and we were home! Happy feet (or at least feet returning to a "normal" size) </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Following 4 states in 4 days I was exhausted, and poor Tristan had to turn around and go straight back to work the next morning. But it was worth it: seeing Roger's face as he got to look at the sonogram photos of his grandson, watching Tristan boast about life, getting to see so many of the sights and delights of the aviation world in a few days, seeing (and tasting) the south, and ticking a few states off our to-visit list. Happy family! But exhausted! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have Thanksgiving in a few days. We are hosting.... gee I hope I don't ruin the turkey. I'll let you know...</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">much love</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-55408239486319859502011-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:002011-11-10T11:18:44.547-08:00All things orange and blackI think the universe is trying to tell us something...<br />
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It all started the week before Halloween, when we received a lovely surprise package on our door step. It was a wonderful gift from Aunty Lisa, Uncle Miles, Patrick, Lachlan and Juanita for RJ: A West's Tigers jersey and shorts. As you can all imagine, you couldn't wipe the grin off Tristan's face. Another generation of Tiger's supporters in the family (sigh). The cute little orange and black outfit currently has pride of place in RJ's bedroom, and it's not unusual for Tristan to wonder passed, pop his head in for a peak, and walk away with a cheeky, knowing smile that his boy will grow up loving Tigerland.<br />
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Later that week, we "celebrated" Halloween at a friend's house. They decorated their entire basement to look like a creepy dungeon. It was fantastic! Tristan and I dressed up as a gangster and a flapper - I think I looked like a pregnant whale, and Tristan looked like he was wearing his PJ's in public. It probably didn't help that he was wearing his tracky pants and Tiger's jersey underneath.<br />
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Given that it was Halloween, the colours orange and black had prominence in the food and drink, decorations and candy. We only decorated the entry of our house with a jack-o-lantern (cut by Tristan) and a smiley face in the mirror. We had about 50 kids come trick-or-treating to our door. There were some very cute costumes, some that were a little bit too grown up for kiddies to be wearing, and one terrifying clown that gave me bad dreams that night. While I'm glad this tradition doesn't have a foot hold at home (yet) it was nice to experience it from this side of the fence. I'll have to think up a good costume for RJ to wear next year :-)<br />
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This week we got to experience one of the most wonderful things ever - seeing our son in 3D. During a scan, the lovely lady showed me what RJ looks like - in orange and black. I actually think the world stopped for a few seconds while I soaked up that tiny little image. Needless to say, daddy's genes are dominant with the Apperley nose and chin on display. I think I might have a look in with his little squinty eyes, that even opened during the scan. His little hands are cupping his face, and you could even see his little nails starting to grow. It was AMAZING!!<br />
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Last night, Tristan surprised me with a lovely date to see the Lion King in the city. We got all dressed up and spent over an hour stuck in traffic getting to the theater. Once there, the visual spectacular was incredible - overwhelmingly dominated by orange and black. As we watched the lovely story of Simba, I couldn't help but letting the pregnancy hormones overwhelm me when Mufasa cuddles his son, and when at the end of the show the show the cycle continues when Simba does the same. Ahh - life reflected in theater (or vice versa). Good thing that Tristan was so entranced in the show, he didn't see me have a little teary in the corner. <br />
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All in all, I think the universe is subtly preparing Tristan and I for orange and black in our future.... not sure if that means RJ will be a raging ranga like his dad with dark eyes like his mum, or if basketball looking aliens are about to invade, or that the harvest festival has infested my brain and I have become colour blind to the rest of the rainbow spectrum... pregnancy may have made me a little more crazy than normal...<br />
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Oh, and for all those on baby bump watch, I can confirm that I am looking more than festively plump - there is definitely something going on inside my belly. I'll get Tristan to get a photo soon. <br />
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Lots of love<br />
<br />
Tristan, Penni and RJ.Pennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-27052873250068953542011-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:002011-10-24T18:20:33.434-07:00All About American CultureDear Family,<br />
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After nearly 4 months away from you all, missing the familiar things in life, we are slowly adjusting to American life. Tristan finally convinced me that our study needed to be unpacked (there was a red couch in there - who knew?), the basement is becoming more man cave like every time I sneak a peak (he has set up the stereo, tv and other man contraptions that assist with man-nesting), and next weekend we will get to "celebrate" our first Halloween. Yes, life here is falling into place and American-isms are slowly invading our life.<br />
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A very important part of American culture is the national love affair with corn. This weekend Tristan and I submerged ourselves in corn - somewhat literally. <br />
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At home corn is a simple idea. It's a vegetable, usually yellow in colour, often bought frozen, and in our house, served frequently with peas and carrots. In America, corn is much much more complex. There is corn that you buy as a vegetable, though it is usually white, and is seemingly exclusively served as a BBQ food. There is corn that is better known as high fructose corn syrup that is used in EVERYTHING as a sweetener in lieu of sugar cane. Then there are the "foods" made of corn: corn bread, and candy corn. And lets not forget ethanol, corn flour, corn oil and corn starch. I've even drunk out of a plastic bottle made from corn by-products. And my personal favourite corn-ism - it is even in local toothpastes (not mine). Yes, corn is very important in America.<br />
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In America, once the mega machines have collected in finest corn harvest (and then collected the dregs for the first round of by-products), some enterprising farming individuals get creative and create mazes in their corn fields. Imagine enormous corn fields, 10 foot tall, being cut into patriotic pictures for the city folk to play in during October. Sounds like fun? You bet! <br />
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So a car full of Aussies piled into someone's big blue car (we all seem to own them) and drove for an hour or so, into the country to play in the corn maze. For the bargain price of $10 we got to play in two corn mazes, and as a bonus we could play in the corn pit (think sand pit, but filled with dried corn husks), the giant slide, go to the petting zoo, and catch the mini train-a-go-round. And to top it all off, there was a pumpkin patch so you could go with your family to choose your Halloween pumpkins. It was the family fun day paradise. Families seemingly came in with a picnic for the day and spent a quality day together. It was like a happy snap from a television movie - except that it was real! And fun. <br />
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We ran into the maze, split up, and raced each other for the end of each maze. It was a very dry season, so the corn stalks were mostly brown. Mixed with the dust of the field and the piecing blue of the sky, it was easy to get turned around. Lucky for us, there were clues spread around where you had to decipher very complex questions (how many time do you sing the word "happy" in <i>Happy Birthday</i>, and what is the last body part you touch when dancing to <i>Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes</i>) to be given the correct direction. It was such innocent fun, you couldn't help but smile. For the record, we won the second maze ;-)<br />
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Following the maze and an adventure in the pumpkin patch, we piled back into a big blue car to explore another American culture classic - one that Aussies pay pilgrimage to as well: BEER. Colorado is famous for it's micro-breweries. As luck had it, within 20 minutes drive of the family fun corn maze there were two micro-breweries for "us" to sample. One of the great things about the breweries is that they offer "tasting" plates. The boys, with their highly developed pallets, sampled selectively from the tasting plates and concluded the same thing: Aussie beer has more flavour. <br />
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After the boys enjoyed a plate plus a pint each at the first brewery, we moved onto the second brewery where we also got to indulge in the American cultural love of overloading a plate of food. I have learnt that all good meals should be served on a plate big enough for a lion to eat from - and come with a side of fries. At least it was tasty. Here the boys sampled some watermelon flavoured beer... and apparently it tasted good... maybe they sampled a little bit too much...<br />
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Yes, we sampled high American culture this weekend. While I'm sure Australia is guilty of all the same corn crimes, it sure is more in-your-face (and highly entertaining) here in the US. And while I have become a label demon, determined to avoid fructose, I do have to admit that playing in the corn was a lot of fun. As was the beer - or so I'm told.<br />
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Much love<br />
<br />
Penni and TristanPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615666913109030881.post-60348939069860097952011-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:002011-10-14T09:08:54.933-07:00The big blue carDear RJ,<br />
<br />
When you were still a peanut in my tummy, Mummy and Daddy bought a second "family car" for our wild adventures in America. Some called it a Ford Expedition; a huge near 3 ton V8 with leather interior, sun roof and a bunch of other modern conveniences that your Dad loves (!) - I called it the big blue car.<br />
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For our very first long weekend together as a family in Denver, we decided to go on a road trip with the big blue car. We took off on Friday afternoon with hope of making Canon City - about 180km down the road. Lucky for me, we HAD to drive passed the outlet shopping centre, so we picked up a few "supplies" on the way. We also took the opportunity to drive through the Garden of the Gods national park in Colorado Springs - unusual enormous red rock formations in the middle of the rocky mountains - it looked like the outback had moved across the world. The big blue car took the opportunity to test its breaks when a few deer bounced out in front of the car and we drove on to be geeky and check out the US Air Force Academy. There were so many professional sporting fields on the campus, you felt like you were driving through an Olympic village. While an impressive campus.... well, at least your Dad got to take some photos of aircraft. The big blue car drove on and made it to Canon City just on dark.<br />
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The next morning, we woke up early and caught a train along the length of the Royal Gorge. We were in the Executive carriage, so we had a glass roof to look out of to see the spectacular views of the gorge. Your Dad braved the freezing morning to ride in the open air carriage a few times to take some photos, but I stayed huddled up inside. After the train, we drove the big blue car to the Royal Gorge Bridge. There was patchy snow along the side on the mountains which was very pretty. After wondering around the park for a little while, the big blue car drove over the bridge, and we made our way through the mountains on our way west.<br />
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The further we drove west, the more snow that appeared. We drove around, through and near over a few of Colorado's 14,000 ft mountains. Having never seen snow piled up on the sides of mountains, trees crying icicles, and the world layered in white before, I thought it was beautiful. Your Dad enjoyed being able to put the car into all-wheel-drive to drive along some the of the more slippery portions of the road, and winding down his window to take photos of the spectacular scenery. We actually got to drive past one of the premiere snow fields in the state, Wolf Creek. Famous for its seemingly endless supply of powder, the park received 3 ft of snow that weekend and was the first field to open. Finally, after hours of driving (with no bathroom stops!!) we arrived in Durango.<br />
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The next morning, we had another early start as we left the big blue car to rest in the hotel car park and took <br />
a bus to the historic village of Silverton. The bus ride was as fantastic as the car drive the day before. Up over 10,000 ft passes, down through sleepy valleys, and past more and more (and more) snow, with the occasional hint of autumn colours on the side. We arrived just before the old steam train chugged into town. Seeing it arrive, you could really get a sense of how the old miners of yore trundled into town from the "city" for supplies before setting out to seek their fortunes. We had lunch in a local brewery, in which your Dad sampled widely, and wondered in the dirt street of this little village. While none of the shops were particularly appealing, it was barely 2C outside, and despite wearing our winter coats, it was much too cold to dally outside for too long. I believe that it was the very first time I had EVER heard your Dad say that he wished he had some gloves!<br />
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After a few hours wondering around like homeless vagabonds, we climbed aboard the steam train for our adventure back to Durango. While this sounded like a romantic trip, it was actually 3.5 hours of freezing cold on hard seats. Nursing a hot chocolate, I'm not sure that I moved that entire time - but I did get the occasional nap in along the way home. Similar to the Royal Gorge trip, we followed beside a meandering stream for the duration of the ride. There were some spectacular near frozen waterfalls, a drop off where the train only narrowly fit on the track beside a sheer cliff, and scenery that felt out of this world. But it was so terribly cold (!) and such a long trip (!) that I'm not sure that I made the most of it. Your Dad even got bored of taking photos and I suspect had a little nap on the way back.<br />
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That night we had a lovely three course meal at one of the local restaurants in Durango (best meal to date in the US), and went to bed early as we needed to track back over 650km to make it home the next day.<br />
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We did a bit of back tracking in the big blue car the next day, passing Wolf Creek and the spectacular mountains that reached the sky, but did get to visit a few more little towns along the San Louis Valley. While it was still very cold that morning, the heated seats of the big blue car made it very toasty. <br />
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In the top north east corner of the valley was the strangest natural phenomenon that you could imagine - sand dunes piled high beside the snow capped peaks of the rocky mountain. These are the tallest dunes in Northern America, and can reach up to 10,000 ft. Because of the winter like conditions, there was snow along the peaks of the dunes - it was like looking at something off a science fiction movie. Your Dad and I started to climb to make it to the top of the tallest peak together, but the altitude, my general lack of fitness, (and you!) meant that I sat down half way as your Dad sprinted up the tall sloops like a rabbit. As I sat, I saw families playing with their pets, riding sleds down the sides of the dunes, and children rolling down the sand without a care in the world. It was like time was in a happy bubble in this place, where only laughter and happiness existed. It was very peaceful. After 20 minutes or so, your Dad bounded back down the dunes, and held my hand as I made the slippery decent. <br />
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Then the big blue car drove us home. After a bit of dinner, and some bad tv it was time for bed. <br />
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And that is the story of the big blue car's first road trip.<br />
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Sweet dreams<br />
<br />
Love Mum and DadPennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13630626816593363655noreply@blogger.com0