Symbio Wildlife Park

This is one of the places that we were looking forward to visiting. We went with Uncle Jim & MaryAnne (from Wisconsin) and Nick & Belinda. Unfortunately, unlike last time we were here, the kangaroos weren't hopping all over the park. Instead, they mostly stayed in their protected rest area; many of them with joeys in their pouch. As we were leaving, a few of them wandered out and we got to pet them. The kids still had a great time even though that day was the coldest and most windy we had thus far. Other than this day we have been having wonderful winter weather...sunny and about 20 degrees Celsius (you figure that one out). So we came a little unprepared and gave the kids our oversized sweaters. Jack slept most of the time in the baby front-pack that Chris was wearing under a jacket. We saw all the native fauna...kangaroos, koalas, wombats,wallabies, emus, dingos, cockatoos (seen in large flocks everywhere)...and much more. The kids got to touch and feed almost everything. Belinda used to volunteer here, so we had a good tour.

Happy 4th Birthday, Paige

Well, just as promised, Grandma Laurel threw Paige a perfect Pokemon party. We had about a dozen kids and almost as many adults. Laurel taught me how to make a Wilton cake...yes, that's my handy work on the Pikachu cake. Grandma "hired" (that's Aussie speak for "rented") an inflatable jumping castle. We had traditional Aussie fare such as sausage rolls (which Belinda made) and fairy bread (white bread slices with butter and sprinkles). And of course, Laurel made a myriad of other tasty treats that were quickly devoured. Chris' cousins, David and Janet, made the Pikachu pinata which the kids enjoyed destroying. The children played a game called "pass the parcel" which unfortunately,Paige didn't quite understand. It's like musical "hot potato" with a parcel/present wrapped in layers. When the music stops on you, you get to unwrap one layer and receive a small gift, then start passing it again until you reach the center of the package which has a slightly larger gift. Well, when it landed on Paige, she thought she could open the whole thing at once and was very upset when she found out she couldn't. Chris had to pull her away kicking and screaming while all the Australian children sat there politely waiting their turn....ugly American! :) Other than that, we all had a wonderful time!

Wotta Day at Wottamolla

G'day! Hello from down under. We made it here safely and without incident. The kids were great on the airplane. Jet-lag has gotten us to bed at 7:30pm and up at 5:30am. We decided to seize the day and grab some hot chocolate from Mc Cafe (really exists inside Mc Donald's) and go for a drive through the national park. We stopped here in Wottamolla to see the sights. I guess this is a surfing location. The weather is crisp and beautiful.

See Ya!

Mr. Jack Christopher, the famous world traveler is headed to Australia this Thurs. While he is there he will witness the marriage of his Uncle Nick and Belinda. He will be staying in the five star home of his grandparents John and Laurel. Mr. Jack plans on visiting the zoo and other attractions around Sydney. He will return to the States in three weeks and is accepting any requests for souvenirs. If he is able, he will keep you updated on this web page.

Happy Guy

Jack 7 wks, Mia 10 mo.

Jack 7 wks, Mia 10 mo.

General Jack-Jack

General Jack-Jack of the USMC was born on May 23, 2005. He enlisted the day he was born. (The recruiters were having a little trouble meeting their quotas, so they hit the nursery at the Naval Hospital.) With stellar fitness reports and outstanding leadership skills, Gen. Jack-Jack quickly moved up the ranks and earned his commission through the Infants to Officers program with just 7 weeks time in service. As you can see from the photos...General Jack-Jack is well protected by Sgt Murphy, (hamster in dress blues) and he has learned much of the Marine Corps ways from R. Lee Ermey ("Mail Call"). The General is adjusting well to his current duty station in Carlsbad, CA. He is well taken care of...his milk is warm and if he so much as sneezes, someone is there with tissue in hand. OO-RAH, General Jack-Jack!

Play Dough Fun

Well, swim lessons are finished...and we still have a week and a half until we go to Australia. We needed some new distractions, so we made some play dough this morning. Later I also made some blue and Paige was thrilled to mash it together with the red to make dark gray purple. And as always Emily kept them separate as to not disturb her perfectionist work.

Slumber Girls

The girls thought it would be a good idea to sleep in the living room in a sleeping bag. Paige lasted about 2 minutes before wanting to go to her own bed. Emily stuck it out a little longer and got up in the middle of the night to return to her own bed because she said it was too scary.

BBQ @ John & Chrissy's

Over the 4th of July weekend, Chrissy and John hosted a BBQ. All the kids had fantastic fun swimming, slipping, and sliding. As always, Chrissy had a great spread of vegetarian food. Chris cooked up some beef hotdogs and unfortunately Cinco got a hold of one!

Jack's First Date

Jack's (1 month-old) first date with Miss Georgia Jane (2 months-old) took place at the Old Spaghetti Factory in San Marcos. Although the cute couple did not have anything to eat, their parents enjoyed the Italian fare. Jack hopes to see Miss Georgia again as he had a really good time. He promised to give her a call or drop her an e-mail (or have his mom, his personal assistant, do it for him).