Goodbye Western Australia

On our last day in Western Australia, (sniff, sniff) we went several places, all of which I really enjoyed!  We started out here.   

The Margaret River Chocolate Company - Swan Valley.  The picture below does not do the Chocolate Factory any justice.  It was a really cool place!  We were able to see the workers actually making the chocolates as well as taste the bite sized pieces of milk, dark and white chocolates available.  It was impossible to walk by the taste testing without grabbing a handful or in Jack's case two fist fulls as well as all that he could cram in his mouth!  Homeboy loves some chocolate! 

After sampling some chocolates...and purchasing a few.  We headed out to the patio area where we munched on some coffee and cake!  No judgement people...this was a vacation!

Up next...Wine Tasting! 

We went to an amazing vineyard and sampled a few wonderful wines and a couple magnificent cheeses.  I'm not just saying magnificent cheeses to sound cool while writing this post.  I truly mean it....from the bottom of my soul.  One cheese we tasted, some kind of red pepper combo cheese, was amazing! I am still having dreams about it.  Until we meet again hunk of cheese.....

Oh, and the WINE........the wine!  I actually bought a bottle of red wine.  I think it was a Merlot/Pino Noir combination.  It lasted until the end of the night and my headache lasted until the end of the next night but MAN...it was tasty! 


Next, it was off to visit a damn.  A few pictures are below!  Very pretty! 

The view from a little ways away.

Looking down from the damn.  It was really high!

Two little monkeys!

After a full day of adventures it was off to school to pick the girls up.  Then, we forced the kids to take a few pictures together before Shannon headed off to her Girl Guide weekend camp out and the rest of us headed to the "Markets" for some kids Karaoke, food, drinks and friends!  

Hailey and Jack really bonded while we were visiting!  They are double trouble together! 

Our Girl Guide and her troops! 

The "Markets" are one of my favorite things about Australia.  I've posted about it before but it is a really cool place to go and hang out for dinner, drinks, shopping and fellowship!  I wish we had them here, I would be a frequent patron! 

We met a few of David and Karen's friends for dinner and the kids sang songs and ran around like maniacs.  It was fun!

Jack attempting to perform "Dynamite."  He gets an "A" for effort!

After the markets it was back to David and Karen's house were the real party began.  See above reference to headache.  Bed followed at about 2:00am and then up and at it around 4:45am (&*%$) to catch a flight to the Gold Coast.  I felt extremely special the next morning!  

A big shout out to the Gallup's for amazing hospitality!  We could not have had a better time.  Your generosity and kindness were amazing and I will never forget this trip!  Lots of love!

More to come from the Gold Coast!

Kim

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" - Psalm 95:2

Black Swans

During our last week in Perth  we tried to fit in a bunch of day trips that I had been wanting to do. One was to visit the Black Swans.  I had never seen a Black Swan before.  They are beautiful animals.  I was amazed at their black feathers and beaks of bright red.  The were also very friendly, the would walk right up to us.

Two Black Swans

Bright Red Beak

Seven Swans a Swimming

So beautiful!

Jack trying to pet the Swan

The boys making a wish in the well. 

Cousin Love...so sweet! 

Happy Boys!

We Miss You DD! 

I realize that I have been away from my blog for a while but I am going to try to get back into it to finish documenting the trip.  Everytime I think back on the trip I am amazed.  What a wonderful place! I am already trying to save to go back!

We have been home for 4 weeks and accomplished a LOT.  New car, New job and New house!  It has been a quick couple weeks!  Life is good.  

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."- Proverbs 16:3

 

Mother's Day

Jack and I headed out to the Perth Zoo this morning on Mother's Day!  We packed a picnic and arrived there a little after 9am, Mum's had free entry for Mother's Day and Jack was free since he is under 4 so...SCORE!  We had to wait in line for a while to get in, it was a little bit crowded but beautiful day outside. 

This is one of my favorite birds that we saw, he was called a blacked winged stilt bird.  Check out his legs, aren't they awesome!

Jack walking along the railing of the water, promising not to get wet, which of course he did! Oh well!

This animal below is called a Numbat, they are specific to Western Australia.  I think they used to live all over Australia but in the past few decades have been only in Western Australia?  He was a weird looking fella, kind of like a rat with a squirrel face and kangaroo ears and a long tail?

I fell in love with the Orangutan in the picture below.  He was such a performer, he would play games with all the people watching him.  Can you tell what game he is playing with us?

 Peek-A-Boo

And of course one of my favorite animals.  The Giraffe.....Tall, Strong and Steady, they are beautiful creatures! I could stand around and watch them for a long time.  These pictures don't do the any of animals justice.

After seeing all the animals we lounged out on a picnic blanket and had a lovely lunch.  It was a great morning.  We made back to the house just in time for a long nap.  It's been a wonderful Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mom's out there.  What an honor and a blessing it is, I can't imagine my life any other way.  Jack has enabled me to grow and become a person that I never knew I could be.  I never knew how much my heart could feel love until I became a Mother.  I thank God for blessing me with Jack everyday! 

Lots of Love from Australia,
Kim
xxoxo

The rest of Rottnest Island

After a long, much needed sleep Jack and I woke up bright and early Wednesday morning.  There are no vehicles allowed on the island so the only source of transport are either your legs or a bike!  I opted for the bike.  We hired a bike as they say over here.  Jack really, really, really wanted to ride his own bike, since all the other kids were riding one.  I got him his own bike with training wheels like he has at home, but the hills were steep and he got frustrated about 1/2 a mile from the bike shop so....we turned around and I got a bike with a carrier on the back. Let me just tell you that he is a heavy dude to bike around! He loved going for bike rides. 

We hit up the general store and the liquor store for groceries and beer.  Since you are on a bike they deliver the goods to your chalet and even put them in the fridge if you aren't there!  Now that is what I call service!

Ready to build a castle

He is the light of my life, he brings me SO much happiness!

Running from a wave

Covered in sand!  At one point he had it in his ears for two days!  He was making sand angels! On another note the sun is potent here, you have to wear screen and a hat.  It is so close to the equator and much more intense.  If we were out for more than 2 hours I would get red shoulders.  

This is the beach where we spent most of our time, it is called Pinky's beach and apparently it is where all the underage drinkers come to hang out at night?  I don't know about that, but during the day it is peaceful and quiet!

Just playing around

Jack on the back of the bike.  I almost dumped him out taking this picture because there was not a kick stand.

Our Chalet on the beach! 

Jack met a little guy on the Ferry over, his name was Zack and he was 5, Jack immediately became his shadow and we hung out with his family a lot!  Great people.  It was so funny because Zack walked up to Jack while waiting on the Ferry and literally said, "Do you want to be my friend?" Jack of course said, "Yes!" and off they went!  We met them in the park and for lunch and on the beach several times!  Very nice folks!  Jack asked me when we got back if Zack could come to his house and play with his toys sometime?  Sure...Jack! Kids are amazingly sweet an innocent!

We attended mass at this beautiful Catholic Church on a hill in Rottnest called, Holy Trinity!  I took a picture but for some reason it won't upload!  It was Thursday morning, just Jack and I, the priest and two other ladies.  Amazing service!  It felt really peaceful and quaint!  I was very glad we went! Jack kept talking to the priest during Mass and he started laughing!  It was really funny! Also...I saw a sign in the church garden that stated that congregation members who wish to be buried under the hill on the church were welcome too.  Then it listed their names!  Different but neat at the same time, I bet the people buried there have been on the island for their entire lives!  

What an amazing trip!  So glad we went!  We are here at the Gallup's for one more week and then off to the Gold Coast of Australia for 7 days and then onto Sydney for 5 days before heading home!

I love it here!  If you haven't made plans make them NOW to come to Australia and visit.  It is a beautiful place!  

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34  

Much Love,

Kim and Jack

Rottnest Island - Day 1

I had planned a short getaway for Jack and I to head to a local island called, Rottnest Island.  Let me begin by saying that I had NO idea how amazing and wonderful it would be. Everyone told me that it was awesome but I guess you have to experience it to believe it.  I'm so gratefully that we went.

We headed out on Tuesday morning bright and early to catch our Ferry which left Hillary's Boat Harbour around 10:30am.  It is about a 30 minute drive but I needed to stop and get some things at the Big W, Australia's version of Wally World.  Got what I need, got back on the road, headed the wrong direction!  I'm super directionally challenged.  Then Jack had to stop to poop.  After finding a place, parking, etc...We missed the boat!  It was my fault but I think I'll blame it on Jack because he had to stop to use the toilet.  Never mind that I got us lost 30 minutes out of the way. 

I walk to the Ferry counter, "Is there another boat today, we missed the 10:30?" Its 11:30 buy now.  "No, I'm sorry that was the last boat out from our harbour today!"  Piss the bed! "Okay, can I have my money back, no sorry we don't do that but I can give you a voucher!" "Sure, that would be super since I live here and all and I'll probably NEVER use it!  Thanks, appreciate it lady!" I didn't really say that.  I acted like a dumb tourist and she helped me find another company that travels to the island.

Drive 30 minutes to the  next port, pay $80.00 more dollars with another company to catch the next ferry at 2:00. I'm learning so much!  My patience level has increase dramatically.  Normally I would be flipping out but I felt pretty cool with it, nothing I could do anyway!

We made it and it is amazing!  Check out their site if you have time. http://www.rottnestisland.com/en/pages/Home.aspx

The Knuckle Head waiting for the Ferry.

My dream boat....literally!  I'd love to cruise around when I retire, on one of these babies!

Our view at dinner, Hotel Rottnest, excellent food and great atmosphere. 

We stayed right by the lighthouse so you know my obsession with lighthouses!  We walked to it the first night as the sun was setting!  Beautiful!

 Jack approaching the beach!  Doesn't he look so small, comparatively speaking?  He has been a little timid around the beaches here, slightly scared of the waves so I was curious to see how he would act at Rottnest.  The water is really calm and I wondered if that would make a difference to him.

I'm fully dressed but these kids beside me make it look fun.  Should I get it??

Getting Braver

"Mom, take my shirt off, I want to swim!"

Body Boarding!  He loved it!  We hung out on the beach until almost dark then called it a night.  We stayed in a chalet it was cozy.  Great for a family vaca. 

Hugs from Rotto

Kim

Kings Park

David and I set out to Kings Park with a picnic for the kids.  Kings Park is in the actual city of Perth and it overlooks the Swan River in parts.  All I can say is that it is beautiful and even that is an injustice!  This place is amazing.  The kids loved every second of it, playgrounds, water areas, hills to roll down.  They were in heaven!

DD the Monkey!  This child is a fearless climber!

Jack running through the sprinklers getting wet, he was one happy kid.

I was lounging on the picnic blanket in the sun about to take a snooze when I heard some obnoxious child screaming.  YAY, it's mine!  He climbed up onto the Dino statue and couldn't get down!  Oh Joy!

Kings Park Memorial Statue, it's a tribute to the service men and women that have served in various wars.  Karen's Grandfather (Nola's Dad) was on a ship serving and didn't make it home.  David and I located his name. I love going to places like this.  Every time I have been to Arlington National Cemetery or others like it, it gets me all choked up.  What a great honor to have served your country.

I made the kids sit down by these flowers to take a picture because I thought they were so pretty.  They were screaming about the sun being in their eyes! It was comical! I told them to toughen up, I needed a picture!

This is the park!  I mean really....can you believe this.  People lounging, reading, lovers talking, children laughing!  It is truly something!  If I lived here, I would be a park junky.

The outlook over Swan River, so pretty!

Dylan (aka. DD) loving on Jack!  DD got these rain boots for his birthday and he hasn't taken them off since!  So cute!

Shannon doing some hill rolling! Fun stuff!

Jack attempting to roll down the hill!  He's just learning!

The kids were having races down this huge hill.  Hailey was smoking them and soon enough she tripped and fell (I knew this was going to happen).  Jack did his manly duty and went to help her up and held her hand back up the hill!  Such a gentlemen.  Doesn't he look so serious?

  
Sweet children....Most of the time! :)

Lots of Love from Down Under!
Kim and Jack