Last week marked our one year mark here in Australia. Time sure does fly. It's been a wonderful year, we are finally adjusted to our new life here... and 2 more years to go! Life is simple yet fun. Lots of family time, we've just been exploring Oz, next month we are going on another road trip to explore the northeastern side. Updates and pix to come. In the meantime, just some pictures from the past couple of months, including Andre's cousin Cindy's visit.

Disneyworld, Disney Cruise, Disney Vero Beach - Dec. '06

There's something you guys should know about Andre and I... it's kind of embarrassing actually, but we are, admittedly, the biggest of Disney fans. We were in Disneyland in Christmas '04, and in Disneyworld, the Disney Cruise and another Disney property on Florida's coast in '05 and 06. We're just kids really, I think we enjoy it more than  Julian and Aleea do :-) There's just nothing like feeling like a child again... just 2 weeks of unadulterated Disney fun! Anything Disney, please ask us, specially if you're planning a trip... we're virtual experts - tee-hee! Anyway, sharing with you a few videos we put together from those trips. Enjoy! 

Hawai'i island Life video

Almost forgot about this...  

Disney video from '05

On the road again...

We had a 3 day weekend in Canberra so we decided to go up the coast to Jervis Bay. Andre and I were quite happy to discover the unbelievably nice beaches they had in the area. The sand was so white and so fine! The water temperature was pretty comfortable, so the kids spent a LOT of time in the water. Thankfully, we were able to find a 'cottage' (it turned out to be a HUGE house that could have easily housed 2 families) that allowed pets, so Maleea for once was able to vacation w/ us. She just absolutely loved running in the sand! Andre has this thing about driving off the beaten path, steering away from the freeway so we usually end up discovering these lovely little towns. The nice thing about Canberra is 3 hours away is Thredbo and Perisher Blue w/ top notch skiing (altho' we've only done toboggoning), then 3 hours away as well are wonderful, pristine beaches. The best of both worlds! (depending on the season of course). Anyway, here's looking forward to the next 4 day weekend coming up, yey!

Missing Hawaii nei

So true that saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. 12 years in Hawaii can certainly do that to you. What is there to miss about paradise? Friends we've made for one. The trade winds, the hang loose attitude, the beaches, flip-flops, hulu-huli chicken, malasadas, island music, the spirit of aloha. We will be back one day, until then... we'll miss you, our Hawaii nei.

New Zealand, W-O-W!

December found us, Mickey, Andre, Julian and Aleea taking our yearly holiday to the South Island of New Zealand. W-O-W! It was simply unbelievable! The scenery was truly stunning and breathtaking. The first few days were full of 'oohs' and 'ahhs', until we realized our whole trip was going to be the same, just one beautiful land and waterscape after another. From the Fiordlands to the glaciers, the mountains and waterfalls... We drove around the entire island in a camper van, our home away from home for 10 days. We slept by creeks, lakes, mountains... just awesome! The kids did amazingly well, despite there being no electronics of any sort. Books, games and window-gazing did the trick. If you want to go back to the basics and spend tons of time with family in a truly majestic setting, then NZ is it. Please view the video below as we share our experiences with you. Happy New Year!!!

All we want for Christmas...

Funny how completely different these two are. Julian is very specific as to what he wants from Santa (Andre and I suspect that as a 9 year old, he already knows that Santa does not actually exist, but he's just not telling that he knows for fear he stops getting gifts for Christmas :-) ) while Aleea wants absolutely.... nothing. We have asked her several times what she wanted and she's said time and time again, "I don't really want anything Mom". True enough when I asked them to write what they wanted for Christmas, here are the results...

How the kids have grown...

Happy Holidays!

Taking this opportunity to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you, our family and friends. Please check in after the New Year for new vacation pix and stories. Enjoy the holidays everyone! 

J Mad at A Slideshow

I never realized how many 'Julian Mad at Aleea' pictures I had in our photo library until I started sorting through it. It is just so hilarious sometimes to see these two interact (exasperating at other times!), as these pictures will prove. Aleea has this habit of trying to always want to kiss and hug her brother manong Julian, usually at the most inopportune times (like when he's concentrating on reading). As a result, big bro gets mad and then... see for yourselves.... enjoy the slideshow!

Summer in Oz (click to enlarge)

Exploring Canberra & Sydney

Yes! Spring is finally upon us! People are out and about in their camis, shorts and flip-flops. Thank you Lord! I certainly have had enough of the cold. Spring is just simply stunning in Canberra. They had the yearly flower festival 'Floriade' which lasts all of one month. The kids were off for school for 2 weeks, and put them in 2 camps: horse rding camp for a week, and U.S. History camp the other week. They certainly learned a lot in these classes. We drove the 3 hour trek to Sydney and stayed at Darling Harbour. This area is wonderful for kids and I highly recommend this area as a base when you visit, as it's self-contained. You can walk from your hotel to 3 different museums, Sydney Aquarium, Powerhouse and Maritime Museum, IMAX theatre, the Convention Center, a shopping mall, an arcade, tons of restaurants and bars, and of course, the beautiful harbour where one can just sit and bask in the sun (sunscreen highly recommended). Also caught a Gary V. concert w/ the kids - they truly had a blast and was so interested in finding out more about pinoy talents. Back in Canberra we did some exploring, going on a bush walk in Cotter dam, enjoying a rock climbing place by the house and visiting the nice parks nearby. Now it's back to school and work... ahhh, such is life I suppose. Till next posting, everyone have a wonderful week!

Aussie Adventure begins

It's been 3 months now since arriving in Canberra, Australia's capital. Spring has not quite sprung yet, but it is coming - I hope. The weather was certainly a shock to the system, especially coming from the warm, comfortable temperatures of Hawaii. A big difference for sure. Out came thermals, scarves, gloves, beanies, sweaters ('jumpers' here) etc., etc. Driving on the other side of the car and the other side of the road was a cinch, thankfully, no major dramas there. Life seems a little slower here. Andre and I find that we have a lot of time to spend with the kids and with each other, and each weekend brings about a new opportunity for adventure and exploration. There are so many places to visit within Canberra itself... museums, galleries, historical buildings, the bush, zoos, animal reserves and lots of little cafes to sit out in the sun and enjoy a cuppa or two of tea or coffee. Last weekend we drove 3 hours west of Canberra to the snowy mountains, particularly Perisher Blue. This was the first time the kids were going to see and play in the snow, so we were all excited. Am posting some pix of our little excursion.
The kids are doing spectacularly well. They miss the beaches of Hawaii of course, and the wonderful neighborhood kids they had as playmates. Thankfully they love their school and have adjusted quite well. Julian does fencing and plays the violin still. Next term he is slated to begin 'futsal' (an indoor soccer sport) as well as squash. He still reads way too much, but like his teacher told me, he is more concerned with those students that don't read at all. I guess I should be thankful. I remember in my high school days what a voracious reader I was, so I guess we know whom he took after. Aleea is playing the piano and is still doing her gymnastics. She is quite the little singer and she presently adores no other than Lea Salonga, constantly singing tunes from Les Mis and Miss Saigon. Andre and I are enjoying the company of the kids tremendously. Every age is different, but for now, they are just so much fun to be with.
For the next 3 years, we will be calling Canberra home, and what a home it is. Driving by to and from school/work, we have the kangaroos jumping on both side of us, as well as cows, horses, sheep. And 10 minutes later, you are in the 'City', certainly a cosmopolitan area where everyone seems to be in suits. People for the most are friendly, the eating is good and the weather... well... we hope to have warmer temps. soon.
For now... take care everyone and I promise to post here every now and then, so pls. come back and visit.