Monday, April 27, 2009
BTW . . .
BTW . . . forgot to mention that whilst at the Insectarium Liam, Simon & I got to sample some of the star attractions at their 'Bug Apetite' cafe. We all tried the Cinamon Crickets - its Liam who went back for 2nds, 3rds and 4ths!! Simon was the only one brave enough to try Cricket Dip and Worm salsa. Ashley politely declined all.
New Orleans
Due to managment miscommunication, a much anticipated week off for Simon was exchanged for another week of work. The tournament was in Louisanna (state next to Texas) in the city of New Orleans or N'orleans depending where you're from. Rather than extend his time away from family to 5 weeks we decided a road trip was in order. Six hours later our first impression of N.O's was the army trucks below. We were already dubious about the safety factor, we didn't realise reinforcements were needed!
As we got further into town we passed the Superdome made famous following Hurricane Katrina. The supposed 'safe haven' for thousands that turned into gang turf, violence and worse. We don't think we saw any remaining effects of the hurricane in the areas we drove through however its hard to say. Many neighbourhoods look poverty stricken, run down, holes in rooftops, boarded up etc Who knows.
The town and streets have a definite European influence from its founders. Oddly enough it feels more like home or what's familiar anyway.
Our hotel was right next to the Mighty Mississipi - Simon and I broke into a deep throated voice many a time just repeating that phrase. The Miiiight-e Miss-e-sipp-eh!! (We are easily entertained).
This is the French Quarter just to the left of our hotel. Renowned for its night life, bars and music . . . unfortunately also for its crime. We didn't feel comfortable heading out much in the evenings with the kids however, we did make it to the world renowned (I can say that in hindsight) Bourbon St. Albeit 50 metres inside to a respectable restaurant but I can say we DID it.
As we got further into town we passed the Superdome made famous following Hurricane Katrina. The supposed 'safe haven' for thousands that turned into gang turf, violence and worse. We don't think we saw any remaining effects of the hurricane in the areas we drove through however its hard to say. Many neighbourhoods look poverty stricken, run down, holes in rooftops, boarded up etc Who knows.
The town and streets have a definite European influence from its founders. Oddly enough it feels more like home or what's familiar anyway.
Our hotel was right next to the Mighty Mississipi - Simon and I broke into a deep throated voice many a time just repeating that phrase. The Miiiight-e Miss-e-sipp-eh!! (We are easily entertained).
This is the French Quarter just to the left of our hotel. Renowned for its night life, bars and music . . . unfortunately also for its crime. We didn't feel comfortable heading out much in the evenings with the kids however, we did make it to the world renowned (I can say that in hindsight) Bourbon St. Albeit 50 metres inside to a respectable restaurant but I can say we DID it. The landscape is very flat which I guess made the water surge of Hurr. Katrina so much worse.
We were able to dine on the riverfront, watch the paddle steamers go by, listen to a jazz band in the evening sunshine with a beer and wine. The kids were entranced by the band which allowed us 15 minutes of Agghhh time. Lovely.
Sight seeing is limited with kids. I would have loved to visit the Stately homes of the garden district or tour the cemeteries and hear of the Voodoo myths of New Orleans. Alas it twas not so. . . but our other activities were still fun and the kids had a ball. At the Aquarium the kids got to touch and feed the stingrays.
At the Insectarium the kids touched bugs, walked through a butterfly garden and more.
Ash took hold of the camera. We have about 45 shots of butterflies before we could extract the camera from her hands.
The Zoo was a great day (as it is anywhere in the world) from hippos, to girrafes, zebras
and flamingos. They describe them as pink but to us they were a definite orange
Pretty all the same.
Having a week together was lovely. Simon's headed off again for another 2 weeks in Charlotte and then Florida. He arrives home Mother's Day along with my Mum and Dad (yea!). We are all excited to have them here. Love to all xx
We were able to dine on the riverfront, watch the paddle steamers go by, listen to a jazz band in the evening sunshine with a beer and wine. The kids were entranced by the band which allowed us 15 minutes of Agghhh time. Lovely.
Sight seeing is limited with kids. I would have loved to visit the Stately homes of the garden district or tour the cemeteries and hear of the Voodoo myths of New Orleans. Alas it twas not so. . . but our other activities were still fun and the kids had a ball. At the Aquarium the kids got to touch and feed the stingrays.
At the Insectarium the kids touched bugs, walked through a butterfly garden and more.
Ash took hold of the camera. We have about 45 shots of butterflies before we could extract the camera from her hands.
The Zoo was a great day (as it is anywhere in the world) from hippos, to girrafes, zebras
and flamingos. They describe them as pink but to us they were a definite orange
Pretty all the same.
Having a week together was lovely. Simon's headed off again for another 2 weeks in Charlotte and then Florida. He arrives home Mother's Day along with my Mum and Dad (yea!). We are all excited to have them here. Love to all xxSaturday, April 18, 2009
LISTEN boy!
We are forever telling Liam to 'LISTEN'. So when he ate his biscuit over the bin after I told him "do not put any crumbs on my clean floor" I allowed myself a giggle. I decided praise was due for at least listening and then applying some good problem solving skills!
See this picture below - Liam, in his 3 short years, has nearly matched Simon for the number of times I've been given flowers! (sorry hon but it's true)
We love our local YMCA, today they had a promotional day with arts n crafts, balloon art, food drinks, face painting, the lot. The kids loved it and it was free (so I loved it!)
See this picture below - Liam, in his 3 short years, has nearly matched Simon for the number of times I've been given flowers! (sorry hon but it's true)
We love our local YMCA, today they had a promotional day with arts n crafts, balloon art, food drinks, face painting, the lot. The kids loved it and it was free (so I loved it!)Cute aren't they?
Simon is in the midst of a 5 week stretch. If we haven't already mentioned it he has not long started working with K.J Choi in addition to his work with Aaron Baddely. Unforunately it has added to the number of weeks he works but hey, we kinda knew what we were signing up for so we won't complain (too much!). Next week the tournament is in New Orleans, Louisanna (the state next door to us) so we packing up shop and all driving there so we can have some time together. We have been advised not to wear jewellery and to leave the purse at home, just put $ in pockets etc. Needless to say we're a little wary about how safe we're going to feel but at least we'll be together. We're very lucky to have had so many trips around the U.S so am quite willing to chalk it up to experience either way. Will keep you posted . . .
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Hello Easter Hello Cavities
The kids discovered the Easter Bunny's paw prints at 7.30 this morning. They followed his trail to find their goodies and by 7.35 Liam was already devouring his (perhaps a little like me). In the meantime Ashley (not unlike her father) had found and admired her egg, posed for a photo and then gently laid him in some tuppaware to nibble slowly at some date in the future!
Some great Aussie activity books from Nanny & Poppy were quickly attacked
And then the hunt began. Weather predictions were for thunderstorms so we considered ourselves lucky with some light drizzle.
Unforunately in Dad's absence the E>B had left the morning games and activities up to Mum. The kids enjoyed pinning the nose on the bunny, decorating cardboard eggs, egg and spoon fun, bunny hop freeze and easter egg toss.
The absence of Daddy, family and friends was quite noticeable for us as I am sure it was for you - hope this pics do something to fill the void xx
Some great Aussie activity books from Nanny & Poppy were quickly attacked
And then the hunt began. Weather predictions were for thunderstorms so we considered ourselves lucky with some light drizzle.
Unforunately in Dad's absence the E>B had left the morning games and activities up to Mum. The kids enjoyed pinning the nose on the bunny, decorating cardboard eggs, egg and spoon fun, bunny hop freeze and easter egg toss.
The absence of Daddy, family and friends was quite noticeable for us as I am sure it was for you - hope this pics do something to fill the void xxSaturday, April 11, 2009
From handymen to portrait posers
"Home Depot" (most likely the owners of Bunnings as setup is identical just a variation on colour and name) holds a free kids activity once a month. This week the kids got to make a bird house - actually Mum stuffed up one of them so they shared the task! Liam's attention span is rather short but he was quite happy just banging the huge plywood block we were sitting on. They get little aprons and each time they come along they get a new badge to put on it.
Texas wild flowers are out at the moment and can be seen growing alongside all the road ways throughout The Woodlands. Whilst technically a weed I thought they looked quite pretty . . . the kids and the flowers. 
The days are still quite lovely (no humidity) so park time and bike riding are heaps of fun. Next time Simon is home he's going to take ashley's training wheels off and go where all other kids have gone before!!
Texas wild flowers are out at the moment and can be seen growing alongside all the road ways throughout The Woodlands. Whilst technically a weed I thought they looked quite pretty . . . the kids and the flowers. The days are still quite lovely (no humidity) so park time and bike riding are heaps of fun. Next time Simon is home he's going to take ashley's training wheels off and go where all other kids have gone before!!
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