The zoo again

Ashley survives an elephant stampede and Liam has a ROAR-off with a lioness (I know who I'd put $5 on)

San Diego and in particular the stretch along the coast where we stayed reminded us of home and the Rosebud/Portsea/Sorrento strip. The abundance of gum trees certainly aided that nostalgic feeling too. Planted back in the 1850s it was promised to be great for ship builders however the strain of eucalypt they planted split & curled. Currently it has been referred to as an invasive pest. Me, I just wanted to hug one!!

Simon found another "What The?@#!%"
If you read this plaque from the Zoo's Australian Outback section you'll see about half way down that "Australian marsupials may be found in Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea. . . "

I didn't know Tasi got so pissed off with the rest of Oz that it bacame it's own country!

THE San Diego Zoo

Everyone's heard of the San Diego Zoo! Its the thing to do right? Well we almost didn't, I mean, seen one elephant seen em all right?

Well we did go and we were, as predicted by many, in awe. Its the layout and surrounds of the zoo that is amazing.We just didn't have the time with Simon's work to spend all day there but could have easily done so. What we did do which gave us a great overview was take the double decker bus ride through the undulating road network and then, get this, took the sky lift over the top of the zoo! Yes its that big. You literally felt like you were in a rainforest most of the time. Hopefully these pics give a little bit of an idea.

San Diego Beaches

We went out in search of a beach. The weather was too cold for swimming but figured the kids could while away the time in the sand. Ashley was not impressed with the rock substitute but soon they both delighted in the 'piffing' of rocks into the waves (Liam a little more so). Still, we picniced and played together and that is all that matters.

San Diego

And so the grind of the 2010 golfing year has begun!! With it brings new travel opportunities for me and the kids. Next stop - San Diego.

On our way there we had a delay at the airport as only 1 runway was operational - I counted 28 planes in line as we finally took off after a 45 min wait

Ashley seems determined to lose her teeth in the most unusaul places. 1st a pool in Mexico, now in a plane. I'm sure mine were all in the playground or around home!!!

Bye Bye

We spent our last night together at a Mexican restaurant in honor of our trip there even managed a strawberry margerita!! (Nothing like our favourite at home Sam - these are deadly!!!).

And whilst its bye bye for now June will come around quickly and the kids and I will be home for a spell - yipee!

Washington on the Brazo

Before it was a state of America Texas stood on its own as the Republic of Texas (1836 - 1845) - before that it was ruled by Mexico. Texans are a very proud people and I guess in comparison to some states it has a lot more history.

We travelled an hour to Washington, Texas to Washington on the Brazo. It is the site of "Independence Hall" where the formal declaration of independence from Mexico took place in 1835. It is set on a beautiful state park where we enjoyed a picnic lunch. In the park we could hear tapping and hard as it was Brian located a woodpecker high up in the trees and we got great delight seeing him in action. The first picture was as far as my little point and shoot would zoom in - so you can imagine how hard he was to spot. The second picture I cropped so you might be able to see ole Woody.We then went through the museum and followed the timeline of the Texas Revolution. And following that we walked through the Barrington Living History Farm . It's a representation of the farm founded by Dr. Anson Jones, last President of the Republic of Texas.

The interpreters/actors/workers at Barrington Living History Farm conduct themselves much as did the earliest residents of the original farmstead, raising cotton, corn, cattle and hogs. Visitors take a step into the lives of Barrington’s earliest residents and participate in daily activities to better understand what life was like over 150 years ago.

Milling corn

Making butter by hand.

Good old fashioned, non-digital, fun

The original, hand carved wooden horse

One of the slaves quarters

Wood carving lesson

PJ day at preschool

Liam has been waiting for January for soo long. "When is it going to be pajama day at school?" The kids got to wear their pjs all day, watch a movie and eat pop corn and fairy floss (cotton candy). Liam was very excited to show off his stomping ground to Nanny & Poppy.

Lunch time

Don't ask me why or how but you're allowed to have lunch with your child in their school - everyday (should you wish). Ashley was elated to have Nanny & Poppy visit her during her break. We stuck to a snack though as we couldnt quite bring ourselves to eat lunch at 10.30am!! (What child should be made to eat their lunch that earlyin the day?#@!)

Tool time with pop

For the sake of my child's bonding time with Pop and no other reason, I gave Brian some fix it jobs to do around the house.
Win win all round I'd say!