snowsuits versus sunscreen

We have now determined that putting on sunscreen before going anywhere takes the same if not more time than snowsuits. We are not complaining, but we were told we would not miss the hassle of getting the girls into snowsuits. Try putting on sunscreen multiple times a day. At least with the snowsuits you do not have to plan ahead and they can do most of the snowsuit themselves. The beach and hot weather after the sunscreen is a definite plus though :).

Manly Beach

Today we scored on our public transit rides to and from Manly Beach. On the way there the ferry was full so went straight to Darling Harbour with only 3 stops and on the way home we got the express ferry to Rydalmere. We are getting used to the crowds and the mass usage of public transit. Those that know Matt would be surprised but we did drive and park at the ferry today instead of biking.  Today was hot!!

On the trip we saw views of the bridge and the people walking over it as well as the Sydney Opera House.

Manly Beach was big and huge. I think we could spend days exploring. We started at the beach. We were so eager to go into the ocean and Malia really just wanting dig in the the sand. Matt and Maëlle got right to it. Unfortunately Maëlle was only in for minutes with Matt before a Bluebottle stung her. She was a trouper and once the stinging went away (30 min) was in good spirits again.

Yeah the beach!

This is a Blue bottle

My leg is stinging!

We find a swim team

Today we went to try out a swim team. We were welcomed with open arms and Maëlle got to swim 2 races, play for an hour and do an hour lesson as well. The times for her practice and racing are Saturdays which might not really work for us, but we might just go when we can as the cost is good. Very different from Canada in that 8 and unders don't pay other than their admission to the pool and if Matt and I would like to join in for swimming it would just be $60 dollars each. Malia had a blast in the pool as well and swimming out doors is just the best.

If Maëlle keeps with the club she might go on a Thursday night with the next group up if she can do it and each Saturday as a race opportunity and a lesson. They really just want kids swimming here. It is so nice to see. The Parramatta swim team was a great team to get introduced to today.

Rainy Day Fun

The weather has been wet! We are definitely starting to settle in. We are living just outside the city of Parrammatta which is filled with lots to do. We have been able to go places without feeling completely lost. Maëlle even congratulated me on both getting home without getting lost and not using the windshield wipers instead of the turning blinker. 

Victories of the week: 

1) Finding the original MouseTrap

2) Rain stopping and the trampoline not been too hot to jump on

3) Venturing the Lake Parramatta in the rain to just explore and the girls having a blast

Fail of the week: Not getting laundry dry before rain started for multiple hours.

Burnside School- Maëlle's School

Maëlle got to go and see her new school! We met the principal and the secretary. She purchased some used school uniform items and got to look around inside and out. I am so happy with the school and think that is is going to be a great year for her. She got some books to take home to read to be ready for year one. She read to the principal with confidence and not one bit of shyness. They eat lunch outside and get a tea break. She is going to get to to do so many different things. She is excited to share with you all once she starts.

In the kitchen with Matt: Australian Tourtière

So far on this trip Matt has been having a blast in the kitchen with the girls. Cooking from a kids cook book that Maëlle found very quickly. Today he stepped up the game. Kangaroo was the meat of choice on his twist of a French-Canadian Tourtière. It was a huge success! 

Checking items off the list

As we start to get more ready for life down under, we have realized a lot of things about what we can do with ease and what takes a lot of energy and puts us out of our comfort zones (both mine and Matt's). Today we went to open a bank account. We phoned ahead and asked what do we need. Followed the directions and then arrive only to be told we need more. We ventured to an Internet cafe and managed to save us a 5km bike home and back. Bank account done! We have ordered SIM cards, bought a car and finished the REGO and been on a few adventures. It still seems at bit like a holiday but with a lot more work to get set up.

I am thinking a bit of travelling for the next week might be in order since it is still summer holidays!