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I would have been a nervous wreck traveling with those road trains!
Commented Apr 13, 2013 on Top End Tour: On the Road to Kakadu at The Plunge Down Under
Top End Tour: On the Road to Kakadu
The drive from Darwin, capital city of the Northern Territory, to Kakadu National Park was both longer and more stressful than we had hoped. The monsoon rains had mercifully ceased, but flooding closed many roads, including the Arnhem Highway, the most direct route. Other roads were open only ...
PS I really like Katie's shorter hair style.
Commented Apr 11, 2013 on A Tour of the Top End of Australia at The Plunge Down Under
A Tour of the Top End of Australia
As we boarded the plane for our return trip to Melbourne from Australia's northernmost capital, Darwin, the text from my dad on my smart phone read, "Glad the crocs didn't get you. You do have all 4 kids, right?" I was able to answer in the affirmative--not only did we have all four kids, a...
I'm so glad to hear that you are all home completely in tact! The picture with the red sunset is absolutely exquisite! I can only imagine what it was like to experience it in person. I've been checking your blog daily anxiously awaiting your return posts. I can't wait to see what's next!
Commented Apr 11, 2013 on A Tour of the Top End of Australia at The Plunge Down Under
A Tour of the Top End of Australia
As we boarded the plane for our return trip to Melbourne from Australia's northernmost capital, Darwin, the text from my dad on my smart phone read, "Glad the crocs didn't get you. You do have all 4 kids, right?" I was able to answer in the affirmative--not only did we have all four kids, a...
Great post Katie! I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful time. Australia is so beautiful!
Commented Mar 16, 2013 on Katie Goes on Camp at The Plunge Down Under
Katie Goes on Camp
It has been a while since Katie has appeared as author on the pages of this blog. Today you are in for a treat as she writes about her recent camp experience after the following introduction. I don't know about you, but for me, the idea of going to camp meant fun when I was growing up. It was s...
Happy Birthday Christie!!!!!
Commented Nov 1, 2012 on Halloween Birthday at The Plunge Down Under
Halloween Birthday
There is at least one advantage to having a birthday that falls on Halloween. It is easy for others to remember. Throughout my childhood I endured the predictable jokes about being born on a day associated with witches, but at the same time I received lots of cards in the mail from relatives, ...
Happy Birthday James!
Commented Sep 18, 2012 on Birthday Boy at The Plunge Down Under
Birthday Boy
Although it hardly seems possible, on Saturday James celebrated his birthday for the third time in Australia. This was a big day for him, one he has been planning for many, many months, and he made the most of it. "I'm the birthday boy, and I am in charge" was his mantra from the moment he ...
I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip!!!!!!
Commented Jun 11, 2012 on Beyond the Tram Tracks at The Plunge Down Under
Beyond the Tram Tracks
It's a holiday weekend here in Australia. We have Monday off in honor of the Queen's birthday, and the timing this year seems especially appropriate given the recent celebration of her Jubilee. Everyone with whom I have spoken seems grateful for the long weekend, and I include myself amongst t...
I used to run all the time (in my younger years). Running definitely did a job on my knees. I'm definitely a walker!
I wish our scenery around here was as beautiful as your pictures!
Commented Jun 7, 2012 on In Praise of Walking at The Plunge Down Under
In Praise of Walking
Running seems to be all the rage these days. Every time I check into facebook, I read another status update from one of my many friends who have forsaken walking for running. They write about the number of miles accomplished that day, how early they have risen that morning to go running, about...
The rose looks beautiful on my desktop!LOL
Commented Mar 27, 2012 on A Rose, a Bee and a Birthday Girl at The Plunge Down Under
A Rose, a Bee and a Birthday Girl
Yesterday I stole a few minutes from a day filled with mundane household chores to spend in the garden with my camera. Today we marked the final celebration of Sophie's birthday with a party for a few of her friends. I hope you enjoy the photos from both days.
Simply amazing! I think you're ready for National Geographic!
Commented Mar 12, 2012 on Labor Day in our Front Garden at The Plunge Down Under
Labor Day in our Front Garden
Last year we spent Labor Day exploring Wilsons Prom. This year Ross accompanied his sister and family on the Great Ocean Road, taking Katie with him. While they swam in the frigid ocean, took video footage of koalas in the gum trees, and soaked in the spectacular scenery, the remaining three ch...
I'm so excited for them Christie! They have adjusted so beautifully to attending school. I hope they all have a great year and learn a lot!
Commented Feb 8, 2012 on It's Always Good to Have a Read at The Plunge Down Under
It's Always Good to Have a Read
Last year I adored Sophie's teacher. She was so gentle and soft spoken, and obviously loved the girls under her charge. She was a perfect first teacher for our somewhat shy third born, and when we bid her good-bye in December, I felt sure that Sophie was unlikely to have a better one. This yea...
Now I need a tissue! I remember watching James at Speech and Debate. He has grown up so much. What a cutie! I hope his first day was everything that he wished it would be.
Commented Feb 8, 2012 on A Milestone Reached at The Plunge Down Under
A Milestone Reached
To say that he was excited would be only a small part of the truth. It is true that he bounced his way down the staircase fully dressed in his uniform well before 7:00am, but interspersed with leaping jumps onto the sofa, delighted grins, and the occasional peal of unrestrained laughter were sev...
This is one of my favorite posts! What beauty!!!! I'm so glad to see that you are all having such a wonderful time together. I'm in awe looking at the pictures. I can't imagine what it would be like to be there in person. Enjoy soaking in God's beautiful landscape!
Commented Jan 27, 2012 on How Many Are Your Works, O Lord at The Plunge Down Under
How Many Are Your Works, O Lord
At some point during our trip to Phillip Island, or perhaps it was just before we left, Amy said that she was running out of adjectives to describe the many wonders of this beautiful country. I was sympathetic. Quite frequently I pause before composing a new post to consider which one I shoul...
Merry Christmas!!!
Commented Dec 25, 2011 on On Christmas Day at The Plunge Down Under
On Christmas Day
Overwhelmed with gratitude at the end of our first Australian Christmas: for dear friends with whom to spend this special day, for family members who miss us, for nine children who never fought once in spite of spending the day indoors, for delicious food and wonderful presents, for so much more...
It's so nice to see "Merry Christmas" displayed!
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Commented Dec 18, 2011 on It's Beginning to Look at The Plunge Down Under
It's Beginning to Look
not like Christmas exactly, at least not to someone who has spent her first forty years in the northern hemisphere. Nothing of the bleak midwinter, but perhaps midsummer festival with a Christmas theme? I will let you decide based on a few pictures I have taken lately. Here is J ...
What a beautiful young lady Katie has turned into!
Commented Dec 12, 2011 on A Teenager in our Midst at The Plunge Down Under
A Teenager in our Midst
Just a little more than thirteen years ago, we welcomed our first born into our lives. Her arrival had been much-anticipated, and I recall spending hours in the rocking chair in her nursery, imagining what it would be like to rock a newborn baby. In spite of these hours of contemplation, howev...
Christie, that is so funny. I'm sure John would have been out front too!LOL
Commented Nov 9, 2011 on An American Thanksgiving in Melbourne at The Plunge Down Under
An American Thanksgiving in Melbourne
Twelve months ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be serving Thanksgiving dinner to 73 people in November 2011. Had you asked, I would have responded that it was impossible. That is exactly what happened this past Sunday night, however, and somehow the whole event came off without one...
What a beautiful job you all did!!! It looks absolutely delicious!
I do have one question however......How did Ross get towards the front of the line?LOL I'm just kidding.
Commented Nov 8, 2011 on An American Thanksgiving in Melbourne at The Plunge Down Under
An American Thanksgiving in Melbourne
Twelve months ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be serving Thanksgiving dinner to 73 people in November 2011. Had you asked, I would have responded that it was impossible. That is exactly what happened this past Sunday night, however, and somehow the whole event came off without one...
What a beautiful time spent together as a family! The scenery is just exquisite!
Commented Nov 2, 2011 on Notes from the Return Flight to Melbourne at The Plunge Down Under
Notes from the Return Flight to Melbourne
High above the Outback on our return journey, marveling at the intensity of the rich, warm hues revealed by the sunshine, I must admit that our trip to visit Australia's giant red rock was nothing like I expected. We anticipated searing heat, blinding sunlight, spectacular sunsets, dry earth, af...
What a beautiful picture!
Commented Oct 8, 2011 on Checking In at The Plunge Down Under
Checking In
Two days of cricket training camp for Cameron at the beginning of the week, followed by three full days of Holiday Club for all of us but Ross, the last day of which we were pleased to welcome back my parents for their third trip down under, have meant no spare time to update the blog this week....
I can definitely see why Cameron likes Hanging Rock. It's beautiful! I absolutely love the red and blue bird. It actually became my desktop picture instead of the koala.lol
It looks like you all had a wonderful fun filled family day!
Commented Oct 2, 2011 on Picnic at Hanging Rock at The Plunge Down Under
Picnic at Hanging Rock
One of our very first excursions after our arrival in Australia last year was to an unusual volcanic formation known as Hanging Rock. All of the children, but especially Cameron, have been begging ever since to return, and so when we woke up to sunshine yesterday morning, we threw together some...
Way to go James! That's a wonderful accomplishment!
Commented Sep 15, 2011 on James Rides a Bike at The Plunge Down Under
James Rides a Bike
What better way to celebrate turning five than by learning to ride a bicycle. This James managed to do between his party, and the day of his actual birthday. While he by no means wins the prize for learning to ride a two-wheeler at the youngest age in our family, we are all agreed that his spe...
Beautiful pictures Christie!
Commented Sep 13, 2011 on Spring Riot at The Plunge Down Under
Spring Riot
The first signs of spring made their appearance shortly after we returned from our five week trip to North America in early August, nearly six weeks earlier than last year, according to our memories at least. Not that we have been complaining. Far from it. Occasionally a cold, rainy day has i...
Happy Birthday James! I definitely hear you Christie regarding stressing over birthday parties. I always try to get the kids to agree to a "family event" (waterpark, amusement park etc...) instead of a kids party because it IS a lot of work!
That soccer cake is the cutest cake I've ever seen!
Commented Sep 11, 2011 on Lots of Kids and Lots of Presents at The Plunge Down Under
Lots of Kids and Lots of Presents
After spending much of the afternoon reading the coverage of the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 in a local newspaper, I wondered if it was appropriate to complete a post on a five year-old's birthday party. Our hearts go out to those grieving lost loved ones, and we hope we may be truly grateful ...
Christie, your beautiful tribute to your grandpa brought tears to my eyes. May God continue to bring peace and comfort to you as you reminisce the wonderful times you spent together with your grandfather.
What a beautiful reunion it will be someday to reunite with all of our loved ones and spend eternity with an AWESOME God!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!
Commented Sep 10, 2011 on Glimpses of Heaven: Remembering my Grandpa at The Plunge Down Under
Glimpses of Heaven: Remembering my Grandpa
My grandfather has been much on my mind lately. It started, I think, with our trip to Michigan in July. It has been more than four years since he departed this earth, but his presence is still felt in all the corners of the home he shared with my grandmother for more than twenty years. It is ...
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