My Family & Other Animals - An Update from Down Under

Well, we're finally here...
six months in & 17,000km Down Under...the adventure has just begun!

Spurred by the shame of how lousy we've been with correspondence (our apologies to so many of you, my head is hung low), we've decided to try out this blog thing to keep you in the loop.

We survived the initial summer heat, water restrictions, local hoons on wheels, creepy crawlies (thank God there have not been too many), culture shock, as well as a family dose of Chicken Pox, and are finally starting to 'settle in', as they say.

Anna's adjusted well enough with ballet lessons, swimming classes, and music on the go. And loves (almost as much as me) her local play group, which she goes to once a week. As for 'little Jack'... not so little anymore having celebrated his first birthday in May. He started walking last week, much to all of our delight, but is still an avid toilet & bin rat.

Scott is working for Computer Associates as a PM on a banking project, which is fairly demanding but good experience. He's looking forward to Summer when he plans on cycling a 250km race around the bay (and when his car has a chance at being a convertible again rather than Mother Nature's bedpan). Actually, we're all looking forward to some warmer weather. Jack constantly pounds the windows and points to go outside, and one of Anna's first questions every day is whether or not we'll be able to go to the park. Aside from the usual day-to-day domestics associated with the young uns, I've really enjoyed exploring the area, meeting new people, and spending time on the beautiful beaches with the kids. We joined the National Gallery last week as the Guggeheim collection is in town on tour, and hope to get up to the city more often. It looks to be a hub of creative energy. The Melbourne Design Exhibition is on at the moment too!

We've already been spoiled with visits from family and friends this year - despite the distance. And look forward to the arrival of Nikki & her kids in September. For those of you still pondering the relocation question - two thumbs up from this end! If you don't believe us, book your tickets and come and stay for a while.

On the 'house front'... we've found a lovely place out in Mount Eliza, which is situated about 40km south of Melbourne's CBD on the Mornington Peninsula. Very exciting. Hopefully, more news on that later...

Well there we go... it's a start.

Here's to being in touch with you more often.