No Place Like Travel

We are diving through flyover land. Not much happens around here. Highways, rest stops, bad food, and two bit towns that help join the dots from point A to point B. Van Horn's claim to fame is its middle ground between Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Nothing more.

Tiny tot

We are actually overtaking someone!

Pit stop and windscreen clean

The last remaining stash of briefcases in the western world, at the Flying J

English hubby talked me into a tuna melt

Have butterfly will travel

Smack bang in the middle of nowhere special

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One supermarket shop, two fast food stops, four hours drive time, 240 more miles under our belt we made it from Medina to Fort Stockton. Due west along the gun barrel of Texas. We experimented with a new approach – driving two hours, breaking for an early dinner and bath time for Baby Boy O, and then back in the hot seat for another two hours. It sort of worked, with sporadic cries as the little one was woken from slumber by bumpy roads and the loud clattering of dishes and stuff in our RV. The experiment continues.

Checking out the trike

Which ride would you prefer?

Drive through the hills

Long John Silvers, surprisingly delicious fish and chips and good service too

Beep beep, move out the way!

Stocking up at H.E.B.

Hola sombrero

Half time break. Letting him stretch out

English hubby piecing Rover back together

Tickle games

Our second serving of fat fast food today. Pizza Hut's skinny pizza with an asterisk stating it is not a low calorie food!

Notice how wide the booths are?! Pizza Hut patron size

Post dinner roadside bath, all ready for bed and the final leg of the drive

Driving into the sunset

Sky's on fire

Hello Fort Stockton

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It’s hard to believe that we’ve only been back in Rover for 10 days. England, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and Hong Kong now seem so very long ago. It’s nice to have now found our own rhythm, a balance as best we can between work, play, family and ‘me’ time. Our clocks seem to have synced. It makes me happy to have a routine, a plan. Perhaps it is the illusion of order and control. I recognize it will change in the most unpredictable ways, but I’ll take it nonetheless.

Four square

A walk around the neighborhood

Where’s Mary?

Someone woke up very cranky

Handover time as per the new schedule

Trying to teach him how to crawl. He’s not happy at all!

Still so much to do and so little time

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We’re camping out at Peach Country RV Park for the rest of the week. English Hubby gets to make sales calls and I get to hang out with my cheeky little boy. His personality grows stronger every single day and there are many giggles and laughs, but also grumps and tantrums. He came off his straight through the night sleeping schedule a few days back, mainly because of teething. We had to take some action to help him learn to get back in that sleep groove. Baby Boy O has mastered the art of standing. All good except he gets frustrated because he can’t do much else like move, sit or balance. He’s quickly entering toddlerhood and I’m busily reading books and searching for tips and YouTube videos to smooth the transitions. All that being said he is great company. I think we’ll keep him!

A couple of renditions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in C major

Practicing the art of walking

Taking a long walk down to the Pendernales River

Taking an afternoon nap after all that play

Maintenance

Putty in my hands

Date night BBQ dinner al fresco

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We are the youngest RVing family here. If you added up my age, English Hubby’s and Baby Boy O’s we would be getting more in the vicinity of our fellow campers. There’s a lovely simplicity that I see around me. At the same time getting old can be tough when you add to the mix Alan’s dementia, Betty’s limp and Linda’s failing eyesight, but there seems to be an acceptance that time moves and we move with it. No sweating the small stuff, focusing on the here and now. Today there was great excitement surrounding the St Paddy’s day pot luck dinner. Naturally we couldn’t miss the social even of the week, so I whipped up a simple stir fry for dinner at 5pm. 

Family breakfast outdoors

Joining the ladies knitting circle

Playtime fun!

Steering well clear of the unidentifiable green stuff

Loving the corned beef

Going green

Center of attention

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Today is Pi day 3.14.15…and so on, infinitely, random and changing. It is written that the beauty of Pi is that it puts infinity within reach. Therefore today it seems fitting that we commit to make an infinitely wise change. We all have that mental list – eat better, sleep more, do more exercise, moisturize, drink more water, meditate more and so on.  Some day we will run out of time to take that journey of change. So today English Hubby and I have started reading the Zen Habits book, Mastering the Art of Change, and are committing to just one change as we work through the chapters in this book. That one thing is to get more exercise. There. It’s out there in the big wide world. 

Sometimes you need to get through the fog to get some clarity

We had grand ambitions to refuel, hike and explore. Shopping as always took longer than anticipated

Weighing in

Thank goodness for Whole Foods

Won’t be going hungry anytime soon

Refueling, literally

After dinner commitment to change

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A restful day at the campsite. Some work, some admin and lots of playing with the little one. The sun finally arrived so we went for a few walks by the river and along the trails. Baby Boy O is now keenly aware of fuzzy four legged friends. Every time he sees one its a “woohf whoohf” greeting. 

Morning green juice made by English Hubby’s fair hands

Woohf woohf Cricket

Coming back from a morning stroll to the river

Down time

Pure concentration

Finally the sun comes out to play, after four foggy rainy days

Friday afternoon family walk

Dear spotting

Puppy dog tales

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Yesterday I casually wrote “can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow” and Baby Boy O delivers. This morning he hoisted himself up from sitting to standing position, using the strategically positioned car seat as balance bars. If that wasn’t enough, this afternoon he took his first independent steps! Holding onto the couch for dear life, legs shakey and a mix of pure fear and excitement. Small steps for him, big steps for all of us. 

Hoisting himself up with all his might

Family lunch outside, sharing it with a few wasps

A few moments of quiet play, in between Pterodactyl like cries

Big steps for a small boy 

An Aussie boomerang meat pie. Close enough, and tasty. 

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Baby Boy O has been eating up a storm. He can’t seem to get enough of food and milk, and his all time favorite, watermelon. Definitely another growth spurt on the way, adding to the mental leaps he’s already making. Everyday is a new day and learning just continues exponentially. I feel so fortunate to be able to be witness to these events – things we as adults take for granted day in day out – but from a little ones point of view, it is a huge leap to take one foot step after another and hold himself still, to sift out then eject an unsavory food item from a mouthful of food, to open and close a box and take out blocks from a container, to play games with his mummy and understand the idea of taking turns and rolling in fits of laughter at each other. My baby played quietly and even looked after me today as I recouped in bed. His sweet chubby fingers gently wrapped around mine as I napped. I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow.

Sweet Baby Boy O looking at birdies by the Colorado River

Food glorious food

Daddy took him out for a walk to the activity center and along the trails

After lunch walk to the river with mummy

His natural little coif

Standing up and holding on like a big boy 

Having fun at the playgrounds and playing games with mummy

Delicious roast dinner after an afternoon of play, cuddles and naps. Life is so very good

Netflix date night in, and trip planning

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Baby Boy O has a lot to say. Today he did the talking for us both. He loves jumping into conversation, chattering away to Mike our fellow RVer. He made friends with Linda the next door camper too. Best of all those seemingly random syllables may actually mean something. Mamamamama appears to stand for mummy. His first official word. It’s close enough. I’ll take it!

Playtime is becoming quite serious

Chatting with Mike, the first person online in 1946 when his dad and brother pegged him up with the rest of the laundry 

Sharing a moment with Mike who has many stories to tell

Bridge over troubled waters

Home for the next few nights. Hot dogs in the activity center tonight, ice cream social tomorrow

Landing a coveted spot by the river

Sorting things out

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We are settling into a new normal. Baby Boy O wakes us, he feeds, we play. Breakfast, clean up, admin, pack and go. We shop for essentials or gas or something, we lunch and we drive further. He cries, laughs, moans, smiles and more. We reach our destination where I unpack the inside whilst occupying the little one and English Hubby hooks up the RV outside. A little more play, perhaps a book. Then bath, another feed, and put to bed. Then dinner, dishes and we try to catch up on all the things we feel we should have done during the day in transit. Even without a ‘real job’ our time is cram filled with living.

Morning playtime

Nap time

Drive time through fog in Galveston

Lunch time snack

Afternoon giggles

Grown up stuff

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We have been completely spoilt with kindness. That bridge of friendship spanning Singapore, New York, Houston and now Galveston began with a conversation at a bus stop. Invited into their family’s home, flying kites on the beach, drinking margaritas over a Tex Mex two plate dinner feast. Sharing experiences and excitement of times to come. It makes me smile and remember how fortunate we are, every moment, every day. 

What a great way to wake up, smiling.

And with a view 

Monkey business

Baby Boy O’s first lesson in aeronautics

Up in the air

Higher higher daddy!

Big kids

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a rainbow kite!

The concentration

Handyman Dan commanding the skies

Not quite beach weather but nice to on the beach

We’re in Texas. There’s got to be good Tex Mex here

Waiting for dinner 

Only regret is not taking a photo of English Hubby’s two plate original dinner

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Getting settled back into the RV bit by bit. It’s nice to rediscover our tiny house on wheels and not having to live out of a suitcase. Baby Boy O’s shoe rack of clothes is unpacked, toys put away, English Hubby spent the morning rearranging the storage to make room for a stroller too. We now move from two vehicles to one. Rental returned after a circuitous drive around Houston airport courtesy of Google Maps. We are now traveling as a family in Rover, heading down to Galveston to meet Finland Gal and Handyman Dan. Running late of course. 

The great unpack

Farewell rental

A very happy baby thanks to the lovely lady at Krogers

Balloon games in the frozen aisle

From Houston to Galveston, a sunset with love 

All you need is a balloon and a Finnish Gal

Only six years old!

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Winter caught up with us with a good sprinkling of snow in Dallas. We planned to take off at 9 but ended up leaving by about 10am. So is life with a little one who now refuses to be put down to play alone. Packing takes twice as long! We sludged our way to Conroe to pick up Rover. Luckily he was tucked away safe and sound with everything in good working order. A few quick pit stops to dewinterize, settle storage and restock on supplies, then onto our spot for the night. It’s good to be home.

Dallas in white

Still practicing with the buckets

Like father like son

Heading 196 miles south!

A balmy 37 degree Fahrenheit 

Hello Rover

But I don’t want to drive it mummy!

Flat battery but everything else in good nick

On the road again!

Restocking with goodies

Parking up for the night

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We put it out there today. Dream sheet shared. Our wish list is out there in the universe and the wheels are a-turning. Where it lands is something that will be revealed to us in good time. It has been a bumpy road to get to this point. Lots of late nights, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides, what ifs and what not. Today good team work shone through, a important and different type of partnership. Tonight we celebrate with In-and-out burgers and a bag of popcorn.

Teaching the little one how to stack buckets

Walking through the rain

The pitch

Playing bucket games with mummy

A grease spoon milestone celebration

Yesterday’s post: SitterCity

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Thank goodness for SitterCity. We managed to find a great babysitter to meet us at our hotel in Irving. Baby Boy O loved the attention from someone new. Martha was great, nevertheless leaving my baby with a near complete stranger is a harrowing experience. We had a number of trial runs today – baby sitter and late night pitch perfect rehearsals – and now we have more peace of mind for tomorrow. Que sera sera. 

Striking gold with Martha

Nice to have another pair of hands

Loving all the attention

The t-shirt says it all

Calm before the bedtime storm. Sometimes you have to shut the hotel door and rehearse in the hallway

Yesterday’s post: The Final Flying Leg

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It’s been a very long day, starting in LA and ending in Dallas. Another snafu with American Airlines neglecting to inform us that they had changed our 11.10 flight to 09.30. Our patience tested in one long line after another – baggage check, rebooking and then security. Having spent over five hours in LAX Terminal 4 I can now safely say that it ranks as one of the worst airports in the world. Nevertheless we made the best of our closing leg of travel, grabbing lunch, finding a little nook to rest and even sneaking in a floor nap. Baby Boy O held up as well as a teething baby in transit can. It’s near midnight in our hotel room and he has finally melted down. This marks the official close of our round the world in 91 days chapter. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and looking forward to being reunited with Rover, soon.

A great way to start the day in LA

Pirate Coopy with his swashbuckling tales

Princess Lila recounting stories of dragons

A lot of love in the air

Line after line

Bag surfer

Making the most of the situation

It’s been a long long day

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Hong Kong has really turned on the glitz. The sun is shining, the mist has cleared and the sky is blue. It is a completely different city of concrete angels. We went from sea to sky on the Big Bus. Stanley for lunch and Sky 100 in the afternoon to view Hong Kong from the heavens. Then back to basics with dinner at ABC Kitchen. So very grateful for good health, good friends, good weather. 

It’s so much fun playing tourist in Hong Kong. Although I’d lived here for the best part of a couple of years, there were many parts of Hong Kong that were left untouched. Taking the hop on hop off Big Bus is a superb way to see (what we could through the mmist) the new and old of this incredible city. We rode on the open air top deck and feasted on the sights and tastes of Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Baby Boy O qualities for the best baby in the world award. He rolled with his oldies, out all day, sneaking in two on-the-go naps and being a charm magnet. 

It’s been almost 10 years since we’ve visited Hong Kong and it all feels familiar and new at the same time. I remember the buildings and the lights, the smells and the sound. I’ve forgotten the grime and the dirt, the inability of people to walk in a straight trajectory and the desire of pedestrians to find space where none exists. This was my home many moons ago, and where I met some of my favorite people in the whole entire world. We are staying with one of them right now and it still feels as if time has not missed a beat. 

Wonderfully familiar territory…

…with tiny elevators

Not sure if low visibility is caused by fog, smog or a combo of both

A trip down memory lane…or more precisely a ride up escalator alley

Onward and upward

One hell of a job to maneuver the beast

All this banking, sightseeing and exploring is hard work

A more secure pillow fort

Making dinner with groceries from Aeon

Only Donna Deal would buy 8kgs of haloumi and 200 bottles of wine

Hong Kong by night

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Chinese New Year takes on a different meaning with a little one. So much more fuss is made and to see well worn events through the eyes of a little one is just magical. Spending it with family is so very special, more than words can ever describe. The lunar new year is always a turning of the page. New luck and fortune, a new chapter. Change will come and may we have the courage and compassion to accept things as they are.

A prosperous red start to the new year

Our little china doll

Thanks for the ang pow Gong Gong and Poh Poh

Happy year of the goat!

My heart melts 

Everyone say cheese!

Show me the money says Squee

Special parking

Let it rain down under the money tree

Under cover moment

Finally the drums start to roll

Not scared at all as Gong Gong keeps his hand on his heart

Loving the dragon dance

Completely captivated

Walking the halls, meeting and greeting

Delicious dim sum lunch at Lucky Chan

Perfect Melbourne sunshine day

Celebration

Chance meeting

Off for a walk

Exploring the Yarra

And a quick shop at the Docklands

Home is where the family is

Delicious dinner whipped up by dad

So very true

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Hanging out locally and at The Local. Morning hungry hippo breakfast down Main Street, followed by a walk by the beach back home. Then another day of photo scanning and digitizing of memories. A seemingly endless Sisyphusean project. Bath time and bed time sneaks up and the little one is put to bed and grandparents are on babysitting duty. We sneak off to drinks and dinner at The Local with the sisters plus two. Another great day in Melbourne. 

Breakfast on Main Street

Shark attack

Light entertainment

Then back to work

Some of the helpers are slacking off! 

The truth…

…on tap

One sister…

Two sisters…

…six tubs of ice cream. Sounds fair!

Yesterday’s post: Photos

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The generational gap is best exemplified by preferences for photos. I like them digital where there is no need to categorize them, put them in photo albums, or worry that may disappear in a flood or fire. They are there at your fingertips (cloud access willing) and digital photos are even capable of telling you where they were taken. Crazy Daisy falls in the other camp. Mum likes the feel of a photo, the flip of the page, the ability to show them to her friends in a nicely laid out book. So we’ve spent the better part of the day sequencing and sorting baby photos and putting them into albums. I have to admit there is something nice and satisfying about the end product, a book that pages through Baby Boy O’s first few months. 

So very Melbourne. Best coffee culture in the world

Smooches with…

…my little space cadet

Off she goes to audit the shops with her carer

Sorting photos

Such precious moments captured

But nothing is a good as the real thing!

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I remember summer days like these where we would feel slow and lethargic. As a kid the days would feel so very long and the sun shone so very hot. The breeze offers no relief. The ding of the bell announcing recess was over was a welcome sound just to escape the outdoors. That smell of grass and sunshine and baking dirt. Now, given we are all grown up, we jump in the car and escape to Southland to get out of the heat.

Who are these crazy people?!

It’s so hot I’m melting

Lunch at Southland

Baby Boy O is in on the action with a fistful of hot cross buns

Only last week Stinky and I were wondering what happened to Sarah and Michelle. The universe has a funny way of bringing people together

Evening walk with my honey

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Our days are packed with so many activities that by night’s end we are exhausted. It’s a lovely feeling, days so full of things I want to do, people to see and places to be. Poor English Hubby has been working at home whilst Baby Boy O and I scoot all over town. Today we took our first Melbourne train ride together, off to Richmond to meet Cookes for lunch. Aunty Cycle Janice and Uncle Nurse Kev came over for laksa dinner and chats on Darwinism at its best. Add a couple of bags of chips, Vietnamese sweeties, fresh cut mango and a tub of salted caramel ice cream and tummies are way full before bed. 

What?! No more food?

Introducing Baby Boy O to Melbourne public transportation

Someone loves looking out the window

Richmond

Don’t you know I’m famous?

Had to try this place because it had Rambo in its name

Loving the present from Poh Poh

Loving the doughy sweetness of a bao more!

Cuddles with Cycle Janice

Build it up just to tear it down

More to add to the baby bank account. Thank you!

Pre bath time feeding frenzy continues

What are the rest of you having?

Sisters (junior)

Sisters (senior)

Yesterday’s post: Building

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Reno Charlie and Opera Cat have been renovating their place for years. Seeing it come together is beautiful. A happy place, full of life and light. Just like their lovely family. Building takes years. Gardens take time to grow, then taste so very sweet. We look forward to the dinner party with the long rustic table that stretches from the deck, through the window and into the garden. Cheers. 

Made with love – 5am and Gong Gong is in the kitchen

Watching the world go by through a curtain of rain

Loving every spoonful

Baby Boy O skyping with all the grandparents

Over the West Gate Bridge

Lego nose job

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Playing pick up toys with Opera Cat

What can you do with a plum?

Master builders

Youngest foodie on the block

Like peas in a pod

Big game in play

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Much sporting excitement tonight with Murray playing Krygios in the quarter finals of the Australian Open. Crazy Daisy is worth her weight in gold, especially when she turned to English Hubby and declares, “tonight are enemies”! Unfortunately there are no remaining Aussies in the competition, and mum has also lost her lover boy, Federer, so the field is wide open for her vocal support. 

Off to see the ducks (part 2)

Brunch at Main Street with my boys

Noshing on roast beef and vegetable purée with Turkish bread

Off to the beach

For a wind swept walk…

…and family selfie

Chasing seagulls

C’mon gimme a hug!

Pre game dash for munchies

England v Australia

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In a blink of an eye 20 years flies by. Cousins grow up, new families are created, and conversations move from Barbies and Lego to house prices, grandsons and worldly travels. They say it’s always about journey, but when you’re on that path every day it is hard to notice the gradual change. Then all of a sudden over afternoon tea the passing of time becomes evident and more memories are made.

The look of pure joy

Love bug

Catching up over a cosmopolitan afternoon tea

Playing duck with Grand Aunty S

This is how we roll

Captivated by the cuckoo

Theory of relativity…Energy = Memories and Cousins Squared

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I’m reminded of why Melbourne is known to have ‘four seasons in one day’. It has threatened to rain since the morning, with intermittent sprinklings under an ominous looking sky. Nevertheless we pushed on and managed to fit in a walk to the local coffee shop this morning, muffins and coffee on a park bench, lunch and cupcakes at Soniana’s place, zoo dancing, the case of a missing trailer, and a walk to the park to play. It has been a wonderful day with wonderful friends. This is what make it feel like home. 

Braving the weather

One cappuccino with two sugars and a decaf soy latte please

Muffin break

Baby Boy O gets his little super puff snacks

Coffee break and cuddle with Smelly

Making butterfly cupcakes from scratch

I want…

…CUPCAKE!

English Hubby doing some light reading and seeing the error of his ways

Making lunch, with olives too!

Loving the attention

Off to the park

The most amazing women in the world, reunited

Cheeky bunnies – one hard head, one dibber dobber, one five year old going on fifteen and one smiley olive eating princess

This picture says it all

Soniana always knew this day would come

Capping off a perfect day with dinner at The Local with Scoobes and Fatty Patty

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Enjoying some much needed R&R at our lovely villa. So very glad we chose to stay here. Thank you to all our Facebook friends who gave us advice on whether an open swimming pool would be a hazard for an eight month old baby. The wonders of technology, allowing us to crowdsource an answer. 

Hello sunshine

Nap time now

Sweet potato for my sweet boy

Bringing home the goodies

More snacks

More napping

Hot stone rub down

And a delicious dip

Followed by a yummy (dark) dinner at the Bvlgari Resort

With my fabulous boys

Yesterday’s post: Love And Marriage

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I have known my Dear Kinder Friend since I was three. It has been a connection that spans continents, schools, companies and the passing of time. He played the song that I walked down the aisle to, and today I feel so blessed to share another milestone with him. His marriage to his soul mate. To my Dear Kinder Friend and his Missus, may the stars in the heavens shine upon you and happiness touch every day. 

Just chillin’

Enjoying the villa

Hello Babysitter Jawick

Off to breakfast

So nice to have an extra pair of hands (thx for the recommendation Party Marty)

Greeted by devilish smiles

So happy to be carried

Just over the back fence

Playing with Gong Gong’s girlfriend

Learning about hydrology

Mastering the two handed maneuver

Pool time pre wedding fun

Checking out Uncle Nik’s man jewelry

Waiting for the bus

The dress fits!…just

Enroute in traffic

Finally made it

Daddy please…

Hmmm!

Last minute prep

The longest wait

For his perfect soulmate

Lighting up the night

Local delicacies

A few drinks down the line

Wedding favors…

…with sagely advice

Second wind for the party boy

About to turn into late night pumpkins

Yesterday’s post: Bali High

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Bali was never on my list of places to go. Growing up in Australia, Bali was where the lager louts and bogans went for their corn roll braid holidays. Sort of like what the trashy Ibiza party crowd is to the English. But as I’ve learned over the last year to never say never. We are here for my Dear Kinder Friend’s wedding and I’m loving being in the heat and mess and smell of Indonesia. Having crowd sourced the decision to stay in a gorgeous villa with a private pool, we find ourselves amongst old friends. Over 25 years and still recognizable. Connections renewed, it is now time to play. 

A view from the top

Heading off to explore

Loving the sights and smells

And sounds and the craziness

May be a killer in more ways than one

What would Kentucky think?   

Traditional breakfast with an old family friend

Love checking out the local supermarket

You never know what you will find

Not surprising we got lost finding the villa last night

Going for the mini me camouflage look

Meeting up at Finns Bar

A long way down for a cocktail on the beach

Thank goodness for the mechanical intervention

Quick selfie plus one

Perfectly timed around the torrential storm

Maybe the crab ran off with English Hubby’s fitbit

Big hugs from a Starr

Not your average night in Bali

Yesterday’s post: Last Day Of An Amazing Year

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It’s been one of the best years of my life. Our little cherub arrived, we have each other, our health and the freedom to roam. I wake each morning feeling incredibly fortunate, blessed with more than I could ever ask for. Part wondering what we have done to be deserving and every ounce grateful. My artist friend Deb selects a word each year. Following in her footsteps my word for 2015 is “balance”. Being in equilibrium, at that continually changing point where things are harmonious, where the moment matters and is effortless in a positive way. Bring on 2015. 

We’ve managed to accumulate more stuff. Packing fast after a late wake up

Dearest Banana knows English Hubby well! Thank you my dear friend xx

Off to Sydney Bec’s for a quick drink and tips on navigating Bali immigration. Poor little Cousin curly Kiwi Frog lapping up his Panadol

Old and new friends, and can’t wait to meet the soon to arrive little one

Off to Bali. Safety first!

Do I really need this mummy?!

Our happy little traveler 

Lines aren’t too bad

Getting ripped off by the taxi driver – 275,000 rupees or bust

Fireworks over the horizon. Just don’t hold them.

Starting the new year with a swim in our pool. Thank you for an amazing year, and looking forward to 2015 with open arms

Yesterday’s post: A Walk Down Memory Lane

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English Hubby and I first met in Singapore over 12 years ago, when I gate crashed a leaving do he had organized for a team member of his. My Dear Kinder Friend had invited me, and coincidently it is to his wedding that we will be traveling to in Bali, in a few days’ time. Talk about things coming full circle. 

Now we revisit Singapore married and all grown up with a baby in tow, for a sticky walk down memory lane. So many days and nights we had both spent on this tiny island city. Working for various clients, getting up to mischief late into the night and early into the morning. Back then Singapore was a little backwater, starting to make its way onto the international scene. Now it feels like it’s all grown up too. 

Leaving his mark on Banana’s fridge

Cool new toys!

So very excited to get going and see some of the old hang outs. Looking forward to Hainese Chicken Rice at the bakery

Not as excited as mummy

Turns out the chicken rice place is not open until lunch time, so we follow another recommendation

Traditional street food breakfast – nasi goreng, kaya toast, half boiled eggs, sweet tea and milo

Baby Boy O is really loving it

Can’t get enough!

Off to explore our old hang outs

Everything has changed. From bars to restaurants. From single to married plus baby!

Finally awake from his jet lagged sleep

Loving the baby change facilities at Raffles Plaza Shopping Mall

Indulging in a bit of shopping

Touristing around the arts center durian

Getting creative

Many months spent working in the financial district and Shenton Way 

Landmarks

Found our way to the beautiful Fullerton Quay hotel

Anyone dare to pull the white string?

Old fashioned selfie

Picnic lunch with throbbing techno music

Getting some tropical papaya action

Environmentally conscious Singapore

All new (to us) Marina Bay Sands

Seriously, what’s with these selfie sticks?!

Oh no! Recycling gone too far

Walking, walking, walking

Over the bridge and far away

Admiring the lotus position

Ship ahoy!

High flyer

Creativity on the walls

Rest break, enjoying the Singaporean version of Glee Club

Learning about GrabTaxi, Comfot, Hailo and Uber

Surprise!

Instant cuddles

Thank you for my ang pow Khoo Poh and Uncle

Two things off the check list – Hainese chicken rice and satay

So heartwarming to see Cousin “Charles” and his family

Baby Boy O surrounded by lovely ladies

Little cuddle with Uncle SK

More cuddles with Khoo Poh

See you all soon…maybe in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, America…?

Hope the wind doesn’t change Miss C3

Yesterday’s post: Made It To Singapore…Finally

Tomorrow’s post:

It was a long long flight from Doha to Singapore. The cunning plan was to keep Baby Boy O awake on this leg so he will fall asleep when we reach our destination – a pre-emptive jetlag manoever. Naturally he had other plans of his own and we know who’s boss on that front! Nevertheless we made it to Singapore. The missing Air Asia flight puts things in perspective. Even though we were five hours late, we arrived safe and sound. So very ready for some shut eye if only we could find the right apartment! 

Not the 9.30pm arrival we had expected!

Now, was it 235 or 237? Block A or B?

After a half decent nap, Baby Boy O was ready to hit the toy box

I’ve missed Asia with its giant tropical plants and monsoon rains

Taxi over to east coast

Sydney Becs with jetlagged and grumpy Baby Boy O

Still waking up…slowly

Much happier when we went native with Cousin Curly Kiwi Frog

Post massage take out dinner with the French famiile

Yesterday’s post: 

Tomorrow’s post:

I’ve heard of Sleepless in Seattle, but never thought I’d be delayed in Doha! Thank goodness for middle eastern hospitality. Doha International was an oasis, compared to American airports. Nice clean family change rooms, places to comfortably rest, service with a smile, people who know what their doing. I think they should base the next reality TV season of Survivor in JFK. That is enough to make contestants cry. 

Diaper change time

Those men are just so loud, here’s a place to escape

Talk about awesome

Exploring the terminal. Not everyday you see a giant yellow teddy bear

Doing quite well given its about 2am London time

You’ve got to be sh*tting me. Now a 4.5 hour delay?!

Off to have a nap in the quiet room

Lunch / dinner / whatever at Marche. Not sure that time it is, nor do I want to know

With my superstar traveller

And finally we are on board…Singapore here we come!

Yesterday’s post: Farewell a England, For Now

Tomorrow’s post:

All good things must come to an end…for now. We leave England today, bound for Singapore, with a stopover in Doha. Having spent a month in Sevenoaks and with all the Christmas merriment we have managed to accumulate more stuff than we bargained for. Packing is a major game of creative Tetris. 

Last minute help desk 

Another round of packing…

…what do we do with things that don’t fit?

Yah Yah entertaining Baby Boy O with nursery rhymes

Nothing goes to waste…yummy!

Loading up on the cuddles. Everyone’s sad.

See you soon Aunty Ems. Come visit us in NYC

Pass the baby. Yah Yah’s turn

Finally through security at LHR

Thank you Qatar Airways for the bulkhead row

So how did you enjoy your trip to England?…

Yesterday’s post: Christmas Toys

Tomorrow’s post:

Boxing Day should be called unpacking day. Taking all our new toys out of their wrapping fand setting them up, like Mah Mah’s new iPhone and printers. English Hubby played 24 hour help desk, fixing and configuring almost every piece of electronic equipment in a 20 meter radius. Eco Jo dropped off the last delivery of Crimbo presents from Great Aunt Quilter and Great Uncle Golfer who were unfortunate casualties of the winter lurgies. It feels like it has been an entire month of Christmas. How wonderful!

1-800-iPhone help desk

Such thoughtful Christmas presents for Baby Boy O. A 50 year old turtle came home to roost

Cuddles with Eco Jo

Keys to the kingdom. The only piece of electronic kit daddy didn’t need to set up!

Yesterday’s post: Baby’s First Christmas

Tomorrow’s post:

What a day! So many lovely thoughtful gifts, and best of all surrounded by our loved ones. Aunty Ems played post lady. Mah Mah whipped up an amazing turkey roast with full trimmings, and also an extra white cake for us. Yah Yah put Santa to shame as he dished out an endless stream of presents. The singing penguin came out of hibernation. We have been thoroughly spoilt rotten!

Post lady Ems delivering Christmas cards first thing in the morning

This year’s new Christmas ornament from Project Puffin in Maine

Christmas morning in bed

Baby’s first Christmas. Mah mah has made it sooo special.

Opening our stockings. Keeping the kids entertained. What great fun!

Merry Christmas Australia!

Taking orders for breakfast

Fry up please!

Where’s my food?!

Present time!

The crazy singing penguin makes an appearance

I want my presents now!

Thank you for my Sophie the Giraffe book Mah Mah. I love it!

These presents are tasty!

More for me?! Thank you Yah Yah!

Thanks babe, just what I wanted!

Can’t do this in Jill’s mum’s car

Someone take these snacks away from me!

Opening presents, such hard work!

Lunch time. Yummo.

Do I really have to wear this mummy?

Delicious!

Half time change of clothes

Tradition continues

Christmas cuddles

Yesterday’s post: Christmas Eve Date Night

Tomorrow’s post:

Lots of last minute preparation for Christmas including a much needed hair cut. I’m in two minds about Christmas. I love the tradition and being with family. I grimace at the consumerism which is why we’ve tried to edge toward more thoughtful gifts. In a perfect hippy dippy world we would make our gifts – crafts, poetry, letters, paintings – gifts that convey meaning and take thought and time to create. Gifts that arrive in slow motion, not over night shipped. I may not have fully gotten to that place this year, but the intent and mindful desire is there. Happy Christmas Eve. 

Mah Mah went to town!

Morning chunder and cuddles

Another trip to Waitrose

Loving the spicy tomato soup for lunch

Last of the leftovers from the family gathering

Chatty date night. What is your word for next year? Opportunity. Balance.

Wishing Australia a Merry Christmas

He’s the best baby boy in the whole world. We love you more than words can describe

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

Photos are a way to freeze time, capturing just one moment. In an instant that moment passes and we have all changed in some minuscule way, but changed nonetheless. I love photos not because they freeze time, but because they are a reminder of a moment past. The visual stimulus can evoke strong memories, feelings, smells, thoughts, hopes, fears, ideas and more. That’s what they are. Memories. Colored by our current mood and circumstances. The stories of our lives we re-intepret in different ways with each re-reading. At the end of the day you can never really relive the same moment, which is what makes the “now” so precious. For in the time it takes to say cheese, it is gone, never to be again. 

Lights, camera, action!

Say cheese!

Things we do to make a baby smile

Over to City Boy Chris’ place for a curry

Toys, toys…

…and more toys

Yesterday’s post: Sevenoaks Day

Tomorrow’s post:

We are nearing the end of our stay in England and it feels like I haven’t even scratched the surface on all the things I had wanted to accomplish. So much for getting to the gym three times a week, putting together the yearly Shutterfly albums in my spare time (…what spare time?..), sending out personal Christmas cards (sorry everyone) and the list goes on and on. I always thought that being on sabbatical from work meant lots of time on my hands, but I’ve come to the conclusion that we fill time with the trivial to the sublime, and somehow it just expands like putty to take up any spare space. English Hubby keeps reminding me not to be too harsh a critic. I am working – as a mum – just not being paid it in the traditional sense, but rather in hugs and kisses. 

Attempting a gym session, but childcare is closed for the holidays

So we go for a walk around town and stop at Marks and Spencer’s for a jam and cream scone instead

Pastie and pork pie for lunch

Enjoying a stroll home

Time for Christmas present wrapping

Then off to Cote for dinner with friends

Cuddles and spoons with Escargot Harry

Yesterday’s post: Family Tree

Tomorrow’s post:

We had an early Christmas get together with the English Side of the family tree. Mah Mah has gone full out to make this a special day with goodies and treats galore for everyone. The only downside is that lurgies have reduced our numbers by four, and they are dearly missed. As usual with these events eyes are bigger than tummies, there’s always someone who falls asleep on the couch (!) and we managed to squeeze in a stroll to Knole to try to alleviate the guilt of that extra handful of cheese balls, half a dozen mini sausage rolls and one too many chocolate crackles. Eat. Drink. Be merry.

Preparing the prize pony

Getting out the china

Rocking the snowman outfit 

Calm before the storm, Sunday best

Laying the table for lunch

Putting out the snacks

Whirlwind of activity 

Sunday roast with the most

Digging in

Getting in on the action

Sideshow Sam declared he doesn’t like babies…I’m not sure that’s entirely true

Pudding madness

Family fun and uncontrollable giggles

Waiting for the wind to change

Early Christmas present

Awesome play tent…

…but how the hell does it fold up again?!

Sugar high kicking in

YouTube fest and cups of tea

Sausage roll heaven

You won’t go hungry in this house!

The day would not be complete without a Christmas wedgie

Yesterday’s post: Prize Pony Continued

Tomorrow’s post:

The prize pony tour continues, this time around the M25 where we catch up with English Hubby’s old friends. Fueled by jam and scones, and lots of chocolate biscuits, it is a veritable tour de force of people, places and brand new faces over the last couple of days. No rest for the wicked especially with the whole extended family descending tomorrow.  

Sneaking in a spot of work

So very demanding

Getting into the swing of things

Ring around the M25

Lunching with Teacher A and Nurse C

A spot of tea, jam, clotted cream and scones 

Visiting Musical Hannah’s with four legged friends

This is what it would be like to have sisters…

…yep, just another play toy!

Yesterday’s post: Prize Pony

Tomorrow’s post:

Our little prize pony did so very well today. He had a lovely time meeting cousins not sure how many times removed, being the center of attention and so thoroughly spoilt with hugs and kisses. His personality is starting to emerge and giggles with it too. How much joy a little one brings. It’s lovely to know we were all once like that, and so very loved. 

You had me at pirate octopus with crinkly legs

So much to explore with Contract Malcolm

Loving his cuddles

Daddy had to tear him away!

Photos under the Christmas tree in the hall

Lunch and Christmas shopping in town

Aunty Ems turn to show off her nephew at Dartford Road

Yesterday’s post: Big Heart

Tomorrow’s post:

The four of us grew up in the same household, yet our personalities and characteristics are so very different. With time management, organization, neatness and planning we are all at opposite ends of the spectrum. But underneath it all our values are similar. It may not always appear that way, as we each have different methods of communication, but it is comforting to know that we share memories, history and in things that cannot be defined by words. Thank for for reminding me Schoosching. 

Expensive taste

He likes duck too

Daddy’s little boy

Had enough of the sniffles. Thank you Mah Mah for these lovely soft tissues

Who can resist?

Off with his head

How do you eat your cupcake?

Big hearts all round 

So wonderful to be with my beautiful sister. See you soon

Yesterday’s post: A Hunka Hunka Burning Love

Tomorrow’s post:

Aunty Schoosching is getting the full Baby Boy O experience. Nothing spared. Morning food fest, baby Elvis dancing antics, story time at the library, afternoon grumps, bath time and bed time. I may need to check her bags before she leaves to ensure she hasn’t packed him up and stolen him. 

Who’s adorable?

Says it all!

Tutti Frutti oh Rudy

Such excitement! Or is that a yawn?

What a little bookworm

Too much excitement

Wagamama lunch

Feeding Aunty Schoosching an oragami star 

Having a good scrub down

Getting ready for bed time. Good night sweet Elvis

Yesterday’s post: 1000 Kisses Under the Mistletoe

Tomorrow’s post:

Feeling completely zonked after a big day out in London with Baby Boy O and Schoosching. We ate our way through Borough Market and even participated in an attempt to break the world record for kissing under the mistletoe. We walked along the Thames in a historical join-the-dots, passing the site of the Globe Theatre, Millenium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, seeing Tower Bridge, the OXO Tower, London Eye, Big Ben in the distance, Trafalgar Square and more. London was buzzing with energy. Such a wonderful day out with my kissable son and lovely sister, then came home to another delicious dinner and carol singers at the front door. Magic moments.  

Morning surprise – tree all trimmed and decorations up

It didn’t take long!

Breakfast yum

First train ride into London

The Shard at London Bridge tube station

Suiting up and getting warm

Got to Borough Market just in time for a world record attempt

Look up!

Mistletoe

Smooches for Baby Boy O

Worked up an appetite

Smells so good, tastes even better

Next course, of course!

Getting out of the cold for a hot chocolate break 

Stinky cheese shop

One of the most beautiful fresh produce markets in the world

Temptation 

Feast for the senses, spoilt for choice – Wangus for when you are hangry

Yummy, Yah Yah’s favorite

Going crazy with #BoroughMarket1000 

Making our way across London in search of an Apple store

Street art

The path to religion

Crown jewels in the distance

iPhone nearly out of juice. Using old school navigation

Walking along the Thames

Aunty Schoosching taking Baby Boy O for a dusk stroll

An eye for a Sphinx

Trafalgar Square and double decker busses. How picture perfect!

Welcomed home with a lovely hot meal and apple pie

Finishing off the night with a musical ensemble by Christmas carolers

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

Last year Schoosching and Scoobes came to New York to Christmas with their very pregnant sister. This year we have the pleasure of seeing Schoosching in England for some very special Aunty bonding time. Family bonds flex and bend, but they can never be broken. Seeing my sister in her own skin, with her nephew, is just so beautiful. A precious gift. 

Building up his energy for a very special visitor

Quick session at the gym where we bump into another Aunty!

A walk through town to give the little one a nap

Spoilt for choice over lunch 

He finally wakes to say hello to Aunty Schoosching 

Sharing a wooden spoon moment

Who’s this person who looks like my mummy?

Off for an afternoon walk into town

Having fun in Tescos

Price check on aisle nine

Grandparents babysitting whilst we chow down on curry

With Ruff Fred

And Schoosching

Superb meal at The Spice Club

Yesterday’s post: It’s Starting To Feel A Lot Like Christmas

Tomorrow’s post:

I read on a Facebook post a great piece of advice – before you speak ask yourself: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? A good little reminder when you’re sleep deprived with a crying baby at three in the morning. After a slow start to the day, we managed to swing into gear and slide into that familiar ‘lead up to Christmas’ feeling. Another lovely roast lunch, followed by hot footing back to Sevenoaks for carols. Made it by the skin of our teeth, and Baby Boy O didn’t fail to impress as the prize pony of the night. 

Slow start to the day

Lunch time munchies

Is this wrong given our delicious lamb roast last night?

Don’t mind if I do…it’s past noon

Thank you Sweet Isabelle

From a secret admirer 

A rare roast. Feeling so very thankful

Doctor Dorling and girls doing a brilliant (and coincidental) Despicable Me impersonation

Look familiar? Minus the minions 

Google map’s directions

Through the busy streets of London

At prime shopping time 

Touring all the historical sights

By car…

…as we hot foot it back to Sevenoaks

Making it back in the nick of time for Christmas carols

Touching Mayoral bling

Joining in with the sing-a-long

Playing his favorite instrument

Being a little social butterfly 

Who’s excited about Christmas?!

Yesterday’s post: London Friends

Tomorrow’s post: