Memorial Day 2013

Despite being totally exhausted from our trip halfway around the world, we decided it would be blasphemy to NOT go to the lake on Memorial Day weekend. So, Friday after work and Eli's ENT appointment, we loaded up the car and headed south.

Jake hasn't been in a pool since last year. Last year, he was still very hesitant in the water, so we weren't hoping for much improvement this early in the summer. We were PLEASANTLY surprised! After warming up to the idea of jumping in freezing cold water, he was all over it! I think this summer will prove to be much for enjoyable for that guy!






Eli on the other hand- not so much. The water was way too cold for his taste, so he and I just hung out pool side eating goldfish and sipping on our ice cold water.






Uncle Gart's brother, Cary, and his family were there too. They have three boys- 11, 9, and 6. So, Jake had plenty of entertainment!

No trip would be complete without a little drama! Jake decided Eli needed to be locked in the bedroom. Jake wasn't aware that there isn't a key to the bedroom, so we had to take the door knob off to get Eli out. Boys will be boys, I suppose!


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Australia Part II

Sydney has to be one of the most beautiful big cities in the world. It sits right on the harbor and has the big buildings of Chicago, but the small town, quaint feel of any little seaside town in Florida. The city is so clean and well kept.... Or as the locals say- rubbish-free.



This is the view from our hotel room. WOW!

We spent our first night at a local rugby game, which was held at Olympic Park. We went with some people from our group and had a great time! I still don't know much about Rugby and its certainly not as a exciting as the SEC, but it was a good experience!











The following day, Greg and I just explored the city. We spent the morning shopping the local market at The Rocks and the rest of the day at Manly Beach. We had to take a ferry over to the beach, but that gave us some spectacular views of the harbor!









We enjoyed a seaside lunch at a local cafe and, believe it or not, enjoyed a great cheeseburger and fries!



We had to buy the boys a few goodies, but that meant Greg had to carry them around all day! Such a good daddy!






The weather was gorgeous- a little chilly, but sunny and nice. Apparently half of Sydney has a sailboat, because the harbor was covered up with them!

That night, we had a dinner cruise in the Sydney harbor with our group. It was a really fun night getting to know everyone a little better.








So the following day, our last day in the down under, we decided to spend the day at Darling Harbor. Great shopping, food and a awesome aquarium!
























Sadly, the trip had to come to an end, but at least it was on a high note! We had dinner at The Quay. It's a top 15 restaurant in the WORLD. The views were amazing and the food was fantastic!









The trip was so incredible, and I am so very proud of Greg for winning the trip.

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Australia Part I

Australia has not disappointed. The flight is incredibly long, but well worth the trip. We spent about 36 hours traveling over the great Pacific Ocean, but arrived to a pristine coast off of Northern Australia.




We spent the first four days in Port Douglas. It's a small resort town off the beaten path. We stayed at an incredible resort that allowed each couple to have their own personal villa. OBVIOUSLY, we aren't paying for the trip! :)



This is the pool at the resort. It was perfect!












The beach right in front of our resort was literally UNTOUCHED. I have never seen anything like it. In fact, one resort resident was so intrigued, she decided to just do her yoga on the beach- topless. Greg was more impressed than I was- :).
















While in Port Douglas, we had the opportunity to white water raft down the Barron River. Despite my mother's continuous concerns of crocodiles in the river, we saw none. In fact, it was so clean and beautiful. We saw a few birds, but no water wildlife. Our biggest rapid was a 6 foot drop and definitely took our stomachs. All in all- fantastic time!


We also got to experience some incredible food! Kangaroo, baby red claws, etc... All delicious!

We spent one full day at the Great Barrier Reef. That is definitely one of God's most magnificent creations! We got to snorkel and even do a water walk. Basically, we put oxygen helmets on - think Buzz Lightyear- and walk around the bottom. It's scuba for non-scuba divers. Incredible animals and scenery. Not so great boat ride out to the reef- think Perfect Storm. But, well worth the two hours of watching an Asian lady vomit in a barf bag.









While there, Greg's company arranged for us to have a group dinner in the rainforest. Literally- IN the rainforest. It was a giant tent with huge chandeliers and music. We saw a presentation by an aboriginal group and even had a jungle rat run under our table--- NOT my favorite part of the trip.









After a few luxurious days in Port Douglas, we flew to Sydney for the remainder of our trip. More on that to come...
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Strep is NOT our friend

Poor Jake has strep throat. I got a call from school today that he had fever. By the time I got there, poor guy looked terrible!

I took him to the after hours clinic at Children's Hospital and found it was strep. :(







Meanwhile, this guy hasn't been phased at all! :)



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