Sending our Prayers and good thoughts to you.

Hello family and friends. We have been so torn up by the horrendous fires that have bombarded our beloved California. I am personally sickened that I wasn't here to hug, talk to, share a wine with or cry with you that have been affected. I hope you know that I am there and sharing in it every minute. My thoughts have been scattered. I have found it difficult to concentrate on nothing else. I have been praying as have the kids for you all. I am so ecstatic to hear that things are getting better by the day. As I look around my surroundings here in Sydney, I see much of the same scrub brush, plantings, trees that I left in San Diego. I am worried that it may be only a matter of time before I see it all happening here also.

The kids have finished off a great second week in school. Kacie has received an "art of the week" merit award. She had to present her artwork to the entire school at assembly. I was very proud of her. She loves sitting and doing art. Blake has attended his first birthday party here. It was a "By Crikey, Crocodile Hunter Party!" It had snakes, crocodiles, the lot! It was very exciting for him. Michael took him and enjoyed a few beers there too. It was a blast for them. Later that night, we headed over to Ferg and Nicky's house and had a few coldies, and then walked up to the local pub with the kids and ate and the kids played. The pubs here have playgrounds in them!! What a concept huh??
Today we woke early and headed over to the beach for Nippers. This weekend I managed to get some photos of the kids in their outfits. They are adorable. Kacie came in first in flag races and Blake came in a close second amongst the boys flag races. They are quite good at the sprinting. They are on their way to being iron men and iron women! haha
Tonight, Fred watched the kids (all 3 of them) while Michael and I had a nice dinner (again at the local pub). He did well. First time for everything.
We are due to move down to Bayview this Saturday. We are all looking forward to being in our community and making some more friends there.
Love and prayers to you all. Especially you, my brother Dave, sis Summer and beautiful nephews Ian, Jared, and Landon. You are in our hearts...xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo