Settling in here in Bayview NSW. It is a beautiful spot and very tropical. It managed to rain (once again) during our move in here. The move consisted of 6 suitcases and a few other items we managed to borrow from friends here. So, all in all it wasn't that bad. That stint of rain lasted for two weeks, night and day. It is a far cry from San Diego weather. Blake and Kacie loved it. I still can't stand that much rain. It is very tropical here. The birds, trees, lush foliage. It is very beautiful when it isn't raining. It has now been sunny for a full week! YAHOO.

Blake has been asked to play t'ball with a friend from school. His friend is Jesse, and he is a very nice little guy. He has been over for a playdate and Blake went to his house yesterday after t'ball to play and swim. Blake did well at t'ball on his first go. He hit two "homers" (but they don't let you run past 2nd base yet) and he actually got "Man of the Match"!It is so nice to have the kids meeting friends here. It makes life feel more settled here. Kacie has met two really nice girls at school. She also has Nippers with them so she sees them outside of school also which is nice.

We spend lots of time down at the local park here in Bayview. It is called Winneremy Bay-but the kids call it "The Flying Fox Park." They call it this because it has a cool zip line to fly down. It sits right at the bay with bbq's and a huge play area with some really cool other play equipment. We usually take some dinner down and bbq and watch the kids play. It is very relaxing, and makes me appreciate our return to spring--because I was really missing the fall!

Our belongings are still in customs. We think we may get them next week (hopefully). We are sleeping on single mattresses on the floor of our place. Michael and I are really hanging for our bed. What a luxury it will be to get it!! Our backs are in dire need now. It will be so nice for the kids to have their toys and stuff also!!

Blake and Kacie are ending year 2 (2nd grade). They are coming along well. I really hand it to them. The academics are tough!! Next week is their presentation on their favorite jazz or classical composer. I about fainted when I read they had to do that. I had to start from the beginning to explain what a composer was before we could even get started!! Their spelling words have gone from "which" to "temperature". What a blow!! They are doing great though.

Little Lauren is all booked in to start "kindy" which is preschool here in January 21st. She is looking forward to it. She goes with me to the gym now and is used to me leaving her for the 40 minutes that I work out. She is also going to start "bably ballet" in January (that is when the next school year starts -so everything begins again then). Blake will be starting keyboard lessons also. I think Kacie is going to join the choir if all goes well. They are enjoying some new classes at school: chapel, art, chess, music. It is very different.

Michael is doing great at work. He is enjoying it and thinks it may be a very good opportunity for him. I am very happy for him!

I had a tough week last week saying goodbye to my friend Tanya Crabbe who came out for a visit. It was hard to say goodbye. I wanted to jump on the plane with her and come back for some visits with you all. I love and miss you so much. Thanks for supporting us all. I couldn't do this without the love and support of Mom, and friends and of course prayers to God!!

Love to you all.