First Day of School

Chase was ready by 7 am for his first day of school. At his own initiative he had packed his own lunch the day before. In fact he wanted to pack it on Wednesday after we had bought the lunch kit. Love the enthusiasm!

He is totally into the uniform - even the bright yellow hat. The shirts are red and blue which being Spiderman colours were a huge hit.

At his age the school day is from 8:50 am to 3:10 pm, but the classroom is open at 8:30 am for kids to settle in. Pretty long day for a 4 year old I thought. But when I came at lunch to check on him, when asked if he wanted to leave, he replied, "Mom, I haven't even had lunch yet!" and walked off. Full day program... no problem.


His only disappointment was when we told him on Saturday morning as he was packing his lunch that there were two more sleeps to school again.

Fruitful Day

I have now learned over the past weeks that house hunting and school enrollement are two favourite and VERY competitive sports down here. After looking at about 20+ houses we were getting discouraged. But.... We got word that the house we had applied to lease is ours starting on April 22nd! Yippee. It is modest (ie, small!) but a lovely Federation style home that has been updated very tastefully. Right across the street from a highly rated public school for Chase. We can see his clas from the front yard.

We had to muscle our way into the school. There was only one spot in his pre primary class and there was another family vying for it. They were in the same predicament having recently moved to Perth and looking for a house in the catchment area. I gather the school felt awkward accepting our application as the other family had been liasing with them for several weeks. But their lease application was still pending. It is all about the paperwork and theirs wasn't complete.

So the boys and I motored over to the school late yesterday with the documents in hand and presto he is now registered. He starts Friday! Now we are off today to buy the required supplies and uniform.

Chase is quite thrilled about the uniform as it is blue and red - Spiderman colours. Not sure how he feels about it being a full day program from 8:30 to 3 pm.

Busy day ahead finalizing house and school details.

The Beach

We have moved hotels three times since arriving which has been a mammoth effort each time. Kids are challenged by transitions and we have 20 + pieces of luggage. The hotel situation in this city is tight. We had been downtown paying $450 a night for a serviced 2 bedroom apartment. But the "service" part of it apparently is only if you request it and only if housekeeping has time before they leave at 2pm. Huh? What exactly are we paying $450 a night for then?

After sitting in a rather dingy, unclean apartment a few nights there we came to a clean, new apartment hotel on Scarborough Beach.

So, after two weeks here it was finally time to hit the beach.

I will admit that I was nervous taking the two boys by myself. However, 35 degree heat will encourage any mother trying to fill up a hot day with two kids to take a leap of faith and head for the water.

I took about 45 minutes to gear up: suits, hats, lifejackets, sunscreens, sunnies (sunglasses), cooler with drinks, beach toys....

Charlie was none too pleased about this endeavour.


My nervousness was reinforced by the reoccuring signs warning us of all the perils - snakes, sharks, strong tide.





I made the mistake of bringing the stroller with me to the beach. There is no photo of that unfortunate decision as I was too busy lugging a stroller full of gear and carrying Charlie who refused to step on the hot sand - with his sandals ON.

Chase was helpful lugging gear. He was very keen on swimming. Looks like he needs a dip in the Indian Ocean. Those cheeks are so red!




The payoff.



(P.S. We didn't stay at the beach very long. The current was exceptionally strong that afternoon and I couldn't hold both kids safely. So much to Chase's dismay we left after very little beach time. A dip in the hotel pool was a very distant second choice for an afternoon activity!)

House Hunting

I went house hunting this morning with two kids in 33 degree heat. Shall we say a recipe for tears, whining, meltdowns and bungled naps ?!

First Impressions

We have had three full days here now. Christian left for Bangkok about 16 hours after we arrived in Perth so the boys and I have been exploring on our own. Here is a brief recap of our impressions.

Chase says what he likes most about Australia is:
1) kangaroos (although we have yet to see one)
2) room service because "I don't have to have what Mom tells me to". I have advised him that this is a temporary phenomena.
3) swimming in Daddy's boss' pool on Sunday. He wanted to go back on Monday insisting that they told him to "come back anytime".

What he hasn't enjoyed:
1) throwing up on the plane. He says he isn't coming back home for Christmas.
2) the heat. It was 35 degrees yesterday!

As for me, I am enjoying:
1) just being with the kids
2) the smell of tropical warmth
3) leaving the sweaters and coats in the closet

Not enjoying:
1) the extreme heat as it difficult to keep the kids entertained inside
2) one or both of them starting the day around 3am !
3) Charlie falling in the pool. Scary but he was ok.

Gotta run! It is their feeding time...