Surf's Up!

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  Sydney, Australia
Monday, January 28, 2008

Hi everyone!

Here's the latest news from Down Under.  I'm so proud of my boys--they learned how to surf!  They spent 4 days taking lessons at Manly Beach and did a great job.  Sam learned that he would have been much more comfortable (temperature wise) if he didn't wait until day 4 to wear a wetsuit, but that required him to get a "cozzie" (i.e., speedo) to wear under it.  But for the record, I got him one that looks like bike shorts--very Michael Phelps-ish.  Anyway, they got up on the first day and by day 4 Max was even brave enough to go "out back" (not to be confused with "the outback")--beyond the whitewater waves to wait for the really good swells.  It was exhausting, which I remember from my try at it, but they loved it and now want to know when we can get a surfboard (sigh).  Jim's interested in giving it a go and I'd love a refresher, so stay tuned for how that turns out. 
Speaking of Manly, the boys and I spent our last day with the Kays boys (Jim's boss is their Dad) before their move back to the states.  The boys went to Manly Waterworks (water slides) and ate yet more Kebabs (Max's new favorite meal) and then watched an Italian guy building an enormous sand sculpture.  They left us with a variety of appliances when they left, which was really nice (I now have a crock pot--yeah).  We also bought their minivan from them, so we're finally with 2 cars.   Speaking of driving....I got another ticket!  Same darn speed camera as my first ticket.  Oh well, what are they going to do....take away my U.S. license--hah! 
The boys also took a BMX class, which was at Sydney Olympic Park.  There are 2 tracks there and its only about 15 minutes from home, so it's convenient--and free!  I bought a bike rack for the van, so we can all go for bike rides if we want.  The Olympic Park has lots of bike trails that we'll explore at some point. 
With summer break winding down, I wanted to make sure the boys and I got to Darling Harbour in Sydney.  Lots of kid-friendly things to do there.  We went to the IMAX theater, Wildlife World, but the highlight was the trampoline bungee jumping (see pictures).  The boys think our neighbors, the Smiths, should install the aparatus over their trampoline so that they can do it when we come back!
I now know where the nearest hospital is!  Yes, Sam....he now has 3 hospital trips under his belt.  Nothing serious.  Just a minor cut to the back of his head, which they glued together.  Let's just hope we don't have to visit there again.
Finally, you'll see pictures of our first houseguests.  It's they Kays' dogs--2 miniature dachshunds.  We offered to take them for 5 weeks while they travel before returning to the states.  It's been great for the boys.  They are real cuddlers.  But Woody is still their top dog!
Hope you're all well and for those of you in the midwest, stay warm.  Would it help if I tell you that it's about 25 here?  That's celcius of course.
Missing everyone--
Barb, Jim, Max and Sam

Post your own travel photos for friends and family Pictures

Learning some techniques on land	And...he's up!	Makes it look easy!	Bet you can tell how this ends!
He's ready for the really big ones!	Sam with Joseph in Manly	Italian dude making his sand castle	Sam catches some air
Too close for my comfort!	On Pyrmont bridge at Darling Harbour	Self explanatory	Climbing wall at Darling Harbour
Does this look fun or what?	Can you say "haircut"?	Max does a back flip	Leo and Lenny
Max with Lenny; Sam has Leo	I love their big floppy ears!	Sam and Lenny	Awwwww

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