Kangaroos: Fact or Legend?

From the start, we've been on a mission to locate a kangaroo.  Signs forewarned us to slow down on certain stretches of road.  We drove to Alpine National Park (for J's research), about a five hour drive.....  Both ways-- no kangaroos.  The elusive kangaroo was not to be seen for over a month.  Until.....we asked a local for directions.  "Hmmm?  So if we drive a few miles from our house...??????"

Yup.

We were so excited that we drove back the next day.  Literally a five minute drive from our house, we saw tons of kangaroos.  They're like deer, foraging on grass. 

We wore our protective gear and brought our get-away mobiles....just in case.....

We got distracted from our mission, by spotting and mimicking Tawny Frogmouths.

Tawny Frogmouths (even more elusive....we were onto something...)

After all our hard work, we had to take a little break.

And then, after "morning tea" (snack time....they don't really drink tea), could it be??????

Yup.

Pretty bird

With the evidence in hand, we were able to have a play.

Since these first sightings, we've seen kangaroos even closer to our house.  In fact, J and I run by them when we go jogging in the neighborhood.  (Sam, you were right.  All of a sudden, they're everywhere.  ;)

Verdict:  Fact

Zoey the Joey Helps Throw a Little Celebration

Zoey the Joey, Elle's school mascot, hung out with us for four packed days, in which she graciously showed us the sites of Eltham (since we were still so new) and helped us throw a little birthday party for J.

Making J's cake

 Cleaning up

It wasn't hard convincing J to take the rest of the day off.....

A local cafe

Elle and Zoey watching correllas at a park

Corellas

Tadd and Elle were in charge of the games....

Whoo Hoo!!!  It was the group patch that came the closest to the pirate eye.

The Judge

....and decorating the cake.

Black sprinkle candles (by Elle) and Star Wars candle (by Tadd)

Happy Birthday, Honey Bunch!  And thanks Zoey and kiddos for all the help!

Life in Eltham

OK.  It's official.  J and I are the worst bloggers.  We haven't even posted pictures of our town, Eltham.  I hope you are ready for the following whirlwind of pictures depicting our life.






As the dust settles from our move, we now find ourselves in the routine of life-- with school, sports, playdates, preschool story time at the library, volunteering at Tadd's school.....  And I have to say, it's fantastic.  Eltham is the almost-perfect community for us-- a "country town" with friendly people, great schools, lots of green trails for walking/biking/scootering, easy access to wild places (i.e ocean, the bush), the benefits of city culture (i.e. music concerts, museums, festivals), and great coffee.  I don't think you can have a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne.  My standards and appreciation for a warm cup have definitely increased.  The almost part is because we would love you all to move here too.


Presenting:  Our house.  Presenter:  Elle Oakley
Elle was gracious to be my model for the house shoot.

Miss Oakley and our front yard

The House

Besides the many birds (i.e. kookaburras, magpies, rainbow lorikeets) that love our eucalyptus trees, nocturnal animals like possums, sugar gliders, and a flying fox have been seen climbing or flying through the limbs.  Our neighbor told us about a koala that visited their backyard one night.  We haven't seen one yet, but we keep our fingers crossed.

Street views from the front yard

Moving In

Getting cozy with camping gear

Tadd and Elle making home even cozier.......

Tadd's TV

The big helpers

Adaptable furniture-- the TV turned into a hiding spot/nap area

Starting School
The commute to Eltham schools reminds you of how things used to be in the States.  Kids mostly walk or ride their bikes.  Our one mile walk (when it's sunny and we're not running late) to Tadd's school takes us through a Butterfly Reserve and then Linear Park.

Linear Park

Tadd's "Prep" (Kindergarten) class and teacher, Mr. Brown

Tadd and his classmates at Monday morning assembly in the school gym

Monday Morning Assembly-  with the entire student body

On International Day, Tadd went as an American baseball player.  (Thanks to Emry for giving his baseball outfit to Tadd.  He's actually growing into it....and is still one of his favorite outfits.)

Elle, Luke (Tadd's school buddy), and Tadd

Morning line-up

Tadd holding his Giants World Series Championship towel (Thanks Betsy!  Now kids in Melbourne know about the Giants too!  :)








Elle's first day of school. 

 

Elle's teacher, Michelle, has been trained in the Steiner method of teaching (aka Waldorf).  She brings a lot of music and cooking into the classroom.  On Mother's Day, we were given such a treat as the kids sang songs, presented their mom's with handmade presents, and then gave us yummy school-made scones and jam to eat.  Such a beautiful day...and program! 

Teacher Michelle sitting next to Elle

Each child in Elle's class (the "Joeys" group) gets to bring home the class mascot for a few nights until their next school session.  Just after moving to Eltham, Elle had the honor of bringing home Zoey the Joey.

Zoey the Joey and Elle

Journaling about Zoey

Elle's entry "Camping at Elle's House" (Class journal about Zoey's adventures)

My cutie pies

Not only are mom's celebrated at the schools (for Mother's Day), but grandparents also have their special day.  Grandparent's Day at Tadd's School (next year Grandparents of the Desert- aka Grandpa Bert and Grandma Di, be ready!):

The Hokie Pokie with Tadd's class

Reading stories and doing crafts

And yes, even "Nana of the North" was there.....and Zoey.....

Art for the Nana and Opa

"Our Rotating Planet" by Tadd

A special card for Nana and Opa