Bouncing on the bumpy roads!

Off Roading and Cottesloe Beach

A Dam packed weekend!

Last Saturday we ventured in land a little, the wind dropped and the sun was beating as we headed to Churchman Brook Dam. As we got closer, the drive reminded me of the last stretch to Alton Towers, lots of hilly winding roads though the trees. The views were amazing, we could see the water, it was so turquoise in colour and very inviting. There were picnic areas and, of course, George discovered the play area within minutes. We took a walk across the dam and then settled for some lunch, it was very picturesque. George played with his new rocket and Wes had a nap (still on Sydney time.)

Late afternoon, we decided to make a move and thought lets go find another dam! Next stop, Wungong Dam. Again, the drive down through the fields was beautiful, but the picnic area was not as nice. We pulled over into the car park and found the place crawling with giant ants....(my skin is crawling just typing this!) We moved the car and headed up the steep hill to the top of the dam. George decided he wanted to be carried, so poor Wes was very hot by the time we got to the top! The views from the dam were amazing and it was so peaceful.

Sunday, we decided to travel south, about 40 minutes to Mandurah. Before we came over, it always appealed to us, but having been there, we were disappointed. This would be the first time, we both said we would not want to stay here. It is very commercialised and busy, very different from where we are now. The city centre is based around the river, with cafes and bars, lots of play areas, but it was heaving and we are still not in summer! We went to a fun fair, George played for a bit and really enjoyed the trampolining.

It was a nice weekend, we are enjoying exploring, finding out what we like and dislike. Wes was in Sydney last week, he said it was so busy, the airport was more like Heathrow, roads were bumper to bumper, so many skyscrapers. He made friends with an Argentinian guy on his course, they muddled through together and had a laugh. He is out on the road this week on his own, so hopefully, it will be OK. So far so good!

Last couple of weeks...

The past couple of weeks have probably been the quietest since we arrived. The weather as been amazing and not a drop of rain since Rod and Josh left (sorry you 2.) Wes started his new job and his brain has been aching from all the reading he has had to do. It is going well so far and he has flown to Sydney today for a weeks training, leaving George and I to fend for ourselves. Our week is fairly busy already, with playgroup Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, followed by swimming lessons on a Friday morning. I have uploaded some photos from the past couple of weekends, mainly at the beach or park. We have been here 3 months this week, not sure where the time has gone but it is flying!

Happy Birthday to Grandad and Rod, hope you both are having a lovely day xxx

Thank you....

Just a note to say thank you to anyone that sent cards, presents, flowers, emails and messages for my birthday. It was very nice to be remembered all the way over here.

As Wes started his new job this week, George and I had a very lazy morning. After lunch we went to the park near the beach and although the sun wasn't out, we walked out across the jetty, so still made it to the beach on my birthday!

Thanks again and love to everyone, Jo xxxxx

The sound of the waves....

For all those who want to hear the sound of the waves lapping, you'll need to turn the volume up to hear them, I probably stood a bit to far away.

The Sun Chaser in action....

Our time with Rod and Josh

Rod and Josh landed just over 3 weeks ago and they have left already. It was great to see them and will miss them heaps. There are A LOT of photos to get through, but we had a lot of laughs taking them. We had a hectic time, which included them helping us move into our new house, (really could not have done it without them) and then they came and made themselves at home after living the first couple of weeks at Lew's.

The weather has been shocking, the wettest winter Perth has had in a while, so that wasn't much fun. Josh really wanted to get a tan, so my car became known as the B.R.U - Beach Response Unit! I promised Josh as soon as the sun came out, we would hit the beach and sure enough one afternoon, we had some blue sky and drove straight to Woodman Point - our closest beach, about 10 minutes drive. It was a bit windy but Josh was there, laying out his towel and when the sun went behind the clouds, he ran down the beach chasing after it......from then on , he was known as the Sun Chaser!

Wes finished working at Armadale Council last week, so he had some days off and knowing Rod and Josh had brought their flight forward (mainly because of the weather), we tried to pack as much in as possible. We managed to go to King's Park, Rockingham Beach, Perth Zoo, Fremantle Prison, Reptile Centre, took the train to the city, play tennis and the sun came out for 2 days at the beach.

We were lucky enough to stumble on some footie teams training at our local pitches, so Wes spoke to the manager and he said Josh could come along and train with them twice a week whilst he was here. When he left, the manager said he would be more than welcome to come back again, when (and if) he comes out at Christmas.

Wes started his new job for Fuji Xerox yesterday, he has a couple of weeks here, before he flies to Sydney for further training. It seems he is mainly going to be based south of the river, as all the other engineers are up north. He picks his station wagon up when he gets back from Sydney and then he is out on road. The first couple of days have been OK so far, fingers crossed it will work out.

It has been a pleasure having Rod and Josh here and we will miss them loads. Now it is time for us to really make a go of our life here and knuckle down. Will keep you all posted xx

George and his train

We finally got to set up George's track and train under the al fresco area. He did not let us charge the train up enough (it does go faster), however, he has great fun going round and round............and round the house too!