McCainiaks Down Under

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

First Day of (pre-) School

So, today was the start of a new era in the McCain family. Jamie had his first day of pre-school. This was a big deal for so many reasons, but mainly he's never been in a large group setting with lots of kids. Jamie is a very bright, articulate little boy, but like his mother he doesn't do well with large crowds or big changes. We have been so fortunate to have found a school for Jamie with such awesome teachers. They even let Jamie come in several times before school started to meet with his teachers and get used to the classroom. Which made such a huge difference, so much so that Jamie was so excited to go school today...

Leaving for school

He can hardly contain himself...

His wonderful teacher Mrs Kennedy

We already don't even need Mommy or Daddy

The new playground

Such a big boy

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Almost Famous

You may remember this post and this one about some of the crazy things to do here in Alice Springs. Well it seems that CNN has picked up on them and named them the #5 and #7 Weirdest Things to do in Australia. But, even better than that? Check out the lead off picture to the article here.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Not babies anymore...

Braden and Gavin are really growing up...19 months old already. So, I decided that it was finally time to get their first haircuts (Ian had been wanting to do it for a while). Ian had Monday off, so we decided that was the best day to do it. Especially since it is so hot here, having less hair would help them stay cool. Gavin HATED it. Braden was fine, just got a bit bored toward the end. (He had more hair to cut, too.)

What is that?!?!

I don't want to be a dinosaur!!!

Mommy's phone makes it bearable.

At least its still red.

Bye Bye Curls.

Being a dinosaur is no big deal.

Hmmm, not so sure I like this.

Hanging out.

I'm a big boy now. (Mommy misses the curls)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Christmas Vacation (Part III)

The final part of our trip was Surfers Paradise. Beautiful, but very crowded and commercial. We did a couple of the amusement parks (Sea World and Dream World). Small by US standards, but still a ball for the little kids.

At the airport getting ready to fly to Brisbane

Everybody gets a turn...

How lucky - a car at the hotel!

Entrance to the Cavill Mall

At Sea World

So much fun!

At Burleigh Head with Surfers Paradise in the distance - surfers in the water

Taken by Jamie - budding photographer

Grump was sooo sorry he missed this ride

At Dream World on the river boat

Loving the swings - Mommy only had to go (was allowed to go) the first time.

Riding a Segway - I could hardly keep up - he really didn't need me

Beautiful rainbow on New Year's Eve

Another picture by our budding photographer

Happy New Year!

Christmas Vacation (Part II)

So many pictures...Here are pictures from our visit to the rainforest and the Kuranda village. We went up to the village via the Skyrail and came back via an old steam engine. It was a fabulous way to spend Christmas Eve, almost took our mind off the fact that it was soooo hot.

Strolling along the sky walk thru the rainforest.

View of the steam engine from the sky walk.

Our "duck boat" ride through the rainforest.

Lounging with roos

Making friends

Cute koala and her baby

Loving these roos

Getting ready for our train ride - Jamie is SOOO excited.

The excitement of the day has finally taken its toll.

Christmas away from home, even our home in the desert, presents some unusual challenges. Like where is the chimney for Santa? (we left a window open) Where is the tree? (thanks Robin for the great idea) What about stockings? (we'll use Aussie Santa Sacks instead). The thing about Christmas is it comes even without all the trimmings. The kids were excited, got lots of fun presents from generous friends and family, and we even had our roast beast.