Rockstar and Happy Chappy

I could not possibly take enough photos or video of my children. It's pretty much every day that they are doing countless funny, entertaining things. I ought to have a camera permanently built into my hand. Since that isn't really an option, I try to get the camera out as often as possible to capture their antics.

C's happy disposition earned him a couple of nicknames while we were in Bali. He smiled constantly at anyone who made eye contact and several friendly Australians gave him the name Smileychops. And others chose Happy Chappy. They've stuck and we're enjoying using them on our grinning little man.







And though he smiles at everyone, no one can make him giggle like D does.

And, those of you who Skype with us have probably seen and heard D's rockstar performance. But, for those who haven't, you'll have to see her rock. She was given an electric guitar and microphone with amplifier for her 3rd birthday. (Not from her parents, I can assure you.) And, at the same time, was inspired by David Cook's ability to adapt songs to his own rocker style on American Idol. At the moment, the video I have of these performances are too long to post on blogger. I'll work on taking a shorter video and get it posted soon.

So Now I'm 30

It really isn't so bad at all, being 30. In fact, it's a lot like being 29. And that went just fine for me too. I wasn't anticipating too much emotion over this milestone birthday and it has been quite pleasant.

Thank you to everyone who remembered the day! It made it special to get cards, emails, and food! I actually celebrated several times. I went out with a big group of girlfriends last Wednesday night. We had a marvelous dinner with live Jazz and tasty cocktails. The band even played and sang "Happy Birthday" to me as the waiter brought my dessert with a sparkler stuck in the top. It was great fun!

Friday was another girls' night out with the moms from playgroup. Lots of talking and laughing and food!

Sunday (my actual birthday) was lovely. Church, a food expo, a (much needed) nap, and then a BBQ with friends.

Todd and I will have a night out, just the 2 of us, on Friday. Hopefully, I'll remember to snap some photos to post. Surely, you are curious to see what I look like as a 30-year-old!

No Parades or Fireworks, But There Was Budweiser and Oreos!

Happy belated 4th of July to my fellow Americans! We had a nice Independence day here in Perth, but it wasn't the wild day we are accustomed to back home.

We began the day at Toddler Jam with our good friends Kelly, Jacob, and Ollie. D wore her stars and stripes and I pulled something red, white, blue, and stripey from C's closet. D received many compliments on her ensemble. (Thanks again, Connie, it was lovely to get 2 years out of this adorable dress!)

That evening, T's office hosted a nice 4th of July party. Everyone was invited, not just the Americans, so there was a nice big crowd. They brought in American beer (as was mentioned in the title), ordered pizzas and treated us all to Oreo cookies! So American!

The Social Club put a lot of work into the party. They gave an American trivia game and posted information about American cities and landmarks all over the office. It was very well done and a lot of fun.

We even had party favors that Delaney has worn several times over the weekend.

Just so you know: Australia has their own day of patriotism and celebration (including fireworks). They celebrate Australia Day in January.