FINE "ARTY"

One of the many benefits that we have had over the last 6 months since Claire has started doing Independent Online Study is that she can structure her own study days.  Due to this luxury, we have tried really hard to take advantage of some of the unique opportunities that exist in and around Sydney.  

Claire is also taking a teen art class in the evenings through a small art centre.  She loves all of the exposure she is getting to art and learning that deep down in her genetic DNA there is a little artist - (THANKS CCA CHRISTENSEN).  She has always loved art but, has not been able to really do much with it.  Each week she is able to learn a new technique and she has discovered that many techniques feel like second nature to her.  I have tried to encourage her to really harness this "NEW" talent.  

In order to combine these two positives in life, we have been visiting many art galleries.  Just a few weeks ago there was a exhibit that Claire's art teacher suggested that she visit.  It is called "Art Express" and it is an exhibit where the Year 12 students of New South Wales are able to highlight there final art projects.  The works of art are unbelievable!  These are some talented ARTISTS!

We had a wonderful day touring the different exhibits and having lunch in the Royal Botanic Gardens.  It is lovely to have a travel companion...who says learning can't be FUN!

The lobby of the art gallery - so cool!

This painting was amazing and very textural - not smooth at all!

One of our favorite HSC projects produced by a high school student - pen and paper only.

This is another work of art from a high school student - it was part of a series of charcoals - STUNNING!

The NSW Gallery!

Grace is also continuing to develop her singing talent.  She is in choir group at school and had the opportunity to sing at the "In Concert" performance at Sydney Town Hall this last week.  It was an amazing performance and I have to say that I had goosebumps during many of the song selections.  My favorite of the night was the song by Stevie Wonder "Isn't She Lovely."  It was a wonderful night.  

I am so grateful for my girls and their desires to broaden their horizons and expand their talents. This world has some beautiful experiences and I feel blessed that they are able to participate in them.  

Isn't my Grace Lovely - I sure think so!

    

THE "LUXE" BUNNY

Easter this year really came upon us rather quickly.  We had just arrived back from New Zealand and two days later we were invited down to the southern beaches for Easter weekend with some friends.  I quickly processed the laundry and re-packed the bags not really thinking about the fact that Easter was happening the same weekend.  It finally dawned on me that Easter was coming and the Bunny needed to prepare.

Due to the fact that we travel a fare bit especially during the holidays, my kids know that if Santa, the Easter Bunny or the tooth fairy are going to make an appearance it will be at their house NOT while we are on our trip.  These mythical beings have been asked by me to keep things simple and remember that traveling with extra gifts can really complicate things for us.  So with that in mind, time was running out and many items had to be organized prior to departure.

I happen to love Easter.  I remember as a child always getting a beautiful new dress and a basket full of goodies from the Easter Bunny.  One of the items that I always got was a chocolate bunny.  Pretty much everyone in my family LOVES chocolate. However, I was not a HUGE fan (I am a girl that LOVES bread, potatoes, anything and everything full of starch) and would often save my bunny in a drawer in my room.  Easter would roll year after year and it was NOT uncommon to find multiple chocolate bunnies hidden in my drawer.  Because of this childhood experience, the Easter bunny or the "Luxe" bunny brings my girls a few chocolate things but, tries to fill their baskets with other items, books, journals, paper, cool pens, cell phone cases, swimmers (swimsuit) etc.  This is why the Easter bunny has earned the title of the "Luxe" Bunny because he does a little more than just CHOCOLATE!

Once things were sorted, we headed south on Good Friday.  We were going down to an area that is about 3 hours south of Sydney.  It is a huge bay, called Jervis Bay, and it is know for its white beaches.  Apparently they are the WHITEST in the world.  Because the sand is so white and clean it is supposed to SQUEAK when you walk on it.  Tom was looking forward to hanging out beach side and really testing out the squeaky sand.  After many walks, I can honestly say that the sand is white, beautiful and drum-roll please......it does squeak everytime you walk on it.

We had a great time and really enjoyed the Easter Holiday.  We were able to attend a cute little branch on Sunday, soak up family time while we were building new friendships, and just focus on the true meaning of Easter as we beheld this glorious world.  The southern beaches of New South Wales are stunning...I highly recommended them.  The "Luxe" Bunny made his HOME deliveries and life was a good.

Rotten Coconut

Kiama Blowhole - so cool!

Shark Egg- Jervis Bay is a bay where many Grey Nurse Sharks lay their eggs.
We found this on the beach, YIKES - don't tell JANE!