GREAT BARRIER REEF

We just returned from our quintessential trip to the GREAT BARRIER REEF!  I don't know how you can move to Australia for 2-4 years and not visit "THE REEF."   We have been planning this trip for a while and looking forward to it with great anticipation.  

Port Douglas located in the state of Queensland did not disappoint.  It is not surprising that the GREAT BARRIER REEF is a natural wonder of the world.  The snorkeling was mind blowing....TRUE BEAUTY!

In addition to snorkeling in the Reef, we were able to travel 26 kilometres up the coast to the Daintree Rainforest.  It is quite unbelievable that both ecosystems are just minutes away from each other and so diverse with their wildlife and natural setting (water vs. rainforest).

We were able to 

• snorkel with a Whitetip Reef Shark (2 metres long) & many other beautiful fish
• hold Rainbow Lorikeets
• have brekie with birds (brekie = breakfast)
• hold a Koala (You are only able to do this is Queensland)
• feed kangaroos
• watch crocodiles (fresh water & saltwater) eat Barramundi Fillets and Baby Chicks
• swim in a natural watering hole
• walk across "Mossman Gorge" on a suspension bridge
• cartwheel our way down the widest beach we have ever seen
• HAVE FUN, FUN, FUN!

Claire has made a video of our experience -- ENJOY! -- MANNINGS IN THE REEF

VIBRANT VIRGOS

This last week was birthday week.  Grace turned 13 and Jane turned 10 (it was her golden birthday).  It is impossible for me to believe that my two little beauties are getting older.  All three of my girls are in the double digits and it is bittersweet.  They are growing into amazing, clever, sweet, gorgeous girls however, I miss those days when they would sit at my feet wanting to be held.   They amaze me with their maturity, kindness, and they teach me patience.  Life is never dull with three girls however, I can't imagine our family without these VIBRANT VIRGOS! 

Per their requests, I stood in the kitchen baking and cooking for two solid days fulfilling their culinary desires. They seemed very happy and felt loved however, by the end of the two days I was EXHAUSTED!  I was over sweet, sugary treats and I just wanted to sit on the couch, eating salty potato chips to balance my sugar headache.

Every year, Tom and I put together a list of the reasons why we love the girls on their birthdays.  The number of reasons corresponds with their age.  It is pretty amazing to me that we make these lists independent of each other and yet, many of the reasons we list are the same.  

I thought I would post Tom's list for Grace - she turned 13 on the 9th.  I am going to post my list for Jane - she turned 10 on the 10th!

"13 Reasons I Love Grace" by Daddy
13.  Very Strong - knows what you want.
12.  Intelligent & Driven - I am very proud of what you are doing in school.
11.  Funny - wicked sense of humour making people laugh all the time.
10.  Confident - committed to family motto: "Be strong, Be confident and Be Happy."
9.  Friend to All - you light up the room when you enter.
8.  Baby Whisperer - kids of all ages adore you.  You will be a great mother same day.
7.  Lovely Daughter of Heavenly Father - Glad that you participate and lead in church settings.
6.  Great Sister - Good example to both Jane and Claire.  Love you for that.
5.  Fashion-ista - You Know fashion and you strive to always look your best.
4.  Loyal - you are loyal to those who really matter.  "Family" means something to you.
3.  Adventurous - willing to reach out and see/learn new things on our travels.  Have embraced current situation with grace (no pun intended).
2.  Still Love me to tuck you in at night.  As my girls grow, the fact that you still ask me to say prayers with you and tuck you in is wonderful.
1.  Because you are MY child and a lovely person above all else.  You care for others, you care for yourself, you believe in yourself and you respect yourself.  You beam goodness.  I love you for all of that and for the love you continue to give back.  Just because you have turned "13" does not require you to act "13."  Love you - Daddy.

Jane's Turn to CELEBRATE!!

"10 Reasons I love Jane" by Mummy
10.  Your beautiful LONG blonde Hair!
9.  Your Cuddly Nature - you are never too old to cuddle me.
8.  Your Athleticism - you enjoy anything that pushes your body.
7.  Your Craftiness - you believe everything can be beautiful even old toothpaste tubes.
6.  Your "NUN" attitude - you always want to be "GOOD."  You inspire us to live up to our potential.
5.  Your Beautiful Smile - you light up a room with your smile - Shear Happiness!
4.  Your "Mother Like Nature" - you are very happy to take care of little ones.  You are a great nurturer.
3.  Your "Independence" - you love to help me, play independently, do the "BIG" things.  You will always be happy no matter what is asked of you!
2.  Your Kindness - always looks out for the under dog.  Willing to serve them.
1.  Your "Tender Heart" - Your love for life that allows you to always be in the moment and experience new things.

Opening her "Golden" gift - she was very excited!