The Blonde Squad in Auz: LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Shortly after we returned home from our trip to South Africa, a lovely AMERICAN family moved into our ward. They are expats just like us and will be here for the next three years. They are a family of all boys and it has been fun getting to know them. We have been helping them to get acquainted with SYDNEY. One of the things I have noticed about this family is that they live by the principle of "LOVING WHERE YOU LIVE."

While we have been making mental lists of MUST DOS, we have had the opportunity to reflect on our adventure over the last 2 1/2 years. Upon reflection, we have grown to really love SYDNEY and we have embraced the lifestyle rich with culture. There have been so many unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime moments that it is hard to keep track of what we have experienced. This last month has been no different than any others...jammed packed full of events to add to the memory books. Rather than a post for each one, I thought I would compile them into one - it may be a little long.

GHOST TOUR - We went on a double date with some friends (Darin & Robin) to explore Sydney at night. We opted for a ghost tour of the ROCKS - the oldest part of Sydney. It was insightful and a little bit eerie as we went into darkened buildings that held centuries of ghost legends. We did not see any poltergeist behavior but, we sure had fun. Seeing Sydney at night makes for a unique experience.

Apparently at Number 19 - there was a young lady who died in her attic. Every year for centuries at a certain time of year this very same attic space smells of decomposing flesh.

HARRY'S CAFE DE WHEELS - Party Pies are a HUGE thing here in Australia. Since moving to Sydney we have wanted to try out this famous pie shop especially when it was referred to as having the BEST "Dirty Street Pies." It is located at the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo near Russell Crowe's home. It did not disappoint and the Tiger Pie (a beef pie with mashed potatoes, smashed peas and gravy on top) was a real hit with Claire and Tom. They were in "street" pie heaven.

OPERA HOUSE - Jane participated in the Arts Alive Primary Choral Concert 2105 with her school. They performed in the Bennelong Concert Hall and it was a fantastic night filled with angelic voices, splendid music and some very talented primary school age children. We were so excited for Jane because not everyone can say that they have performed at the Sydney Opera House. My favorite song of the night was "Jungle Rhythm" from the Jungle Book Soundtrack.

Hanging out at the Opera Kitchen prior to the performance....I love this girl.

Jane's Fan Club!

RUGBY GAME - Tom and Claire have fallen in love with RUGBY. They are huge fans and for Australian Father's Day they went to a game (West Tigers vs. Dragons). It was exhilarating to see the very muscular players POUND on each other without remorse. One of their thighs is the circumference of my entire body. In addition to seeing this eventful game, they were able to meet up with some friends (the Awesome Perry Family) during half-time. These fun expats, have 4 boys and add balance to the estrogen rich Manning Family of 3 girls.