Practice Run? January 25, 2011

So we took the Clipper up to Victoria BC this weekend to see Doug's parents. The sailing itself was perfect. Smooth and uneventful.  The crew was friendly and the boat was clean and comfortable.  We even saw Orca Whales along the way!

As we prepared for the trip, I thought to myself, okay, this is like a mini-practice run for the big trip in April.  Yes, I know we were on a boat instead of an airplane and it was 3 hours instead of 15 hours, but a practice run none-the-less. Right?

Despite the differences between the two trips, I did learn a few things.  The first thing I learned was that Cooper was a breeze to deal with. Just turned on that DVD player and he was fine, just fine.  I just have to make sure the battery is actually completely charged next time...

Now, Tucker, on the other hand, was a lot of work. Thank goodness he is so damned cute and charming or I am not sure what we would have done. The ride was 2 hours and 45 minutes and for 2 hours and 15 minutes of that ride, he walked and walked and walked around the interior of the boat.  Each time we passed a staircase he wanted to climb it. He pulled on toilet paper rolls in the bathroom and threw food and other items around at will.  He said, "hi" to random people and poked others on the head while they were sleeping.  Again, thank goodness he is cute or some people would have been pretty pissed off.  So, I have to figure out how to deal with this on the plane because there is not going to be nearly as much room to wander and I am pretty sure people will not be so happy with him poking them, charming or not.

Snacks are imperative. Although we went through all our food before we even set sail... I need to bring food that not only satisfies, but also entertains. That is the key!  I have to work on that one.

It would be nice to see some Orca Whales along the way too, but that might be asking too much from the friendly skies, huh?

Practice Run? January 25, 2011

So we took the Clipper up to Victoria BC this weekend to see Doug's parents. The sailing itself was perfect. Smooth and uneventful.  The crew was friendly and the boat was clean and comfortable.  We even saw Orca Whales along the way!

As we prepared for the trip, I thought to myself, okay, this is like a mini-practice run for the big trip in April.  Yes, I know we were on a boat instead of an airplane and it was 3 hours instead of 15 hours, but a practice run none-the-less. Right?

Despite the differences between the two trips, I did learn a few things.  The first thing I learned was that Cooper was a breeze to deal with. Just turned on that DVD player and he was fine, just fine.  I just have to make sure the battery is actually completely charged next time...

Now, Tucker, on the other hand, was a lot of work. Thank goodness he is so damned cute and charming or I am not sure what we would have done. The ride was 2 hours and 45 minutes and for 2 hours and 15 minutes of that ride, he walked and walked and walked around the interior of the boat.  Each time we passed a staircase he wanted to climb it. He pulled on toilet paper rolls in the bathroom and threw food and other items around at will.  He said, "hi" to random people and poked others on the head while they were sleeping.  Again, thank goodness he is cute or some people would have been pretty pissed off.  So, I have to figure out how to deal with this on the plane because there is not going to be nearly as much room to wander and I am pretty sure people will not be so happy with him poking them, charming or not.

Snacks are imperative. Although we went through all our food before we even set sail... I need to bring food that not only satisfies, but also entertains. That is the key!  I have to work on that one.

It would be nice to see some Orca Whales along the way too, but that might be asking too much from the friendly skies, huh?

Books, Books, Books and More Books January 18, 2011

Okay, books. That is one of the big things on my list. As most of you know I was an elementary school teacher for 13 years before Cooper was born and throughout that time (and since and, okay, even before) I have collected A LOT of children's books. Six tubs worth of books not counting the books that are in the boys' rooms.  So, my dilemma is-- what to take and what to store. Now, I know many of you are thinking (thank you, Anne), "Steph, they have books in Australia. They even have libraries in Australia! You can leave your books at home." But I can't. At least not all of them.  I have plans for these books! I cannot wait to read them all with Cooper and Tucker.  So, I guess I will sit down with my tubs and pick out the most important books of all and just take those. Right?

Books, Books, Books and More Books January 18, 2011

Okay, books. That is one of the big things on my list. As most of you know I was an elementary school teacher for 13 years before Cooper was born and throughout that time (and since and, okay, even before) I have collected A LOT of children's books. Six tubs worth of books not counting the books that are in the boys' rooms.  So, my dilemma is-- what to take and what to store. Now, I know many of you are thinking (thank you, Anne), "Steph, they have books in Australia. They even have libraries in Australia! You can leave your books at home." But I can't. At least not all of them.  I have plans for these books! I cannot wait to read them all with Cooper and Tucker.  So, I guess I will sit down with my tubs and pick out the most important books of all and just take those. Right?

It is Beginning to Sink In! January 16, 2011

As we were driving back from Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter's house, Cooper said, "I want to go to the airport right now to go to Australia! I want to see all the fantastic animals there!"

It is Beginning to Sink In! January 16, 2011

As we were driving back from Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter's house, Cooper said, "I want to go to the airport right now to go to Australia! I want to see all the fantastic animals there!"

Cooper Shares January 14, 2011

It has been really interesting listening to Cooper share his upcoming adventure with others. He told a mutual friend yesterday that he was going on "an adventure to...to... to...what's that place called Mom? Oh, yeah, AUSTRALIA!"  He told his cousin Ryan today that he was going to Australia because his dad's crazy kids (that's what he calls Doug's colleagues) asked him to go there to work.  He also told his cousin that he would see lots of hedgehogs there. Not sure if there are many hedgehogs in Australia, but the excitement was wonderful.  Of course, a long discussion about hedgehogs followed...

Note:  No hedgehogs in Australia, but they were brought to New Zealand and can now be found there. I had to look it up. :)

Cooper Shares January 14, 2011

It has been really interesting listening to Cooper share his upcoming adventure with others. He told a mutual friend yesterday that he was going on "an adventure to...to... to...what's that place called Mom? Oh, yeah, AUSTRALIA!"  He told his cousin Ryan today that he was going to Australia because his dad's crazy kids (that's what he calls Doug's colleagues) asked him to go there to work.  He also told his cousin that he would see lots of hedgehogs there. Not sure if there are many hedgehogs in Australia, but the excitement was wonderful.  Of course, a long discussion about hedgehogs followed...

Note:  No hedgehogs in Australia, but they were brought to New Zealand and can now be found there. I had to look it up. :)

The Excitement Begins! January 13, 2011

YAY! We told Cooper last night and he was SUPER excited. Mostly about seeing all the animals there and the ocean.  Now we can really start planning and talking about things. Good news!

The Excitement Begins! January 13, 2011

YAY! We told Cooper last night and he was SUPER excited. Mostly about seeing all the animals there and the ocean.  Now we can really start planning and talking about things. Good news!

Today is the Day! January 12, 2011

Okay, so today has to be the day to tell Cooper. Doug is home today and if we do not do it today then I am going to tell him myself. This secret keeping is killing me!  We have potential renters visiting, empty boxes being delivered by friends and we are getting rid of things left and right. The time has come.  We sold our kayaks the other day and Cooper was hysterical (that incident does not bode well for the unveiling of the big move by the way). We had to tell him that we were selling them so we could buy a new boat! So, of course, because he is 4 and because he is Cooper, he keeps saying, "Can we go buy a new boat today?" As if it is just like running to Safeway to pick up some milk...  


So, today is the day! 


I think.

Today is the Day! January 12, 2011

Okay, so today has to be the day to tell Cooper. Doug is home today and if we do not do it today then I am going to tell him myself. This secret keeping is killing me!  We have potential renters visiting, empty boxes being delivered by friends and we are getting rid of things left and right. The time has come.  We sold our kayaks the other day and Cooper was hysterical (that incident does not bode well for the unveiling of the big move by the way). We had to tell him that we were selling them so we could buy a new boat! So, of course, because he is 4 and because he is Cooper, he keeps saying, "Can we go buy a new boat today?" As if it is just like running to Safeway to pick up some milk...  


So, today is the day! 


I think.

A Musical Interlude

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom if you have not already done so!

A Musical Interlude

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom if you have not already done so!

A Sigh of Relief- January 11, 2011

So, last night sitting at the board meeting for Coop's preschool was the first time that I was able to talk freely about the move without Coop around. I was able to laugh about it and be sad about it with an incredible group of women.  What a relief that was! I did not realize how much NOT talking about the move was taking a toll on me. So, thank you to the ladies on the board at OTCP! Thanks for caring, laughing and mostly for being sad we are going. It is very comforting knowing that we are going to missed...

A Sigh of Relief- January 11, 2011

So, last night sitting at the board meeting for Coop's preschool was the first time that I was able to talk freely about the move without Coop around. I was able to laugh about it and be sad about it with an incredible group of women.  What a relief that was! I did not realize how much NOT talking about the move was taking a toll on me. So, thank you to the ladies on the board at OTCP! Thanks for caring, laughing and mostly for being sad we are going. It is very comforting knowing that we are going to missed...

To Tell or to Procrastinate Some More.... January 10, 2011

So glad to see that I have some "followers!" That gives me the courage to go on with this.

Anyway, we still have not told Cooper the news. Tucker knows. The dogs know. The rest of the world knows, but not Cooper. We are going to have to do it this week as Doug leaves on the 30th which is not far off.  And all this packing up and rearranging is going to give it away soon enough. I know all will be fine in the long run, but he is going to be so incredibly sad to leave his school and his buddies. Just last night he was saying how much he loves his house. Doug and I looked at each other like, "Okay, so tonight is NOT the night to share the news."  

To Tell or to Procrastinate Some More.... January 10, 2011

So glad to see that I have some "followers!" That gives me the courage to go on with this.

Anyway, we still have not told Cooper the news. Tucker knows. The dogs know. The rest of the world knows, but not Cooper. We are going to have to do it this week as Doug leaves on the 30th which is not far off.  And all this packing up and rearranging is going to give it away soon enough. I know all will be fine in the long run, but he is going to be so incredibly sad to leave his school and his buddies. Just last night he was saying how much he loves his house. Doug and I looked at each other like, "Okay, so tonight is NOT the night to share the news."  

The Dogs- January 10, 2011

Okay, I know most of you could not care less about the drama of taking the dogs to Australia, but for those of you who DO care, here it is...


It is a pain in the $#% that is what it is! Who knew that taking two small, lazy, special needs Pugs to Australia would be so difficult, but it is. One hundred eighty days from start to finish filled with vaccinations, blood tests, paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork and, don't forget all the money it costs to get the vaccines, tests and to file the paperwork!  And we haven't even bought the plane ticket or paid the pet transport people yet! Anyway, once all this stuff is done, we put the girls on flight to L.A. (yes, in a crate, in the cargo hold of a passenger jet) where they spend the night. The next day they are "sealed" into a crate (together thankfully) and sent to Sydney where they will spend thirty (yes 30) days in Australian quarantine. That is not an easy word to spell by the way.  Once there, we are able to visit them everyday. After the thirty days are over, we get to take them home with us.  Yiphee!


Those of you who know me, know what my dogs mean to me and can understand why this is probably the most traumatic part of the whole journey for me.  I am trying to keep positive, make sure they are in the best health possible before departure and am sending good thoughts their way at all times. I am even going to splurge and get them both a pet massage before they leave. I am either an idiot or a sucker. You decide. :)

The Dogs- January 10, 2011

Okay, I know most of you could not care less about the drama of taking the dogs to Australia, but for those of you who DO care, here it is...


It is a pain in the $#% that is what it is! Who knew that taking two small, lazy, special needs Pugs to Australia would be so difficult, but it is. One hundred eighty days from start to finish filled with vaccinations, blood tests, paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork and, don't forget all the money it costs to get the vaccines, tests and to file the paperwork!  And we haven't even bought the plane ticket or paid the pet transport people yet! Anyway, once all this stuff is done, we put the girls on flight to L.A. (yes, in a crate, in the cargo hold of a passenger jet) where they spend the night. The next day they are "sealed" into a crate (together thankfully) and sent to Sydney where they will spend thirty (yes 30) days in Australian quarantine. That is not an easy word to spell by the way.  Once there, we are able to visit them everyday. After the thirty days are over, we get to take them home with us.  Yiphee!


Those of you who know me, know what my dogs mean to me and can understand why this is probably the most traumatic part of the whole journey for me.  I am trying to keep positive, make sure they are in the best health possible before departure and am sending good thoughts their way at all times. I am even going to splurge and get them both a pet massage before they leave. I am either an idiot or a sucker. You decide. :)

The Decision -- January 9, 2011

Well, it has been decided. We are relocating to Sydney, Australia.  Doug was offered an amazing opportunity to work at Russell Investment's Sydney office. His new title is, "Director of Compliance, Asia- Pacific ex Japan." For those of you who are wondering, as I was, "ex-Japan" means "except Japan." The plan is to be in Sydney for 3 years. Time will tell if it is longer or shorter.

Leaving Tacoma (and the US!) is going to be hard for us. I have so many amazing friends that have been there for us through good times and not-so-good times. Mom friends, teaching friends, preschool friends, babysitters-- the list goes on...

Our support system has also been incredible-- Dr. Davies for the boys. Need I say more? Sheila and the other nurses at UP Peds for fielding all my panic calls and helping me keep a sense of humor about things.  Dr. Theissen and the staff at Chambers Creek have been there for the Pugs through thick and thin. Could not take the dogs down to OZ without the help from Melissa at Chambers and Atwood Pet Travel. There are countless other, but these are the ones that jump to mind right now.

Leaving Old Town Co-op Preschool is also going to hard. Coop has now been there for a year and a half. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I could find a school and a community that would be so warm and welcoming. Nor did I believe we could find a preschool teacher as incredible as our Teacher Anne.  Cooper loves going to school and he is going to miss Teacher Anne and his classmates immensely. I was so hoping that Tucker could have a similar experience...

Although my family is not nearby, it will still be hard to leave them- daily phone calls, texts and brief visits will be a way of the past. Thank goodness for Skype. We are already practicing so that we are sure it will work once we leave. My family has been really supportive of this move.  My mom has even volunteered to fly down to OZ with me and the boys since Doug will be leaving in late January. Thank you so much, Mom! I cannot imagine making this trip alone.

We will also be leaving Doug's family here in WA state.  Cooper has grown really fond of his aunts and uncle.  But Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter promised to visit and we are holding them to that!

For those of you wondering about the dogs, well, that is a story for another day.

Okay, enough of the sad stuff. On to the preparations for the adventure of a life time.

The Decision -- January 9, 2011

Well, it has been decided. We are relocating to Sydney, Australia.  Doug was offered an amazing opportunity to work at Russell Investment's Sydney office. His new title is, "Director of Compliance, Asia- Pacific ex Japan." For those of you who are wondering, as I was, "ex-Japan" means "except Japan." The plan is to be in Sydney for 3 years. Time will tell if it is longer or shorter.

Leaving Tacoma (and the US!) is going to be hard for us. I have so many amazing friends that have been there for us through good times and not-so-good times. Mom friends, teaching friends, preschool friends, babysitters-- the list goes on...

Our support system has also been incredible-- Dr. Davies for the boys. Need I say more? Sheila and the other nurses at UP Peds for fielding all my panic calls and helping me keep a sense of humor about things.  Dr. Theissen and the staff at Chambers Creek have been there for the Pugs through thick and thin. Could not take the dogs down to OZ without the help from Melissa at Chambers and Atwood Pet Travel. There are countless other, but these are the ones that jump to mind right now.

Leaving Old Town Co-op Preschool is also going to hard. Coop has now been there for a year and a half. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I could find a school and a community that would be so warm and welcoming. Nor did I believe we could find a preschool teacher as incredible as our Teacher Anne.  Cooper loves going to school and he is going to miss Teacher Anne and his classmates immensely. I was so hoping that Tucker could have a similar experience...

Although my family is not nearby, it will still be hard to leave them- daily phone calls, texts and brief visits will be a way of the past. Thank goodness for Skype. We are already practicing so that we are sure it will work once we leave. My family has been really supportive of this move.  My mom has even volunteered to fly down to OZ with me and the boys since Doug will be leaving in late January. Thank you so much, Mom! I cannot imagine making this trip alone.

We will also be leaving Doug's family here in WA state.  Cooper has grown really fond of his aunts and uncle.  But Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter promised to visit and we are holding them to that!

For those of you wondering about the dogs, well, that is a story for another day.

Okay, enough of the sad stuff. On to the preparations for the adventure of a life time.