Thai, Wigs, Rain and Trains

The kids now officially love Thai food. I am so excited. It took a few months to get them both on board, but now they are sailing right along!  Cooper likes the appetizer dishes- prawn toast, prawn fritters, chicken and, of course, rice. Tucker loves curry!  Go Tucker!  So far he has enjoyed both green and red. He LOVE, LOVE, LOVES rice and we have finally gotten him to eat the prawn toast too.  It is so nice to actually all eat the same meal that has nothing to do with salami or tuna (Coop's choices these days).  

I think I have said this before, but we go to the same Thai restaurant every time and have gotten to know many of the waitresses there. There is one waitress in particular, Sai, who is in love with Cooper and he feels the same.  He insists on stopping by to say hello each time we pass by and yesterday while waiting for our meal, he told her he loves her.  So precious!  I tried to find out if she babysits, but her English isn't great and she didn't understand. Oh, well. I tried.

Oh, I had to take this picture. I know this is not a big deal, but did you know the judges here wear wigs?? Yes, I know they do it in England too and that our forefathers did the same, but it seems so strange this day in age and it makes me chuckle every time I see it.  I have been trying to get a picture of a judge in a wig for a while and finally got one today.  Hee!

We made our bi-monthly pilgrimage to Bondi Junction (about 20 minutes by bus or train) today.  We have to go there to buy our dog food and wee wee pads. TMI?  :) It is the easiest place to get to and really the only place within a reasonable distance that carries what we need. 


Anyway, we started off in the pouring rain all dressed up in our rain gear- thank you PNW.  All the while, Tuck is singing (in Tucker language) "Rain, rain, go away..." We got to the bus stop (a bit soggy) and somehow managed to get on the longest, windiest bus ride to Bondi Junction available. I think Cooper was about to be bus sick by the time we got off. I wasn't feeling too good either.  We headed first to the mall to look at shoes for Cooper. Do you know the MINIMUM cost of a decent pair of shoes is $69.95?? That is if you want a sole on the shoe.  Crazy, skipped that. We stopped by Target to get Coop some new socks (had none) and noticed that they were having a HUGE toy sale and there were huge crowds lined up to buy them. It must be something like Christmas in July here.  The prices were still, in my opinion, way too high. Cooper wanted Hungry, Hungry Hippo so badly, but it was $30 on sale. I told him no. He was not a happy camper.  We headed back out in the rain picked up our dog items and then back in the rain.  Our final stop was KMART.  Ahhh, a place where they have what you need at a price that doesn't break the bank. We got Coop some socks, a shirt and a pair of pants.  Feels good to get stuff accomplished.  So, it was back in the rain, again, and to the train this time.  I unleashed Tucker from his stroller for this ride- which I never do- he was so happy. He just stood there holding the pole and looking so proud of himself.  Cooper took the opportunity to read him the map. Tucker now knows what a map is.  That is cool.  

So, now because we aren't soggy enough, Cooper is playing with water and eye droppers (thank you Teacher Anne) and having a blast. Tucker will be napping a bit longer. I am enjoying a few minutes to myself.

Hoping for some sunshine tomorrow so we can go to the park and play.  

Thai, Wigs, Rain and Trains

The kids now officially love Thai food. I am so excited. It took a few months to get them both on board, but now they are sailing right along!  Cooper likes the appetizer dishes- prawn toast, prawn fritters, chicken and, of course, rice. Tucker loves curry!  Go Tucker!  So far he has enjoyed both green and red. He LOVE, LOVE, LOVES rice and we have finally gotten him to eat the prawn toast too.  It is so nice to actually all eat the same meal that has nothing to do with salami or tuna (Coop's choices these days).  

I think I have said this before, but we go to the same Thai restaurant every time and have gotten to know many of the waitresses there. There is one waitress in particular, Sai, who is in love with Cooper and he feels the same.  He insists on stopping by to say hello each time we pass by and yesterday while waiting for our meal, he told her he loves her.  So precious!  I tried to find out if she babysits, but her English isn't great and she didn't understand. Oh, well. I tried.

Oh, I had to take this picture. I know this is not a big deal, but did you know the judges here wear wigs?? Yes, I know they do it in England too and that our forefathers did the same, but it seems so strange this day in age and it makes me chuckle every time I see it.  I have been trying to get a picture of a judge in a wig for a while and finally got one today.  Hee!

We made our bi-monthly pilgrimage to Bondi Junction (about 20 minutes by bus or train) today.  We have to go there to buy our dog food and wee wee pads. TMI?  :) It is the easiest place to get to and really the only place within a reasonable distance that carries what we need. 


Anyway, we started off in the pouring rain all dressed up in our rain gear- thank you PNW.  All the while, Tuck is singing (in Tucker language) "Rain, rain, go away..." We got to the bus stop (a bit soggy) and somehow managed to get on the longest, windiest bus ride to Bondi Junction available. I think Cooper was about to be bus sick by the time we got off. I wasn't feeling too good either.  We headed first to the mall to look at shoes for Cooper. Do you know the MINIMUM cost of a decent pair of shoes is $69.95?? That is if you want a sole on the shoe.  Crazy, skipped that. We stopped by Target to get Coop some new socks (had none) and noticed that they were having a HUGE toy sale and there were huge crowds lined up to buy them. It must be something like Christmas in July here.  The prices were still, in my opinion, way too high. Cooper wanted Hungry, Hungry Hippo so badly, but it was $30 on sale. I told him no. He was not a happy camper.  We headed back out in the rain picked up our dog items and then back in the rain.  Our final stop was KMART.  Ahhh, a place where they have what you need at a price that doesn't break the bank. We got Coop some socks, a shirt and a pair of pants.  Feels good to get stuff accomplished.  So, it was back in the rain, again, and to the train this time.  I unleashed Tucker from his stroller for this ride- which I never do- he was so happy. He just stood there holding the pole and looking so proud of himself.  Cooper took the opportunity to read him the map. Tucker now knows what a map is.  That is cool.  

So, now because we aren't soggy enough, Cooper is playing with water and eye droppers (thank you Teacher Anne) and having a blast. Tucker will be napping a bit longer. I am enjoying a few minutes to myself.

Hoping for some sunshine tomorrow so we can go to the park and play.  

It's Been a While

I haven't been able to post a blog for the last few days because eblogger hasn't been working.  Nothing major has happened, but lots of little things have.

The first and probably the biggest is Cooper's new found ability to SWIM! Yes, our little Cooper who for so long wouldn't even get his head wet has taught himself how to swim.  One day he was just playing in the water and the next day he was swimming. Well, actually it went a bit more like this. We were playing in the pool and a little boy named Max was playing in the water as well.  Now Max could swim just a bit- he was kicking and moving his arms and actually getting somewhere. Cooper literally studied him for about 10 minutes then jumped in the pool and kicked his feet and moved his arms. That was a seriously, major proud mama moment.  He has become a little fish.  I posted a video on Facebook for those who are interested.

Our little swimmer

Funny thing is happening. Cooper is beginning to change the way he speaks.  I do not know the technical term, but he is beginning to get a lilt in his voice as he talks.  Sometimes he will come up to me and say something like, "Can we go swimming today?" And instead of sounding like an American, he sounds, well, Australian.  Very cool.

Cooper got a camera. My mom sent him one of her old cameras. He is SO thrilled. He has probably taken a gazillion pictures by now.  He was especially excited about the case it came it because it was "just like Nana's" but then he proceeded to tell Nana that she actually sent the wrong camera because this one "is not big enough" and to "please send another one."  Kids sure don't hold back do they? Coop had his camera on the train yesterday and he leaned forward toward Tucker and said, "Hey buddy, do you want to take a picture?" And he proceeded to "teach" Tucker how to take a picture. Tucker, as you can imagine, was so happy!

Tucker with the camera

Now, we cannot forget about little Tucker.  He has made some big strides as well. He is now giving kisses.  What is more adorable than an a 22 month old giving kisses?  He does it with a little "smack" at the end.  The kisses are mostly for me (yay!), but he gives quite a few to his favorite stuffed dog as well.

Speaking of his stuffed dog... Tuck has not had much interest in stuffed animals. In fact, when handed a stuffed creature, he would typically throw it across the room. So needless to say I was surprised the other day when he was crying and crying and his blanket did not make him feel better nor did a drink of water, but DID work was his stuffed dog. Now he cuddles it and kisses it and insists on sleeping with it at night.  He also really likes Coop's stuffed wombat which apparently says, "RRRROWRRRR!" as do koalas and kangaroos according to Tucker.

Tucker has some new words!  Some are new, but some are renewed I guess.  He says, "All Aboard!"  Perhaps it is not that clear, but we all know what he is saying. He has said, "Cooper" a few times although it comes out more like "Pooper."  He LOVES saying "bye bye." In fact, he says it at every train stop to all the passengers who are getting off the train. Most are great about it and say "goodbye" too.  Others, well they are lame-os and say nothing.  Tuck also claps at each train stop in anticipation of getting off. You know, lately, I feel like clapping too when we are done with our daily train trip to quarantine!

We received not one, but two packages this week. Holy smokes! I have always loved getting mail, but this was better than ever.  My mom sent one- with the camera, some art supplies, trucks, shirts for the boys, but the best was the PEANUT M&Ms. Oh my word!  They were (yes, they are all gone and I did not share them) amazing!  She also sent some Goldfish Crackers (which you cannot get here and if you could they would probably suck), but I am saving those for the boys for a another day.  Oh yeah, red pepper flakes upon request- they do not have them here in a "pure" form- they are all mixed with salt- ick! Pizza shall have flavor once again!

My dear friend, Malia or Minnie, as Coop calls her, sent a package as well.  There were a bunch of toys for the boys, a great book, some bath crayons, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies (mmmmmm) and SWEDISH FISH!! Again, so yummy and so already gone.  Home never tasted so good.... Thanks Minnie!

Cooper drawing in the tub

The only other thing to talk about is our walk in the rain. We decided to don our raincoats and go splash in some puddles.  What better way for two boys to spend a rainy day?

It's Been a While

I haven't been able to post a blog for the last few days because eblogger hasn't been working.  Nothing major has happened, but lots of little things have.

The first and probably the biggest is Cooper's new found ability to SWIM! Yes, our little Cooper who for so long wouldn't even get his head wet has taught himself how to swim.  One day he was just playing in the water and the next day he was swimming. Well, actually it went a bit more like this. We were playing in the pool and a little boy named Max was playing in the water as well.  Now Max could swim just a bit- he was kicking and moving his arms and actually getting somewhere. Cooper literally studied him for about 10 minutes then jumped in the pool and kicked his feet and moved his arms. That was a seriously, major proud mama moment.  He has become a little fish.  I posted a video on Facebook for those who are interested.

Our little swimmer

Funny thing is happening. Cooper is beginning to change the way he speaks.  I do not know the technical term, but he is beginning to get a lilt in his voice as he talks.  Sometimes he will come up to me and say something like, "Can we go swimming today?" And instead of sounding like an American, he sounds, well, Australian.  Very cool.

Cooper got a camera. My mom sent him one of her old cameras. He is SO thrilled. He has probably taken a gazillion pictures by now.  He was especially excited about the case it came it because it was "just like Nana's" but then he proceeded to tell Nana that she actually sent the wrong camera because this one "is not big enough" and to "please send another one."  Kids sure don't hold back do they? Coop had his camera on the train yesterday and he leaned forward toward Tucker and said, "Hey buddy, do you want to take a picture?" And he proceeded to "teach" Tucker how to take a picture. Tucker, as you can imagine, was so happy!

Tucker with the camera

Now, we cannot forget about little Tucker.  He has made some big strides as well. He is now giving kisses.  What is more adorable than an a 22 month old giving kisses?  He does it with a little "smack" at the end.  The kisses are mostly for me (yay!), but he gives quite a few to his favorite stuffed dog as well.

Speaking of his stuffed dog... Tuck has not had much interest in stuffed animals. In fact, when handed a stuffed creature, he would typically throw it across the room. So needless to say I was surprised the other day when he was crying and crying and his blanket did not make him feel better nor did a drink of water, but DID work was his stuffed dog. Now he cuddles it and kisses it and insists on sleeping with it at night.  He also really likes Coop's stuffed wombat which apparently says, "RRRROWRRRR!" as do koalas and kangaroos according to Tucker.

Tucker has some new words!  Some are new, but some are renewed I guess.  He says, "All Aboard!"  Perhaps it is not that clear, but we all know what he is saying. He has said, "Cooper" a few times although it comes out more like "Pooper."  He LOVES saying "bye bye." In fact, he says it at every train stop to all the passengers who are getting off the train. Most are great about it and say "goodbye" too.  Others, well they are lame-os and say nothing.  Tuck also claps at each train stop in anticipation of getting off. You know, lately, I feel like clapping too when we are done with our daily train trip to quarantine!

We received not one, but two packages this week. Holy smokes! I have always loved getting mail, but this was better than ever.  My mom sent one- with the camera, some art supplies, trucks, shirts for the boys, but the best was the PEANUT M&Ms. Oh my word!  They were (yes, they are all gone and I did not share them) amazing!  She also sent some Goldfish Crackers (which you cannot get here and if you could they would probably suck), but I am saving those for the boys for a another day.  Oh yeah, red pepper flakes upon request- they do not have them here in a "pure" form- they are all mixed with salt- ick! Pizza shall have flavor once again!

My dear friend, Malia or Minnie, as Coop calls her, sent a package as well.  There were a bunch of toys for the boys, a great book, some bath crayons, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies (mmmmmm) and SWEDISH FISH!! Again, so yummy and so already gone.  Home never tasted so good.... Thanks Minnie!

Cooper drawing in the tub

The only other thing to talk about is our walk in the rain. We decided to don our raincoats and go splash in some puddles.  What better way for two boys to spend a rainy day?

A Trip Line for the Boys

So this posting is more for the boys than anything. I am pretty sure Tucker will have no memory of our trips to quarantine and I am hoping Cooper will have some memories of it. If not I have made a little photo trip line so they WILL always have photo memories.

GETTING TO THE TRAIN

The boys in the lift at Central

 Cooper takes great pride in pushing Tucker in his stroller.  Tucker is usually okay with it, but sometimes he just wants mom.  Just love Cooper's get-up- sunnies, Dad's backpack and he is singing!

TRAIN RIDE TO BLACKTOWN

Snacks on the train are imperative. The take up a good 10 minute- usually before the train even departs the station!  I am getting better at packing snacks that take more time to eat.  

TRAIN STOPS

Strathfield Station

Granville Station

No clue what goes on in these towns, but they are the first stops after leaving Central Terminal

Paramatta

Paramatta is a pretty big town. Lots of people alight the train here and many get on. A branch of the University of Sydney is located here and a HUGE shopping mall.

WE'RE HERE!

Our destination 

our train

Waiting for the lift in Blacktown

inside of the Blacktown station

often our breakfast stop

taxi ranks

in the lift

QUARANTINE STATION

Animal Quarantine

quarantine grounds 

walking to the kennels

kitty in quarantine

one of the catteries

row 7- home to the Pugs

the pug's "view"

neighbor dog

inside the daytime kennel

Coop hanging out with the dogs

the girls spend the day sitting
in the sun

Leaving quarantine

Plant Quarantine Station

The driveway out

Cooper opening the gate

RETURN TRIP

back at the train plaform

waiting for the express train

trains arriving and departing

BACK ON THE TRAIN