We finally got the house all squared away! We couldn't be happier! It just took a long time waiting (2 weeks to be exact!). What we found out late last week is that the listing agent really didn't do her job very well. The landlord ended up calling our agent to send his apologies for what a mess this has all been. Also he has a child at the same school where the kids will be going! The wait is behind us now, we have the signed lease, we've paid all of our deposits and 1st month rent - so we are good to go. The painters have been there this week painting and the NEW neutral carpet (not BLUE!) will be installed on Friday. We will get to move in on Tuesday! We have to wait for the rental furniture to arrive and they can deliver on Tuesday. Our sea shipment is traveling across the ocean and should arrive on February 22nd, then it will have to clear customs. So it will still be awhile before we have all of our own stuff. But goodness, it will be so nice to be in a home and not in the apartment any longer.
We had a great weekend and enjoyed a picnic at the park with one of Bryan's co-workers and her family. They were very welcoming and helpful to visit with them about adjusting to life here. The kids loved getting to play for several hours with other children. We spent some time at the beach on Sunday in the Brighton area. We searched for shells and put our feet in the water. The weather was hot (mid 90's) but the water was still pretty cold, although many people were swimming. The kids really had fun at the beach and can't wait to go back. So we are planning a weekend getaway to Phillip Island on Friday. This time of year everything is really busy and all booked up, so we were lucky to find a place to stay. There is a "penguin parade" that takes place every evening on the island that is a big attraction. There are also seals there and koalas, as well as a lovely beach. It should be a great time and a good break (especially for me!) from the the apartment life.
Monday the kids and I went to the Crown Casino to the "Cinema" to see the Muppets. I called down to the concierge to find out how long the walk would be and she said, oh just 10 minutes. Well I guess that is if you are a fast-paced adult. It took us about 25 minutes with 2 kids in tow, dragging their feet, and a 3 year old that asked if I could carry him? It was a nice walk, but just took longer than expected. The Crown Casino is on the river and is a huge building - with a shopping mall, restaurants, food court, hotel, casino, cinema, and probably other things we didn't come across. It was beautiful on the inside and very interesting to walk through. The people there were very international. It is obviously a very big tourist spot here in Melbourne. We enjoyed our time at the movies, topped off with popcorn and slurpees! And then we made the long walk back again. Will begged for a taxi, but we just went slower on the way home and tried to keep him interested in what we were passing by so he wouldn't think about being carried.
Tuesday I took the kids to the uniform shop to get all suited up! They did well and the ladies there were extremely helpful. Will is excited because he will wear a "sport" uniform everyday, which includes in his terms "running shorts". He couldn't be happier. I truly was concerned about his adjustment to a uniform - he doesn't like to tuck shirts in, doesn't like to wear a belt, etc. This will be an easy transition for him, I think. When we checked out, I mis-heard the lady say that our total was "$5,047" - I was in shock, I know things are more expensive here, but how could that be? Then she had me sign the receipt that said $1,047. Boy was I relieved!
After our shopping trip, the kids were anxious to get to an indoor play place that I had found. So we quickly grabbed lunch from our first drive-thru and fast food restaurant: good ole McDonald's! It's safe to say that the happy meals all taste the same! The kids really enjoyed running, jumping, playing and going crazy at the play place. It was lots of fun for them!
We've been cooking a few meals for dinner in our apartment, but it is just so hard to do with such limited supplies. Our dishes have 4 of each piece, so something is constantly needing to be washed. We have 2 sharp knives, one small and one large. But we are trying to make it work for now, instead of eating out so many meals. I really miss our automatic ice maker! We have these 2 little dinky ice trays in our mini-freezer here and it takes the entire tray to make one drink cold. And there is no ice maker at the hotel/apartment. Not sure if this is part of their "going green" theme or what? I can't wait to go fridge shopping and buy one with an automatic ice maker! Bryan said, what if there's not a water line at the house? or what if they don't make refrigerators that way here? SURELY NOT! I will be the first to report this once we go shopping.
We found out that our house closed with the relocation company. Kinda sad to see it go....
Next week we will move into our home, get the kids started in school, and shop for a 2nd car - exciting times! The kids have really enjoyed their extended Christmas vacation and Australian summer holiday. They love the lazy mornings, which will come to an end next week. Claire keeps asking "how many more days until school?" and Will asks "are we going to school today?" I am hoping they both adjust well, love their new school, and have fun on their first days next week!
Thank you all for your emails from home. We sure enjoy reading them all and being in touch!
hugs from Australia,
Chrissy
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