The Great Barrier Reef in Caines

Out of the great grey skies, as the rain desends in the Monsoon season of Northern Australia, we make our way on a small boat to the two destinations of Michalmus Cay and...................

Hastings reef out in the oceans outer reef

And so we snorkeled and smiles in awe at all the varieties of fish and coral and of the incredible vastness of the ocean.

And we relaxed in the warm ocean waters.

Santa in OZ

One Christmas eve, Santa flies in the air in a big red sleigh pulled by eight brown reindeer. BUT when Santa hits the Aussie coast, 8 white Boomers pull the way. And when Santa swoops down with his Christmas magic he'll be delivering presents to kids. First he goes to Queensland, then to New south Wales. He heads up north with daylight on his trail. One last stop to the top he flies away yelling "G'day to all and to you all a good night". With a ray of sun he disappears and the good little children wake with a start while Santa is sleeping and snoring about.                                                                                      BY     LEONA

When Santa flies into Australia, he switches to a surf board and gets on his BONDS knickers and rash guard. He replaces his fur hat for a sun hat and cuts his beard short and puts sunscreen on his rosy cheeks. He surfs down the streets dropping presents in the chimneys that drop to the Christmas trees. To Sydney, Brisbane and Byron Bay and many more places. Some roofs he needed a can opener because the
roofs were made of tin. Then when he has reached all the houses he yells to all of OZ "G'day to you all and to all Aussies a good night"                                                                    BY  JUDE

Surfing Aussie waves

The beaches are varied and vast with lots of waves. It is great to watch the changes that occur between high tides and low tides.
Here are the safety rules we have learned about the ocean waters while on their trip and surf school.
1. Swim between the flags where the lifeguards are present.
2. Swim where there are other people present.
3. Always use sunscreen.
4. Swim parallel with the shore if you get stuck out. If will drift you back to shore.
5. As a wave approaches you must choose to:
        swim under it
        swim through it
        ride with it
6. Watch for oyster shells, Ouch!!! Both Leona and Jude have had their feet cut up.
7. Watch for jellyfish, they can sting you badly.
8. Swim away from rocks formations present in the water.
9. Watch for other surfers, boards, and swimmers.

The Most Eastern Point in Australia

A Poem by Jude


Today we went to Byron Bay
A place I'd  like to stay and play.

The cool ocean water tickles my toes
I'd be a fool not to go.
The wind flew from the windows and bellowed my scarf
tied upon my head
 A new silk dress of brown and gold
not green, not red
 We saw a painting, my sister and I
"The painting of Byron beach" I cry
 The shops on each street so crowded and packed
My tummy grumbled from food that I lacked
My Nanny in a hundred swimsuits
Maybe even more!
But after swim suit 44, there was nothing left in the store
So lunch it was, cheese sandwich or two
A little apple, a little carrot, too much for just two
After that my Auntie, Mama and sister set off for a shop
and lots of people not one in a row
While I stayed behind to run on the beach to and fro
Then we packed not leaving a tiny little snack
And went off to a lighthouse, down windy steps and twisty roads
to find a blue tongue lizard with an Ice Cream Cone

We saw an army helicopter flying close by
we saw the view and headed back
A spectacular view that had no weakness, no lack

We went on the road to a beach again
with the waves I would pretend
I was an Olympic Swimmer
Then home again, home again
And Mama says to write a page
"A poem" I say
So here I am, my poems complete
My Rhyming unique
My best has been done
The end to everyone.

Leona is 12

Rainforests everywhere.

One of our best memories of Oz will always be this adventure to the waterfall in the border Rangers National Park with Wendy. Thank you for sneeking us down the side of the hill through narled roots and lizards and rocks!

A creative writing assignment by the DeRango girls

Take 1

The fox was strolling through his lovely life with his sharp teeth. After an hour his finger was sore. He cooked a sausage in his tepee with wax attached in his ear. His eyes flashed on a twisted circle, within it was a bear bathing in the river and walking down a hill in the hot air facing a storm.Opening a flap he arrived in the tepee to see fox and hear tiger music. An owl hooted in the moon, a spark in the sky saw the storm begin. The fern grasses twirled and the pale river churned. Foam collections around driftwood and the surging storm saw them both sleeping.

Take 2

Inside my ice cream cone there is my dog Pippy and Mrs.Rodgers my 5th grade teacher. My Mama, daddy, me and Jude. Plus 3 scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream and my big yellow house. Also all the Harry Potter and Star Wars DVDs. My trampoline is located here with a lead pencil and some flowers. And a swimming pool with rubber ducks and doilies. There is a moon and a sun and fingernails. Happiness and cleaning shampoo are there. And my dog friend Ziggy along with a surfboard along with a memory of myself surfing big waves and plenty of stars.

Parliment House

The seat of government is much like our branches. we were able to take a grand tour due to the fact cousin Peter has worked there. these are the things we learned;
*A former prime minister serving in the forces dramatically changed his looks when his face was flattened in an accident.
*The current prime minister is Julia Gillard and she met Queen Elizabeth on her appearance. She lives in a place called the lodge while in Canberra.
*The prime minister has her own courtyard at Parliment house where she sometimes gives press conferences and speeches.
*The flag on top of Parliment house is the second largest flag?
*Constituents are allowed to enter congressional rooms to ask questions on question day.
*Everything (materials0 used to build Parliment house came from Australia except the green marble in the lobby imported from Italy to give the appearance of tree like structures.
*There is a fossil of a prawn in one of the main stairway stones.
*When walking past the prime ministers offices you must be careful of people running back and forth.
* Parliment house has daycare and a staff dining room.

*One custom we did partake in is the customary roll down the grassed hill of the building, as it is built    into the hillside.

The main Gallery  has on it's back wall a beautiful tapestry that is a copy of a famous artwork. By looking closely you can spot a cockatoo and Hailey's comet. President Obama will dine and dance here next week but we danced first.

The War Memorial

This incredible museum is not only dedicated to Australian soldiers and their histories but includes all nations of all wars to present. It provides an opportunity for viewing all aspects of live during times of war, effects and collaborations between nations.
The children's discovery room hosts places for children to engage in life aboard a submarine, flying evacuation helicopters, life in the trenches. Also showed how children helped in the war efforts such as collecting metals for war equipment.
Did you know:
The only person allowed to shower daily in a sub is the chef?
Soldiers wore white armbands to determine friend from foe?
There are many, many bands plagues and awards for bravery?
Trenches were sand bagged on top as a way to deter fire?
Many young men turned 21 while in active service?

Another portion of this exhibit was to show the continuing efforts of peacekeeping in the world.

Canberra- the capital city

We are so very fortunate to have fabulous relatives in this city. It is like Washington D.C. to the United States. Canberra was constructed by an architect from Chicago who won a competition. He created a city connecting all parts by a common lake in the center. A triangular pattern is created by the government buildings and war memorial. A fountain dedicated to Australia's founder Cook gushes into a straight up stream from the lake.

So many Adventures

It is hard to keep up with them all. We have been on tour in Sydney with cousin Pat and what a time!!! Boating into the rivers and sea, discovering Museums and markets. Ferries to city beaches. Fish and chips to eat. And the amazing reptile park in Gosford.

Happy Halloween to all! Whoooooaaaa

On the move

We are off traveling to stay with rellies and learn more about Australia. Our destination is Canberra the capital city of OZ. We are currently in Coff's Harbour with our cousins.  And Tomorrow ( Melbourne Cup Day)(Horse races) we will take a train ride to Sydney.

Camels, Ahoy!!

We rode a humpty back camel through the park.
Did you know?......
*The camels humps are made of fat? When water and food is scarce then stored fat produces a supply for the camel.
*Camels have the stinkiest breath in the animal kingdom
* Camels hooves are comprised of 2 toes to keep them from sinking into the sand.

ZIGGY- A DOG

As we have wonderful people looking after our precious dog back in Mn, we are paying it forward and have found a friend to walk each day.

Ziggy is a Cocker Spaniel /Poodle puppy, age 9 months.
He is cute, adorable really, and friendly. With loads of energy. He has long, curly fur the color of caramel.

He loves to run in the water with me and my sister. He recently moved down the hill from Nanny and Pappy. I was thrilled to find a dog living by us. Ziggy's owner said would you like to walk him for me, and I was like OMG, I was so excited. She showed us her house and all Ziggy's play stuff. We love to hang out with him he's lots of fun. He has helped us soo we are not so homesick. But we still miss our dog Pippy.                   LEONA & JUDE

Australian birds a study by L&J

Their are many different and amazing birds here in Oz

The Galah: A pink and gray cockatoo, lives in open country with trees.

Quail: various types and sizes. This variety grey with crest.

Lorikeet: rainbow variety. love grenenvalia bush. Lives in rainforest or woodland areas.

Australian Pelican (pic by Leona) Lives in coastal waters. Very large. wing span well over 60 cm. They have a tendency to get caught up in fishing line and hooks. We visited a nearby Rescue agency that helps these birds and also turtles found injured.

We saw a rare hawks billed turtle along with a green sea turtle when at the rescue. we learned all about how they lay their hundreds of eggs and the babies find their way to the ocean and if they survive they come back to the exact same beach to lay their own eggs years later.(pic by Jude)

Cockatoo: Many varieties found in all parts of Australia. Rare to spot them. We were able to find a spot where we saw a flock nearby. They make a lot of noise!

Laughing Kookaburra:
Kingfisher family,endangered species.Rare to see where we are (Ballina), but we did see one on the way back from the recuse center. Long beaks.Brown and white coloring with distinctive call. We have yet to hear the famous call.







So many wonderful birds we see and hear each day. Some we don't know the names of yet. They are prevalently heard at dawn and dusk, but you can hear the songs of birds all day. Generally you love it or you don't. We get seranaded by the butcher birds almost daily. we see them so much because the renter who stays at the house when Nanny and Pappy are not here feeds them. They like cheese. We named them Bon, Bella, Bretta, and Buck. They show up along with the magpies, that are a complete nuisance in our opinion. There are lots of amazing birds in Oz.

Greetings

Would you like to come to the beach with me? It is a beautiful place, the way the waves roll, and not a single one is the same. If you sit on a beachy spot and a wave comes it is so strong! It can turn you around.

You could make a large sand castle with me, one with a flag and many windows.
We could bring a picnic to the beach and sit in white sand with a blanket laied out in front of me and you on the other side.
We could find shells and bring them home to decorate to remind us of our wonderful time at the beach.
It is very hot and sunny, so put on your sunscreen and wear your hat and glasses. I'll meet you there.   JUDE

One of our neighborhod beaches

wow! the first time at the beach is always the best.

Searching for Bicycles...

A true story...narrated by Leona.
Once there were 3 people who set off to town looking for a deal on bicycles. They pasted a big beach with white sand and weird trees with mysterious roots growing crazily amongst the sands. They took a stop at the local library in Ballina. Then their nanny came to help check out books, she took a long time.

Then we got a surprise! Our relative Maureen picked us up in her white car and took us to her house to view a potential bike for us, it fit mom the best. The bike is pink and we need to make sure the tires hold air. Then mommy took a ride to the Jack Ransom's cycle shop and the girls rode along the route. The store was a small shop on the corner. When we got to the shop we took the bike around back and discussed reasonable deals for rentals. The man was nice to his customers. Then we did research comparisons on new bike deals in the area. Maureen was great to drive us around everywhere. First we looked at Kmart and then we went to the Big W. We found new bikes at a good price. Then we walked to a cycle shop where a grumpy man with high prices was unwilling to negotiate. When we returned to the house we found out that nanny found a great bike for an awesome price and it would be ready soon. We walked a lot and had a great day, maybe next time we'll be pedaling on bicycles. That would be very nice. The end of my true story.   LEONA LEONA LEONA LEONA LEONA

A Day with Lola

Lola is a bright girl, age 5, she is very intelligent and lot's of fun! We waited in front of the hotel we were staying at. We were waiting for Lola. When they arrived Lola said first thing "hello my name is Lola, what's yours" if she was shy she did not show it. We introduced our selves and went to sit by the pool to talk. Then we all drove down to the Santa Monica Board walk. On the way Lola taut us how to play garbage truck even though there were none out. When we got to the board walk we got a funnel cake and Lola got a ice cream cone (vanilla). We saw many interesting things on our walk, at the end of the boardwalk there was a  man playing music we danced to the music. We also went swimming in the warm pool and then we went bowling. Lola was the big winner with a score of 103. WOW!! It was a very good day.                              The End                                    JUDE

We Are Here!!

Saftely arrived in Brisbane and took bus ride to Ballina yesterday. So much to take in and still recovering from slight lag and time change differences. Girls will write more very soon. Much love to all of you, I knew you'd appreciate an update.

Living it up

Just witnessed a bus of passengers from England doing the tourist routine in LA. They have been traveling the United states.Don't see that too much in Minnesota. I found some blissful moments last night as the girls swam and I got to have a cocktail poolside. Off today with some friends to catch up and then we hop the " nice little" flight to Brisbane. Living it up!!!

San Fran memories

We have immersed ourselves into some adventures geared towards our homeschooling. We visited the Marin headlands where the fog was thick and the wind was cold. And the following day we headed to Muir woods to discover nature and explore species of trees. If I can figure out how to attach the videos we will send you the reports from L&J.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for Oscar, our traveling companion. (Uncle Kevin said he must go and be a part of this trip). He will show up in various pictures. Can you find him?

Leslie's [ Theresa and Johnny's restaurant)

Yesterday we went to Leslie's restaurant we sat at the bar counter. I ordered a full stack of pancakes and a wood chip milkshake.The pancake's were as big as my head,and they were very absorbent, mom said I was making it sound like some kind of toilet paper. The milkshake was vanilla ice cream with chocolate wood chips mixed in, it was [ one of the] best milkshake on earth.         JUDE

swimming

I went swimming in my friends Chase and Colton's pool. I played pirates.I had fun . They have a flag in the pool.        LEONA LEONA LEONA LEONA LEONA 

It's here

Today is the day. The anxiety of the past several weeks has now changed from the stressors of getting things done to the thrill of the adventure mixed with the dread of leaving for so long. It's absolutely amazing how much we take for granted. making a huge change like this does make you sit back and evaluate your life and the people in it. This last week we buried my great aunt Charlotte. She was and is an everlasating blessing to my life and the lives of those around her. I look at times like this and think we should seize the day at all times, yet our lifestyles are so busy and compete for space and energy. I truly believe the beauty of the world lies in our loving relationships. So as my children and I set out on this adventure I want all you special people to know that you are a blessing and we will miss you through the miles. I know we will all come back changed people. I pray for gentle spiritual growth and a lifetime of great memories.

One last try

I can do this, look, I can fit. Now to figure out just how to zipper myself in. Do you think they will find me? Aw, shucks I forgot to pack some food reserves. This is gonna be a challenge!

Last weekend together

WOW. The weekend was a dash of shopping and fun times with our dear friends the Nehring's from Iowa. Now the great challenge of zipping the suitcases and preping for departure. Four days of school beginning and ending in the same week and our grand adventure starts next weekend. Are the grown ups allowed to get cold feet?

Moving right along

Had a wonderful going away party thrown by our good friends the Schoonmakers. Oh the things you'll  miss in four months! It just has to make a soul most grateful for all the blessings we take for granted. Don't ya think?

fixed for now

Dear friends, I have now changed the settings to enable comments on the blog. I had a small tutorial from a friend. Sorry. I hope to have all the bugs worked out in the next few weeks before blast off.

All clear Dermotology
All clear dentist
All clear primary physician

Bag check list nearly complete!!!
7 weeks and counting..... fast.

TESTING, TESTING, 2 more months till the onset of the once in a lifetime stay in Australia. The kids and I are getting packed up and taking care of business.