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.