Margaret River

We spent two nights in the Margaret River region, staying in Yallingup at the Wyadup Brook Cottages. We visited the Flying fish, Howard Park, Brown Hill Estate and Laurance Wineries. We also made a stop at theHapp Pottery Studio and Sensei Pots.

Check out: http://www.happs.com.au/pages/pothistory.html

The pottery at Happs was gorgeous. Will definetly be making some purchases there in the future...

Also checked out and purchased some prints by photographer Christian fletcher-

http://www.christianfletcher.com.au/

Now the kiwis have headed home and we are sad and lonely...boo hoo. Lucky for them my husband just walked through the door with a big fat kite...maybe a melbourne rendez-vous sooner than later?

Thanks for a fantastic couple of weeks and a great Christmas guys!!! Our kids will not soon forget you! xxx JJHB

Swan Valley Wine Tour

We went to the swan valley and visited the Lancaster, Houghton and Jarrah Ridge Estate Vineyards. We had a customized tour that took 21 adults and 10 children to the vineyards, the chocolate factory, a brewery and an icecream shop. It was a stellar day.

Feliz Navidad

We had a quiet Christmas Day...It began with the customary opening of stockings from Santa and then on to the prezzies under the tree. Everyone was spoiled. The day was spent lazing around the pool and then for Dinner Tony's parents joined us for turkey. Johnny did the turkey on the bar-b...It was about 40 degrees on Xmas day...a mild 44 degrees on boxing day...ahhh.

Rotto with the Kiwis

We had a fun weekend at Rottnest with M&T. We rented bikes and toodled around the island, swam with the fishes and enjoyed drinks at sunset. The kids are taken with their Aunty and Uncle and are enjoying all of the hang out time.

Dancing Queens

Sweet Haven had her first Dance recital. It was so much fun for us to prepare for and to watch! She did a great job singing and dancing to "up in the trees".

Rusty Holden Ute

This is how Father Christmas arrives down under! Quite amusing. Aussies love their "utes" aka: el caminos...

Aunty Michelle and Uncle Tony in Perth

They have arrived and we are so HAPPY to have them here. So far we have been hanging out close to home. Too tall Tony, Aunty M & myself took our first kite surfing lessons...too much fun! John was one lesson ahead of us. I think we're all hooked. You wouldn't know it by the pics but we did actually get to go in the water and get dragged about- which is a lot more fun than it sounds! We can't wait to get kitted up.

This weekend we are off to Rotto, then Xmas day at home and off to Margaret River for their last weekend with us.

Merry Christmas Everyone!! xxoo

The Tree!

Well we made it out to the swan valley and chopped down our own australian pine at Joes Tree Farm. It's a beaut. It was hot and dusty and we wore flip flops and the flies were out in sticky droves. Did i mention it wasn't snowing, blizzarding or even a faint bit chilly? We forgot our toques, mitts and jackets...but we pulled through. The kids are very excited to decorate the tree!

Rottnest Island

We spent the weekend at Rottnest or "Rotto" as the locals call it. It is such a charming place. We snorkelled and took the kids on a glass bottomed boat tour- quite cool for them. Smith provided fun and frolic on saturday for the Smith Family Christmas Party. A great time was had by all. Rotto is neat because you can't drive so you either have to walk, bike or take the local island bus to get around. We spotted quokkas with their joeys...mini marsupials that the island is famous for- as well as an abundance of peacocks wandering about...The kids loved that the peacocks kept wandering in and out of the ice cream shop. Note the pic of Bronto enjoying a full on ice cream high. The Island has a laid back atmosphere and the beautiful thing is it is only a 25 minute boat ride from Fremantle. We look forward to heading back with Michelle and Tony Dec 22-24!

Christmas Kindy Concert December 2007

Haven performed like a little rockstar in her year end Kindy concert. She even got to introduce Aussie Jingle bells...sooo cute. Afterward we had a picnic in the schoolyard with a sausage sizzle, which naturally was Bronto's favorite part.

Sailing the Swan River

Who knew there was such a learning curve to sailing? Apparently it isn't so for the 8-year-olds out there kicking my butt...Johnimpey seems to grasp the concept of wind as a motor as well. It must be my genetics. It is not for lack of trying that I do not succeed...Ok so maybe i haven't reviewed ALL of the knots and terminology. We had H&B out with us and our coach on thursday night. They were great little passengers and were cruisy throughout the twilight sail.

Weekend in Melbourne

Spent a lovely weekend in Melbourne with Nic, Justine and their friends in the cosmopolitan city...Plenty of shopping, wining and dining was accomplished. It was hard work.

The Violin

I am not sure who loves the violin more...Haven or her mommy. She is quite passionate and we look forward to the skill development that will follow! At her first lesson she looked over her shoulder at me quite suprised..."it doesn't sound very good does it?"

Haven Impey Celebrates 5 Years!

We had a smashing celebration at Jungle Gym for Ms Havens Fifth. She had twenty of her closest friends jumping, swinging and climbing. Of course afterward there was an abundance of crisps, lollies, fairy bread and pink cupcakes...(translation: chips, candies, bread/butter/sprinkles, and cupcakes...) We then had a few friends over for a bbq and bevvies in the sunshine. Haven had a great day, as did we all! We are so proud of our five year old. She never ceases to amaze and inspire us. Happy Birthday Sweet Haven!

New Norcia Weekend (almost)

Fancying ourselves "travellers" we headed to the historic town of New Norcia about 130 kms north of Perth. http://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/ We knew the accomodations would be simple...however we quickly realized our days of backpacking through south america and asia are truly behind us.

We made a reservation at the monastery guesthouse. No deposit is required and your payment is an optional donation to the monastery. Upon arrival we realized that Norcia was not a place we were likely to spend oodles of time. It was lovely, quiet and charming...however it was VERY isolated and VERY quiet. Unless you are interested in taking the vow of silence, which by the way Haven and Bronson voted against...there are not many activities. We also opted to forgo the 2 hour tour of the 65 historic buildings- again the kids were not so keen. It seemed that there was a convention of every single black fly in Western Australia at New Norcia as well, hence the 32 degree temperature and the persistent flies sticking to your mouth and eyelids distracted a bit from the charming buildings.

The closest town with groceries/amenities was about 45 minutes away. We did have a great birthday dinner on Friday night at the New Norcia Hotel...the food was superb and the old hotel was grand. It could use some TLC, but it is still owned and operated by the monastery. The mission was founded in 1846 and all of the buildings were built between 1904-1914. Currently there are approximately 10 benedictine monks living on the premises.

The Impeys do not like to be quitters...however having flashbacks of $5 per night hostels in Peru and bountiful buzzing tree planting flies, we took a family vote and it was decided we would forgo two nights in NN. Bronson voted to stay...likely just to be arguementative and independent in his choice...I don't think it is so much his deep love of history and culture.

We made our donation to the monastery and made a hasty escape and headed for the coast saturday afternoon and ended up in Guilderton. The Moore river meets the Indian Ocean here. The water was lovely. Serenity was restored. Our vow of silence was broken.

John's new baby...

Weekend in Margaret River

We stayed at Prevelly beach and managed to visit some beautiful vineyards, check out a 20 million year old cave and play in some waves...A grand time was had by all. We went to the following vineyards:

http://www.rockfield.com.au/

We loved this boutique vineyard. It was picturesque and had a lovely play area for the kids. Brilliant I say!

http://www.capemetelle.com.au/

Apparently a powerhouse name in the margaret river region. One of the oldest vineyards in the region...

http://www.eaglevalewine.com/

A charming vineyard with a humorous and tempermental french winemaker.

http://www.brownhillestate.com.au/

This small family run vineyard was our fave find of the weekend...the cellar door was in the tin shed where the operations go on. Jim the vineyard manager was pouring us wine in his working duds while his wife was putting through the visa card...They were sweet and make good wine. (we think) You tend to get a bit caught up in the charm of the whole thing. Anyway- you probably won't find it in canada but we liked the 2005Fimiston reserve shiraz and the 2005 Ivanhoe Reserve cab sav. Apparently Both should be cellared...who can wait!

http://www.xanaduwines.com/

A big operation- a fantastic play area for the kids to hang out while the parents sip vino.

http://www.leeuwinestate.com.au/

Touted as one of Australia's great estates and responsible for Australia's greatest chardonnay...we didn't get a chance to taste the wines- but a gorgeous spot. There are outdoor concerts held here every summer. Jack Johnson, Sting, and a bunch of other biggees have played here.

Fathers Day at Kindy

John spent a few hours at Kindy on fathers day morning with Haven. They painted pictures together, did crafts and had morning tea. A lovely time was had by all. Daddy and Haven also went to Cirque de Soleil- Varakei (ok-mommy tagged along!) which was Daddy's father's day present.