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.