June 2015
Get ready for lots of pictures! Wow! This was a busy few weeks. In realizing that our adventure abroad was coming to an end, we panicked as we thought of all the things we had yet to do in Sydney. So needless to say, the first part of June was packed with endless sleepovers and lots of trips into the city. The girls continued surf lessons and swim lessons, and Kylie and Kendall joined the soccer team at school, but all other activities ended as the winter months in Sydney began. Obviously I use the term "winter" lightly, as it is nothing compared to what we experience in the midwest. There were a few more rainy days, and the temperature did drop a bit, but there were also plenty of beautiful, sunny days. We did stand out a bit as we noticed that as we continued to wear shorts and t-shirts, most other people switched to long pants, coats and ugg boots.
For the past few years, Sydney has been hosting an event called "Vivid". It lasts a few weeks and it involves telling stories through the use of light, throughout different parts of the city. It was truly spectacular, as you will see in the pictures below. Typically it is difficult to see the bridge and opera house at night, along with other iconic buildings, but during Vivid, these structures take on a life of there own. I spent so much time taking pictures, that the girls and Chris got annoyed with me, but I got very excited watching the opera house light up in all these different images and colors. Little did we know that we would be in the city three more times to observe this beautiful light display.
Sydney is home to a small, but unique amusement park called Luna Park. The girls have been wanting to go here since day one, but reluctantly, Chris and I always managed to come up with a diversion to get them to temporarily forget it. With just two weeks left, there was no forgetting. We did an impromptu trip one Friday night, with our four girls and Elsa and Savannah, who pretty much have become a part of our family by now;) Needless to say, Chris and I were happily surprised by the park. We expected crowds and long lines, but once again found that we pretty much had the run of the park that night. And because Vivid was still going on, it was extra awesome because the city was still lit up. Luna Park was built in 1935, and I can say it has changed very little since then. But this is what added to its charm. There was just something old school and very special about it. Danika and Kendall rode on their first roller coasters. The keepsake pictures we got are priceless as we are all screaming and Dani looks like she might pass out. She and I kept it pretty low key after that. We had a great time though and again will treasure those memories.
We also decided to do a last minute show at the opera house. They do offer tours, but we were encouraged by sydney natives to try and see a show if possible, as this would help us truly get a feel for the ambience of this amazing venue. There are not many shows that cater to kids, at least not in the time frame we were looking for. We had to choose between choir or dance, both of which were U.S. companies performing here. The girls chose the dance performance, which was held in the second largest theatre in the opera house. Not sure we all loved the performance, and we did leave a a bit early as they had school the next day, but it was so much fun just knowing that we were going to a show in the "Sydney Opera House". I think we could have watched paint dry and would have been just as excited. This was a first for Chris and I as well. It again was a great night of memories we will hold onto forever and as Vivid was still going on the city was extra beautiful. Many of our friends in Sydney had never seen the Vivid show so they were impressed that we managed to see parts of it three separate times!
As the days went by, it hit all of us that our time in Bondi was coming to an end. The girls squeezed in as many sleepovers as possible, even some on school nights. Needless to say their last day of school arrived. To say this was a tough day would be an understatement.. I never in my wildest dreams imagined they would make the friendships they made at Bondi Public. It wasn't even that friendships were made, but more the depth of these friendships. Chris and I also grew super close to some of these girls, as they spent a great deal of time with us. We sent the girls to school with treats to hand out to the class and the teachers encouraged us to come to the rooms early so we could take photos etc... I will say that I loved my time in Sydney, but more than anything, I love the experience my girls have had and it by far surpassed anything I could have imagined for them, specifically their school experience. As their mom, I spent many sleepless nights prior to our trip, worrying about how they would adjust to a new school. But since their first day at Bondi Public, these worries dissipated. I cannot say enough about this school. Initially we warned them that the kindness of everyone may subside as the students and staff might at first just be excited and intrigued by "the Americans". But, thankfully this never happened. I could go on and on about there experience here, but I won't. But, I can say they have made friendships that I know will last the rest of their lives. The girls also loved having lunch and recess outside at the same time. As Skylar and Kylie are older, I usually just get the one word answers to "How was your day?" "Anything new happen?" But, it was great having Danika out there with them. She knew all the older kids and got into all of there business. She would come home and have so many stories about her sisters and who asked who out, who likes who etc.... It was quite funny and annoying to her big sisters, but I loved it! Anyway, when Chris and I came to the school for pick up on that last day, we were met with many tears, sobbing tears. It was very sad. We did have a few girls sleepover that night and the tears continued to flow. We spent our last evenings at Marks Park which is right by our house, and it has amazing ocean and beach views. Needless to say, by the time we were set to depart on Sunday, everyone was emotionally drained. I am not sure they could cry if they wanted to. I think it helped the girls knowing that although they were saying goodbye to great friends, they were going home to see great friends that they left behind six months ago. On Sunday, we packed up our 12+ suitcases and said goodbye to 69 Fletcher St. I am not sure we will return to this particular apartment, even though it was amazing, but I know without a doubt, we will return to Bondi. It has become a second home to us and holds a special place in our hearts.
So for now, goodbye to Sydney, Bondi Beach and Bondi Public, until next time.... We now have 10 days of travel and then head back to the states.
Hope all is well with friends and family back home, and we will see you soon!!!
Surfing, surfing and more surfing. I hope they realize they won't be doing this much in Granger, IN:0
Waiting for the public bus. We sometimes took it to school when it was raining or in this case running late on picture day.
Off to VIVID in the city.
The next 13 pictures are from the Sydney VIVID light show.
Obviously the pictures do not do it justice, but I tried.
Obviously the pictures do not do it justice, but I tried.
Luna Park at night from the other side of the harbor.
Out to dinner before the opera house show.
Outside of the opera house before our show. The vivid light show was still going on so everything was very vibrant.
Entering the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. This theatre is the second largest room in the opera house. We went to see a dance production from a dance company out of New York. It wasn't the most exciting for the girls, but we were determined to see a production in the opera house:)
Just arriving at Luna Park! The park had lots of unique, older rides we had never experienced before.
Never too old for the good ole fashion merry go round!
Supposedly this is the only remaining replica of a 1930's funhouse left in the world.
Me taking a photo of how long I wish my legs were!
This was the inside of the Coney Island Funny Land (funhouse)
Danika and Chris on the ferris wheel.
These were all pictures of the bridge from the ferris wheel. Due to the Vivid festival, the bridge was changing colors. I couldn't pick one picture I liked so I posted them all!
This ride was called the "wild mouse". It was the first roller coaster for Danika and Kendall. I have to say it was quite crazy and the only ride for me that night:) It was built in 1962 and it definitely seemed that way.
Last ride of the night!
It may be considered winter in Sydney, but the girls had to have one last day at Bondi Beach!
They lasted all of five minutes then ran for the towels!
Kendall with her good friend, Edie. Water is not too cold for them:)
A little chilly, but they really wanted one last beach day at Bondi!
Graffiti art painted on the beach. I like this one!
Farewell dinner with our wonderful friends, the Dowd's.
Last day of Bondi Public School. Quite sad for everyone!
Last day of walking to school.
Skylar saying farewell to Indi, Carla, Elsa and Chloe.
Danika saying goodbye to her teacher Ms. Franco.
Goodbye to Danika's class, 1F, with Ms. Franco.
Goodbye to Kendall's class, 3M, with Ms. McCleod.
Goodbye to Kylie's class, 5H, with Mr. Hilliard.
Goodbye to Skylar's class, 6P, with Mrs. Parry.
Skylar and Elsa saying goodbye to their favorite store, SPAR. They liked coming here after school to spend half-hour trying to decide what after school junk food they wanted to purchase:)
Having farewell dinner with friends.
Our apartment building at 69 Fletcher Street. Our apartment was the top floor.
We spent our last evening at Marks Park. This park was located right near our apartment so the girls were here all the time. We also had many pizza picnics here in the evenings to enjoy the views!
Goodbye to Marks Park, we had so many fun times here and memorable picnics!
Goodbye to our amazing view!
Goodbye 69 Fletcher Street. Thanks for the memories!!!
