Luna Park

On Saturday night we went to Luna Park on Sydney's north shore. We were in the neighborhood at a housewarming party so we decided to take a venture over to see what it was like. Luna Park is fashioned after New York's Coney Island. It was expensive so we didn't do too much. We got there at seven o'clock so Piper was going to be tired soon, and also she was too small to go on anything other than the Ferris wheel and the carousel. We had some cotton candy, which Piper loved, and Rick won her a stuffed Nemo doll. We took a walk on the boardwalk and had our picture taken. All in all, a fun evening together.

Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday I was looking for a good quote about moms to include with the cookie bags that we're handing out today at church for Mother's Day. In my searching I found this article. It was uplifting for me and I especially liked that it was called "10 Secrets to Being a Happy Mother of Young Children." It's not how to be a good mother which would make anyone feel guilty; it's about how to be a happy mother.

The quote I ended up using was from the prophet Joseph F. Smith: “I have learned to place a high estimate upon the love of mother. I have often said, and will repeat it, that the love of a true mother comes nearer being like the love of God than any other kind of love.”

Also, my mom had Rick buy me flowers and dictated a note. A mother sending her daughter flowers on Mother's Day - that's a great mom. Thanks a bunch! I love you Mom.

To all you mothers out there, have a fantastic Mother's Day! You deserve it.

Powerhouse Museum

We took another trip to the Powerhouse Museum on Wednesday. This time Mindy and Zoey came too. At the museum there's this kid's play area called, funny enough, Zoe's House. Kids can climb and build, and learn about construction in an on-hands environment. Piper was too short to play here the last time we went but this time she was so close and Zoey was tall enough that we gave it a go. They had a great time.

Piper and Zoey in front of the a model of the Strasbourg clock


Y.M.C.A! At the Y.M.C.A., hey!

Piper is operating the toll bridge and seems a bit peeved to have her busy day interrupted.

More pics from Natalee's visit

I received my cousin Natalee's photos from her trip down here in March. She took some amazing shots. I've uploaded a few for your viewing pleasure.

Me and my girl waiting for the bus


That's one tired chiquita.

First snorkel attempt

Natalee and Piper enjoying the reef view together

A lone mangrove

Petting a koala at the Koala Park Sanctuary

Playing with puzzles

Piper and Rick were playing with her puzzles the other day while I was doing something in another room. Piper came knocking on the door and Rick told me that I needed to come out and see what was going on. This is what I found.

So funny

The kid at the end makes me laugh so hard. His Aussie accent is just priceless, and spot on.

Conversations with Piper

Exchange 1
Misty: What do you want to eat Piper?
Piper: Fruit.
Misty: Okay, a banana?
Piper: Yeah.
(After eating the banana) Misty: What else do you want to eat?
Piper: Fruit.
Misty: How about an apple?
Piper: No, fruit.
Misty: Raisins?
Piper: Yeah.

Exchange 2
(Piper sees a cat eating)
Piper: Mouw.
Misty: Yes, a cat. What do cats eat?
Piper: Cereal.
In Piper's defense, dry cat food does look like cereal.

Exchange 3
(After Piper tasted some canned pumpkin pie filling)
Piper: Mmm, more, I like.