As for furniture, the selection is limited here and we, unfortunately for Matt, ended up buying everything so far at IKEA. That includes a dining table, 6 chairs, 3 nightstands, 1 dresser and 1 tv stand. Buying all new electronic goods feels a bit like wedding registry and we kinda missed out on that the first go (Rosa did it for us online since we were living in Nigeria) so it has been fun.
Daycare was an adjustment the first 4 weeks with the teachers learning about Elliott and us and vice versa all the way around but after that, things have been pretty good. There is a lot less structure and although Elliott still gives out a 1-2 minute cry when I drop him off in the mornings, he is always very happy when I pick him up and does not want to leave. He has picked up the phrase "Mine" so I guess he is fitting in.
On Sunday, November 6th, we took Elliott to the aquarium to see fish and sharks. He wasn't feeling too good the previous days but ended up having a good time here. Since this trip, he knows "shark." We will definitely be back!
Elliott knows Wu Gui (turtle).
Saying "hi" to the fish
Walking with Dad to see the stingrays
The next weekend, Kirk's fiance, Lucy flew over from Sydney and we took her out to Swan Valley to visit a few wineries and shops. Swan Valley is a region just 30 minutes from CBD with over 50 wineries, 5 breweries and specialty shops for chocolate, honey and the likes.
This is an example of Australian humor.
They have signs that say "Form 1 Lane" which basically means merge. But on one of the signs on the way home from work, someone spray painted a "P" in front and a "T" in the back of "lane" so the sign says "Form 1 Planet." For some reason, that cracks me up!
Elliott was navigating the Swan Valley loop for us.
Mid-November shananigans:
Helping us unpack, pack, unpack, pack and unpack over and over again.
Typical morning on my way to daycare in the BOB.
Playing in yet another park.
November 20th, we went to Floreat Beach for a pair of twin's 5th birthday party. It took awhile for Elliott to warm up to the sand but he eventually had a good time and even ate the hamburgers.
This is what my hair looks like when I wake up.
Blame my mom and dad.
Sand everywhere!!!!!
Just another beach near the city.
Can you spot Matt and Elliott?
Playing at home.
He loves to go in circles around curtains and play peek-a-boo with us.
I said it before, but there are literally parks on every corner and I was not kidding.
First set of park photos from Cottlesloe Beach with the Indian Ocean in the background.
We took a stroll around the beach and Elliott wanted to go "upstairs" over and over again. He then fell asleep while we ran an errand and woke up so we took him to another very nice park.
Taking off after the catnap.
Thanksgiving is not celebrated here in Australia but some expats did invite us over for a great home-cooked meal. They have a little girl 6 days older than Elliott and a dog so Elliott had plenty of fun.
Elliott likes to plop down and lay on the ground.
No explanation but he was so still I was able to snap several shots.
Running around the kitchen island chasing Daddy.
Playing before eating a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
That was our November! It's nearly 2 AM so I'm going to bed. Luckily my dad is here now so I sleep in tomorrow morning!!! Happy New Year!
