Just wanted to let you know that we arrived safely in Perth last Monday night. We found the flight very long - it took 7 and 1/2 hours, but we were very blessed and the kids were amazing. Gracie (and Grant) sleep for about an 1 hour and Hyrum slept about 1/2 an hour and Alysha and Anna not at all, but the kids were very good, we had taken lots of activities on the plane to keep them well entertained; we even had other people comment on what well behaved children we had (a first for us).So all in all a good trip.
We arrived in Perth to very hot weather, temperatures in the 30`s something we still haven't quite got used to yet.
The house is big and very lovely, Grant did a great job in finding it for us. The kids have adjusted amazingly well to our new home, sleeping through the night, and having lots of fun playing in all the different spaces in the house.
We still haven't bought a car yet, so everywhere we go we either walk or take a bus, and with 3 children it is very interesting. We are still planning on buying a car, but cars in Perth a very expensive and since we are only here for 6 to 8 months we don't want to lose a lot of money on a car.
Wednesday was the first day Anna adventured out with the kids, we walked to a local park which was very lovely. There was lots of other children playing in the park as it is the school holidays, and Alysha was listening to people talking and she exclaimed excitedly to Anna "Mum, people talk English here in Perth!" :-). We thought that was very cute - not sure what she was expecting. We then walked into the local shopping center Mount Lawley, and did a little food shopping, we went to catch the bus back and Hyrum got all upset and sacred and didn't want to get on the bus, I had already got the pushchair on , but the bus driver was so lovely he just waited and talked to Hyrum resuring him it was fine and fun to get on the bus, Hyrum then came on the bus and the bus driver didn't charge us for the fare and an older lady helped us to know when to get off. I felt very blessed by the friendless of the people, wanting to help me.
Hyrum has been fine traveling on buses since then.
On easter Friday we adventured out as a family and caught two buses to go to Kings Park which is the biggest park in Perth (think Auckland Domain). It was very beautiful, with a high tempt of 33` we were cooking, but it was nice to see a scenic place. It also had a great children park with 4 different playgrounds for different ages.
On easter Saturday we caught a bus to the closest mall, as there were a few items we needed for our home, but going to a mall on a public holiday weekend was not a good idea, it was a huge mall and very packed with people who push and bump into with out saying sorry. so we left was fast as we could.
Saturday evening Anna's Uncle Martin and Aunty Claire came to our home for dinner (Anna's Mums brother), we had a nice dinner together, and it was lovely getting to know them.
On Sunday the bus services are very limited as they have a no Sunday trading here, so because of that we walked to church. 3 kms there and 3 kms back, in the peak of the sun it made it a very long walk. We are in the Dianalla ward here in Perth, and the Perth temple is right next to the chapel which is so lovely. The people here in the ward were very friendly and we felt very welcomed into the ward. The kids all enjoyed primary it isas a very small primary here, so Hyrum and Alysha are in the same class (ages 3-5) with only 2 other children.
The bishop also spoke to us and said he has been praying for good young families to move into the ward and felt that his prayers had been answered with us moving in, that also made us feel good. I hope we are able to do some good in the ward for the time we are here.
We had a lovely easter remember and celebrating the life of the Saviour Jesus Christ. Alysha was very funny at church she is the oldest in her primary class, and knew all the answer about easter, and after the lesson she said to her teacher "thank you for your lesson but me and Hyrum already know all about easter because my Mum and Dad have already taught me". (got to love kids)
We are all enjoying our adventure here,
As for wildlife, apart from the pet crocodile in the bath tub, and the koala bear in the cupboard and the snake in the spa pool we haven't seen much in the way of wildlife yet but will keep you posted!!!
YAY Anna! You're blogging again! I just have to say I am so excited for you and this adventure you are on! You have a very precious little opportunity here to experience life in a new place, go on lots of fabulous adventures, be a part of a different culture. I hope you manage to keep up the blog, because I will be living through you! I just said to Kris on the weekend... "I would love to just go and live in a different city for 6 months or so every other year, just to really experience the place but still know I was going back home soon." YOU GET TO DO THAT!
ReplyDeleteI actually feel like you haven't gone because I see you on Facebook all the time etc. Time will fly! Make the most of every minute... and always remember... "COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT!" ;o)