January - a month of outdoor fun

And the heat was on in Perth in January. Although it was topping 100 degrees F almost every day (and would continue to do so for three full months) the kids weren't really bothered by it since it was a dry heat. Unlike the unbelievable humidity we had in Houston, Perth is hot and dry. So as long as they stayed wet and in the shade, they were happy.

Daddy bought himself, I mean John, his first Super Soaker and had a great time getting everyone wet. It was hilarious how John will crack himself up going after someone with the Soaker, but as soon as you turned it (or the hose) on him, he'd cry. After a few times he figured out being wet was just as fun as getting everyone else wet.

Sydney continued to look after her puppy - keeping her cool in the shade and well-hydrated (her words) by making sure her water bowl was always filled and nearby. Katy is such an accommodating dog - the kids both mad-handle her and she really loves it. As long as she's getting some attention she's a happy dog.

We rang in Australia Day with a trip to our beach. It was relatively calm and we all had a great time jumping through the waves. We ventured down the way and explored some of the rocks - Sydney and John loved to sit in the shallow pools around the rocks and wait for the waves to crash in on them. Its such a different beach and force than the ocean in CA - I hope that the kids can continue to build up their confidence here (and maybe I'll learn a thing or two about rips and dumpers as well).

The "Sand Man" - give this kid a bucket, shovel and a pile of sand and he'll be happy for hours.