Hint

Along the line of resolutions, here is how Jackson clued Drew in on what his ought to be. We were setting the dinner table tonight, and I asked Jackson to ask Drew what he would like to drink. 

"Pa-PA!" Jackson yelled. "Would like some beers?" 

OK. Maybe it is time for the adults to cut back on a certain substance. 

Eight suitcases

And eight suitcases later (five more than we left with), we are back in Brisbane. That was the damage done during our one-month holiday vacation in Morton. We pretty much declared everything possible when we went through customs because we weren't actually certain of the contents of our suitcases. Drew took a dump, sit and zip approach to packing, which I was thankful for because then I didn't spend hours doing it. (I am manic about organizing my suitcases, and it takes forever.) Actually, we were sure what was in our eight suitcases -- it was all toys. Truly. Days one through five our upstairs looked like a tornado had come through -- just a kind one that left toys. Then I had the great idea to just move all of that mess downstairs into the toy room, planning we would organize it once it was done there. But days six through seven, that has yet to happen. Patience. I told Drew I feel like I am living in a toy landfill. 

So my New Year's resolution is to keep up with this blog and all other electronic communications for that matter. (I should probably add cell phone communication to the list since I am horrible at that. I'm going to say that is genetic and blame my dad.) However, in addition to Jackson and Maeve, two other resolutions may compete with the first. 1) Entourage and 2) our resolution to drink more wine on the back porch. But who are we kidding? We are so jet lagged and exhausted once the kids fall asleep so do we, and all of these resolutions are abandoned. There is always tomorrow . . . 

Asleep on the job

Apparently, a power nap is all Maeve needs mid-mealtime. For the second time in a row, she feel asleep while eating. The first time we were out to dinner on the last day of our New Zealand trip. That I thought I understood; there were many long days and she was justified in her desire for sleep. But the second time she was just sitting in her high chair, eating a banana while I cooked dinner. Too cute. 

Aussie Halloween

We had a great, celebrated Halloween in a country that doesn't officially recognize it. Although some Australians take a 'it's not our holiday' approach, it seems a growing majority are realizing it is nothing more than a chance to spend more money and eat more sugar. What could suit their 'no worries' philosophy better? 

For the second year, the shops in our neighborhood offered trick-or-treating so we seized the opportunity. Maeve was a ballerina; Jackson was a baseball player, although we're not sure how many people actually understood that costume. There were lots of witches, pirates and the likes roaming the streets, so Jackson wasn't so sure what to think at first. But he is no fool, and quickly warmed up to the idea of taking candy from anyone who was offering. Maeve and Jackson had fun surveying the loot together once we got home. (Somehow Maeve ended up smelling like chocolate.) 

Thanks to the local fruit stand, we were also able to carve a traditional looking pumpkin. We picked one of four at the price of $18. Unfortunately, it only lasted one night as some critter got into it over night. We can be pretty sure it wasn't a squirrel, as was always the case in Illinois, so now our imaginations are left to work . . . possum, kangaroo, poisonous snake? 

Our neighbors on both sides were so kind to think of Jackson and Maeve and honored their American holiday -- it was really great. I just wish we had a few more trick-or-treaters knock on our door . . . instead Drew's office will have the opportunity for a sugar rush come Monday morning. 

Landscaping

Yesterday Jackson was using his diggers to play in our landscaping. I was trying to explain to him that we weren't going to move the rocks from the landscaping onto the driveway. "Yep," he said. "This lamb scaping. Lambs eat that." 

You are so your . . .

. . . father. Jackson tonight was running around in his underwear repeating, "Two girls. Jackson's house. Mommy open door." A dreamer, like his papa. 

. . . brother. Later while I was changing Maeve's diaper she was squirming about, so I said, "Maever, you're a little stinker," to which she replied with the biggest belly laugh. Already ornery at five months.

Reality check

I just logged on and realized my last post was dated June 10. Not sure if there are any minimums for blogging, but I am pretty sure I have fell short the past month.

Actually, I am doing a bit of a reality check lately. Am I on vacation? Did I move to Brisbane? Have my parents moved to Brisbane and I am just visiting them? We have been spoiled the past month as my mom has been with us for a little more than five weeks with my dad also visiting for two of those weeks. And now in less than 48 hours my mom, the kids and I will be travelling across the ocean again to Morton where we will be for five weeks. Don't think we're giving Drew a sabatical or something. He will join us over there for a little less than two weeks.

And if our last months have been exciting and busy the next five weeks are giving good competition. While we are home we will get to meet at least three new babies, includng my brother's in Colorado, celebrate Drew's sister's wedding, vaca at the lake, and introduce Maeve to all our beloved friends and family. We cannot wait.