Sydney - the first few days

Last week over the many Fijian holidays we had in March we took the opportunity to make a trip to Sydney and Canberra. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but were very impressed. There were parks galore and more sites to see then we possible could in our 8 days.

We only had a 4 hour plane ride from Nadi, so it wasn't too bad at all. Right after we landed, we went straight to Hyde Park for a picnic lunch and for Cooper to let the birds know he was in town! This little boy has no need for a playground if there is a park full of birds to chase. Hyde Park starts in the business area and runs right into the botanical gardens, which sit adjacent to the Sydney Opera House.

The next morning we headed straight for the aquarium where Cooper had a blast. The penguins were by far his favorite, but he ran from tank to tank in awe of all of it.

After the aquarium we walked through an area called Darling Harbor where we enjoyed a ride on the merri-go-round.

One day we took the bus a short ride down to Sydney's most famous place to play in the sand, Bondi Beach.

As usual, Cooper loved the beach, but it turns out playing in a diaper isn't all that comfortable after a while.

After a morning at the beach we walked up the hill to eat our lunch and look back at the view. Once again, we found a beautiful park where Cooper was free to run. He even climbed his first tree.

Bondi Beach from the nearby park on the hill.

That covers the first few days of our vacation. We will have to get back to you with the rest. It's time to have a sleep. Check back in the next day or so.

To Be Continued...

Tonga

Quinn had to go to Tonga last week for work, so Cooper and I joined him for a long weekend away from Suva. Tonga is East of Fiji and the island of Tongatapu has about 60,000 Polynesians, making it distinct from the Fiji islands. We thought life in Fiji moved slowly, but it turns out Tongans are even more laid back. We had a lovely time touring this incredibly beautiful island.

This coast is rock lined and the water comes in and shoots up out of the holes. Depending on the size of the waves the water would spray way up in the air.


They call this area the blow holes, which are really amazing!

Here we tried to hike down to the "secret beach," but the tide was too high and we couldn't get around all of the rock. Cooper had his own little guide to help him back up the hill.

This is a typical Tonga cemetary that are all over town. It is incredible how they decorate every grave with silk flowers and at night they are all lit up. It is obviously a very important part of their culture because there are dozens of stores selling the flowers.

We even happened across a funeral. The men are wearing matting around their waists. This is traditional Tongan dress attire worn during formal occassions. You see people wearing these and even more elaborate funeral matting all over town.

Unfortunately, Sunday we were supposed to go to Fa Fa Island and Resort for the day, but we woke up to a blustery rainy day and had to stay in. It was a bit difficult with Cooper, but he had his first game of hide-n-seek, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Quinn also took him out for some fun in the rain.

Happy New Year!

2008 New Year's Day brought more presents. Due to our little mail problem over Christmas, Cooper received New Year's gifts as well. Hopefully, he won't think this will be a tradition.

Rebuilding the chair we built with the blocks.

New Year's cleaning.

We hope you all had a Happy Holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2008.

Christmas 2007

Joy was up bright and early on Christmas morning. She showed Cooper the instruments Santa brought him and what to do with his stocking. It didn't take long for him to get into it.

Cooper opening his stocking and playing with his new garbage truck.

Cooper and Joy watching a movie.

Cooper and Auntie M singing the turtle bubble song.

Cooper had a great time with his grampy and nana.

Cooper is missing his family and looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Treasure Island

On December 17th Cooper's nana, grampy, auntie M, cousin Joy, and GG all arrived to see him in Fiji. We met them at the airport and immediately boarded a boat to Treasure Island.

Joy had her first taste of coconut milk from a coconut she found on the island.

Cooper and Joy both enjoyed swimming in the pool.

Nana, Auntie M and mama all kayaking off the island.

Joy met many friends in the kids club and performed local songs and dances during the adult dinner.

After a very rough boat ride back to the mainland we made it to Suva yesterday afternoon. I'm pretty sure nana and auntie won't be doing a lot of boat travel with Cooper any time soon.
We'll update again this week with Christmas photos!

Merry Christmas!

Cooper at Play

These are just a few photos of Cooper playing this week. There were a couple I just had to share with you.

Once we put out a few Christmas decorations Cooper decided to get into the Christmas spirit. He is still not totally sure about Santa, but is starting to pick up the idea.

"Check out my boots!"

Cooper loves to play with my shoes and recently found these boots way in the back of our closet. I'm sure he is the only person in Fiji wearing boots. They are pretty cool.

Riding his horsey. We have to hide this horse or he can't leave it alone. He is afraid of it and totally infatuated with it at the same time, just like he is with dogs.

Here he was telling the horse, "You sit here horsey."