Merri Creek and other updates.

Here's what we've been up to:

-baby sleep training. (don't ask)

-class. (it's hard to study with a baby)

-exploring Melbourne on the weekends.

Speaking of weekend adventures, we went to Merri Creek for some exploring last weekend. We visited the labyrinth and wishing tree, enjoying the pretty surroundings along the way. I didn't take pictures, but I did take a few videos to practice using iMovie (as I'd like to make a few short videos during our trip to the States this July). The following is just a practice run for me to figure out how to use the program: please enjoy my mediocre filmmaking!


I'm also hoping to take some videos in a few weeks, when Ben's younger sister and nephew come to visit us...

That's right, we've got more family visiting Melbourne! The planning was actually all very last-minute. Ben and I were looking up childcare options for my intensive class in May, and the cost of hiring a full-time nanny for over a week was about the same cost as... a plane ticket from the U.S. to Melbourne...?

"We should just ask Saralyn if she'd want to come down to watch Arden for a week if we cover her ticket," said Ben.

"She'll probably laugh and say 'awww, I wish!'" I replied. "But sure, it can't hurt to ask?"

So he did. And she did not laugh. She did not say, "awww, I wish!" She immediately talked to her partner, asked for the time off work, applied for her son's first passport, looked at tickets... and they're officially coming in two weeks! Arden gets to bond with her auntie and sweet 6-year old cousin, they get to see Melbourne, and I have some peace of mind in leaving the baby with loving family for the week. Yay!

Ben is incredibly excited that some of his family can finally make the trip. My mom has stayed with us twice, but other members of our families haven't been able to (yet?) for reasons such as finances, health issues, fear-of-flying and other priorities. All understandable, but we always love hosting family (and friends, and even random acquaintances from college!) while we're still living in Australia. We love showing people around Melbourne. And Arden loves meeting her family, while sleeping really well during their visits.

Right, sweetie?

CK