Well, I've been meaning to write for a couple of weeks now. I feel a bit like a naughty student who has been avoiding her homework. In my defence, Ottawa and the people who live here do seem to arrange an endless merry-go-round of social events. There have even been lots of events in our neighbourhood that we didn't go to, such as the Lumiere Lanterns and the fireworks festival. I think that everyone is making the most of summer before the long winter that we'll face.
One of the first thing we did with free time on a weekend was visit the Governor General's to see the changing of the guard. (Yes - full red uniforms, bagpipes and all.) His residence, Rideau Hall is....hmm... let's see, at least a 5 minute walk from our house :) (We can hear the bagpipes from our backyard.) There is also a great kids playground, so Miss 3 was well entertained and the twins happily sat on a picnic rug and watched the world go by.
The following week, hubby had to go away for work, but I easily kept myself entertained. Visitors for coffee, playgroup and summer camp meant that the week flew by. I also arranged a teenage babysittter for one afternoon; I took myself out for a coffee and read a book in peace and quiet - bliss! We tried out another babysitter (because we can!) on Saturday night and went out for dinner. I had the Kitchen's Choice - I had no idea what I'd be eating until it turned up at the table! It was fish and it was delicious. I was also impressed with the price of cocktails :) It was a busy weekend - we also managed to get a last minute babysitter on Sunday so we could go out for drinks for one of hubby's work friend's birthday. I was stuffed on Monday!
More of the same followed the next week. Miss 3 is still loving summer school (lots of play and art from what she tells me) and we had visitors for morning tea and went to playgroup. On the weekend, I went to a Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery with a group of other Aussie women here for postings. The exhibition was nice, but I think I enjoyed the coffe and chat beforehand and the lunch afterwards more! My uncle and his wife (Canadian relatives yes - but a long story) came to stay with us on the Saturday night - so more wine and food. Although the drinking done on the next weekend took me back to my youth! An English couple had a drinks party. Yes - that's right, just come over and drink, the sort of thing you'd do BC (before children). The delicious strawberry gin cocktail I was handed at the start signalled a great night, and only the fact that we had a 15 year old babysitter dragged us home.
The next week was quieter during the day (just playgroup and summer camp) but there were other interesting events. The first was that I joined a gym. I actually had no intention of joining, but it was cheaper to do that, then to go to one casual class during the week. Odd? I think so! I was also invited to a book club, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's such a refreshing change as a stay at home mum to actually get out and talk about something other then kids. The week was followe by the biggest weekend I've had in a while. On Friday evening we had our neighbours over for a drink. They have daughters similar ages to ours, like a drink at the end of the week and live across the street - perfect! Saturday night we had hubby's work friends over for dinner. I knew it was a good night when we ran out of red wine. One of those nights when everyone is chatting about anything and everything and the time flies. It was hard to pull up for Sunday - we had an Aussie couple and their daughter over for lunch. Next time I think I need to stretch out our social engagements!
Thankfully the next week was much quieter although with summer camp finishing and no playgroup on, it was looking a bit dull. I did arrange visitors though (Miss 3 loves an audience) and I thought a trip to Ikea would make for a fun morning. The plan was to drop Miss 3 off at the playground, meander around and pick up a couple of things I needed, then have meatballs for lunch. Well, at least the meatballs worked out. The playground was closed, and Miss 3 did not react well. I was extremely close to leaving, but couldn't face the thought of getting her back into the car! Apparantly, someone had an accident in the ball pit the prevous day and it takes 6 hours to clean and sanitise. Whie I find it reassuring that they do take care with the cleaning, I was not happy about dealing with the resulting tantrum! Thankfully, she decided that she did want meatballs for lunch and I managed to get her around the shop to get what I needed. I think next time I'll call first!
This has ended up being a quiet weekend which is kind of nice. It gives us the time to just play with the kids. The twins are on the move since my last entry - what started as rolling and dragging themselves around the floor has become proper crawling for T1 and a fast commando style for T2. It's cute to watch and they are happy to be able to get to things. Unfortunately, I now need eyes in the back of my head! Luckily, Miss 3 is a good big sister and will let me know what they're up to.
Well, it's getting late here (well, late for someone who'll be up to kids in the morning) so I think it's time to sign off. I'll try not to be so tardy with my next entry!
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Thursday, 12 July 2012
House and kids
Well, I'm writing this a bit later then I had planned. Now we're in our house, with some kind of normal routine, I don't think I'll be writing as often. A daily schedule of nappy changes, housework and play isn't all that exciting. However, it's been a busy fortnight getting here.
The plan was to move in over the course of 2 days, and be completely sorted at the end of those days.(Optimistic? Yes!) Our furniture was supposed to arrive early Tuesday morning mostly assembled, so we'd just have to put a few things together (Ikea of course!) and be ready for our consignment from Australia on Wednesday. Hubby left the hotel early Tuesday, and rode to the house. When I arrived at 10am, I was surprised to find that nothing had arrived. After a trip to Costco to stock up on non-perishables, I returned to find hubby surrounded by boxes that contained our dining setting, as well as many more boxes from Ikea. We also had a problem, as due to the sloping ceiling in the main bathroom, the bed head and frame didn't fit. We now have a matttress ensemble on the floor. Needless to say, that when our stuff arrived on the Wednesday, I was trying to unpack alone as the endless furniture assembly went on. A week later, I finally unpacked the last of the clothes. Whew!
On a sad note, Mum headed home on the day we moved in. Poor thing - she had to help us get sorted in the house, and never got to stay there! I soon realised just how much help she'd been when hubby went to work and it was just me and the kids. Three against one isn't good odds! Miss 3 had also really enjoyed having Grandma around as a captive audience. Oh well, thank goodness for Skype.
We were really lucky with our house in lots of ways - great location, good yard, beautifully renovated. The other bonus was that the owners who vacated are actually moving to Singapore. This meant that they left loads of stuff behind. Kids winter clothes, trampoline, a swing set and loads of toys and other clothes. The first day here, Miss 3 was so excited she didn't know what to do with herself: swing, trampoline, tree fort, toy kitchen.... In other news fron the world of Miss 3, she started summer school (at the school she's starting in September) for 1 day a week. She was so excited to start today (I think she gets a bit bored with just mum) and was very proud that she opened a banana and unwrapped her sandwich by herself.
News of the twins - I don't think they've had much of a mention in this blog! They are good (apart from a cold) and seem to be enjoying the new surrounds and a wider range of toys. The funny thing is meal time. For the first time, they have quite compact high chairs so can sit very close to one another. They began by pulling hair and holding hands. Then the figured out they could pull each other's bibs off. They are also supposed to eat while doing this! The other night, we were outside (lovely summer evening) when T1 pulled her bib off and started shaking it around. T2 watched with interest and finally succeeded in grabbing it off her. T1 promtly burst into tears. So T2 gave it straight back and T1 smiled. Very cute!
Only one day until the weekend. It should be nice, as we have nothing we have to do. We'll probably explore our local neighbourhood instead. I'll post again a few weeks, when hopefully I'll have something goood to write about!
The plan was to move in over the course of 2 days, and be completely sorted at the end of those days.(Optimistic? Yes!) Our furniture was supposed to arrive early Tuesday morning mostly assembled, so we'd just have to put a few things together (Ikea of course!) and be ready for our consignment from Australia on Wednesday. Hubby left the hotel early Tuesday, and rode to the house. When I arrived at 10am, I was surprised to find that nothing had arrived. After a trip to Costco to stock up on non-perishables, I returned to find hubby surrounded by boxes that contained our dining setting, as well as many more boxes from Ikea. We also had a problem, as due to the sloping ceiling in the main bathroom, the bed head and frame didn't fit. We now have a matttress ensemble on the floor. Needless to say, that when our stuff arrived on the Wednesday, I was trying to unpack alone as the endless furniture assembly went on. A week later, I finally unpacked the last of the clothes. Whew!
On a sad note, Mum headed home on the day we moved in. Poor thing - she had to help us get sorted in the house, and never got to stay there! I soon realised just how much help she'd been when hubby went to work and it was just me and the kids. Three against one isn't good odds! Miss 3 had also really enjoyed having Grandma around as a captive audience. Oh well, thank goodness for Skype.
We were really lucky with our house in lots of ways - great location, good yard, beautifully renovated. The other bonus was that the owners who vacated are actually moving to Singapore. This meant that they left loads of stuff behind. Kids winter clothes, trampoline, a swing set and loads of toys and other clothes. The first day here, Miss 3 was so excited she didn't know what to do with herself: swing, trampoline, tree fort, toy kitchen.... In other news fron the world of Miss 3, she started summer school (at the school she's starting in September) for 1 day a week. She was so excited to start today (I think she gets a bit bored with just mum) and was very proud that she opened a banana and unwrapped her sandwich by herself.
News of the twins - I don't think they've had much of a mention in this blog! They are good (apart from a cold) and seem to be enjoying the new surrounds and a wider range of toys. The funny thing is meal time. For the first time, they have quite compact high chairs so can sit very close to one another. They began by pulling hair and holding hands. Then the figured out they could pull each other's bibs off. They are also supposed to eat while doing this! The other night, we were outside (lovely summer evening) when T1 pulled her bib off and started shaking it around. T2 watched with interest and finally succeeded in grabbing it off her. T1 promtly burst into tears. So T2 gave it straight back and T1 smiled. Very cute!
Only one day until the weekend. It should be nice, as we have nothing we have to do. We'll probably explore our local neighbourhood instead. I'll post again a few weeks, when hopefully I'll have something goood to write about!
Monday, 2 July 2012
Canada Day!
Well, we'd heard that Ottawa was the place to be on Canada Day - as the nation's capital there were lots of events planned. We'd also been informed by a local that patriotism was up since their involement in war in the middle east, and also hosting an Olympics in 2010 (where they actually managed to win some medals). We were excited about the weekend ahead.
A good omen appeared on Saturday - we managed to buy some cheddar cheese that was yellow (instead of a bizarre orange) and actually tasted like proper cheese! The humble ham and cheese sandwich suddenly tasted much better. Another exciting event was managing to get a phone contract - I've been feeling a bit naked without a phone. Back at the hotel, we could see everyone setting up for the festivities, and it was looking good.
Canada Day dawned warm and sunny. We headed off to a city park that was staging some child friendly events. The thing that stood out as we walked, was that we were the only people not wearing red and white. Thousands of people on the streets, and all wearing their nation's colours. Very impresive. We'll be sure to blend in better next year! First on the agenda at the park - face painting. It was all Canadian themes. So Miss 3 didn't get the tiger face that she had hoped for, but was a vision in red, white and sparkles, including red hair with a white maple leaf. Even I joined in - there were many adults with full face paint and coloured hair.
There was a giant dance class, blow-up horses to bounce and race around, as well as lots of other displays and food and drink. The twins were pretty good, just hanging out in the pram and watching the world go by. Apart from Miss 3 deciding that the ice cream I'd bought her as a treat was too cold (too young for the cold? Just too precious I think!) a fun time was had by all.
A quiet afternoon at the hotel was in order, and after some Timmies to recharge (as well as pizza and beer) we headed out to the free night concert. Optimistically, we took Miss 3, we thought she'd enjoy gettting out and there were fireworks at the end.But after 20 minutes in a crowd, with only repetitive dance music, she wanted to go home. Luckily for me, hubby took her home so that I could stay and enjoy the show. (He'd seen a shorter concert at midday when I was taking kids home.) I'm glad he did, the opening act was Sinple Plan and they were great. The other acts were hit and miss for me, so we left before the end to get a good vantage point for the fireworks.
Ah, fireworks. What is it about fireworks that makes you feel like a kid again? There we were, grown adults, surrounded by other grown adults, gaping open-mouthed at the sky. Ooh, aah, I like that one! A great end to the night.
But it wasn't the end of the weekend. With a public holiday, we headed to the zoo, as it was another beautiful warm sunny day. The zoo was quite small, but great for kids - it had a petting zoo area where you could feed animals, as well as being able to view other animals getting fed throughout the day. It was also great to see animals you wouldn't see at home; although the coyote looked nothing like Wile-E :)
And so ends the weekend! We are currently getting sorted out in preparation for our move into our house - finally! I'll let you know how that goes next week...
A good omen appeared on Saturday - we managed to buy some cheddar cheese that was yellow (instead of a bizarre orange) and actually tasted like proper cheese! The humble ham and cheese sandwich suddenly tasted much better. Another exciting event was managing to get a phone contract - I've been feeling a bit naked without a phone. Back at the hotel, we could see everyone setting up for the festivities, and it was looking good.
Canada Day dawned warm and sunny. We headed off to a city park that was staging some child friendly events. The thing that stood out as we walked, was that we were the only people not wearing red and white. Thousands of people on the streets, and all wearing their nation's colours. Very impresive. We'll be sure to blend in better next year! First on the agenda at the park - face painting. It was all Canadian themes. So Miss 3 didn't get the tiger face that she had hoped for, but was a vision in red, white and sparkles, including red hair with a white maple leaf. Even I joined in - there were many adults with full face paint and coloured hair.
There was a giant dance class, blow-up horses to bounce and race around, as well as lots of other displays and food and drink. The twins were pretty good, just hanging out in the pram and watching the world go by. Apart from Miss 3 deciding that the ice cream I'd bought her as a treat was too cold (too young for the cold? Just too precious I think!) a fun time was had by all.
A quiet afternoon at the hotel was in order, and after some Timmies to recharge (as well as pizza and beer) we headed out to the free night concert. Optimistically, we took Miss 3, we thought she'd enjoy gettting out and there were fireworks at the end.But after 20 minutes in a crowd, with only repetitive dance music, she wanted to go home. Luckily for me, hubby took her home so that I could stay and enjoy the show. (He'd seen a shorter concert at midday when I was taking kids home.) I'm glad he did, the opening act was Sinple Plan and they were great. The other acts were hit and miss for me, so we left before the end to get a good vantage point for the fireworks.
Ah, fireworks. What is it about fireworks that makes you feel like a kid again? There we were, grown adults, surrounded by other grown adults, gaping open-mouthed at the sky. Ooh, aah, I like that one! A great end to the night.
But it wasn't the end of the weekend. With a public holiday, we headed to the zoo, as it was another beautiful warm sunny day. The zoo was quite small, but great for kids - it had a petting zoo area where you could feed animals, as well as being able to view other animals getting fed throughout the day. It was also great to see animals you wouldn't see at home; although the coyote looked nothing like Wile-E :)
And so ends the weekend! We are currently getting sorted out in preparation for our move into our house - finally! I'll let you know how that goes next week...
Monday, 25 June 2012
Kids, colds and festivals
Are we locals yet? Maybe when we actually move into our house we will be. I am looking forward to starting 'normal' life here; living in a hotel just isn't quite right. Living in the city has been kind of fun, but it really isn't the greatest with kids.
The twins have actually been pretty easy. They are happy hanging out on the floor with toys and each other for company, rocking on al fours and wriggling backwards everywhere. A 3 year old is not so easily entertained. So we found the closest park, which is nice and only a few blocks away. However, leaving the park is a problem. We haven't been back since, when leaving, she ran towards the road (a busy city street) refusing to hold my hand for safety. The walk home was embarrassing to say the least - I'm sure that people we walked past were convinced I was abducting her as she was protesting so vigourously! Maybe I'll have the strength to try again this week.
I also think that a slightly different diet has had an effect on the twins. Together with the terrible quality of the nappies (I'm not kidding - they don't keep baby bums dry at all) it leads to terrible nappy rash. After a week long battle, I think we finally have it under control. Maybe it's a conspiracy with the 'diaper' companies and the nappy rash cream companies, as we seem to be using more of both in an effort to keep bums healthy.
A shocking cold has also put a damper on the week. Hubby brought it home from work, and the kids had it, now I've spent the last 3 days unable to smell, or breathe through my nose. I suspect the first year will be bad as we will be exposed to lots of new germs. I shudder to think what winter will be like with a child collecting germs at school. So far Gramdma has escaped, and I'm crossing everything that she stays healthy, as she is doing lots to help me out!
Because summer is short here, they go mad with festivals and events during the warm months. Last weekend, we went out to an Italian Festival, which also had a cycling race through the middle of it. The dragon boats were on this weekend, as well as a Teddy Bear's Picnic at the Governor General's residence. The Jazz Festival is also on this week. The only problem with this, is that it's impossible to get a park if you go anywhere! After a failed attempt to see the dragon boats (shuttle buses don't work well with twin prams) we eventually got a park near what will be our local playground. We will be more prepared next year.
So, I'm hoping that everyone gets healthy for next weekend - it's Canada Day! Until then...
The twins have actually been pretty easy. They are happy hanging out on the floor with toys and each other for company, rocking on al fours and wriggling backwards everywhere. A 3 year old is not so easily entertained. So we found the closest park, which is nice and only a few blocks away. However, leaving the park is a problem. We haven't been back since, when leaving, she ran towards the road (a busy city street) refusing to hold my hand for safety. The walk home was embarrassing to say the least - I'm sure that people we walked past were convinced I was abducting her as she was protesting so vigourously! Maybe I'll have the strength to try again this week.
I also think that a slightly different diet has had an effect on the twins. Together with the terrible quality of the nappies (I'm not kidding - they don't keep baby bums dry at all) it leads to terrible nappy rash. After a week long battle, I think we finally have it under control. Maybe it's a conspiracy with the 'diaper' companies and the nappy rash cream companies, as we seem to be using more of both in an effort to keep bums healthy.
A shocking cold has also put a damper on the week. Hubby brought it home from work, and the kids had it, now I've spent the last 3 days unable to smell, or breathe through my nose. I suspect the first year will be bad as we will be exposed to lots of new germs. I shudder to think what winter will be like with a child collecting germs at school. So far Gramdma has escaped, and I'm crossing everything that she stays healthy, as she is doing lots to help me out!
Because summer is short here, they go mad with festivals and events during the warm months. Last weekend, we went out to an Italian Festival, which also had a cycling race through the middle of it. The dragon boats were on this weekend, as well as a Teddy Bear's Picnic at the Governor General's residence. The Jazz Festival is also on this week. The only problem with this, is that it's impossible to get a park if you go anywhere! After a failed attempt to see the dragon boats (shuttle buses don't work well with twin prams) we eventually got a park near what will be our local playground. We will be more prepared next year.
So, I'm hoping that everyone gets healthy for next weekend - it's Canada Day! Until then...
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Settling in
Well, another week has passed here in picturesque Ottawa. It is a nice place and every day we're finding new things to do and getting more comfortable driving around. That said, driving hasn't been all smooth sailing...
So, we were heading to playgroup in the area where we will be living. The kids were in the back, and my mum was watching the GPS to make sure we didn't miss a turn. Either it was my imagination, or the GPS took us past the street a couple of times before it finally took us there. Fast forward a few days and the same GPS drove us around in circles on the opposite side of the road to our destination. I soon decided that my guesswork would do a better job of getting us there. Thankfully, that GPS is now back with the hire car and we have our own for our new car.
The Honda Odyssey we bought is great - very comfortable. We did find out though, that is was originally bought in Quebec. Hubby discovered that when he was reached for the manual (to rearrange seats) and found all of the text in French. Now, as my French lessons did not have a unit on cars and mechanics, this was not particularly helpful. Thanks god for diagrams. Another small problem is that the car park under the hotel is fairly tight, and if you actually park between the lines, odds are the doors (sliding doors mind you) won't open without hitting a pole. Oh well, we'll just be car park hogs.
A couple of things have struck me as odd this week. The playgroup we went to was fantastic, no question, but I found the craft session strange. Instead of glitter, the kids used crushed up fruit loops and cheerios. Safer? Perhaps. But where's the fun in that! Unless it was designed to be edible? The paper would be tasteless though, surely. The othet strange thing is kids clothing size. Now I know my kids are tall for their age, but I couldn't believe that I bought my 3 year old size 5 bathers. Maybe we just breed then tall down under.
And finally, an issue I'd like some opinions on. The diferent vocabulary is starting to be tricky for Miss 3. Muesli is granola,, nappies are diapers, capsicums are peppers, cots are cribs, rubbish is garbage and a footpath is a sidewalk to name a few. Part of me wants to hold on tight to the Aussie language - she is Australian after all. The other part of me realises that we're living here and she needs to be understood by people (especially her teachers when she starts school) so talk like a local. Being so young she'll likely end up with a bit of an accent anyway. Realistically I'm unlikely to have a say in the matter - she's fairly determined and headstrong so my opinion will make no difference to how she talks!
More news next week :)
So, we were heading to playgroup in the area where we will be living. The kids were in the back, and my mum was watching the GPS to make sure we didn't miss a turn. Either it was my imagination, or the GPS took us past the street a couple of times before it finally took us there. Fast forward a few days and the same GPS drove us around in circles on the opposite side of the road to our destination. I soon decided that my guesswork would do a better job of getting us there. Thankfully, that GPS is now back with the hire car and we have our own for our new car.
The Honda Odyssey we bought is great - very comfortable. We did find out though, that is was originally bought in Quebec. Hubby discovered that when he was reached for the manual (to rearrange seats) and found all of the text in French. Now, as my French lessons did not have a unit on cars and mechanics, this was not particularly helpful. Thanks god for diagrams. Another small problem is that the car park under the hotel is fairly tight, and if you actually park between the lines, odds are the doors (sliding doors mind you) won't open without hitting a pole. Oh well, we'll just be car park hogs.
A couple of things have struck me as odd this week. The playgroup we went to was fantastic, no question, but I found the craft session strange. Instead of glitter, the kids used crushed up fruit loops and cheerios. Safer? Perhaps. But where's the fun in that! Unless it was designed to be edible? The paper would be tasteless though, surely. The othet strange thing is kids clothing size. Now I know my kids are tall for their age, but I couldn't believe that I bought my 3 year old size 5 bathers. Maybe we just breed then tall down under.
And finally, an issue I'd like some opinions on. The diferent vocabulary is starting to be tricky for Miss 3. Muesli is granola,, nappies are diapers, capsicums are peppers, cots are cribs, rubbish is garbage and a footpath is a sidewalk to name a few. Part of me wants to hold on tight to the Aussie language - she is Australian after all. The other part of me realises that we're living here and she needs to be understood by people (especially her teachers when she starts school) so talk like a local. Being so young she'll likely end up with a bit of an accent anyway. Realistically I'm unlikely to have a say in the matter - she's fairly determined and headstrong so my opinion will make no difference to how she talks!
More news next week :)
Sunday, 10 June 2012
The beginning...
Just over a week ago, I was wondering if we were crazy. There we were late Thursday night, headed to the airport in Perth with more gear then we could carry, a 3 year old who hadn't slept and 9 month old twins. And so began 35 hours of travel time...
It actually wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been (although my husband may beg to differ). Little Miss 3 was remarkably good, thoroughly entertained by the movable seat and TV on demand. The twins had moments which 'tested our patience' (ie we wished we could give them away) but slept enough to get by. The big plus of the long trip is that everyone was so tired in arrival that they were fed, put to bed and mostly ended up on the right time zone (a 12 hour change).
Another saving grace is that my mum made the trip with us - and is here for 5 weeks to help us settle in. This has meant that buying a car, looking at houses etc is infinitely easier. I am thinking I may hide her passport so she can stay and help a bit longer.
We arrived on Friday evening, hubby started work (the reason for the move) on Monday. That meant I had to do some driving. Being on the wrong side of the road isn't really that weird, the wrong side of the car though is pretty freaky. I luckily made it through the week without hitting anything, although there was a close call with a parked car. Fingers crosses I'll manage with the tank (Honda Odyssey, bigger here then in Australia) when we pick it up.
Shopping here is also an adventure - lots of reading packets and trying to get my head around orange cheese. A big plus is that nappies (sorry - diapers) are cheap, but Weetbix cannot be found. The English Weetabix will have to do.
So to sum up week one - sleep, Tim Horton's, Costco (where everyone thought we were mad to go jet-lagged on the busiest day of the week), shopping in general and familiarsing ourselves with the neighbourhood. Looking forward to a good second week.
It actually wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been (although my husband may beg to differ). Little Miss 3 was remarkably good, thoroughly entertained by the movable seat and TV on demand. The twins had moments which 'tested our patience' (ie we wished we could give them away) but slept enough to get by. The big plus of the long trip is that everyone was so tired in arrival that they were fed, put to bed and mostly ended up on the right time zone (a 12 hour change).
Another saving grace is that my mum made the trip with us - and is here for 5 weeks to help us settle in. This has meant that buying a car, looking at houses etc is infinitely easier. I am thinking I may hide her passport so she can stay and help a bit longer.
We arrived on Friday evening, hubby started work (the reason for the move) on Monday. That meant I had to do some driving. Being on the wrong side of the road isn't really that weird, the wrong side of the car though is pretty freaky. I luckily made it through the week without hitting anything, although there was a close call with a parked car. Fingers crosses I'll manage with the tank (Honda Odyssey, bigger here then in Australia) when we pick it up.
Shopping here is also an adventure - lots of reading packets and trying to get my head around orange cheese. A big plus is that nappies (sorry - diapers) are cheap, but Weetbix cannot be found. The English Weetabix will have to do.
So to sum up week one - sleep, Tim Horton's, Costco (where everyone thought we were mad to go jet-lagged on the busiest day of the week), shopping in general and familiarsing ourselves with the neighbourhood. Looking forward to a good second week.
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