Return

      We left thinking we might not return to Sydney for a long time, might not see our friends there for years, or more.  Happily, it turns out we were wrong.    Significant developments at work meant that Chris needed to stay longer than expected. With school about to start and Chris unable to leave for a trip home, we headed back to Sydney for a visit in August.
       Although it was winter, we had amazing weather nearly every day of our two weeks.  We visited loads of friends and favorite places.  It felt so easy to slide back into our life there.

 More gorgeous sunrises, courtesy of jet lag.

 Cool water temps did not deter this dedicated surfer.

 Paddle boarding was on Mia's must-do list.

 Sam got to join his rugby team for one of their last games.

 Brekkie spot.

 Winter beach

 Although it's a large city, it is amazingly easy to find quiet, gorgeous views like this.  

 Balmoral Rotunda

Balmoral Reserve

   As luck would have it, our neighbors from across the street at home were also in Sydney, after visiting family in Melbourne.  We spent a stunning day sailing on the Harbour with them.  So fun to have our two worlds come together.

 The coffee (and hot chocolate) boat was a hit.

     All too soon we were back home preparing for school to start, battling unreal jet lag, tending to multiple arm fractures (Sam) and contemplating another tour of duty in Sydney.

First day of school 2012

   

Home

    After months of debate, weeks of planning,  and days full of goodbyes, we tore ourselves away from beautiful Sydney and sweet friends.  The removalists (movers) packed up most of our stuff and we had two days to hit some favorites one last time.

The neighbors got a bit closer than expected on our last day.  Really not a flattering photo but the look of utter discomfort on Chris's face makes me laugh every time.

 One last rugby game.  Sam with his coach after the game.

 One last visit from the gorgeous neighbors.

Last glances around the 'hood

One last day at school. 

One last Opera House shot. 

 One last Harbour Bridge shot.

 One last ferry shot.

One last afternoon at Balmoral.

 One last sunrise.

 One last brekkie.

 One last look... and then off to the airport. :-(

   We headed to the airport with one child yammering incessantly from complete exhilaration due to going home and the other consumed with sadness and unable to speak.  They are frequently so different it confounds us.  No exception at this moment either.

    A day or so later and we were back.  Home!  Exciting and bewildering at the same time.

    We were met in our cul-de-sac by neighbors and friends at 10PM.  The kids' reunions with their friends were joyous.  Our home was festooned with welcome posters, flowers, baked goods and the pantry and fridge were stocked.  Amazing friends we have!

     

 He made it home too!

Just like that, we were back in the swing of normal summer activities.

 Back to visiting family.

Back to swimming with friends.

 Back to the NC coast with friends.

   This post has sat unfinished for months.  Too busy? Too unable to fully process this adventure?  Too sad to keep looking at all the last photos?  All of the above.  We miss Sydney and think about it most days.

   The adventure didn't completely end in June though...

Just Days Left...

    Our time is quickly winding down now and things are hectic.  We figured we'd post a few photos of the last few weeks.  Because Chris has been out of the country and the kids wanted to spend time with friends, we haven't traveled this last month.  We've just been trying to soak in Sydney.

Mia represented her school at the zone cross country carnival.

Then she suffered the pain of running straight up 420 meters in the Balmoral Burn.

     We were all thrilled to have our first, and only, and last, visitor for a week.  We managed to keep her arrival a secret from the kids and surprised them early one morning before they headed off to school.  Their shock was written all over their faces.  Fun, fun!  We loved showing her some of our favorite places and got a bit of a farewell tour in the process.

    Vivid Sydney was underway again so we ferried across the Harbour to check it out.

 A different company was hired this year to do the light projections on the Opera House.  While the graphics were well done, they weren't as appealing as last year's projections.  There was very little color and the figures rolling around weren't so interesting.  Overall, a disappointment.

  The rest of Vivid was appealing, creative and interesting.  A great way to spend an hour or so on a mild Sydney evening.

    The Museum of Contemporary Art was lit by the same company that did the Opera House in previous years.  Mesmerizing to watch.  Put it back on the Opera House!

    A few of the gorgeous Sydney places we ventured -

 North Head

Bondi seen from the Bondi to Bronte cliff walk 

Lion Island and Pittwater 

Barrenjoey and Palm Beach from the West Head Lookout

Photography by Sam.  

     Sadly, we had our last sail with our fellow Chapel Hill - Sydney expats on a gorgeous but blustery day.  Boo!  We will miss them!

Some seagulls followed us back, staying just the right speed to get some cool photos.

 Rainbow Lorikeets love to eat nectar.  After lunch one day we watched a group of them tearing open sugar packets and wolfing it down.  They're way jacked up on sugar!

The gang obliged us and showed up nearly every morning so our guest got to feed them.  

    The goodbyes have started and will go on for the next week.  I had a great dinner out with my funny, sweet Aussie/Kiwi/Irish friends a few days ago.  Yesterday I ran for the last time with my two running buddies.  One of Sam's teachers was in tears today since she won't see him again.  Sigh.  It might be a long week.  I kinda hope so.