The kids started school this week so we are finally getting some normality. It was a tough start on Monday morning, but we gradually get into the rhythm of things by the end of the week. Just in time to have two more weeks of vacation! That’s just poor timing. As they have trimesters we happened to get here in time for the end of the first trimester. At least the girls seemed to get along well with their new class mates and teachers so that bodes well for when they start back....

This week we ran out of steam a bit. We had thought the kids were going to start school, but some paper pushing bureaucrats decided otherwise. That gave them a week to hang out at our new place. And having a bunch of deliveries scheduled it was a good thing to hang out at home this week. We now have such creature comforts as a washing machine, Anna and I have a bed to sleep on instead of an air mattress, and our dining table has legs....

This was our last week at our hotel which means we had to say goodbye to the rooftop pool. Which is fine as the weather is starting to turn. Fall is definitely here as mornings are cooler and the highs are now only in the low 20’s (70-ish Fahrenheit). Looks like we still might get some days with higher temps, but I guess Melbournians would still define this as fall. For us it feels like a decent summer day so we are quite happy with the weather now....

It was bound to happen at some point and Tuesdays are Anna’s long day at school so what better thing to do then head to the beach. Here in Melbourne it is St. Kilda beach that is the place to be. As the urban city folk we have become, to get there we had to take the train into town and ride the tram out to the beach. I must say navigating the city by public transport is going quite well and the kids have certainly taken to it....

Time does fly! It has already been a week here in Melbourne. We have been battling jet-lag and the heat, but so far we have explored several things that the city has to offer. The local park right next to where we are staying has a great playground and the park is home to many birds. So far we have identified several indigenous birds such as the Corella, Australian Magpie and the Australian wood duck....