Crater Lake - Mosquito Heaven

A swarm of mosquitoes closed in for the kill the minute we stepped out of our car at the Mazama Village Campground. Whilst swatting and waving, we desperately sought what was to become our best friend over the next few days, DEET! Only with this deep woods, long lasting protection insect repellent sprayed from head to toe (and more - I actually got bitten on the butt) we were able to set up camp.

The next thing we were not expecting but thankfully were prepared for, was the cold. It got down to the freezing mark overnight...brrr! Mid summer too. The days were glorious., high 70's, clear skies.


We indulged in the campfire delicacies, burgers and much to the kids delight, smores!

The next morning afforded us hot tea, porridge, toast and more smores before we set off on our adventure. After an informative movie about the creation of the lake at the Rim Village visitor center, we set off on our 33 mile Crater Rim drive. The first stop was Sun Notch Trail where we hiked for .4 mile to the cliff peak which overlooked Chaski Bay.

View at the end of the Sun Notch Trail

A little west of this point, we were able to get a great view back to Wizard Island.

Wizard Island

We hiked a little further up the hill where an opening between trees gave us the most perfect view of the Phantom Ship. It looks like a small pirate ship but is made up of erosion-resistant rock and is as tall as a 16 storey building!

Phantom Ship

A slight detour down a 7 mile spur road took us to the Pinnacles. 100 foot tall spires that are being eroded from the canyon wall. The spires are "fossil fumaroles" which mark the individual places volcanic gas had risen up through the hot ash, cementing them into solid rock.

The Pinnacles

 Our final destination before heading back was to see the Pumice Castle, a colorful layer of orange pumice rock that over the space of time has eroded into a castle or a four humped camel which ever you prefer. Curious!

Pumice Castle

Although bear are living near our campsite, we were not lucky enough to spot any, much to Caitlin's dismay. She was eager to spot wildlife and we went on a couple of wildlife walks but the only creature that we came across was this inquisitive bird. If you happen to know it's name, let us know.

Time to head back to civilization for The Beilby's.

Athey/Rosemont Seattle Trip

On this trip to Seattle, the band started a clinic at the University of Washington followed by lunch at Pike Place Market. Then they met up with the choir to spend a fun and informative afternoon at the Experience Music Project, a great museum which houses many iconic items from music history. After this action packed day, we all relaxed for a traditional Italian dinner at Buca di Beppo. We crashed into our beds at The Red Lion Hotel then arose bright and early for our performance at the Music in the Park Festival. Our band took second place with an excellent rating! To celebrate all the hard work, we spent the remainder of the day riding the roller coasters and water slides at Wild Waves before heading back to Portland.

Christmas 2009

Given that it is the new year I thought I'd post photo's from Christmas before it's Christmas again!

Taryn's 9th Birthday

Caitlin was very excited to attend her friend Taryn's 9th birthday party yesterday. After getting decked out in feather boa's and sun glasses, a limousine cruised into town whilst Taryn and her 7 girlfriends sipped apple cider from champagne flutes.

First stop was the Portland Sky Tram for a death defying ride to the bottom where the limousine collected everyone for a trip to an ice cream shop in The Pearl District which they proceeded to run off by playing tag in Jamison Square.

After driving around for a while and much sparkling cider, each of the girls was driven to their homes!

Dorothy's Ruby Slipper's - Wizard of Oz!

One of the most asked about exhibits in the Smithsonian, and one I was excited about seeing were the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland for the film "Wizard of Oz". The movie was based on L. Frank Baum's novel from 1900 where the original slippers were silver. They were changed to ruby red in line with MGM's Technicolor production.

First Lady Gowns - Smithsonian

This is every girls delight, to see ball gowns from all the ages. Caitlin and I loved all the glamor associated with these gowns and accessories. In fact, I think the boys half enjoyed themselves as well! The gowns were so delicate with such tiny waistlines.




Helen Taft's Inaugural Gown 1909



Martha Washington's Gown circa 1780's

Washington D.C. Julia Child's Kitchen

We just had to go back to The American History Museum to see Julia Child's kitchen!

Having just seen the movie "Julie and Julia" with Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci which I loved. In addition to my adoration of Paris and the sheer joy I receive from cooking, there was no missing this.

I also tingle at the thought of how completely adored and supported Julia was by her husband Paul down to the painstakingly constructed peg boards for all of her pans. They lived a ripe old age together. A true love story and I am simply a romantic.

Halloween 2009

West Linn 5/6 Navy versus Jackson

West Linn 5/6 Navy versus Sherwood

West Linn vs Wilsonville

Here are some photo's from yesterday's game and practice...Enjoy!~

Mrs Macquaire, Darwin and Modern Art

Today, Kevin visited with the President of Fuji Xerox and then golfed with his dad. I took the kids into town where we walked through the Botanic Gardens and along the waterfront to The Opera House.

We obserevd many very old and interesting trees (many of which Caitlin climbed!). I had a wonderful Vittoria coffee in the park basking in the sunshine whilst the kids played.

In the Red Box Gallery we observed the evolution of life itself. Through DNA we have discovered that we are closely related to Banana's!

This is a first edition copy of Charles Darwins "The Origin of Species".
After our science adventure we opted to get our fix of culture at the Art Gallery of NSW.

The children are huge fans of modern art so we indulged ourselves in this section of the gallery.

Brandon practically blends in to contemporary art!

Caitlin and Picasso!

Kevin arrives...

Tuesday, Kevin arrived in Sydney without his luggage. In his dad's clothes, we caught up with Cooper and visited the Power House Museum where the kids interracted with robots and learnt about steam trains and lots more fun. Then we had coffee at Darling Harbour. It was a gloriuos day as far as the weather was concerned. A balmy 24 degrees. Not bad for winter.

Friends, Family and Food!

The last few days have been spent catching up with friends and family at BBQ's, lunches and dinners. I have to say, some of the most exquisite food. Our chef friend, Sam served us Spanakopita, Tzatziki, lamb, chicken and topped it off with a fine macchiato. Pizza at Aunty Tine's. Spatchcock at Angelo's. Veal cappacio, twice cooked duck and snapper at Il Piave.

Oz Day Four

Taronga Zoo! We met up with Annette (my friend from High School whom I recently connected with via Facebook) and her three children, took the train to Circular Quay and then the Ferry to Taronga Zoo. The kids had a ball related to the Chimps and Gorilla. They saw the new baby elephant, Luk Chai.

Oz Day Three

Met my good friend, Carolyn at Bi-Centennial Park where the mum's drank coffee and chatted whilst the kids played. Patrick got reprimanded by another mum for knocking and kicking her son in the head. Then the kids played cricket, rode scooters in between lamingtons.

Later, we collected Cooper from his house and went to a cafe for food and coffee and a catch up chat. It was great to have all the kids together again!

Oz Day Two

Shopping at DFO...Australians are generally smaller so finding my size in so many fashions was fun. Then I took the kids to The Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. What an impressice centre. It has a 100 metre pool, a 50 metre pool and then a whirl pool with super slide and a massive toddler pool with playground. Brandon and I swam laps whilst and the kids played on the waterslide and whirl pool and Splashers Playground.

Where we are living.

This is Kevin's parent's house in Chatswood where he grew up for most of his life. It backs onto the bush and a golf course.

Oz Day One

After 23 hours travelling, we finally arrived in Sydney. Luckily for us, we had Premium seating so we slept most of the flight. Before we knew it we were watching the glorius Aussie sunrise. You have not seen reds or oranges like this in any sky (alright, maybe Indonesia).

On our way to Kevin's parents house, I pointed out the Opera House to the kids and they questioned "Oprah has a house here?" Can you believe it!


Following lunch, we went on a 2.5Km bushwalk. The weather was glorious. We walked in t-shirts but saw one guy without a shirt at all! This for winter! We saw Kookaburra and Cockatoo amongst other wildlife. Back at home, the Lorakeets came to feast. That's it for now, a brief nap before cocktails!

Caitlin's Eighth's Birthday

Caitie started her birthday with a family breakfast (sans Daddy) with her choice of waffles, maple syrup and mint tea. Then she opened her gifts which she was completely delighted with.

After school, Caitie got to play with her new games and then we had three dinner guests who shared in her request of Lasagne. We followed this with a heart shaped cake with pink icing.

Party day, we went with 13 friends to Oaks Park Skating rink. The kids had a blast. Three of Caitie's friends came back to enjoy a sleepover. Caitlin tells me that she is sleeping with Michael! OMG!

MISS CAITLIN

Brandon Cannot Find His Atlas!

I wonder why!

Patrick turns 11!

Patrick enjoyed his day very much. He awoke to his favourite breakfast. Then opened his gifts, which he was apparently thrilled with. Then he played a while then went golfing with his dad whilst I prepared his Birthday Dinner Feast and Brandon made him a chocolate fudge cake. He was very appreciative of spending the day with his family and of all his gifts. He is a sweet boy!

Happy Birthday Pat.