Why I've been so scarce...

So I promised a post about what I’ve been up to...

My baby boy is off in Australia. The last couple weeks were spent getting all his last minute details put together and getting him packed and off to the airport and ready to go. He left at 11:45 pm on the 8^th. Here’s where he’s gone so far (taken from their itinerary, hence the commentary): (get through the itinerary - the best stuff comes after, cause you've all heard me talk about what a horror Jeff is turning into...)

July 10: Sydney: Start your adventure exploring Sydney Tower and a 360-degree view of the city skyline and experience Skytour, the simulated experience of Australia’s natural wonders. Then board your sailing vessel for a cruise of spectacular Sydney Harbour and learn about the history of this amazing city. Next, take a walk around Farm Cove and smile for your group photo at Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Lady Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of a famous Governor, used to sit on a stone bench to rest and admire the view while awaiting news from home via the tall ships entering the harbor. This point boasts fabulous views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Your explorations of Sydney continue with a guided orientation of the majestic Sydney Opera House complex. The visually intriguing structure houses an Opera Theater, Concert Hall, Playhouse and one of Sydney’s finest restaurants. It has become one of the city’s most internationally recognized landmarks. Tonight have dinner at a restaurant over looking Darling Harbour.

July 11: Begin your day with the Sydney Cricket Ground; learn about the history of Australia’s most popular summer game before trying your hand at some batting and bowling skills. After lunch at legendary Bondi Beach, Sydney awaits! You will divide into small groups and have the afternoon to discover Sydney. You have the option of spending your afternoon at Darling Harbour, the Pitt Street Mall, or both! The Darling Harbour waterfront area includes Sydney’s own Chinese Gardens with a traditional Chinese teahouse. Close to the Pitt Street mall is Hyde Park, Macquarie Street, and The Art Gallery of NSW – a free gallery for the people of Sydney. Later in the afternoon, learn about Australia's national gemstone, the opal, during a cutting and polishing demonstration at an opal establishment. Tonight have a rockin’ and rollin’ good time at the Hard Rock Café, amidst its fascinating collection of music memorabilia. (Note: he got Bob & me our Hard Rock – Sydney Tshirts – Woohoo!! Or, as Bob would say... WOOT!)

July 12: Vision Valley: Today is all about challenge, excitement and energy! Get ready for a day full of adventure and personal growth. Through interactive and challenging workshops led by the "Full On" team, you will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills, set personal goals, and step outside your comfort zone. You will also conquer FEAR by flying across a valley by zip line or completing an outdoor adventure course! Later, take some time to reflect upon today's activities and your personal achievements. (Jeff loved this day!)

July 13-14: Home Stay with an Australian family. Today, travel north through rural New South Wales towards the home of Country music in Australia -Tamworth. There, see the Golden Guitar, Tamworth’s monument to Country music. This afternoon, you will meet your home stay family and get to experience life as an Aussie!

July 15: Coff's Harbour: Today, journey north to the popular coastal resort town of Coffs Harbour. Home of the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour is famous for its surfing beaches and fishing. Tonight you will have a great opportunity to spend some time writing about your experiences in your journal.

July 16-17: Moreton Island: Today you leave the state of New South Wales on your way to Queensland. Arriving at Byron, the easternmost point in the continent, you will have the opportunity to discover the lighthouse at Cape Byron. Byron Bay was named after Lord Byron’s (the famous English poet) grandfather who circumnavigated the world in the 1860’s. See if you can spot migrating humpback whales traveling back to Antarctica for the winter. Continue north to Brisbane the capital of Queensland. Brisbane is historically the second original convict settlement and has grown to become Australia’s third largest city. Board a ferry for your journey to Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island – an island composed entirely of sand and home to a friendly pod of bottle-nosed dolphins! Tangalooma is renowned for its research on wild dolphins. Opportunities for excitement abound as you snorkel near the Tangalooma "Wrecks" and go for a 4WD excursion through the National Park with a ranger, who will introduce you to the flora and fauna. During this time, you will also learn about sand movement and try the Tangalooma sport of "sand tobogganing". In the evening, you might be able to feed the wild dolphins of Tangalooma Resort, if the dolphins choose to comply!

We’ve talked to him 3 times. The first time was a couple grunted responses... “Fine” “Good” “OK” “Yes”. Gotta love my communicative son. Then we didn’t hear from him for 3 more days. The phone call 2 days ago was because his credit card wasn’t working properly. Nothing like your child’s love to see you through. LOL.

Today’s phone call made up for it all, though. He called at 6am Australia time while he was waiting for breakfast. I missed his call by about 2 minutes, so he left me a voice mail. Just called to tell me about swimming with the dolphins – how awesome it was, and all that. How tired he was, etc. Then he said, and I quote, “I miss you and I can’t wait to see you in a week and a half. Love you, Mommy. Bye.” He called me Mommy! *sigh* He hasn’t called me that in years! (happy dancing)

Just wait till he gets home and finds out we’ve gutted his room and thrown away half his crap. LMAO!!!

In other news, I’ve been on the internet like crazy trying to book all the stops for our UK vacation, which morphed into 3 weeks, the last 5 days of which will be work days for me. Oh joy. Jeff gets home on July 27^th, Steve leaves for camp for 3 weeks on the 31^st, and we leave for 3 weeks on the 1^st. But, this is why I haven’t been around. I’ll try to be a bit better about reading and commenting on all your blogs and stopping in to say hi.