Australia Day 2008

Yesterday, we celebrated Australia Day, Australia's national day. It commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement on the continent of Australia. It is much like the 4th of July in the US, although there seems to be an even greater amount of flag-wearing here (you decide, in light of the picture above, whether it is for better or worse!) As the kids and I had just returned a few days before from our January trip to the US (which, by the way, was great), and this was the first day that we did not feel jet-lagged, we were keen to celebrate our return to our adopted home.

The kids and I headed into the center of Sydney (dad, much to his dismay, was working on a sermon) on a beautiful summer day, where we enjoyed lots of festivities at Hyde Park, including music, food, displays, and, of course, free tatoos and flags! There was so much going on- unfortunately, we had to forego all of the celebrations on the Harbour, which included tall ships, as the little feet could only carry us so far....

Asked to write the best thing about being an Aussie, Erin wrote "Fun in the Sun", and
Claire wrote "The best thing is going swimming."

The kids enjoy a ride in an Australian military vehicle.

I should note, also, that we are now celebrating one year of living in Australia. Wow.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
Anne