A Day in Cairns

Yesterday I had my first Dr's appointment while here in Cairns.  Because it's expensive to rent a car, we like to combine a variety of things when we go out. 

So we took the kids to Muddies, a fun playground just two blocks away from the Dr's office.  We got everyone situated there, and then I left Matt with the kids and walked to my appointment.  After I was done there, I came back and we had a picnic lunch at the park and then the kids played in the fountains for a while.

On the way home, we decided to stop by Domino's because in the past Tuesday has been their day for cheap pizzas for pick-up.  Thankfully, they had their $4.95 special on pizzas, so we got to get several for our dinner that night.  Yummy!

The kids, watching fascinated while the pizzas were prepared

A Cultural Moment

We've spent so much time here in Cairns, that it really feels like a home away from home sort of place for us.  We're pretty familiar with stuff around, and it doesn't feel wierd at all to be here.  We're used to going to the mall to go grocery shopping.  We know where the shops we like are, and the restaurants, and the fun, free things to do.

But this weekend I was skimming thru the newspaper and I saw this:

In case the writing in red doesn't show up well enough, it states:  "Spring has sprung and what does that mean?  Christmas must be just around the corner."

Definitely a "Whoa, this isn't right" sort of moment! =)  I guess it's a good reminder that while Cairns feels a lot more similar to "home" in the USA, it's still a different country!

Baby Bonanza!

In the past three weeks, I have attended three different baby showers.  One was for me, and the rest for friends of mine who are expecting.  We joke that there must be something in the water, because at the latest count, there will be 13 new babies in the current class (ranging from being born in August 2011-July 2012)!  Maybe it's not a joke?!?!

Here in Ukarumpa, we love any opportunity to party!  Since we don't have many chances to get out of Ukarumpa, and there aren't any restaurants, theaters, etc, we make our own entertainment.  (And I must say, we do a pretty good job of it!) =)

The first shower was a joint shower for two friends of mine, both due in December.  It was an overnight/slumber party shower held at the WA Center.  This is probably the newest building here at Ukarumpa, which was built several years ago to host visitors who come to PNG for short-term things.  We had a fun shower, ate lots of good snacks, laughed alot, and then afterwards, everyone hung out, some played Wii Dance and Guitar Hero, ate lots more good snacks, laughed lots more, and then finally dragged ourselves off to bed.  I think I was probably one of the very earliest to turn in, at about 1:30am or so!  The next morning we got up, and lounged around in pajamas, drinking coffee and eating the yummy breakfast casseroles and cinnamon rolls several of us had brought.  That in itself was almost the best treat of all!  Since Kaitlyn was born, over 9 years ago, this was only my 2nd ever complete overnight with no kids along.  And, sad to say, neither of them has been with Matt.  We have yet to have a single night away, kidless, since Kaitlyn came along.  It's such a novel thing to just lounge around in the morning, slowly savoring hot drinks and hot food, and not have to be madly rushing around getting kids dressed, fed, off to school, etc.

Our overnight shower gang!  The shower was for Kelly (sitting to the left of me) and Adrienne (standing on the far right)

The second shower was one my good friend Debbie threw for me and Baby.  It was a fun evening with good friends, fun games and of course, lots and lots of good snacks. =)  I totally never expected to have a shower for Baby #5, but Debbie is a great hostess and party-thrower, and like I said, we love any excuse to have a party. =)

 

The shower I attended yesterday was an especially special one.  It was for a friend who lost a baby just under a year ago.  But now she's expecting twins!  She is one of those friends I have prayed would be allowed to get pregnant and have the baby, and it's been such an answer to prayer.  It was fun celebrating with her.