Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year

We had an unbelievable time celebrating the arrival of the new year at the Opera Kitchen at the Sydney Opera House. I couldn't imagine a better view and I have never seen a fireworks display that even came close to what we saw. I loved the cover of the Sunday Telegraph because it is similar to Jim Harbaugh's "Who has it better than us" quote. I only have a few photos from small camera, but I shot some great video and Tom Berquist had a prime spot for still shots. Everyone have a great new year as you join us in 2012!



Friday, December 30, 2011

2011 Greetings from Coogee Beach and Sydney

We visited the opera house and have secured out tickets to join an estimated 1.8 million other people to ring in the new year on Sydney Harbor. We are staying in Coogee beach and enjoyed a beautiful stroll down to Bondi Beach. We would highly recommend this 1 hour walk to anyone visiting. The sun here is very strong and Hunter and Nathaniel have picked up appropriate head wear. Signing off till next year.



Thursday, December 29, 2011

New Zealand - North Island

We arrived in Auckland and proceded by ferry to Waiheke Island where we had a fabulous diner at the Mudbrick Vineyard. The next day was the highlight for the boys as they did the 192m SkyJump. The next day we hiked to the top of Mt. Victoria for stunning views and then it was back to the airport for our trip to Sydney. We will be spending another day in Auckland prior to our flight home and have already booked a tour sto see the glow worm caves!


Thursday, December 22, 2011

We're going to Disneyland

Our flight to New Zealand leaves out of LAX on the 24th, so we decided to pop in early to see my sister, catch a USC backetball game against #12 Kansas at the Galen Center, and take the boys to Disneyland and California Adventure park. The price of a one-day park hopper ticker for Disneyland was surprisingly expensive. I had estimated it at $75 when I bid and won a basket containing 3 of these tickets that the Make-A-Wish foundation was auctioning off at the Reno Bighorns game we attended, and was amazed when I learned the 4th ticket is going to cost me $105! Last night we had dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant in LA, Sushi Gen. Sarah and I "discovered" this place when we were looking at colleges. The food is still amazing, but it is also seemingly a bit more expensive than I remember.