This is how I experienced the very early morning of September 10th. 2am to be exact. I guess Thomas was still suffering from jetlag so he was up between 11 and 3. What better time to potty train?

Our second day home and time for Thomas to return to daycare. This is how he arrives home most days – covered in dirt. There are some stains on his clothes that I am never going to be able to get out.

But I actually love it that he has the freedom to get dirty at daycare. And he can always wash it off when he gets home and I love the fact that he is exploring with his hands…and sometimes his face I guess.

Of course this means that some of his clothes will never be handed down to Samuel, but I think Samuel might eventually be grateful for some new things. Poor kid is destined to receive hand me downs for many years to come.

Home again, home again. After 30 hours, 3 flight transfers, a 7 hour layover in LA and way too many trips through security, we were finally home – at midnight on the 7th. Just in time to celebrate Thomas’ 3rd birthday on the 8th. Yes, my baby is three.

Of course the baby in the photo is not three. He was my photo subject for the day while my three year old recovered from jetlag. Samuel was recovering by doing the thing he loves best – looking at himself in the mirror.

P.S. The kids were so good the entire flight home. We honestly could not have asked for more. The wiggles figurines that we saved for the LA stopover were the perfect gift and kept Thomas occupied for hours. This was his third trip to Australia and I think he just knows what to expect now. We are so lucky.

September 7th marked our last morning in Australia. It also happened to be Fathers’ Day, my Father’s birthday and the beginning of a very LONG day of travel for the Ishidas. We all gathered at my brother Ben’s house for a final farewell brunch and I took advantage of the last chance we would have for a while to take some pictures while we were all in one place.

Warning – I took a LOT of pictures.

We may have a musician on our hands. No banging with fists on the keyboard for this toddler…

Piano playing requires the precision that only comes with the gentle stroking of keys. The delicate placement of the fingers.

And of course a big dramatic finish.

On our last day in Yarrawonga, Dad managed to drag himself from his deathbed (suspected pnuemonia) to work in the garden with Thomas. This is one of my regrets about living so far away. I know these two would have a wonderful time together if we lived closer. And, let’s face it, we could use a trained gardener around here.

Samuel enjoying a cuddle with Nan. He started sucking his thumb while we were away, much to my mother’s distress. Not to worry, we’re working on that binky addiction to replace his thumb. Anything to get this kid sleeping through the night.

Kei saw this photo and said “He looks jolly”.

Mum, Thomas and I braved the screams of a car-phobic 3 month old to drive about 90 minutes to a small historic town called Beechworth in Northern Victoria. My brother Ben was meeting a couple of clients so we took the opportunity to catch up with him for lunch and browse the historic shops.

I have been to Beechworth a few times and have to say that it is much more complicated with two small children in tow. I think Thomas and Samuel decided to play a little joke on me by coordinating diaper changes at the most inconvenient times.

Nevertheless, it was a nice opportunity to catch up with Ben and Thomas had a good time checking out the water fountain… until he discovered that it made him wet. Then we had a few tears.

Oh, and I picked up some delicious boiled lollies at the fabulous, famous lolly shop in the center of town. I LOVE boiled lollies. In fact I could go so far as to say you haven’t lived until you’ve tried a Eucalyptus drop. Seriously.

They don’t allow photos in the shop which is a real shame, but I did manage to take this picture through the window. Bags and bags of boiled lollies. I don’t know how I managed to leave without spending a lot more money.