Down Under...

So we are going to Australia.

Just like that.

I know.  Me too.  It's a bit surreal....but in August we will be in Perth for nine days.

 This trip required passports and a visa...which if anyone has applied for these lately, they ain't cheap!

My dad, my childhood traveling partner, offered to take us.  It is beyond generous and I keep stressing to my kids how lucky they are for this opportunity, and how if my dad talks to them on the plane they better unplug and listen, because they are about to learn so much!

This kid could NOT be more excited about the trip!!  She will get to meet an on-line friend of two years when we get there.  

In other news....this boy of ours.  So. Proud. Of. Him.  He bought  his first car yesterday....on his own....big down payment...at 18 years old.

I'm not sure if I shared this or not on my blog, but David dropped out of high school his senior year (last year).  He was in the early college program, and by IQ standards the kid is literally a genius, but standardized school, not for him.  He is a learner- reads physics for fun and loves anything about medicine, but seven periods a day of other people's interests, not so much.  So I gave him my blessing and he quit.  Just like that.  Two weeks later he got his GED.  One month later his little part time job offered him a general manager's position.  He makes more money than I did as a public school teacher, and in less than a year his salary will be the same as my husband's base salary- not bad for an 18 year old kid :)  To say we are proud of what he has done in less than a year of being out of school is an understatement.  He is doing what he loves and thriving.  Well done.


Also, if you follow my cousin on Sweet Tea and Linen- she made the most amazing bench. Creativity runs amuck in our family!

Oh, and if you haven't heard of Snapstagram....it is so fun!  It is a site where you can upload your instagram pics and get 12 copies for $6.99.  I keep mine in an ironstone bowl on the table and the kids as well as guests like thumbing through them.

I know this post was a bit all over the place, but so much going on here at the cottage!  Tonight I hope to sweet talk my hubby into installing that new front door lock set ;)

Have a great day!!