The Perry Family

Being near the ocean brings joy to my life. Having wonderful people to share a day at the beach increases that joy tenfold. Top that off with some of my most treasured friends and my cup runeth over. This weekend, the Perry Family introduced me to one of the hidden gems of Ocean Beach. A beautiful uncrowded beach on one of the most gorgeous days this year. They amazed me at their agility and skill in climbing down the treacherous cliff face with two children, a surf board and plenty of beach toys. I captured a few photos and thought I would share. Thanks for the wonderful beach day Perry Family! They are my heroes...

I love this photo!

California

My amazing friend Laina took us stand up paddling in the lagoon yesterday. It was such a blast! Laina was also the photographer extraordinare...Thanks Laina for the fun afternoon. The last photo is of Janu enjoying our new pad and his guitar.

a sea of change

Mini wave

South West Rocks

Some rocks at South West Rocks :-)

Shore break

A large Goanna

Idyllic location for a jail/gaol...situated right on the water

As beautiful as the location is, I would go crazy in a jail overlooking the beach and not being able to jump in...then again, I don't really ever plan on going to jail.

Sawtell...Boambee beach..absolute beauty

It has been a little over three years since I packed up my life and chased down a dream I had had since junior high. Living on an island a million miles away from my friends and family has been full of adventure and mixed emotions. I miss my hometown, the amazing people in it and the lifelong memories that go with it. Not a day goes by that I don't think about moving back. Then again, I love this island...I love the beauty it possesses and the new memories that I am creating. In the past week, I discovered two places that are right in my backyard. The first was only a short 30 minutes from my house (Sawtell) and the other just a little over an hour (south west rocks). Travelling to these two places has reminded me how much I love it here, but also makes it even more difficult to decide where I want to be. However, for now....I am taking everything a day at a time...letting life take me where it wants me to go. I am reminding myself that just as the sea always changes, so can I.

Big waves, bunnies and arts and crafts

My rainy day project that I only spent $7 on supplies from the thrift store....I am pretty proud of my spending and my craftyness :-) If anyone wants one, I can make you one.

I love tree swings, especially when you have such an amazing view

I'm a bunny aunty Becks...cutest bunny I've ever seen.

It has rained since I arrived back in Australia. The past few days have been a welcome break from the rain. We have been so incredibly lucky to have only suffered a little mud in our backyard. A few friends have been flooded in for a week and are slowly driving out of their properties. Birds we have never seen before have been appearing in the new puddles and ponds. We have also been visited by a beautiful swell and incredible weather that has brought us back to life. Today I took the opportunity to get a few shots of the waves. If you look closely you can see one little guy paddling through the set of waves....Once I put my camera away, he took off on the most amazing wave I have seen in a long time...a scene that will just have to remain in my memory. We feel very fortunate to have emerged from this flood without any issues...and we continue to think about and try to support those who have lost everything in the floods. Our hearts go out to you all. Much love...

The end of 2010

Ahh California. Although the warm weather and uncrowded beaches have drawn me to Australia, they cannot compare with the love that I feel when I am surrounded by my family and friends in California. Thank you all for being so good to me, I feel very lucky and blessed to know you all! All the best for 2011.

The view before we entered the storm. NSW

Have I said how much I love my underwater camera..Lana ripping.

Christmas mimosas after a cold surf

Christmas dinner...GG is right in the centre of it all

Quail Botanical Gardens winter event...we were geared up for a blizzard, but the snow hill was about the size of a large blow up pool. Still very fun...especially with this family :-)

Nothing like an evening carriage ride through the children's garden

Lana's birthday elves/cake mixers

Lana's birthday

I love the Colgan's

Lana's 26!

Baby Tay

Tay, my twin and me

Belated/surprise 30th celebration...I love my friends

I told Kai about my trip and he was exhausted just listening to it all.