This week we had a "mini" couples outing with Pres. & Sis. Checketts to the Blue Mountains and Julolan Caves.  It was a really fun day with about 14 of us together.  The drive through the Blue Mountains and valleys was amazing.  We saw lots of kangaroos along the way and at one point two hopped onto the road, one just crossing in front of us and the other literally hopping beside the car and and one leap over the fence.  The caves were pretty cool and located in a very European setting.

So Sis. Checketts, Wileen and I all showed up in our "amazing" Sydney sweatshirts.  Someone has good taste.......

Last Monday was Labor Day here so we went out for a Ferry ride to Watson Bay.  It is about 30 minute ride out of Sydney Harbour.  It was such a fun place with a beautiful bay on one side and steep cliffs overlooking the ocean on the other.  The Ferrys are so fun to ride because the ride to and fro are also amazing.  We hope this is "enticing" those of you contemplating a visit.

The white boat is like the Ferry we were riding and of course we come in and out under the Sydney Bridge.  A bit of paradise.

And just so you might not think we are on a mission.......
We had a wonderful week of activities.  Monday is always fun with FHE and the young adults do such a superb job teaching and planning the activity and treats.  We usually have about 30 attending.  We watch conference this weekend here and they had it in English/Australian (haha), Chinese and Korean.  We had a pretty good number both days and Sat ordered pizza for lunch between and Sunday we had a nice lunch prepared by the R.S. between sessions.  It is so amazing to listen to the  conference messages as a missionary as I felt so many of them were personal and pertinent.  Some of my most favorite thoughts were:
We must see others through a parent's eyes (Heavenly Father's).  This expands our perspective and enables us to serve as true followers of Christ.
God's laws are a manifestation of His love for me and my obedience is my manifestation of my love for Him.
When you can't do what you've always done, do that which is of most importance.

One of the most beautiful places in our "neighborhood" is the Sydney Botanical Gardens which is a short 15 minute walk.  It is a huge garden which is just beginning to bloom and green up for the summer.  We had a leisurely hour stroll through a small portion of the gardens and ended at the Opera House.  Could you ask for anything more???

About one month ago a cute Chinese couple in our ward were sealed and they had their "wedding party" last Saturday.  They were so cute as they exchanged rings and said short vows to each other.  There is something so naive and innocent about their culture that is quite rewarding.

This week was transfers and saying good bye is always so hard.  We develop such love and appreciation for these amazing Elders and Sisters.  Two of our favorite long timers completed their missions and we have a fun farewell meeting where we express qualities we admire about those leaving.

Don't you feel the enthusiasm and love with this group??

We had a ward temple day recently that a lot of the young adults attended.  They love to do baptisms and the new converts are encouraged to get there very soon.

Last week the senior couples were invited to a dinner at the mission home with a member of our Area Presidency from Samoa.  It was a wonderful evening together and Pres. and Sis. Checkouts are always the life of the party, despite the fact that they had been gone that day for 12 hrs.  Love them.

Well this will look like a tourist post but we had a great trip to Featherdale Wildlife Preserve and we just have to share the pictures with the grandkids.  This place is a bit like a zoo but better in that you can interact much more with some of the animals; excluding of course the crocodiles, snakes and tasmanian devils.  As the name would indicate there are a huge variety of big and small birds.

We saw many koala bears as the trainers were feeding and telling about their habits.  They have very sharp claws and will scratch any exposed skin if given the chance so they must be held and moved in a very specific manner.  Hence we did not hold them but we were able to pet them and observe.  They really are so cute and soft, but definitely NOT cuddly.

We only saw one tasmanian devil and he was totally asleep (which greatly disappointed Grandpa).  Another animal found here is the wombat, which are rather creepy because they look like a rat but are the size of a dog.

Meet the wallaby , which is a smaller part of the kangaroo family.  They were quite friendly and wanted to be fed and played with.  They were found walking and hopping throughout the preserve.

And of course the highlight of our day was playing with the kangaroos.  We could get in their play areas and feed them and watch them hop around.  Grandpa didn't even get "box" with any.  We learned that the joeys are the size of a peanut when born and they stay in their mother's pouch for 120 days as they develop and grow hair.  We did not see any peeking out of the pouch--DARN!!

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to take one of these kangas home for YOUR backyard pet but we didn't think they would like the long plane ride home.  So pictures will have to suffice for now.

On the way back to the big city we stopped for some relaxation at Whale Beach (but saw no whales). The beaches here are absolutely beautiful.

Grandma and Grandpa love serving our mission here in Australia.  The Lord has created a beautiful land of kangaroos here down under.