Thursday 27th December

Lew and I got our paper work started by filing our intention to marry with the Temple and scheduling the temple date for June 11th.

When we finished at the Temple we drove into Sydney and drove around the city a little so that I could see some of the sights in "The Rocks" and then we went on a harbour cruise from 3-5 around the Sydney shores. It was marvelous! It looked like possible rain, so there were few that came. This made it even more relaxing. No rain ever accompanied us, so the cruise was really pleasant. They served (herbal) teas and cakes while we sailed.

Afterwards, Lew took me a longer way home to show me other parts of Sydney and its suburbs. It is some of the greenest territory I have ever seen. The foliage is truly unique to Australia, along with its birds and native wildlife. I have never heard so many birds and their unique calls...even into the middle of the night! That evening we made it to a fresh fish store where we picked us out some white fish and had them cook it up for us that evening. We stopped at the adjoining grocery store to pick up some gingergbeer and cole slaw and salad. Then we got back to my dwelling to have dinner and enjoy the sunset. Lew drove home a bit early as my jet lag was still knocking me out. I can imagine I will be dealing with that again when I get back home!

26th December - Boxing Day

On the day after Christmas, called Boxing Day, we made waffles for everyone. Some were adventurous and put fruit and syrup on theirs. Others stuck with it as a dessert and put ice cream on them. We finished them off with a bit of bacon and eggs. It was really fun.

After Breakfast we went swimming at Windsor. Rebecca was like a fish in the water! We went into the town centre of Windsor for fish and chips lunch. I have become an avid fan of the fish from here, and hope to make it a main staple of my diet. It makes you want to weep and cry for joy!

Afterward, we went to see National Treasure with Ben, Joseph, and Elizabeth. It was a bit harsh for Rebecca so we are planning to take her to Enchanted at a later time.

Christmas Night

On Christmas day we went over to Lew's family gathering to be introduced to siblings and mum and dad Waugh. All of Lew's kids are wonderful! We've been having a great time getting to know each other and spend some quality time. Christmas night we all stayed at Lew's house and talked and played games. I crashed early since my body is still dealing with jet lag.

Arrived 23rd December for Christmas in Sydney Australia

We've had a wonderful time so far in Sydney! I got off the plane and Lew took me for kababs before heading to the apartment where I will be staying. Lew's friends set me up in a very nice little place that was vacant right across from the temple. They really went out of their way to make it nice and even stocked the fridge with food for me as a welcome. I was warned a blue tongued lizard was around, but assured it was harmless. I haven't met him yet, but hope to before the trip is over. We've been seeing the sights and spending time with family. We have also stepped into the church office building a couple of times to say hello and get a few congratulations from friends and co-workers that Lew works with.