Our first Halloween in Australia was down right disappointing. We didn't know whether it was really celebrated or not. We puzzled when a few kids came to our door, but then by the time Erik got costumed up and went out no one seemed to be out. Now we know the secret. Halloween is a new trend, and only certain families participate. This year we had two Halloween celebrations, a party at one with one of Mark's Australian counter-parts and our own street, This year Trick or Treating was more organized. Houses that were giving out candy taped a pumpkin flyer or an orange balloon to their gates. We had at least 30 kids come to our door and Erik had a blast.
Last year, Thanksgiving came and went. We didn't do anything. This year the Boeing families got together at Southbank Park (where the big artificial swimming lagoon is)had smoked turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, and an assortment of pies. It was sunny and 85 degrees not your typical NW weather. Most everyone went for a swim, and we had a great time. It was a nice blending of our Australian American lives.
The Swimming Carnival last Friday clearly illustrated how much progress Both Erik and I have made. Last year, Erik's swimming skills were pretty weak. He could only participate in the kick board race, and even that was somewhat painful to watch.
This year he was in all the regular events except the butterfly. He even won his heat of the breaststroke! Luckily, there were no judges checking for proper kick or a two handed touch. As for me, this year I was savy enough to bring my own folding chair and knew most of the other mums and kids. It's hard to express how much more at ease I felt this time around, but now I feel at home here and Erik is thriving.
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