Trip to RIDBC in Sydney

One week ago, Zemiel and I left to come to Sydney and to spend some time in the preschools at the RIDBC to see what Zemiel responds well with. We hoped to get some idea of whether we focus on sign during his education or speech. Unfortunately (or fortunately), there have been mixed results for both preschool environments with significant advantages presented in each. So I fear that I may be no nearer a final decision than before. In any case, it enabled his teacher of the deaf to observe him and helped her to identify some strategies for working with him. Sydney has turned down the temperature! Even the locals are feeling the cold and it seems that it might be an early winter.

Here's Zem with some of his new warm clothes:

We stayed at the RIDBC in North Rocks for a a week and enjoyed the change of scenery and activities. Zemiel really enjoyed sorting out certain transport toys into their colour groups or vehicle types (sometimes both). Here's a pic of one of his sorting efforts.

We also set about to recreate a lego/duplo farm scene. Below are a picture of the original card and our effort.

I originally planned to pick up our new car from Sydney and drive home, but the top up loan for our house that we originally planned for has taken longer than expected to organise and so we are staying at Adrian's place for a couple of nights. I feel very blessed that Zem and I get to spend some extra time with him before he leaves for America.

Today, Zem and I went to the Australian Museum and stopped on the way at the ANZAC memorial. We had a blast all day. The displays were: Skeletons, Dinosaurs, Indigenous Australians, Chapman Mineral Collection, Gem Stones, Birds and Insects, Surviving Australia, Kidspace, Search and Discover, and Birds of Paradise. Of these, Zem loved the Birds of Paradise the best and closely followed by Birds and Insects and Surviving Australia displays. Kidspace was also a big hit with him. The mineral and gemstone displays were of little consequence to him and we spent about 3 collective minutes (out of about 5 hours) in both displays.

Here are a few photos taken from the day:

This fellow had all the birds attention.

The ANZAC memorial.

Seagulls living the good life.

Inside the museum, there was so much to see.

These blocks were cut by the original convicts. Each convict had their own particular pick mark 'signature' so their overseer could keep track of their daily quota.

Zemiel pointing out a starfish.

Zemiel showing me a butterfly.

The museum had a section for kids five and under. Here, Zem is getting excited over a funnel web spider under a large magnifying glass.

Still in the little kids area, Zemiel cheers as he completes a puzzle.

The entire museum boasted an amazing array of preserved animals. Here are only a few.

 I can't begin to imagine how many children must have patted this wombat. It is looking a bit threadbare.

One last thing, that we saw on the way out, was a huge sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in the foyer.  

Easter holidays 2011

This Easter we were blessed to have Damian and Ellie come and stay a few days with us. Of course, Joshua came as well and really got stuck into all the new gadgets and toys. Zem and Az also liked having a live-in playmate too. We enjoyed visiting Queens Park Beach on Sabbath, fishing and markets on Sunday,  and take-away Chinese food and the Anzac day parade on Monday before they headed for home again. Here's some pics of the long weekend.
Joshua, Zemiel and Azariah at the park.

Here's Damian playing with Azi, Ellie smiling (in a case of perfect timing), and Sharlene... ...doing something.