Independence Day

So, the Fourth of July is kind of an American thing...this is big time news in the Atkinson house as past celebrations of this holiday have bordered on the absurd. Also, nothing makes you feel more American or patriotic than NOT being in America. Suddenly all those ugly shopping centers and gross fast food joints become, centers of convenience and fair commerce and the Whataburger a foodie pilgrimage. Seriously, we've not been here a month yet and I think I could convince my kids to forgo Christmas for some Chick-fil-a. Ugly American pining...I think not. We are suddenly appreciative of what we had; even if it is something as simple as a decent cheeseburger.

Fast food cravings aside our adventures continue. With school not scheduled to begin until the 24th of July we have dutifully been ticking off landmarks in and around Perth. Now, Vee and Davis are young so loading my county bumpkin children on a train into the city to visit the Western Australia Museum might have been a little too much. And maybe our trek to Fremantle to tour the prison was not the wisest decision; especially since we were treated to demonstrations of the whipping post and the gallows. But I think the most amazing thing I've seen in Perth is how far my kids can walk!

That said, the environment in which we are walking makes all the difference. Last weekend we went to Bold Park and walked the nature loop, 5K. Vee led the whole way, spotting birds and referencing wildflowers. Davis broke down and actually sat in the road no less than four times. Needless to say we scared most of the wildlife away, but we did manage to see lots of parrots and several cockatoos. Note: you can also see these birds while driving down the freeway; but viewing them in a nature reserve makes it special.

I hope this finds you well and enjoying a long weekend with friends, and family and all the things that make America great.

Love from Oz,
the Atkinsons

Fourth of July Feast!
Pictured far right is the world's most expensive ear of corn- good new is it was fantastic.
The 'beanz', not so much.