I love San Francisco. We traveled there after spending a mad but happy week over Christmas in Anaheim. As fun as Disneyland had been, we were over bustling crowds, crazy queues, merchandise, rides and junk food. We needed to unwind and relax, and San Francisco is the perfect place! Our first real view of the city was watching the fog roll in across the bay from the roof of our hotel, and we were spellbound by it’s beauty. We stayed in a stunning, wonderful apartment at Fairmont Heritage Place, I cannot recommend the hotel highly enough! We only had 4 days in the city, and there was so much to do. We went across to the pretty seaside town of Sausalito and shared burgers and chips with the seabirds, then marvelled at the giant Redwood trees at Muir Woods.

We rode the hop on hop off bus around town. These buses were favourites of ours in each city. They provided a great way of seeing all the highlights of a city and we were able to choose where to get off to explore. Bronte wanted to try ice skating in the outdoor rink and her laughter and smiles while finding her feet on the ice rivalled her Disneyland joy!

Lucas also fell in love with what he called ‘Fran San Disco.’ He left the ice skating to Bronte and made his own fun on the sidelines, laughing with Nanny and dancing up a storm. He danced and sang his way around America much to the entertainment of people passing by.

We visited Alcatraz which was just amazing. You can feel the history of the place. The tour is so well set up with ex-prisoners and prison guards guiding visitors via recorded stories through headphones. We caught the ferry back across the bay and saw the Golden Gate Bridge just poking out through the top of the fog. It is even more spectacular than it looks in photos. The next day we rode across the bridge in an open top double decker bus, the wind blowing a gale! We found our way to the beach close by to the bridge and sat and played in the sand. It was magical.

And of course a trip to San Francisco would not be complete without riding the famous cable cars. I stood on the outside step holding onto the rails as we travelled up and down the steep city hills, and loved every moment. Four days wasn’t early enough in this beautiful city, and we cannot wait to go back someday and experience more of it’s beauty!

There were lots of fun activities to do too. The kids got to ride horses which they both loved. We all had a go at archery and thanks to a fantastic teacher the kids both hit the target lots of times and were very impressed with themselves! Just before sunset one afternoon we hopped into a safari vehicle and went for a tour around the property. There were lots of kangaroos, wallabies and wombats, and wonderful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The resort even managed to arrange a nearly full moon to rise over the cliffs as we finished up our safari! It was spectacular.

It really did feel like the staff could arrange a full moon if that’s what a guest wanted. It seemed like if any of us even had a vague thought that we needed something, that it would suddenly appear! Lucas (age 3) was having a typical (but quiet) 3 year old whine that his ice had melted in his drink, and he really, really wanted to eat that ice. Suddenly a whole glass of ice appeared before him. He looked a little tired at dinner. A comfy blanket was delivered to the table. Bronte really liked the look of our dessert even after finishing her own, so tucked into Nanny’s plate. Nanny suddenly had another plate full. Hey kids, don’t get used to this lol! The service was just incredible. Then there was the food. I’m sad to say I meant to take photographs of our beautifully presented, delicious meals, but somehow I forgot. The food was sensational. Top class. The whole experience was.

On the flight home Bronte filled out the QANTAS kids travel journey. Favourite holiday location – Wolgan Valley. Favourite Activity – everything. Favourite Food – Sticky Calamari. What I am Looking Forward to – Going back to Wolgan Valley. Dream on kiddo! It was a wonderful experience and we are all very grateful to Tourism Australia, Wolgan Valley Resort, Manager Joost Heymeijer and all the fantastic staff for a such a great time. Thankyou.

We chased the late evening sunshine around Abbotsford Convent but once it had sunk below the horizon we weren’t quite ready to finish up. As difficult as it can be to photograph in fading light, I am glad we stuck around. We found some more awesome locations in the Convent grounds and finished up watching hundreds, perhaps thousands of bats flying overhead when the sky turned dark.

Susan and Campbell, I am so happy for you both, and cannot wait to see even bigger smiles on your wedding day! I hope you enjoy your photos.

Six weeks, many thousands of km, laughter, tears, adventure, excitement, boredom, family, friends, beach, boats, planes, cable cars, cities, a huge journey.

I was staring out the window of our hire car, watching the planes fly overhead to and from LAX, and contemplating the awesome holiday we had just experienced. We stopped at traffic lights and I glanced out and saw this sticker on the light post. ‘I was here moments’* It summed up perfectly how I felt. There were times when our 6 weeks holiday felt like forever. But now, nearly over, it had gone by far too quickly. We had been here just moments. Little snippets of time we will never forget. The kids unbridled joy, usually at moments we wouldn’t have predicted. For Bronte it was ice skating in San Francisco that brought the biggest smile. For Lucas it was brushing and cuddling a little lamb at Animal Kingdom and ringing the bell of a cable car thanks to a kind driver. There were magical moments, incredible sights. The fog rolling in across the bay in San Francisco, just a glimpse of the bridge through the top. The Grand Canyon in all its glory. For the kids, the sight of a yellow school bus, a Disney Princess, a crazy bus ride, the Statue of Liberty, the (don’t try to tell Lucas it isn’t the real thing) ‘Eiffel Tower,’ these had them squealing with joy!

The best thing about travelling for me is the time. The time not spent worrying about work, about commitments, about a clean house and what to cook for dinner, about homework and notices and clean uniforms and bills. Time that is all ours, all together. Without everything else that normally gets in the way. Travel is all about the moments that belong entirely to us. We all loved our holiday. Before we touched down in Melbourne we were already talking about next time. This big ‘holiday of a lifetime’ thing isn’t going to work for us. No, we are already saving for the next ‘holiday of a lifetime.’ And hopefully it won’t be too far in the future!

I have (okay it isn’t such a surprise!) thousands of photos to sort through. Here are just a few of the beginning of our trip. Our first night, at Melbourne airport, tired kids after the long, long plane ride, and our special Christmas time at Disneyland. Some are photos from my ‘real’ camera, others are snap shots, all are perfect memories.

Lucas is in love. With Belle. He was chosen from the audience to play the part of her Prince. Or the Beast. (he fits both characters at times He is now the proud owner of his very own Belle doll. I hope he remembers this moment. But as he probably won’t, I am so happy he will have these snapshots to remind him that dreams do come true. Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust.

*I was here moments ago. I was intrigued by this sticker and struck by its sentiment, so I came home and googled it. It is actually a pop culture reference from the TV show Lost and was somehow relevant in the big mystery. I only made it through the first season, so i didn’t understand the relevance. I still think it is a great little quote for life.

I saw lots of other signs along the way that I thought perfectly described parts of our trip. Here are just a few.

Doggy and House Sitters organised – check! (thanks and good luck our wonderful helpers:)

Passports, tickets, kids ready – triple checked!

We are off on an adventure. It is going to be awesome. I am sure I will have many photos to share along the way.

Dale Taylor Photography is now closed for the holidays, and we will be returning to business on the 1st of February 2012. If you would like to make a booking please contact me via email (dt.photography@optusnet.com.au)

Wishing all our clients, colleagues, family and friends a wonderful, happy, fun and safe Christmas and New Year. See you all in 2012!

When the Dr called us in to his office nothing seemed unusual. Half listening, dreaming, planning… the Dr, speaking… unexpected… surprising… unfortunately… tumour… referral…

Woh, what?? Sorry, tumour? Suddenly I was listening. I asked what he hadn’t said. By tumour do you mean cancer?

Well, I am not an oncologist.

But?

Yes, I am sorry, I believe the tumour is cancerous.

Ten unexpected words that stopped our plans in their tracks. Ten terrifying words that began Brian’s nearly year long journey through major surgery and chemotherapy. A journey filled with amazing Doctors and even more amazing oncology nurses. A journey that made us thankful to be in Australia where serious illnesses at least are met with serious treatment that didn’t bankrupt those previously mentioned dreams. A journey I wouldn’t wish on any family, but one which we we emerged from after 12 months with an all clear on Brian’s health. We celebrated by finally taking that trip to see family and friends in the USA, and we moved into our new home almost on schedule (the building process kept us distracted and busy throughout Brian’s treatment!)

July 23rd 2009 seems such a long time ago now. Brian (our whole family) was lucky, for want of a better word. They caught it in time. Genetic testing determined Brian will need to be closely screened for life. But, he is all good. We have exciting plans for the future!

Brian is participating in Movember to help raise funds for cancer research. Obviously it is a cause close to his / our hearts. You can donate to Movember by following the link to his page.