Pages and Pages

Tree Tops

2011-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

We went to a place called Tree Tops, where the kids hook up to cables and do

these obstacle courses through the trees. There are like 5 different levels of difficulty and heights. They love it and had so much fun cabling through the trees.

Diving with Friends

2011-01-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

Gus and Tilly did an introductory dive course with their best friends Keating and Spencer. Whilst Tilly and Spencer did theirs in the villa pool with another friend Callia, Gus and Keating and Dante all went the next day to a lagoon and did a 5 metre dive. They absolutely loved it! They are so enthusiastic now about getting their diving certificate and qualifications.

Fun on the beach

2011-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

Great Friends

2011-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

Tilly & Chri

Our dear friends from Dakka, this is Christmas Eve at one of our favourite restaurants. It's become our little tradition to go here each year for Christmas Eve.

Water Sports

2011-01-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

Gus had his first turn at driving the jet ski's.

This is the water sports crew. All friends that we meet up with each year the Penninsula Resort.

Christmas Holidays In Bali

2011-01-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

This is Felix playing hide and seek, in this particular instance he was doing the counting. It was so funny and so cute.

Water baby, he loves the water and was trying to swim here.

The kids together on the balcony of our time share unit.

Renovation Photos

2011-01-19T04:05:00.000-08:00

This last photo gives you a little bit of the neighbourhood as well. We are actually located in central Bintaro, which is the suburb where the school is also located. Very close to us there is a new shopping mall opening up. Bintaro is probably one of the fastest growing suburbs in Jakarta. It's had a growth rate of no less than 20% each year. The prices of houses and land is going up every month and there are so many new housing developments, buildings, shops etc being built each week.

More Renovation Photos

2011-01-19T04:03:00.000-08:00

The Renovations Begin

2011-01-19T03:53:00.000-08:00

As you can see my house literally looks like a bomb hit it!! It's just a shell. What you see here is not even all of it yet. There is still more to be taken out.

More house photos

2011-01-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

The first photo is of the 3rd floor - this will be transformed into 3 maids rooms and small bathroom. This is the master bathroom. The last two photos are of the master bedroom upstairs - it is massive! As you can see we found it with 2 queen size beds in it and a lounge suit. Then there is the walk in wardrobe and bathroom attached at the other end.

The whole house had marble tiles throughout on the floors and bathrooms, however it was very very dated.

More photos

2011-01-19T01:50:00.000-08:00

These photos are looking at the 1st and 2nd levels. The next 2 photos are where the pool will be going. The last photo is an area where are BBQ patio area will be.

More photos

2011-01-19T01:48:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos of the lounge room area and the downstairs master bedroom. FYI - all these walls are going and the whole downstairs area will be opened up.

The downstairs master bedroom will convert half to a living area and half will be decking from the pool.

More photos of the house

2011-01-19T01:43:00.001-08:00

Here are some shots of the rooms inside. This is the entrance/receiving room, dining area, bi fold doors to an indoor garden area.

Our New House

2011-01-19T01:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, finally here are some pictures of the house bought here in Jakarta. This is the house in it's original state before the renovations started. It just gives you a bit of an idea of the outside of the house. Then there is a photo of the garage and the storeroom (the long skinny room) which is off the garage and behind the kitchen.

Dummy addict

2010-05-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Felix loves his dummies! Now that he's down to 1 sleep a day, he does want to use it more especially when he's crabby and tired.

Also we had a breakthrough tonight!!!! Felix ate meat!! I couldn't believe it. Since he started eating food, he has absolutely hated meat (of any kind). Yes my baby/toddler has been a vegetarian by his own choice. I have tried it in so many forms and varieties, but to no avail. And then tonight - the drought was broken. Declan made some chicken schnitzels for dinner, we cut them up into tiny portions for Felix (just to kind of test the waters again), not only did he eat them, he loved them. We were all so shocked by this sudden breakthrough. I hope he continues to enjoy it in the next meal.

Easter Time

2010-05-16T05:35:00.001-07:00

Kiss Me!!! This is Felix's first go at an easter egg. As you can see it didn't last long, in fact he tried to shove it all into his mouth only to find he couldn't then close it, so it oozed out all over the floor, his clothes and face. I tried at one point to scoop some out of his mouth but he wouldn't have a bar of that and kept running away. Ha ha, typical Page/Porter. Loves his chocolate.

Horse Riding

2010-05-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

Tilly has been having horse riding lessons with her friend Spencer. Each Wednesday they go straight from school to the horse riding area about 1 hour away. Both of them love it so much.

Best of Friends

2010-05-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Spencer, Keating, Gus and Tilly. All best of friends. Sadly Keating and Spencer (who are brother and sister) will be leaving this July. We will miss them and their family terribly.

The Boys

2010-03-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

The 3 Page boys.

Jungle Walks/Sleeps

2010-03-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

While in Lembang we did another Jungle walk with our friends. As you can see their kids are similar ages to ours. It was so much fun. However, some of us slept on the way!

Volcano Geysers

2010-03-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

At the bottom of this volcano were heaps and heaps of geysers. The water was bubbling hot. So much so that you can even cook eggs in it. Consequently here's a photo of our egg baskets and our eggs cooking in the volcanic water. Lots of people were putting their feet into the hot pools but it really was so hot. Apparently the mineral content of the water is quite good/therapeutic.

Volcano walk

2010-03-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

We recently travelled 4 hours to a place called Lembang with another Indonesian family and wonderful friends of ours. We arranged to do these fantastic outdoor fun activities whilst in the area. We visited a volcano at the top and then walked down the mountainside, through the jungle, to the bottom of the volcano. As you can see, Felix was a bit upset - lack of sleep mainly.

Phone Users

2010-03-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of picks of the different types of phone users in this house. Felix is such a gadget boy, as soon as he can get his hands on a gadget/phone, he runs as fast as he can and tries to hide away with it. Gus on the other hand, was talking to family in Australia whilst riding on his Ripstick through the house. It was so funny to watch.

Jordanian Family Fun

2010-03-28T03:03:00.000-07:00

We were invited to lunch with a Jordanian family, they are such a wonderful family and we all get all along so well. Declan teaches their son. However Amal put on this huge feast of traditional food and it was absolutely delicious. She said that her mother-in-law taught her for 1 year how to make this food to perfection and perfect it was. So scrummy.

Reunion

2010-03-28T03:00:00.001-07:00

Whilst we were living in Thailand, we met Stine and we soon became strong friends. We have kept in touch all this time and remained good friends. Out of the blue one day Stine emails me to say she is coming over, well we were thrilled to bits. We had a fantastic time and it was so wonderful to see over time our friendship is just the same. Pictured here is Trine (a friend of Stine's from Denmark), Stine and myself.

American Idols???

2010-03-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Tilly and her best friend, Spencer, were singing karaoke to "My Heart Will Go On". It was such a hoot. They dressed up, put on make up, etc, and rehearsed for about 1 hour. They were fantastic!

Elephant Riding

2010-03-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

Over last Christmas we were in Bali for 3 weeks, pretty much lounging around. However, we did go out to the Elephant Park for a meet, greet and ride. We had lots of fun. However, we did find it extremely expensive compared to the same kind of thing we did in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

It's been a long time

2010-03-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yes it has, between my blogs. I'm sorry everyone. Life just takes it turns and all of a sudden you realise it's been too long. So I'm going to try to do this more regularly. I'll just be updating you on a couple of recent things we've been doing.

Jolly Jumper Time

2009-06-19T08:25:00.001-07:00

We introduced Felix to the Jolly Jumper in May. He absolutely loves it. It took him a few goes to get his rhythm going and now he just can't stay in it long enough. In fact, now every time you stand him up he tries to bounce instead of walk.

2009-06-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Felix 6 months old and enjoying himself by the pool in the pram.

Easter Morning

2009-06-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Luckily the Easter Bunny found us in Bali. He left quite a selection of little eggs as well as a momento of himself for Gus and Tilly. Even little Felix was covered in eggs and had fun playing with them.

Night Photos

2009-06-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Some lovely night photos of the view from our balcony, the sea and pool.

Beach Photos

2009-06-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

I think one of Ma and Pa's favourite past times was beach watching. There were also plenty of weddings up and down the beach to keep Ma occupied. Some cute shots of Gus and Tilly enjoying the beaches.

The Whale

2009-06-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

I bought Felix a whale floatation device and he absolutely loved it. Actually he loved trying to bite it.

Felix in the pool

2009-06-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

This was Felix's first time swimming in the pool and he absolutely loved it. On average he probably had 3 swims a day. The water was so warm, like a bath. He learnt to kick his little feet and paddle with his arms. He looked like the little baby turtles off "Nemo".

More Fun

2009-06-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

We explored some other beaches around Bali, here's Tilly on one very picturesque beach. Nearly everyday was fun in the pool.

Other poolside activities

2009-06-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well there are other things beside swimming and sunbathing. There's massage for adults, banana boats for the kids and DS Nintendos for you and your friends around the pool.

By the Beach and Pool

2009-06-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Being in Bali is all about the pool and beach. It's just so nice to relax and enjoy.

Windows of Indonesia

2009-06-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Some more gorgeous photos that Declan has taken of beautiful Indonesia.

Windows of Indonesia

2009-06-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

Some of the beautiful scenery in Indonesia.

Waterbom

2009-06-19T06:38:00.001-07:00

In Bali, one of our favourite places to go is Waterbom Park. Of course everywhere we went, so did Declan and his new camera. He's taken some lovely photos.

Family photos

2009-06-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Just a few snappy shots before we left for Bali.

Pa and Felix

2009-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cheryle and Denise arrived in April 09 for their first visit to Indonesia and their first visit with Felix.

First Solids

2009-06-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

In April 09 I started Felix on solids. He was interested for about 4 or 5 days and then stopped. After our trip to Bali I tried again and he was much more into it but didn't like the rice cereal so much.

Felix and Mummy

2009-05-06T22:24:00.001-07:00

Declan just did some happy shots one afternoon while I was playing with Felix. He's only 4 and half months old here.

Declan's class

2009-05-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute picture of Declan's Kangaroo class. It is the 100th day at school and they do all kinds of fun activities all day long. Here they made their 100 glasses and put them on for a photo.

Felix and Arnie

2009-05-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

Felix loves his teddy bear - Arnie. Here's a few shots of Felix playing with him on our bed.

Last day with Grandparents

2009-05-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the Page grand kids with Grandma and Grandpa. They had just packed their bags and were leaving to go the airport. This is still from February.

Super Grover

2009-05-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Super Grover is actually from "Sesame Street" when Grover goes flying through the air. Dad used to give us Super Grovers when we were kids and now he's giving them to the grand kids.

Felix and Grandpa

2009-05-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute photos of Felix and Grandpa playing together.

Cute Felix

2009-05-06T22:08:00.001-07:00

Felix and grandma were having a little play one day, just some cute photos.

Playing golf

2009-05-06T22:05:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of more shots of us all playing golf, including our driver - Andri.

Putt putt golf

2009-05-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

Just some nice photos of us going into play putt putt golf. It's pretty hot playing even putt putt golf outside, with no a/c.

Gong Factory

2009-05-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

We visited a "factory" in Bogor that makes gongs. The reason why I wrote factory like this, is because it's not how you would really imagine a factory. It was a tiny street front door that led into closed in area with a dirt floor and a large fire in the middle where they were firing up the metal and then they'd pull it out and then 5 men would hammer the heck out of it. They did this all day in the searing heat until the gong was the right shape and would make the right sound.

Rickshaw ride

2009-05-06T21:31:00.001-07:00

Here's mum and dad actually getting the ride through the village. Dad got out towards the end, he was just too cramped.

Rickshaw ride

2009-05-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

We went back to the rickshaws after paintball and we thought it would be fun for mum and dad to have a little ride. Well it was a laugh a second watching them try to get into the rickshaw.

Paintball

2009-05-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

In Bogor there was a paintball park. So we went in there and had a great time although I don't think I would do it again in a rush. The balls really hurt when they get you. We had to say that the kids were not allowed to be shot at. Mum stayed with Felix so here you see: Grandpa, Declan, Andri (our driver), myself, Gus and Tilly. A great "kama-kazi" shot.

Village Life - at the shop

2009-05-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Where we stopped to look at this home, there was also a shop across the road where a few women were gathered. They were so excited to see a white baby. They quickly ushered me over there and sat me down next to them. You could tell the oldest lady was a respected grandmother of sorts. The other younger women were so intrigued and laughing all the time. One of the ladies (wearing a cream top) wanted to hold Felix but I had this really uneasy feeling about her and whilst she tried to take him, I held on to him tight. At the very same time all the other women rushed to her and told her not to take him. I could tell there was something not right about her. However the old grandmother wanted to hold him and I was happy for her to. She was really sweet.

Village Life - Home

2009-05-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here is another very common scene. This is a home for these people. It's just unbelievable admid all this rubbish. I guess this is a window into the 3rd world. I wish I could say this picture was rare, but unfortunately it's not.

Village Life - washing

2009-05-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

This lady was doing the washing for her family. This is such a way of life for millions of Indonesians. I've stayed in a home where the washing was done like this. A slab of cement and a small tub. Check out the background as well.

Village Life - gardening

2009-05-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

We took a few turns into the village and found ourselves in this little community way out in the sticks. This man was doing some gardening. Looks like he was harvesting something like lemon grass stalks.

Village Life - Town

2009-05-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

As we were driving to Bogor (a town outside of Jakarta) we passed by some great photo opportunities. I've called them village life. This one is a picture of the men with their little rickshaw type transport. They all sit around all day waiting for someone who needs them.

Squeezy Fit

2009-05-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny shot of us all squeezing into the car to go places.

Grandma and Felix

2009-05-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

Mum and dad had a lovely time getting to know Felix whilst they were here. Here's a few shots of Grandmother and grandson. Felix is grandchild number 6.

Felix's Blessing

2009-05-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

Whilst mum and dad were here in February we had Felix blessed in our church here in Jakarta.

Views from the Monument

2009-05-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots from the top of the tower looking out over Jakarta in various directions. As you can see, it's pretty flat in all directions and the city goes as far as the eye can see.

The Monument

2009-05-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

There is a large monument, located in the centre of Jakarta. We took mum and dad for a visit their when they came over in February.

Ice in Jakarta

2009-05-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yes in the form of an ice rink. This is a popular saturday outing for us - ice skating, lunch and movies. Kids have a great time. Of course whilst their ice skating I take Felix for a little walk through some of the shops. This ice rink is located in a massive shopping mall with hundreds and hundreds of shops. Shame really??!

Christmas at home

2009-01-07T06:27:00.001-08:00

Well we finally made it home, on 27th December. Gus and Tilly burst inside our doors to find Santa really had been and left presents here as well. We also exchanged presents for each other. Santa also had hacked into the Gingerbread house and as you see it didn't take long for Gus and Tilly to do the same. They soon filled their cheeks with chocolate and candy, as you see with Tilly.

Felix by the pool

2009-01-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

This was as far as Felix went at getting in the pool. But he seemed to love it. He looks cute in this photo with Declan.

Surfs Up!

2009-01-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Jimbaran Bay is also great surfing for kids. They had ball! Their friends had boogie boards and they spent hours surfing the waves and building space ships in the sand. I love this photo of Gus with the board, it's one of those classics destined for a frame.

Friends at Jimbaran

2009-01-07T06:14:00.001-08:00

We met up with some more friends who own a villa on Jimbaran Bay. It was just beautiful. We had lunch together and then made our way to the beach (just down the lane). The kids took the easy option - golf cart. Jimbaran Bay is just beautiful and great for kids. It's a very popular eating spot as it has heaps and heaps of seafood restaurants. Also home of the Intercontinental and Four Seasons.

Injured Tilly

2009-01-07T06:10:00.001-08:00

Tilly was accidently poked in the eye at the pool. It burst quite a few blood vessels in her eye and it was very sore to open. She was very frustrated by it because she had to keep it closed so it wouldn't hurt as much, but then she couldn't keep her good eye open. So I made up a patch for her eye to keep it closed so she could still use the good one. Again, it's one of those "only Tilly" moments.

Christmas Dinner

2009-01-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

We went to the Grand Hyatt for Christmas Dinner. This has become our little tradition. It never fails to please. The Grand Hyatt had it all perfect: turkey; cranberry sauce; lamb rack; mint jelly; pork and apple sauce; prawns; salads; huge array of desserts; soups; breads; etc. Oh my, totally indulgent. And the best Christmas pudding with custard. Loved it all.

Family Portrait

2009-01-07T06:04:00.001-08:00

Our annual Christmas Day photo.

Only Tilly!!!

2009-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

So here we are by the pool on Christmas Day. The kids were playing at the kids club with their friends. We're enjoying our mocktails and talking with friends. When we turn around and see this image!!!!!! Well we couldn't stop laughing, I had tears pouring down my cheek. Only Tilly!!! What a crack up! There was a clown at the club who obviously either had a spare outfit or was changing into it. But obviously Tilly somehow got hold of it and tried it on.

Felix by the pool

2009-01-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

This is extent of Felix by the pool for the 2 weeks. ha ha.

Felix Magic!

2009-01-07T05:54:00.001-08:00

This photo of Felix smiling is the best one of all. It's just magic when your baby smiles for the first time. He's little eyes lit up and are all aglow, almost like you can see right back to eternity. It really is beautiful and breaks your heart. This is definitely my favourite photo of Felix so far, I'm going to print it for a frame.

He's smiling!!

2009-01-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Felix smiled for the first time here in Bali. It was on Tuesday, 16th December, 6 weeks old. Here we are trying to capture it. It was so beautiful, brought tears to my eyes.

What a mess!

2009-01-07T05:49:00.001-08:00

Gus and Tilly are checking on the Reindeers. They left a terrible mess on our balcony, carrot pieces went everywhere.

1st Christmas

2009-01-07T05:33:00.001-08:00

This is Felix's first Christmas, not quite 8 weeks old. But very interested in what's going on.

Christmas Morning

2009-01-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Gus and Tilly woke up at about 6:00am to find Santa Claus had been. Santa left a letter for us saying that he had delivered the presents to our home in Jakarta but couldn't resist leaving 1 present for each of us at our apartment in Bali. Gus and Tilly were absolutely thrilled to bits to receive a DS Nintendo each. Gus a black one and Tilly pink. Santa also left some huge lollipops and a special necklace for mum.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

On Christmas eve we went back to the Italian restaurant with our friends for dinner. Then came home to get everything ready for Santa Claus and the reindeers. Here Gus and Tilly are preparing some food for the reindeers.

Windows of Indonesia

2009-01-07T05:21:00.000-08:00

Most farmers still use the old fashioned way of ploughing up the mud ready for the rice to be planted. This lady carries her bundle on her head, this is also a very common sight in the villages.

Balilnese Funeral

2009-01-07T05:12:00.000-08:00

Declan went on this Tiki Tour one day around the island using his new camera. He came across this funeral. Here they placed the body inside this wooden elephant, then burnt it. When it call collapsed in a heap, they just kept pushing it together to keep burning. Ewhhh, it's just awful, Declan said you could actually see parts of the body sticking out.

Windows of Indonesia

2009-01-07T05:10:00.001-08:00

Some more beautiful photos of Indonesia.

Monkeys

2009-01-07T05:09:00.003-08:00

Not an unusual sight in part of Bali is to see monkeys on the side of the road and in the trees.

Planting Rice

2009-01-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

Also on the way home from rafting they stopped alongside some rice paddies and were able to get in the mud with the locals and plant some rice. As you can see the water is very muddy and so you have to wash off afterwards. Unfortunately these little rivlets on the side of the road, although not muddy, are used for washing clothes, bodies, tools, and even for toileting. So you need another good wash when you get home.

Umbrella anyone?

2009-01-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

On the way home from rafting they when past some beautiful scenery and met these 3 on the side of the road. It was raining and so they found themselves these umbrellas. Indonesians really don't like to get wet, even though it's hot. So many are too poor to afford any kind of protection from the wet.

The Grand Finale

2009-01-07T04:53:00.001-08:00

This little trip down the waterfall is right at the end. So much fun!!!

River Rafting

2009-01-07T04:49:00.001-08:00

Declan, Gus and Tilly went white water rafting with our friends from Bangladesh and also another friend Josh, from Jakarta. They had a fantastic day and wonderful time on the river. Here are some photos of the before, the on the way there, the during, and the after.

Cuddles

2009-01-07T04:46:00.000-08:00

I call this cuddles by the pool. Gus and mum, Felix and Dad. This photo of Felix is so funny because we have the exact same shot of Gus when he was a baby in the same position.

Christmas Friends

2009-01-07T04:41:00.000-08:00

Last year we met this wonderful family living in Bangladesh and were holidaying at our resort. A few days before we left on holiday we were talking about them and wondering if they would be there again. Lo and behold on the first morning at breakfast we met up with them again. Diane and Andrina have two beautiful girls, Jesse and Christina, about the same age as Gus and Tilly and they were so excited to meet up again. We had a great time with them again for another 2 weeks and here we are eating dinner together at a great Italian restaurant.

Oh what a sight!

2009-01-07T04:40:00.001-08:00

This is the view from our apartment in our hotel. It really was just Magic. We had 2 weeks in Bali and it was so nice to just unwind and destress and chill out.

Felix in Bali

2009-01-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Some cute shots of Felix's first morning in Bali. It obviously agrees with him. We just had to capture his mouth on camera.

Feeding Time

2008-11-24T01:38:00.000-08:00

I just fed Felix this morning and he had this cute face. He is really reminding us more of Gus now when he was a baby, especially around the eyes and head. I think he's more like Tilly around the mouth and nose.

Felix at 2 1/2 weeks old

2008-11-24T01:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some close ups whilst he was playing with Arnie.

Felix and Arnie

2008-11-24T01:33:00.001-08:00

Ma and Pa (Cheryle and Denis) bought Felix his little Teddy, Arnie. Arnie is so cute and here is Felix playing with him.

The footballers

2008-11-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Gus and Tilly had their football finals on saturday and both received trophy's and footballs. They've had a great season and Declan has diligently taken them and coached them every week.

1 week old

2008-11-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 1 week ago he was born and he's still 2 weeks early. But he has changed so much. Beginning to look more like the kids now. What do you think?