15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments High Tea in Royal National Park 15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweethigh tea in royal national parkShareToday we went to High Tea in Audley in the Royal National Park 30 minutes drive from where we live. Kim had bought a 2 for 1 deal and decided to try it.Verdict was that is wasn't anything special and even with the special deal it was a bit over priced.Afterwards we decided to go rowing up through the creek.Aiden was very keen to get to play with the water which was difficult in the rowing boat (next time we will get a Canoe).Afterwards we let him play a bit on land before heading back.
8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora Island Scenery 8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora bora island sceneryShareThe island itself is a beautiful place. I took a lot of photos of the lagoon and the beauty of Bora Bora....so many that it would be too many to have in the previous Bora Bora post. With the risk of creating a post full of Blue photos...I had to separate them out to prevent the other posts from getting too big. Here they are...I will let them speak for themselves...
6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Snorkeling with Sharks and Stingrays 6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsnorkeling with sharks and stingraysShareOne of the days at Bora Bora we went with a boat around the lagoon to go snorkeling and have lunch on one of the Motu's (Islands). Along the way we went snorkeling in spots where we also could see sharks and stingrays. Our first spot was a snorkeling spot with lots of coral and different fish. I Even saw a big fat murray eel. Kim also had a bit of a snorkel in the clear blue water even though the water was deep and there was a slight current. Aiden was facinated by the fish and wanted to join mummy in the water to say hello to the fish'ies... After this we went to a more shallow spot on the reef with lots of reef sharks. Yes, that is me in the water with 12 sharks circling around me (and no safety net in place).These sharks would come swimming towards me and then turn around within a meters reach. Click here to see a video I uploaded to Facebook with the Sharks getting close After lunch we stopped to feed the Stingrays in the lagoon. They are fairly harmless and I was feeding them dead fish. While doing so I was bitten by one of them that mistook the camera I was holding in my other hand as a fish.
5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora 5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora boraShare Bora Bora is a beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Kim and I had promised eachother that we one day we will go there. It is about an hours flight from Tahiti and along the way you pass a number of other Polynesian islands and atolls. When we landed we were met by the stunning blue lagoon and the very characteristic mountain which is an old extinct volcano. Aiden especially was mesmerised by the view going on the boat from the airport to our hotel. On arrival we were met by traditional Tahitian music and someone blowing a seashell. And Aiden immidiately got into the mocktails. Our hotel was on the main island itself and we had a small hut facing the lagoon and had a beautiful view every morning waking up. Every morning we had breakfast overlooking the lagoon where Aiden would stuff his face with fruits, bread and youghurt. We spent a lot of time at the small beach close to the hotel just swimming in the clear water of the lagoon. The locals were out on the lagoon showing off their skills. Aiden loved the calm clear water and the beach...it was a pleasant 27-28 degrees. Every time he saw water he would point at it and shout BoBo (Water)...and insist on going swimming. One evening I did a couple of sunset portraits. Aiden again insisted on going in the water. I also went for a swim after we finished the photos, which was absolutely magical as the light was surreal and the water was absolutely calm. Across the lagoon from the hotel we had a little island (Motu) with beautiful place to go snorkeling. First I went in the water and notices a small reef shark circling around the corals...being kinda shy. I mentioned it to Kim and as soon as she also spotted it later in the day she rushed out of the water (A couple of days later she had a similar experience with a large stingray at the beach). It was hard to leave all this beauty behind
4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Flowers of French Polynesia 4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetflowers of french polynesiaShareI took a lot of photos of flowers...enough to warrant a separate blog entry.. If you are not a flower person then just scroll down the page past these...lots of other good stuff there. Anyhow...I will let them speak for themselves...
3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Tahiti 3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Various 2022 20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHere are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the ShareHere are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the Piano and Guitar.At Cabramatta we sat down having an asian drink. It looked so much like one of the birds from Angry bird that I just had to get a photo. See the resemblance?This is a Lego truck that Lucas built.At karate Aiden is sometimes asked to teach the newbies. It is great to see how it gives him confidence.Aiden went to a birthday party with a Virtual Reality experience...a bit scary for him.The local corner shop was refitted for a TV show.Easter egg loot.What do the boys get up to in their room sometimes???Family photo at QVBHaving desserts in the cityA seal resting on the rocks at the opera house. 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Nan Tien Temple 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese BuddhShareOne one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese Buddhist temple that is worth a relaxing visit for anyone with some time. 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Warilla Beach 2022 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDuring the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.WShareDuring the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.We discovered that the beach has pipies in the sand, so every day we made sure that we harvested a plate full of them for dinner.We brought Aidens new guitar, so that he was able to practice his music while enjoying the scenery.The kids also attended online drawing lessons.It was a beautiful spot to sit on the balcony, enjoy the view and have some great food (including fresh pipies).One day we also visited the Jambaroo Water park. This was a disappointment with long queues at every ride and Aiden was too scared to do any rides so it was a bit of a miserable day. 29. February 2012 07:51 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Walking 29. February 2012 07:51 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden walkingShareIt is the 29th February and the last day of the bet I had with Kim....and believe it or not, but Aiden started walking by himself today.We are very proud of him and I am double proud of him as he delivered the goods just in the nick of time...one day later and I would have been cleaning the house (lucky that this year is a leap year)! 19. February 2012 09:25 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Standing by himself 19. February 2012 09:25 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden standing by himselfShareAiden is now able to stand up by himself.He is now 20 months and should have been walking ages ago, so he is a bit behind on that front. Hopefully I can get him to take one step before the end of next week...I have a bet with Kim going whether he will walk before the end of February. 5. February 2012 08:57 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Centennial Park - Feb 2012 5. February 2012 08:57 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetcentennial park feb 2012ShareToday we went to Centennial Park to take some family photos. I had been complaining that I didn't have enough (good) photos of myself and Aiden so Kim offered to take some.We found a nice spot in the park and managed to take a couple of shots before my camera ran out of battery...and unfortunately I had forgotten my spare at home.Kim just came back from a business trip to Singapore a couple of days ago and it is really nice to have her back. I missed her but I am not sure Aiden missed her as much as he is such a daddys boy. When she was back he just turned away and would rather stay with me.Also the little tiger is now 20 months and he is still not walking...what is going on? << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...525354555657585960...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. Enter your e-mail Please enter an e-mail address Please enter a valid e-mail Thank you Kims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grandsShareKims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grandsons and friends.It was a beautiful funeral following chinese traditions with wearing white clothes to celebrate a long life.Aiden played a beautiful song on the piano in front of everyone and we had put together slides showing his life.Day after we did the traditional cleaning of the tomb stone and also the burning of paper clothes and money (theory is that it will then go to the afterlife for him to wear).I hope that the boys are old enough to remember their time with him.Even though his old body was failing him, his mind was still sharp enough to play Mahjong and other games with us. These photos are from our last trip with him down to Bowral.
20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Various 2022 20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHere are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the ShareHere are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the Piano and Guitar.At Cabramatta we sat down having an asian drink. It looked so much like one of the birds from Angry bird that I just had to get a photo. See the resemblance?This is a Lego truck that Lucas built.At karate Aiden is sometimes asked to teach the newbies. It is great to see how it gives him confidence.Aiden went to a birthday party with a Virtual Reality experience...a bit scary for him.The local corner shop was refitted for a TV show.Easter egg loot.What do the boys get up to in their room sometimes???Family photo at QVBHaving desserts in the cityA seal resting on the rocks at the opera house.
20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Nan Tien Temple 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese BuddhShareOne one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese Buddhist temple that is worth a relaxing visit for anyone with some time.
20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Warilla Beach 2022 20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDuring the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.WShareDuring the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.We discovered that the beach has pipies in the sand, so every day we made sure that we harvested a plate full of them for dinner.We brought Aidens new guitar, so that he was able to practice his music while enjoying the scenery.The kids also attended online drawing lessons.It was a beautiful spot to sit on the balcony, enjoy the view and have some great food (including fresh pipies).One day we also visited the Jambaroo Water park. This was a disappointment with long queues at every ride and Aiden was too scared to do any rides so it was a bit of a miserable day.
29. February 2012 07:51 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Walking 29. February 2012 07:51 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden walkingShareIt is the 29th February and the last day of the bet I had with Kim....and believe it or not, but Aiden started walking by himself today.We are very proud of him and I am double proud of him as he delivered the goods just in the nick of time...one day later and I would have been cleaning the house (lucky that this year is a leap year)!
19. February 2012 09:25 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Standing by himself 19. February 2012 09:25 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden standing by himselfShareAiden is now able to stand up by himself.He is now 20 months and should have been walking ages ago, so he is a bit behind on that front. Hopefully I can get him to take one step before the end of next week...I have a bet with Kim going whether he will walk before the end of February.
5. February 2012 08:57 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Centennial Park - Feb 2012 5. February 2012 08:57 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetcentennial park feb 2012ShareToday we went to Centennial Park to take some family photos. I had been complaining that I didn't have enough (good) photos of myself and Aiden so Kim offered to take some.We found a nice spot in the park and managed to take a couple of shots before my camera ran out of battery...and unfortunately I had forgotten my spare at home.Kim just came back from a business trip to Singapore a couple of days ago and it is really nice to have her back. I missed her but I am not sure Aiden missed her as much as he is such a daddys boy. When she was back he just turned away and would rather stay with me.Also the little tiger is now 20 months and he is still not walking...what is going on?
5. April 2022 15:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas awesome checkmate award 5. April 2022 15:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLucas is part of the schools chess club.The other day he was very proud that he'd received this awarShareLucas is part of the schools chess club.The other day he was very proud that he'd received this award.
30. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Christmas 2021 30. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis Christmas was almost normal with the Covid restrictions lifted.As usual we did our annual ChrisShareThis Christmas was almost normal with the Covid restrictions lifted.As usual we did our annual Christmas photo.Kims dad is staying at Kims sisters place over Christmas after haing been in hospital. He is looking the best he has for years.
29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Various 2021 29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis are from various events of 2021Lucas Holy CommunionLunar EsclipseSwimming at Yarra Bay in the mShareThis are from various events of 2021Lucas Holy CommunionLunar EsclipseSwimming at Yarra Bay in the middle of winterAidens Learning awardEmpty Maroubra Beach during covid lockdownSeafood dinner with familyChillies harvested from the gardenCooking lobster at home during lockdownSpotted Herbie in our local areaMonkeys in a treePlaying games at home during Covid lockdownEnjoying a hot chocolate during Covid lockdownBoys make a mess and have to clean the houseDinner at home during Covid lockdownConference call with family during Covid lockdownHow many people can you fit into a dinghy?Pho at the local cafeGoing for a walk after Covid restrictions liftedOn a conference call with Dalai Lama from homeKim received a Hoodie to keep her warm in the cold winter evenings. I thought it was something else and wrote instructions on the packaging.Aidens birthday was bowling with his friends and dinner with familyKim dressed appropriately for walking 20 meters to the carThe boys learning to use a hammer.Spending time at Yarra bayAiden still struggling, although him now having a piano seems to help him.Lucas got some more awards at the Athletics carnival to add to his swimming awards.
29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Piano and Guitar 29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetMid year I decided to get an electric piano. I've always wanted to learn and we wanted to boys to stShareMid year I decided to get an electric piano. I've always wanted to learn and we wanted to boys to start playing as well.We have been using an online lesson system and it has been working really well for us. Especially Aiden seems to pick it up quickly.Aiden has also been begging to get an electric guitar, so this Christmas we got him one. It is fortunate that the same online lesson subscription also covers guitar playing.