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22. August 2019 13:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Aiden - awards card

22. August 2019 13:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud
It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud.


10. August 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Camping - Barrington Tops

10. August 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydn
Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydney.

It is a very tall mountain range with some excellent walks, rivers etc.

We had a great weekend with friends sitting around the fire roasting marshmellows, walking and canoeing.

























8. July 2019 12:07
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate - Boys getting their red belts

8. July 2019 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.We thought it would be a good activity for them to bui
Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.

We thought it would be a good activity for them to build strength, motor skills and discipline.

Especially Aiden is really enjoying it and putting in the hard work at home practicing. He has become stronger throughout the classes which is great. Before we started he had almost no core strength and now he is able to do sit-ups and pushups.

This weekend both Aiden and Lucas were pulled up for their first proper graduation from the white belts to the red belts and they both passed.



17. June 2019 20:06
by Rene Pallesen
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Bali - 2018

17. June 2019 20:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.
Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.




































































































































































































































2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka aquarium

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middl
The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middle with two large whale sharks and which is also full of other sharks such as hammerheads.














2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Dontonburi Osaka

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese rest
Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese restaurant.

It is also full of actual restaurants and other oddities such as more exotic places. It has what is known as Osaka's best Ramen restaurant (the one with the long counter in the photos below) - and Yes, the Ramen was very good.

Here it is also possible to eat specialties such as the Puffa fish.








It was also one of the few places where I saw real Samurai swords for sale.





2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka tower

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.The area was once a very modern p
Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.

The area was once a very modern part of Osaka, and worth a visit during the night.




2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Osaka Castle

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts w
Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts with several layers of defense.











2. April 2019 18:10
by Rene Pallesen
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Japan - Toei Film Studio Osaka

2. April 2019 18:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional
In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.

This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional Japanese movies and where they have all the old houses and also some theaters.

It is also used as a bit of an entertainment and cultural area to teach the Japanese about their culture. Surprisingly we seemed to be the only foreign tourists there and it was definitely worth the visit even though we didn't understand a word of what they were saying.
























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30. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Christmas 2021

30. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This Christmas was almost normal with the Covid restrictions lifted.As usual we did our annual Chris
This 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
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Surfing 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas and Aiden got themselves a surfing lesson. Aiden was too scared to go, but Lucas had a great t
Lucas and Aiden got themselves a surfing lesson. Aiden was too scared to go, but Lucas had a great time.





Because he liked it so much we decided to get him (and Aiden) a surfboard for Christmas as well.




29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Various 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This are from various events of 2021Lucas Holy CommunionLunar EsclipseSwimming at Yarra Bay in the m
This are from various events of 2021

Lucas Holy Communion

Lunar Esclipse



Swimming at Yarra Bay in the middle of winter

Aidens Learning award

Empty Maroubra Beach during covid lockdown

Seafood dinner with family

Chillies harvested from the garden

Cooking lobster at home during lockdown

Spotted Herbie in our local area

Monkeys in a tree

Playing games at home during Covid lockdown

Enjoying a hot chocolate during Covid lockdown

Boys make a mess and have to clean the house


Dinner at home during Covid lockdown

Conference call with family during Covid lockdown

How many people can you fit into a dinghy?

Pho at the local cafe

Going for a walk after Covid restrictions lifted

On a conference call with Dalai Lama from home

Kim 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 family

Kim dressed appropriately for walking 20 meters to the car

The boys learning to use a hammer.


Spending time at Yarra bay


Aiden 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
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Guinea Pigs

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We were looking after a couple of guinea pigs for a couple of weeks while one of Aiden friends was a
We were looking after a couple of guinea pigs for a couple of weeks while one of Aiden friends was away.

The boys had to do all the work cleaning and feeding them.





29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate 2021

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Again we did karate this whole year. This included a number of gradings followed by social events.I
Again we did karate this whole year. This included a number of gradings followed by social events.

I treated myself to a new gi (uniform) when I graduated to my 3rd Kyu.














29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Playing Chess

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas has joined the chess club at school, so for fun (and to give him practice) we sometimes play.
Lucas has joined the chess club at school, so for fun (and to give him practice) we sometimes play. I was very proud that I one day managed to checkmate him with just two pawns and my king.



29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Piano and Guitar

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Mid year I decided to get an electric piano. I've always wanted to learn and we wanted to boys to st
Mid 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.






29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Kims 50th

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Kim had a big birthday this year. All the plans were ruined so it because a low key affair with just
Kim had a big birthday this year. All the plans were ruined so it because a low key affair with just a family dinner.

Plan:
A - Europe trip - Covid cancelled
B - New Zealand Ski trip (travel bubble was open) - Cancelled day before we were to leave
C - Staycation in Sydney - Locked down to local council
D - Staycation in same council - Restricted to 5 Km radius
E - Dinner at home




We did however make up for it later with some golf and spa while she wasn't working.







29. December 2021 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Hunter Valley

29. December 2021 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We did another Hunter Valley Trip with Sasha and Richards families.Again we stocked up on a lot of w
We did another Hunter Valley Trip with Sasha and Richards families.

Again we stocked up on a lot of wine.







29. December 2021 16:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Basketball Game

29. December 2021 16:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

KA had some spare tickets for a basketball game between Sydney Kings and Melbourne Phoenix, so we to
KA had some spare tickets for a basketball game between Sydney Kings and Melbourne Phoenix, so we took the boys.





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11. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Germany

11. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

While visiting my dad we made a daytrip to Burg in Germany. It is a short ferry ride.
While visiting my dad we made a daytrip to Burg in Germany. It is a short ferry ride.










10. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Ailu

10. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

The boys joined a naming ceremony of my dads boat. It is named 'AILU' after AIden and LUcas.
The boys joined a naming ceremony of my dads boat. It is named 'AILU' after AIden and LUcas.





9. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Cemetry

9. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We went past the Cemetry to where my Brother and Mum (Aiden and Lucas' Uncle and Grandmother) is bur
We went past the Cemetry to where my Brother and Mum (Aiden and Lucas' Uncle and Grandmother) is burried.

While there we also say all the other ancestors on my Mum's side of the family back to Aiden and Lucas' Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother and Grandfather.








8. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Tivoli

8. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

One day in Denmark we went to Tivoli to see the christmas show.Lucas got a ride pass so that he coul
One day in Denmark we went to Tivoli to see the christmas show.

Lucas got a ride pass so that he could jump on whatever ride he wanted, and Aiden was happy cheering.

We also saw the 'real' santa (Julemanden) and went past the Lego store.
















7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Snow

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

While in Denmark it was snowing for a couple of days. The boys love playing with it.
While in Denmark it was snowing for a couple of days. The boys love playing with it.









7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Little Mermaid and Queen

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

On the first day after arriving we went past the little mermaid from HC Andersens story and also pas
On the first day after arriving we went past the little mermaid from HC Andersens story and also past the residence of the queen, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.










7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Denmark - Dads 80th birthday

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This year it was my dad's 80th Birthday. I took the boys back to Denmark to celebrate with him. Aide
This year it was my dad's 80th Birthday. I took the boys back to Denmark to celebrate with him. Aiden has been once before when he was 1yo, and it was Lucas' first time.




This lady used to be my dads babysitter when he was just born (she is 92yo)

30. October 2022 16:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Soccer 2022

30. October 2022 16:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Both Aiden and Lucas were playing soccer again this winter.Especially Lucas is starting to get prett
Both Aiden and Lucas were playing soccer again this winter.

Especially Lucas is starting to get pretty good when he gets 'hungry' to take the ball.






30. July 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
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Skiing Thredbo 2022

30. July 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

This year we took the boys skiing for the first time. They had been practicing their roller blades a
This year we took the boys skiing for the first time. They had been practicing their roller blades at home to get used to the motion, so it was a bit easier to get them started on the snow. It was the first time for the boys to see real snow.

We went with another family and stayed at Thredbo.

It also happened to be on my fiftieth.




















13. July 2022 15:07
by Rene Pallesen
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Karate in Brisbane

13. July 2022 15:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

In mid July the instructors of the Sydney dojo planned to visit the Brisbane dojo. They encouraged m
In mid July the instructors of the Sydney dojo planned to visit the Brisbane dojo. They encouraged me to come along as I will be up for the next big grading soon and it would be a great introduction to some of the best instructors and karateka's in the country.


I also found the official lineage of our style listed on one of the boards.

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6. May 2022 22:05
by Rene Pallesen
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All brown belts

6. May 2022 22:05 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

We just finished another grading as a family. This time the boys and Kim graded to their first brown
We just finished another grading as a family. This time the boys and Kim graded to their first brown belts and I graded to my third brown belt.

We were supposed to have graded about a month ago, but because of Kims dad's funeral we had to postpone it for a month.

It therefore turned out to be just a mini grading with just the four of us as a family.

Now it will be quite a while before any of us are grading again. The boys need to get a fair bit stronger before grading for the next belt based on the feedback. I will need to start working towards the black, so Kim will probably be the next one grading towards the end of the year.

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25. April 2022 20:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Camping Lake Lyell

25. April 2022 20:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

The boys putting up the tent.Our campground from across the lake.Teaching the boys to fish (only cau
The boys putting up the tent.





Our campground from across the lake.


Teaching the boys to fish (only caught seaweed).








The kids spent hours climbing up and down this little hill.


Lots of brains trying to put up a gazebo. Eventually we had to consult the instructions.


Sunset scenery


It was raining so we gathered under the canopy.



Lots of curious ducks (waiting to be fed).




Spotted a 2016 vintage from Coonawarra...had to try it.


Scenery from our camp ground.


Great selfie with Lucas and I.


More spectacular scenery.





Cuties in the hammock.


I have seen steam tractors in museums before, but this is the first time I have seen one that is still functioning. This one is from 1913.



One day we went mushroom picking. These ones you definitely can't eat.




And these ones you can.


First time I have seen a Leopard Slug.


A pretty good picking...



The kids found a bird skeleton. It could be a dead lyrebird, or maybe a dodo.




20. April 2022 14:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Various 2022

20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Here are some various photos from first part of 2022.Here is one of Aiden in his happy space at the
Here 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 QVB


Having desserts in the city





A seal resting on the rocks at the opera house.



20. April 2022 14:04
by Rene Pallesen
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National Park Walk

20. April 2022 14:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

While at Warilla Beach we one day did a walk at the Macquarie Pass National park. This was an easy w
While at Warilla Beach we one day did a walk at the Macquarie Pass National park. This was an easy walk with the reward of a waterfall at the end of the walk.








20. April 2022 13:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Nan Tien Temple

20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

One one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.It is a Chinese Buddh
One 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
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Warilla Beach 2022

20. April 2022 13:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

During the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.W
During 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.



13. April 2022 10:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Ethans 21st Birthday

13. April 2022 10:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Last weekend it was Ethans 21st Birthday. He had a bit party with the whole family and his friends.T
Last weekend it was Ethans 21st Birthday. He had a bit party with the whole family and his friends.

They had arranged for catering with lots of Cambodian, Laotian and other asian foods.








5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Dad in Sydney 2022

5. April 2022 19:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

It has been three years since I last spent time with my dad. This is due to Australia closing its bo
It has been three years since I last spent time with my dad. This is due to Australia closing its borders for two years due to the Covid pandemic.

As soon as they announced opening the borders again in February my dad booked his ticket to come a visit.

It was really nice to have him here and different from when he has been here previously. For starters, he was here by himself which was a different dynamic and also Aiden and Lucas have grown older and really enjoyed bonding with 'Bedstefar'. Especially Aiden and my dad found that they had music in common and Aiden took great prise in being able to play some of the pieces on piano that my dad was able to sing.





I really enjoyed having a few beers (and other good stuff) with him while he was here.






A couple of years ago I bough a machine to transfer my dads and grandads old 8mm film to digital. Because of the pandemic I was never able to try it out. My dad brought one of his films to do a trial transfer. It worked really well and he'd now brought it back to Denmark with him to transfer the rest.



One afternoon dad and I went up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse. My dad is still able to do it although he is a bit slower and not as strong as he used to be.







5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Father in law passed away

5. April 2022 19:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Kims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grands
Kims 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.





5. April 2022 15:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Lucas awesome checkmate award

5. April 2022 15:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Lucas is part of the schools chess club.The other day he was very proud that he'd received this awar
Lucas is part of the schools chess club.

The other day he was very proud that he'd received this award.