I'm still here...

Yes, I admit I've been remiss with my postings.  Mike threatened to post some derogatory things about me but, lucky for him, he did not.  He's been bugging me to keep our blog updated, and when I didn't follow through... hence, his posting.
I think my lack of motivation was derived from a combination of things.  Firstly, I've been very busy.  Secondly, and probably most telling, the honeymoon is over!  After the first 6 months, it slowly felt like we were home with our normal routines.  Mike's been traveling, the boys are busy with their activities, and Zoe with her school and speech therapy.  Before I knew it, I was no longer acutely aware of being the foreigner, or American, in the bunch.  In fact, when we were in Cairns and was asked by a waiter where we were from (based on our accent), I quickly replied, "From Brisbane."  He looked perplexed by my answer and Mike jumped in to explain that we were in fact from the U.S.  So there you have it, I believe I am turning Aussie!
The last posting was a synopsis of the last 6 months.  I will try harder to post significant events, but no promises.
Yesterday, 21 August, was election day here in Australia.  I am slowly learning about the Australian government and their politics.  For example, I learned it is compulsory for Australian citizens to vote-- they are fined if they don't.  Mike and I wondered if that law came to pass to ensure every citizens vote is counted and represented, or to ensure that the citizens get off their bums to vote.  Either way, it is interesting.  I have yet to figure out all the political parties but it appears the 2 main ones are the Labor party and the Liberal party.  Julia Gillard of the Labor party is currently the Prime Minister of Australia.
Mike and I attended a Dinner Dance fund raiser for the boys' school last night.  Many of the attendees were checking the vote count throughout the evening.  The theme was Las Vegas night or BrisVegas.  Most people just dressed in nice evening attire but some got dressed up in Elvis costumes, card dealers, go-go dancers, gangsters, etc.  I think some people just need an excuse to get silly and dress in costume.  It's true to say that Australians are quite familiar with all the American pop culture.  We had a fun night out, had some laughs, socialized with other parents, had good food, had a few too many drinks (Mike), and cut a little rug (not Mike).  We didn't win anything in the live or silent auction but our table won a draw for a cash prize of $50/person!   We got home very late and spent today trying to recover. 
Coming up this week:  Lucas goes to 3rd grade overnight camp for 2 days and 1 night.  I run the Bridge to Brisbane 10K race again this year.  (This was the 1st race I did here last year, when I was very frustrated by the crowds at the start of the race.)  Luckily this year, I have a qualifying time and am in the 2nd wave.  This will be the last run race I do before I try some triathlons starting in October.