Reading stuff like that makes me realise - big families must be very Expensive!

They are at that!

But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love being surrounded by kids and busy.

That much is obvious
How many years before the cubs grow up and move out do you reckon?
I suppose life takes on another different turn then as well..

Hope you don't mind me asking Mamabear, but did you always want a big family or did things just turn out that way?

I thought it might make a good topic:

http://www.snowjapanforums.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/356897/Big_families.html

Well the oldest cub, Reaper is 18 now and studying at Uni. But he is still living at home, as is the Aussie way for tertiary education. I really don't know. He has decided NOT to come with us to Brisbane at Easter, but I don't think he is likely to pass up a snow trip as easily.

The youngest cub, Powder Baby, is ten, so we will have him around for a few more years yet.

But we are taking more and more 'Couples Trips' over recent years, thanks to my parents helping out with the kids. And I value that time without the cubs too.

[ssshhh don't tell them] but I will miss them when they are all gone.

I will answer on that other thread you started Charlotte

Ive got two at uni now MB. both at Murdoch

I went to Murdoch! Loved it.
But arent your boys having to cross from the other side of the river to go there? I thought you were north... Why Murdoch?

It was my closest when I studied there, but I chose it because it offered Psychology with a behavioral focus rather than a cognitive/clinical focus (Curtin/UWA) - it appealed to me more, but I ended up liking the cognitive and physiological psych units better.

Reaper is at UWA. Computer Science/Pure Maths.

we're in Canning Vale, 15 minute bus ride for them.

my oldest is in has last year of Genetic Engineering and no. 2 just started Bsc in Exercise Physiology (which complements his current body-sculpting obsession LOL )

Another ex Murdoch student here Did my Masters of Env Science there, when I was living in Scarborough - with no car... Kids dont know how good they have it now

I first went to UWA, from Thornlie.

2 buses and about 90 mins each way.

most nights didnt finish to 5, so was a bit of a chore

LOL... we 'earnt our turns' getting to Uni in those days boys, didn't we?!

Even though I lived only a 15 minute drive away from Murdoch, I had to get 2 buses to get there, or ride my bike. I often rode as it was much quicker - but it wasn't much chop when my books/lecture notes got soggy in the rain ... so I had to bus it a lot too.

My friends daughter is living in Success and studying at Mt Lawley - she is also totally terrified of learning to drive so she is on the bus - now THAT is a hike!!

Plans sound great Mamabear good luck with all that.

I presume 'Success' is the name of a place, right? Sounds funny that!

Ski in / ski out (or short walk in bloody ski boots)
Onsen, onsen, onsen
Wi-fi

Nice Japanese family owned (or similar) place.

Why is that gg?

In Japan, that;s possibly a reasonable thing to expect. In Oz, possibly not so.

I would think that the (or similar) would cover "nice, owned by locals" for whatever the country is.

As our place is pre-rented for the school holidays I am just now trying to tee up accommodation at my favorite spot in Thredbo - not at all what you would call budget - but we go back for the people, the food and the friendly smiles. And the fact they will sit in the bar having a good time with you many nights. Great breakfast too

check out this site:

land for sale in Washington State USA, 2.5 hours from Seattle, 30 mins to the Canadian border.

20 acres for US$70k

looks very tempting!!

http://recreationalland.com/index.html