Family Vacation

It seems like I have been away from Internet for weeks. We have been many places and seen many faces. Many things have happened and there is simply now way to blog it all. A major highlight was family vacation down at Port Aransas, off the Gulf of Mexico.


A family tradition, little one's watching Grandpa make bisquits.


Port Aransas Beach


Josh in the cockpit



Us at the USS Lexington


The USS Lexington

We have had a great few days down at the beach with my family. Josh and I, Mom and Dad, Chris and Pam, and of course little Abby enjoyed the time immensely. Without question the actual beach was not Mount Maunganui, but the time was awesome. Thanks for the holiday Mom and Dad.

On the Road

We have been traveling for 5 days now and we are loving it. We had a fantastic time experiencing East Texas hospitality over the weekend. I seriously can't say enough about it. There is something fantastic, about small town Texas that just can't be beat. Maybe it is the pace of life, our wonderful friends, the ranch land, or the emphasis on the important things in life (like God and family). Everyone should visit at least once in their life - for real!

Presently we are in Kansas City and we are loving it here too. We have had so many awesome opportunities (some planned and many unexpected) to connect with our friends and co-workers from around the world. KC really is an international hub. Tonight's highlight...hanging with the Batz family and meeting precious baby Madeline. What a joy to see good friends fully embracing life. Tomorrow, my little niece turns 2 - hopefully I will remember to bring my camera. She is unashamedly my favorite niece.

USA Adventures so far....

I've been in the USA for 9 days now - and wow has it flown by. In a few hours my family will load up and head to the airport to pick up Josh. Yippee! That being said, I have had a great time seeing old friends (like one of my best friends from High school and her husband and two kids) and getting to meet some new ones (like my friend Liz's fiancee of right before I arrived).Here are some pics.


The newly engaged couple!


Ally, Jeffery and the Famous Cheese Dip - Yum!


Look at the Purple House near the Santa Monica Pier.


California Pacific Ocean Sunset.

We Are Alive....

Even though jet lag has seriously affected my blogging abilities, we are both alive and well. Josh will board a plane to the USA tomorrow evening and my little family over here is stoked to have him join us. It has been so good to be with my parents the last week, even though I confess I am reeling with culture shock. The week has been full of "normal" activities of life, lots of Tex Mex, seeing old friends, and running lots of errands. My highlight for the day, buying a years supply of mascara for 1/4 the price it cost in NZ. It's great to be in the USA!

Oxford

We have arrived in "thriving Oxford," as the locals call it. It is wonderful little town, that reminds me a bit of where my grandmother and grandfather used to live. Josh and I are being hosted by a lovely couple out on a farm. We are getting the royal treatment that is for sure....fresh baking every night and escorts to and from our meetings. It is a real experience being here.

Hopefully I can get some more pictures today....maybe even of the famous Seagar's Cafe and Cook school.

So....the chickens

As promised a couple of shots of our new pets! The chicken coop is pretty nice, thanks to Grampa Peter's handiwork a few months back. We look forward to feeding everyone free range eggs when you come to visit.

Travels.....

"On the road the again, G'oing places that I've never been, See'in things that I may never see again, And I can't wait to get on the road again"

Tonight that good old Willy Nelson song is in my head, maybe because I am currently writing from the southern city of Christchurch and I am dreaming of Willy's favorite Texas tamales! Yep, we have begun our travels. I must say the weather is much nicer and warmer than I expected, and I am excited for the week of meetings.

Keep watching this space, photo's more news to come!

A New Pet....

It seems like crazy timing with Josh and I leaving the country for two months, but we couldn't help it. Our first family pets, have joined our ranks. No, they are not dogs, or cats, of even fish.... our first three pets are CHICKENS! Yes, Josh and I are the proud owners of 3 chickens. We couldn't resist the deal, 3 chickens for 24 bucks. You can't even buy ready to eat chicken at the store for that cheap! I don't have pictures of them yet, as they are living with the rest of the family chickens "out in the boonies" at Dave and Sue's. Pictures coming soon.

It looks like I've gone country, back to my Texas roots.