We're home!! August happenings. . .

So it was right back into the swing of things when we got back from the States - school, sport, extra-curricular activities, birthdays. . . all kept us busy through the month.

Ellie getting briefed by her hockey coaches before the game.

In action (with her mouthguard in).

Katie and her bestie Lottie.

My babies.

The birthday girl - school day birthdays are a bit lame, party was still a month away.  Happy 14th my girl!!

Josie in an all-day netball tournament for school.

Ellie with curls.

Meg leading worship with the teen team.

This girl in one of her many color-coordinated stylish outfits.

We got a new car!! See that odometer? So exciting.

Packing her lunch after cheer - isn't she cute?

The most exciting thing to happen in August was Wellington having a big earthquake - I think 6.6. I was in the grocery store, Dugald at work and the girls at school. It was a few seconds before I even realized what had happened!! The electricity went off in the store and we all just looked at each other wondering what we should do - I tried to finish shopping in the dark since I had very little food at home but they eventually kicked me out (the eftpos machines were working). I had called Dugald straight away and he was fine but his building really shook, and the girls were fine at school but were being evacuated so I went and collected them. We ended up with a whole bunch of girls and a few of their parents at our house for the afternoon, the aftershocks, and dinner. It was comforting to all be together after such a crazy afternoon!

Mrs. Field addresses the girls at Marsden after they were evacuated. 

The after -earthquake brunch at an American-style restaurant in town the next morning. 

Farewell to Florida too. . .

Saying our goodbyes is always the worst part of the visit back to the States. We only had a few days on our return before we headed back to New Zealand but we tried to make the most of them.

Mimi took the girls on one last shopping trip - tons of fun but absolutely exhausting with 6 girls!! 

Mimi and Big Daddy hosted a joint birthday dinner for Meggie and Lilly.

Mimi asked that everyone dress for dinner and the girls looked so pretty!

On our very, very last day we went on one last shopping trip to Hyde Park.

Then we stopped by Lindsey's to say goodbye and ALL had coffee!!

On the monorail at Tampa Airport - goodbye!!

Of course Ellie had ribs for dinner.

Re-charging in San Antonio. We were there for a LONG time.

Finally in LA this is my midnight supper in the Koru club.

Welcomed home with baking from the Sheppards and flowers from daddy. It's always good to be home - especially when there is sunshine!

Last Days in Texas

Oh how we loved seeing our Texas friends!! The visit flew by and we left feeling a little bit sad that we hadn't set aside a few more days to hang out with these dear, dear people. However all good things must come to an end and this visit ended with a bang! Thank you so much Knight Family for hosting us, we love you to the moon and back!! Thank you also to the Bice, Brandt, Abrameit and of course, Giles families. Until next time . . .

This isn't even everyone! See the tent in the living room? That's how awesome our friends are - boys gave us their rooms and slept in the tent.

Mez the man

Beautiful Hewan

Ty - that smile, I could eat you up!!

Ann-E and Katie getting some post-swim lunch.

Quick trip to Red Barn Snow Balls after lunch.

The Bice family hosted us for a lovely dinner along with the Brandts.

Heidi and Josie - they picked right back up where they left off, such sweet friends.

And these girls - so grown up and beautiful!! Alex still had a painting of her and Meggie in her room from when they were about 4-years-old. Meggie, Alex and Katie.

Maddie and Katie - it was like they'd never been apart.

Stef and Jeff Bice, Ann-Terese and Brian Brandt.

The younguns.

The breakfast bar. . .

I should have shot it in panorama.

Making pancakes - three griddles going at a time to feed this crew!

We loved going to the country to see the Abrameits and their new home and country life!! Ellie (with eggs), Katie, Matthew,  Lauren and Josie.

Ann and her mini-me, the beautiful Megan.

A few of the chickens.

Fishing.

Friends forever!

Last night fun at Andy's.

And, finally, how much do we all love that Josh Knight. . .