New Zealand

Gemma and I have arrived safely in New Zealand. Our trip over went surprisingly smooth. Gemma did amazing and slept a bit, although we are still struggling with jet lag. The Luftansa flight was the most stressful, simply because we had Satan's wife sitting in front of us. Gemma kicked her seat a few times, admittedly annoying, but I apologized and offered to switch seats with her. She was sitting in a bulk head row and said she didn't want to switch because she wanted to be able to stretch out. "Yeah, that must be nice," I thought as I silently cursed her. I was doing my best to stop Gemma from kicking her seat, but there is only so much you can do to in a 32" space. The woman caused a scene with two different flight attendants, who, thankfully, took my side. Satan's wife was actually yelling at the second attendant so the entire plane was focused on us! Geez! Luckily I was able to work it out to a manageable level of seat kicking and the woman backed down a bit, but that doesn't stop you from feeling stressed. I really am over Germans in general. I used to defend the German culture when friends would talk about how seemingly rude they are. "Oh, that's just their culture" I would respond. They are blunt and straight forward. Unfortunately, 4 years of dealing with this has left me tainted and a little bitter. Now, I too, complain about how rude they are. Oh well! Anywho....the rest of our trip was great. We had a nice layover in LA and spent some QT with Greg. The Air New Zealand flight to Auckland was the longest, but least stressful. I actually had a toddler behind me on this flight who took pleasure in kicking the back of my seat, but I figured what goes around comes around. Kiwi's are so laid back and friendly and everyone offered to help me with Gemma. That was such a blessing.
We have been at my Mom's in NZ for 4 days now and I already don't know how I will ever leave. She has done a brilliant job of fixing up her place to make it ready for Gemma and I and for enjoying the summer weather outside. Warning: most of the pictures below are for Ben's benefit, so that he can get a good idea of where his family is and what we are up to.Mom lives just outside of Nelson in the town of Richmond. Downtown is literally about a minute walk away. The town is small, so "downtown" is a pleasant stroll of gardens, cafes, a mall, and a few markets. Gemma and I have been walking everyday and went to the Washborn Garden. We discovered a duck pond and we will return with bread soon!

Gemma helped me unpack our bags, well, really she just played with my swimsuit.My cousin's son, Jed, playing outside. What does that make him and Gemma? Second cousins? What is he to me? First cousins, once removed? Second cousins? I never can remember!Jed's brother, Tom, playing with Gemma. The also have a sister, Issy, who was inside. Kylie's kids are great fun and really great with Gemma. We are looking forward to more time with them. The live a bit further out and the school they go to is small enough that there are several grade levels all in the same room - I love it!Here is Mom's backyard with her lovely garden that she has recently finished. The Mickell's all have fantastic skills in the garden!Mom had this deck built too. Gemma LOVES playing on the steps. It's great because I can see her in the backyard while I am in the living room or kitchen.

From the back door, looking into the living room and kitchen. My cute little Momma enjoying a wine on the couch!

Mom's bedroom is just off the living room with the computer desk.

The door through the kitchen leads to the back hallway where Gemma and I are staying. Here is our room.

Adorable crib that Mom borrowed for our trip, complete with "Ralph", the teddy bear that Mom knit for Gemma.

I have spent the last few days just relaxing and walking around town and to my Nan and Pop's house for tea. I am using my time in New Zealand to get back to the basics: spending time with family, following God, and taking care of my health, all things that I have let slip by lately. I went to an informational meeting last night on Usana products. It's an all natural health care line of vitamins and such that I not only want to start using, but it might be a business venture for me too...we'll see.