A taste from home.

This past month was simply wonderful. It all started with Tom and Louise (Michael's dad and wife) arriving at the beginning of the month. How excited we were to see them in person. Mackenzie and Breeana were especially tickled pink - how cool to touch them and not only see them on skype. While "skype" has done wonders to help us keep in touch with everyone, nothing compares to being able to hug and kiss the ones you love. We are sure looking forward to seeing everyone when we get home!

When they finally arrived (jet lagged and all), and after all the kisses and the hugs were done, they spoiled us with some of our favourite treats from home. They opened a suitcase filled with treats. There were bags of "fresh" oreo cookies for Kathy, containers of maple syrup for Michael, and books and other treats for the girls. It was just like being at camp and receiving a care package. We were all very excited!

Tom and Lou had given us strict orders not to book their social calendar. They wanted to spend time with us and save the touring for their trip to the South island. So we did. We spent everyday together talking about everything and anything while overlooking McCleod's Bay or visiting Whangarei. The view from their bach was simply amazing. Thanks to Scott and Tanya, Tom & Lou rented a beautiful four bedroom house at the Whangarei Heads. You could see the Heads from the kitchen window and the ocean from the family room window! Just spectacular views! Wait until you see all of the beautiful sunsets or all of the spectacular rainbows we got see. Just simply amazing!

Once they mastered the art of driving again :), they visited several of our favourite places: Ocean's beach, Pataua Beach, Waipu, the Whangarei falls, the Town Basin to name a few, including a few of the local golf courses. Next thing you know, it was time for them to head off on their South island adventure.

Upon their return, it was great to reminisce and compare notes of our respective favourite places on the South island. It was like visiting everything all over again. For those of you who have toured around the South island, you will surely agree that this is one place in the world that you wouldn't mind visiting several times in a lifetime.

The last few days were spent dotting on the grand-kids. Mackenzie and Breeana showed off their new tricks. Mackenzie mastering her new dance moves (all in preparation for Matt & Andrea's wedding of course) and Breeana joyfully waving and blowing her big kisses.

Next thing you knew Tom and Lou were weighing their suitcases to see how much of our stuff they could bring back for us. Lucky for us they had brought large suitcases:) It was really hard to say goodbye eventhough we will be home about 10 weeks. Having Tom and Lou here reminded us once again of how fortunate we are to be experiencing this unique opportunity.

Sooooo, we are off again on a 21 day cruise around the Pacific islands where we will visit the Cook islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia to name a few. We can't wait!!!!