Christmas Memories

I was trying to think cold thoughts to cool off during these hot summer days and that reminded me to write about our Christmas-time trip back to the US. It’s full of warm fuzzy memories though so it didn’t help with the heat.

Our first stop was Austin, TX to see the Handel family. We enjoyed catching up with everyone over a rousing game of Top Golf and an afternoon at the Austin Zoo among other activities.

Nick, Natasha and Sara
Jon, Mary and Gene
Nick and Jon feeding a hungry goat

Our second stop was the DMV where we did all sorts of fun things with all sorts of fun people. Photo evidence of some of the fun follows below, but sadly not all the fun was captured. It was so great to catch up with so many people!

Guinness Brewery – Lyon, Alison, Sara, Jon, Kris, Amanda, Michelle
Adam, Tyler, Lizzy, and Zach – taking a “nice” picture at my request 🙂
Hanging out with Becky at the Wharf
Mike and Jon enjoying lunch
Hockey night – Adam, Sara, Mom
Hockey night – Lyon, Jon, Alison and Adam
Party night in Irvington part 1000 NYE Chris and Jon
Party night in Irvington part 1000 NYE Sara and Holly
Wiffle ball! – Adam, Lyon and Jon
Pre-shoot antics – Adam and Jon
Family photo shoot – Lyon, Adam, Jon, Alison, Mom, Sara

Luckily, it didn’t take quite as many takes to get this photo as it did last year.

Our last stop was California where we got to see Jon’s Mom and his brother Jeff as well as partake of all Jon’s favorite childhood foods – Round Table Pizza and In n Out Burger and Noah’s Bagels.

Jeff, Jon, Kathy and Sara

More to come soon (maybe) on our latest shenanigans in Australia. Until then, stop being such a cotton headed ninny-muggins 🙂

Kiwi Weekend

On some of our trips back to the US, we flew on Air New Zealand and connected through Auckland, but never with enough time to leave the airport. Auckland seemed like it would be an interesting city to explore so we planned a short trip to do just that.

For those unfamiliar with the location of Auckland, NZ

(fun fact: maps without NZ is a thing)

It’s only a 3 hour flight, but in the summer there is a 3 hour time difference. We left Brisbane at 6pm on a Thursday and arrived into Auckland a bit after midnight. A short cab ride took us to our Airbnb (free w/ credits left over from the Japan debacle) which was on the 30th floor of a downtown building. It had some great views!

Views for days

Our plan Friday was to explore nearby Waiheke Island – a 40 minute ferry ride away – mostly known for its wineries. Don’t worry, we managed to find a few breweries as well! We started off a bit slower than desired as the 3 hour time difference took more out of us than expected. But, we made it to the ferry and over to the island for some adventuring after acquiring much needed coffee.  It was beautiful and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After getting back into the city late, we found that there wasn’t much open, but luckily the one thing that was ended up being a delicious dumpling restaurant. 

Departing Auckland

 

Winery lunch!

 

Peaceful island

 

Beer!

 

Waiting for our return ferry

Saturday was for exploring around Auckland, apparently without our camera. We found some craft beer bars and interesting shops around town.

Cheers!

Sunday our flight wasn’t until after 7pm, so we had the day free to explore. We stuffed our luggage into a locker at the ferry terminal and then headed over to see the Sky Tower and check out the Sunday market there.  As we walked around we came across floats that were being set up for the (unexpected because it had been delayed from the week before) Santa parade. Some were quite elaborate!

Roar

After that, we hopped on a train to head to One Tree Hill for a bit of a hike to take in the views.  On the way there we stopped at a Malaysian restaurant to fuel up – I had Laksa and it was delicious! One Tree hill is part of a large park complex, so quite a few others had the same idea on this Sunday afternoon.

View from One Tree Hill

We then headed back into the city to relax a bit before catching an Uber to the airport for our flight back to Oz.

City View