Moving the Family back to the US

No fun!
That is the best way to describe moving. However, when moving a family abroad the better word is.....insane.
Seriously, I wish that I could click my heels and be like Dorthy.
Why?
John went to Finland to make $$$ for our summer living expenses two weeks before the move back the the US, so I had clean the house, sell our stuff and compress all our baggage to 50 pounds each suitcase. The kids gave up shoes and clothes to bring back "Tim Tams" cookies Link to "How to eat Tim Tam's"

Also, the kids had big send-offs with their schools. Alex was surprised by it all - he was mentally ready to leave and get back to his buddies in Missoula to bike.
Ellie was different, she didn't want to miss any school and was at The Chin's house constantly. The last day of school was a lot of 11yr old girls crying all day in class - they even walked her home sobbing. I think that Ellie was emotionally drained when we finally got on the plane.

We also had a Pot Luck good-bye with our NZ connections. The kids good friends came and it was bitter sweet. We will really miss everyone....

Packing Chaos

Our Neighbors were a HUGE help.
Kate let me use her car anytime that I needed it and we both got out on some great adventures before I left.
 Yo fed us good as well. Mmmmmm dumplings!!!
 We sorta lived next door through the process of leaving, probably because their house was refuge, but also because we love The Chins.  

 Anna, Ellie, Kellie and Mama Kate Chin




No Car - luckily winter in Dunedin was really mild. We had no problems biking to do our errands and play.

Girls showing our fave NZ treats!

Tim Tams and Hokey Pokey icecreme.

Chilling at the Chins!

Warm fire from our "Pyro_Mom" - Kate! Alex and Yo watching Bike Videos on YouTube.

 Packed up for the plane - Had to order Van with trailer for 5 suitcases, two bike boxes, 3 carry-ons, and 3 backpacks. I also sewed everyone a giant "neck-pillow" for the planes.
My attempts at sewing were H.I.L.A.R.O.U.S!

Saying Good Bye......

Beginning 30 hours of Plane travel from New Zealand to US.Boredom........

Many days of airport travel.

We were lucky to make it out of Dunedin because the South Island had Volcanic Ash from Chille in the atmosphere. News about Volcano Ash Link

We flew north too Aukland, then another flight (12hours) to LA.

From LA we barely made our connection even with a pass to rush through Customs.

(I scrubbed the New Zealand dirt and clay off  my bike for nothing!)

Then we enjoyed an awful 9 hour delay in San Francisco.

After that joy, we flew to Spokane and arrived at 3am.

YUCK!

My amazing mom and aunt Donna picked us up at 3am.  

 We all collectively collapsed in Idaho.

It was great to have the women of my family take care of me and the kids.

Aunt Donna made yummy Mexican food (something we missed in NZ) and took us on an awesome hike to help adjust to the time zone and hemisphere change.

 It is great to come from winter to summer I might add!

WE LOVE NEW ZEALAND!

Thanks for a great family experience!

10 months of fun and adventure!