More memories...

Our last week in NZ was one of the busiest weeks we've ever had...visiting friends, having dinner out, packing, sorting, dumping, gifting and more filled our time.

Lily-Jean and MaeMae before their last day of kindy together. So sad. :(

Amelia and Calvin posing in front of the school. They refused to hug each other so this is as good as it gets. (Friday was also "pay to dress up" day. The kids were allowed to dress up if they brought a gold coin donation for charity. Great idea!)

Caroline enjoyed her last Jump Jam with her big bro. It was sad for me as I have really enjoyed going and not only watching JJ but participating. The parents had to participate or leave (b/c the chitter chatter was too distracting) so Jude and I started the "trend" of mom's doing JJ with the kids. It was so fun...hmmm...maybe that would work here? :)

We gave Mrs. Ryan and the class a few departing gifts. Of course she received some Mary Kay!

She really liked our SC magnet and the kids loved the SC pencils and slap bands. They'd never seen those before so it was cute watching them play with them before putting them away.

A class photo after enjoying some mini cupcakes. (why in the world I decided to make those mini cupcakes from scratch the night before during the busiest week ever, I will never know! :)

Calvin's Year 1 (aka 1st grade) class. Many friends, lots of learning and heaps of fun here at Muritai School. It's been amazing to watch Calvin begin to read and spell and how much he's grown, not only in height but in maturity. What a fun year it's been!

Last lunch at kindy. What fun MK has had at kindy. She's grown so much in her confidence and has learned to adjust to new environments. I'm so proud of how much of a little lady she's become.

Mary Katherine and Hugh, last day of kindy and waiting for a ride home.

Mary Katherine and 3 of the 5 great teachers at East Harbour, Jackie, Lian (office mgr) & Rosie. From the beginning, they were all so kind and welcoming. MK enjoyed each day at kindy because of these lovely ladies.

MaeMae loved painting. We had many, many paintings and did have to "recycle" some while packing.

The craft table, another fave for MK.

Beautiful view at the beach from the Bus Terminal at the end of Eastbourne.

Sinead watched the girls so we could go to Calvin's assembly. They always had a blast!

Gorgeous view from the Tan's home in Khandallah.

Prof. Tan and his family were the most gracious hosts. They gave us several lovely NZ gifts and prepared an amazing, homecooked (Prof. Tan cooked it himself) Chinese meal. It was a fabulous evening. The hospitality of the attendings that Ben has worked with has been overwhelming. We have really appreciated their generosity and warmth. They even let the kids play the drums. Great evening!

What an amazing mentor Swee Tan has been to Ben. We feel so blessed that God laid out the path for us to come to NZ via Prof. Tan. Had it not been for a friend in Cincinnati who had a friend who worked with Prof. Tan, we wouldn't have enjoyed this fabulous journey. God always has a plan and we are forever grateful that we had this opportunity.

These boots were made for walkin'! MaeMae put some miles on these Cantebury boots we bought at the Sheepskin Warehouse. I had to sneak them in the rubbish bin...she would have continued to wear them!

Sweet Mrs. Heather and Wonderful Mrs. Sabine, our lovely librarians. They, along with the others, were so sweet and kind to us. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing them each week. We missed seeing Mr. Brian on our last day in the village so we'll have to write him and let him know how much we enjoyed the library and his kindness.

Our favorite place! The library, literally our home away from home in the beginning of our time in NZ. We have found a new love for the library and will always cherish ours at home.

Looking down the "main street" of the village, from the beach.

The Four Square...we spent many a dollar in this small grocery.

Rona Wharf

Looking down the "main street" in the village.

Eastbourne Village Corner. I love this village. It was our home away from home. A place to meet up with friends, pick up a few groceries or books or just hang out.

Last drive around the bays...Days Bay is just beautiful and we made many memories there.

Sharing a last moment together before 2 1/2 months of being apart.

When it's your birthday, you can do whatever you want...including eating an entire chocolate Easter egg.

We celebrated on CB's actual birthday the night before we left NZ. Thanks for the yummy cake, mom and dad! Of course, she had help blowing out all those cute candles!