Am I allowed to say this???

We take a break from our walk through NZ for a thought from the heart...

So as our lives have changed a lot this past year I want to start with the fact that we are truly blessed.  I love our little baby girl and God has provided for us every step of the way.

However, am I allowed to say that sometimes I wish things were different?  Tonight I am stepping away from the late night fun of our best friends wedding party to let baby E get some sleep.  Some might say "I'm a good mom... or she was such a good baby (which I am and she was)," but there are times I don't feel like it.  My selfish side says I want to have the freedom to go enjoy being with friends, but my responsible side says your little girl needs sleep and the dance party might not be the best place for it.  Sometimes I just don't want to be responsible (add stomping of the feet).... ok I'm done, tantrum over.

I guess as taking on this new role of motherhood I am finding that there is no room to be selfish here.  You are now in charge of doing what is absolutely best for your baby and family then yourself finds it's way somewhere at the end of the line.  I think of my mom who is always wanting to take care of us.  Being a mom will be the most wonderful and challenging thing I have ever done, I pray everyday for strength, wisdom and guidance to do it well.

Keep moving forward to the next joy that is around the corner I know we will find.

Day 3: Catlins anyone?

 Your chariot awaits!  Our red rocket took us down with Morg and Hayley to explore the Caitlins in southland.  One place none of us had been, but had only heard raving about and with good reason.  It's one of the true hidden treasure left out there.

We arrived and immediately the boys jumped out of the Hilux and out to explore the shoreline with Thomas capturing every possible view with the camera.   

The cliffs were a big highlight :)

Baby E was a trooper as we fought off sandflies and trekked over the rugged terrain in rainbows and cowboy boots to see all the amazing ocean life that was hiding in the rocks.

A special moment with our little girl.

The infamous traveling companions - we had to fight to get this beauty.

Hidden among the inlets were starfish, anemones, paua, crabs and lots of other little treasures.  It was amazing to see all of these right up close.  

I love this place!

Day 2: Our big hike

 Mt Cook was calling our name today.  We have been working in Oamaru getting ready for the big wedding celebration on the Easton farm and took a day to enjoy the surroundings.  The drive took us up along the glacial lakes, above is Lake Pukaki.

 The weather was 21 deg C, sunny with a bit of wind.  The whole time we were praying for the rain to hold off for out 2.5 hour hike into the lake at the base of Mt. Cook.  (Don't worry that we are standing next to a beautifully poisonous plant - if you touch it you swell up).

Our beautiful friend and the newest Mrs. Hayley Easton.

Baby E loves hiking with her daddy.

Overlooking one of the glacial lakes on the hike.

We made it!

And this crazy man thought it would be a good idea to swim with the icebergs!  no thanks.

Love from New Zealand.

Day 1: A lazy hazy afternoon

 We landed and hit the ground running.  It was a wonderful sunny day in Christchurch and we finally got to see friends Morgan and Hayley after year of being away, a wonderful reuniting.

 Easton felt grass between her toes for the very first time and loved it!  She can't be happier to be here.

 Our first day was a bit rough, but I can officially say we are all over the jet lag and E is back in her normal routine.  Thank you Lord, and thanks to everyone for your prayers.  We are so blessed to be here, it's like jumping back into your favorite pair of slippers after leaving them in the closet for too long. Strangely familiar and oh so wonderful.

Our press pot coffee and marmite toast for breakfast.  Happy Morning!

Off to see the world.

Traveling with a 4 month old is told to be the best time to travel with children.  E took her first flight two days ago and did beautifully!  The flight attendants all one by one fell in love with our little red head from Philly to San Francisco and beyond she was a trooper.

 On our stop over we went out to explore the city and found the Blue bottle coffee company in San Fran, Ca.  The line was out the door and around the corner, but the experience was wonderful.  Not to mention the coffee was to die for.

 This is E after the first 6 hour flight, a very happy camper in dad's arms.

 Our special pot brewed just for us.

 We walked around the city (a very small part of it) on our layover.  E was very happy in our snugli c/o Grandma Ter circa 1980's, it's the only front pack she will ride in.

 Waiting to board our plane.  I don't know what we would have done if E was crawling or walking, I can't even imagine trying to keep track of her then.  We did a lot of rolling, walking, singing and playing.  I brought a play mat special to lay down on the airport floor so we didn't have to get our blankets dirty - best idea ever.

 More pics to come :)