Sushi and Zooing

First things first, weather is a lot cooler these days. Slightly overcast and cool breeze. It's lovely...even if it's not doing much for my developing tan. Oh well...many more months for that!

Saturday night, we went out for dinner (minus the kids) to a real deal sushi bar. Was super yum...!

Sunday was a bit of church and relaxation.

Today, we headed off to the zoo. Forgot the stroller though...we won't be forgetting that again ever! Haha. Highlights were the world's largest rhodent (Marie, thought you might enjoy this pic! Sick!), the flamingos whose legs bend both ways (crazy!) and the gorilla. And not to overlook the feeding of the giraffes who have the nastiest tongues and released a breath of not-so-fresh-air over Addie and Gabby. As you can see in the pic, Benny was a bit traumatised by the whole thing. That was my fault because when the giraffe extended its nasty tongue towards us, I shrieked which probably gave him more of a fright than the actual peaceful encounter with nature's animals itself. And this is not a joke, one of the giraffes had grown a crooked neck. Unfortunately we somehow missed getting a decent photo...but just imagine a giraffe with a broken neck...and that's what it looked like. Random as!

And tonight got in a bit of softball practice. Was super fun. It's an exhilirating feeling when the metal bat hits the ball. Wahoo. Take care.

Law Suit

Okay, Addie insists I blog the funniest story of the day and so in sanguine style, I shall. We went to the most random garage sale in the mountains somewhere. It was an estate sale - looked like someone who was a hoarder with a Victorian, 1920's style. At the entrance, there was even a pile of large dolls with no arms/legs/burnt - kinda Chucky horror style. Bizarre. Anyway, took the opportunity to take a photo aboard a tractor. When I went to get off, my clothes got caught and I was stuck there hanging. All Addie could do was laugh hysterically and take photos apparently! Not to mention the Mexican onlookers.

Am thinking about suing. There was no warning sign about operating in short skirts. Definitely some form of recklessness or negligence I'm sure. Anyway, enjoy my embarrassment...Not sure how long this post will stay here for...!

Fun in the Sun

Hi again. Am still having a blast in America. Have been getting a lot of sun...even a bit of sunburn at the water park yesterday. Today, is a bit more overcast which is a nice break from the heat. Have decided to include a few more pics in this post rather than words to try and meet all your requests! Due to popular demand, have included an additional pic of Mr. Timbucktoo. Mikey, there's a special one there for you as requested in your comments.

Then some pics of myself and the kids/Addie at the waterpark (yesterday), snacking (yesterday) and the beach (today).

Addie and I snuck out early and went garage saling today. It's so much more fun in America especially when accompanied by good music, Starbucks frappuchinos and hilarity. Did get some good deals though....it's amazing how you never know what you need until you see it. Haha. Like the Starbucks apron I got for $1. (Oh, and Brooke and Simon I scored a Snugfit baby carrier for you guys!) There were some pretty good deals out there. Addie even got 'Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus' book for $0.07 (that's right, seven cents!). Early bird gets the junk. But the best deal of the day was Addie's leather, Wilson softball mitt for $2. Sweet deals.

America

Hi everyone...it's so great to see that people have been checking in on my going-ons...it motivates me to keep updating it! (By the way, if you do want to leave a comment it's pretty easy - no log-in required.)

So, still in Santa Barbara with the Smith family. Been having a blast! Getting into the sun everyday. (Sorry to everyone in the middle of a New Zealand winter...well, not really!) The weather has been getting a bit cooler every day which is good too. General routine of the day involves heading out in the morning...today it was the beach...then home for the kids to take a nap (including me!) and then a swim and bbq dinner (tonight was turkey breast! yum!) and a movie or jacuzzi followed by catching up e-mails to y'all.

The other night watched Doug and Addie play softball. They lost by one run (?) in the last inning (?) (trying to use the correct lingo). Been to the local street markets. Oh yeah, and made a trip to Costco where you can buy WHATEVER you want (no joke!) and most of it comes in bulk. So, whatever you want...you can get in a pack of 10. Haha. The store was the most massive store I've ever been in. You could even buy caskets there (but not in packs of 10), get your eyes tested, loaves of bread, TV's, Levi's jeans, DVDs, contact lenses, water filters, berries, weiners. Whatever you can fit into your shopping cart (not trolley)...Whatever. I challenge you to think of something they DON'T sell there! Haha.

Yes, it's true everything is bigger in America. The packaging, the stores, the VOICES and even the birds. You should've seen the 'seagulls' at the beach today - they were mutantly massive! Nearly the size of the kids! And they came up and TOOK a ziplock bag (American's love those too!) of pretzels. Sick. (Miranda, you would've HATED them!)

Well, as you can see, am delving into the American culture. Hope you're doing well here's a pic of Addie and I at the beach...posers! Until' next post...Take care y'all!

Livin' it up in Santa Barbara

Have arrived in Santa Barbara with Doug and Addie (nee Beaumont) and two beautiful babies, Gabbie and Benny. The weather is a lot cooler here which is a lot more bearable! Even still, the news is all about the heat wave, possible electricity shortages and highest temperatures ever. Awesome. And a dip in the pool in the afternoon is so great!

Went for a jog today to work off those donuts. Haha. And a play in the park with the kids. Another heat-induced headache...but nothing a little afternoon nap and some painkillers couldn't fix! Then watched Addie's softball practise, followed by a swim and bbq...Doug cooked a local dish of 'tri tip' which is like a rolled beef roast cooked on the bbq. Yum, gotta love that red meat!!! Beautiful peaches and grapes too - gotta love that Californian fruit! Well, as much as I don't want my blog to be all about food...it appears to be that way! Haha.

So in a nutshell, am well rested, well fed and having a great time amidst palmtrees and pools. The pics are of Addie and Gabbie relaxing at the park, then Ben amidst playing. And this pic is so cute - Ben pushing the wagon with all his might. He's the man! And finally a posey me running alongside the coastline with Gabbie and Ben. (Note the Californian palms in the background! :))

Hot As in San Fernando

So, arrived in San Fernando Valley a few days ago now...in the middle of a heat wave. Woah. Coming from the winter of New Zealand to over 40 degree heat. Too much to handle. But a good excuse to stay inside in the cool air, relaxing, sleeping and eating. Caught up on the jet lag and the hecticness of the last few days prior. Attempted a walk to the local store and couldn't believe how hot it was! Amazing! Didn't try that again after getting a headache from the heat! Was great to hang out with good friends Brooke and Simon and learnt how to play the extremely addictive Sims 2 on the PC. Plus lots of cuddles from gorgeous Adrian. Will be returning there in a couple weeks. Hope to reexperience the yummy Taco Bell! And maybe even a Krispy Kreme or two (The Ultimate American donut experience - see the photo!) Hehe. And the last picture is Darth Vader in Hollywood - yes I am living the ultimate white trash LA experience - cruising with the limo's and hummers. Haha. Peace out.

Auckland and LA Update

This first photo is leaving Christchurch airport...just before my final call. (Jane, Marie, Me, Aloma nd Isaac). Spent one week in Auckland before heading over to LA...and had a great time. Stayed at Cris and Matt Barker (nee Thompson) house in Mt. Roskill, as well as spending heaps of time with Tim. (See photo 2) It was a pretty busy week - Waiwera Pools, US Embassy (got my visa, phew!), bowling, Pirates of Caribbean 2, meeting lots of new friends, church, cooking, baking, LAUGHING, beach, a little shopping...and so on. Was super cool.

Then had a great flight to LA. I am staying with Brooke and Simon Tondeur from YWAM South Sydney...and their 3 month old baby Adrian. So cute! (Photo 3) Did a spot of shopping and e-mailing and looking at various sites around...but nothing major. Just adjusting to the time difference and recovering from the hecticness of life prior to my arrival!

Leave a comment or just check in from time to time to catch up on the going ons! Take care...

Arrived!

Hi All,

So this is my first attempt at blogging. And here is a photo of me at Piha Beach, Auckland.

Had an awesome time in Auckland. Will update more about that shortly...

Have just arrived in California. Temperatures in high 30's. Haven't ventured outside just yet...still enjoying the airconditioned indoors! So, for now, just a quick note to say all is good in the hood. Have arrived, am safe and feel free to leave a note or two and let me know how it's all going for you!!!

Love Sonya