We spent 9 weeks in New Zealand this year. I came back from our trip loaded with gratitude for our life. My Dad came with us to escape the winter, so yes we invaded New Zealand or at least my in-laws. I can feel the envy, but let me assure you, although we are gifted with a wonderful life it still has it’s ups and downs, even when in New Zealand. This trip Steve (my husband) was sick on the plane ride over. Luckily we were seated directly across from the toilet. He still had a little person’s head on his lap for the duration of the trip. Asher, my youngest had bad butt on the plane so his poor bum was literally bleeding by the time we arrived because it was so raw. From bad butt we polluted the spa pool and since I was the adult in the pool with both of my kids and their cousins the 5 of us ended up with little red dots all over our body from butt bacteria. I know, gross. The week before Christmas Asher broke his leg going down the slide with Steve. Sweet boy was in his cast for the majority of our trip. To call him a trooper would be an understatement. I was sick over Christmas with a cold and Steve was sick the week later. Then I got a magical 8 days with just my Dad in the South Island (saving those pics for a separate blog.) Not long after we returned Steve was diagnosed with Shingles in his eye. He recovered from that and then the week before we left he got sick again. So, shit still happens even when you are in a country loaded with beauty, bliss, people you love and meals you don’t have to cook. I thought maybe telling you all of this might make it more tolerable to look through and enjoy these photographs. I love, love the beach, the country and most of all the family and friends we have there, so any way it is sliced I am very fortunate and truly grateful for the people I get to experience life with. (Insert heart shape here.) 😉
