Winter Revisted

So, yes, on my 5th visit to Arizona, I finally got to go to the Grand Canyon!!  Way overdue.  However, we went with the in-laws who have been snowbirding it down here for the last 8 years and this was also their first visit, so I couldn't complain as much.  Wasn't sure what the Grand Canyon would be like on a January day, but I have to say, it was close to perfect.  Sunny, 40 degrees, hardly any crowds and just as stunning as I had hoped.  High expectations did not falter, and I only wish we would have planned more time.  I know we will be back again.  The kids seemed to like it but Phoebe was more concerned with the stuffed tiger she lost on the trail (who we convinced she set free into a wonderful land) and grew pretty tired of the giant hole after awhile. Not us though, and I didn't even mind having to wear my winter gear again.  In fact, tomorrow we are going skiing in Flagstaff.  Yes, we decided to haul all the winter gear to New Zealand, and, gosh darnit, we'd better get our use out of it.  So, skiing tomorrow, and hopefully a ski trip to the South Island of New Zealand in July.  

was the kiss that bad?

family with Grandpa Terry

Phoebe had had enough by this time

Oh yes, and if my children have nightmares tonight it is because Brett jumped off a ledge and hid down below it - our viewpoint from the car made it look like he had jumped into the canyon and was lost forever.  Not sure Liam needed to see that!

Sun 'set' City

Day 2

We just hung out at Brett's dads house in Sun City, Arizona all day. Little orange and lemon picking, some time at the park, naps, pickle ball, and one gorgeous sunset. Being feed like it is our last meals. Not helping the "too tight of pants" situation. Brett is also challenging the packing situation after a shopping trip to the mall.  What a nice relaxing day.  So needed after so many days of packing.  However, the night ended unfortunately -  I got to pack again.  Tomorrow we finally decided to get our butts up to the Grand Canyon - it's about time!!

Goodbye Winter!!

goodbye winter - summer is waiting in New Zealand !!  

                              



Well, today was the day!  After a few very hectic days of non-stop packing, we managed to stuff our life into 4 suitcases, 2 duffel bags, 2 large hiking back packs and 4 carry ons.  We made it out of my mother-in-law's house in plenty of time to get the airport.  Good thing, because we had to turn around when we about half way there because we managed to leave a very important, non replaceable item -  Stinky Pinky - Phoebe's precious, grimy blankie.  I can't believe we left the one item that we usually have to beg Phoebe to leave at home each time we are exiting the house.  She has a serious blanket huffing habit.  When she gets sleepy she starts saying "I need to sniff my blankie".  None of us wanted to find out what might replace the blankie, nor did I think a move to New Zealand was a good time to try and break the habit.  Life is going to be changing enough.

Which brings me to some of the thoughts that have been running through my head.  The stuff I am going to miss, the stuff I am not going to miss, and my own little worries that I am not sure have any validation.  Of course I am going to miss my family, friends, and the cabin.  Already missing Hague Ave. and the good people of the street.  I'm afraid that rounding out the top 5 things I will miss is going to be Target.  Seriously, not sure what life will be like without the big red bullseye full of everything you need and a whole lot you don't.

Number one thing I will not miss is a Minnesota winter.  For some reason we thought that staying thru December would not be bad.  Right, usually winter in December is not so bad.  The snow is fun and festive.  Not tooo bitter cold.  What the heck happened this year - is someone trying to assure I never come back (just kidding Dad)   I don't mean to rub it in, but it is going to be a really long winter this year for all you fine people of Minnesota. Sorry. I will also not miss spending all my money at Target.

And, here are some of my other random thoughts/worries....and I will try and update you on the answers to some of my questions

1.  Peanut butter - will I be living without or with really bad peanut butter?
2.  What this house we rented really looks like?
3.  How much grief I will get from my husband if he doesn't like the house?
4.  The fact that our water supply will be coming from a rain barrel and what this really means?
5. No clothes dryer!!!  (i could write a whole chapter on this)
6. The car that the clinic is giving us ???what kind, if it is a stick(which I don't drive)
7. What three weeks of travel and 4 different time zones does to a 4 and 5 year old!!
8.  What the above does to their parents?
9.  What it meant when Brett's new job told them he would start his first day in the "surgery" ?
10. Will I be able to fit into any of the clothes that I brought with? (again, this could be another chapter)

and, of course,

11.  Is this really going to be as amazing as I (and just about every other person I talk to) think?

I could go on and on.  I wish I could have been blogging these last few days.   A lot has happened.  And, if a lot is happening, it leaves very little time to blog.  I will try and figure this out.  Not sure how much rambling you all want to hear either.  I am partly doing this as a journal for our family as well, so I hope it doesn't get too boring.   And, if you made it to the end of this post, I guessing you were pretty bored before you started reading anyways.

No, I am not packed yet!

Less than a week to go and I'm still feeling pretty good - for the most part.  I thought I had this whole week planned out, figuring exactly when we would move what and to where.  Alas, nothing has gone according to the plan.  One of the bumps in the road this week was due to a the very sudden and untimely death of my Aunt Jackie.  My mother's older sister (only 62 years old), didn't wake up on Christmas Eve morning.  So sad.  I'm feeling pretty bad for the whole family, especially Uncle, cousins and my Aunt Jonie and Uncle Jamie.  Too much loss in the family.

So, no, I am not packed.  I am just going with the flow, and actually not getting stressed out.  And, guess what?  I think we actually are even ahead of "the plan".  The house is mostly packed up.  It is the whittling down of clothes, toys, and recreational stuff that we have left to do.  And figuring out what makes the cut.  Kind of a fun process to think of what you really "need" to live comfortably.  

 I would like to give a shout out to all the awesome family that has been helping us out with childcare, moving help, etc....   Sure am going to miss my support system.  I'm sure I would totally be flipping out this week if it weren't for them.   And, now off to one more event, Broadway show Billy Elliot.   Maybe tomorrow I'll actually get to pack something in a suitcase.

Trying to pack it all in

Yikes.  This is the week I have kind of been dreading.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, it just comes at a really bad time this year.  And, we are feeling very obligated to hit every family christmas we can.  So, in the next three days, we have 5 different christmas celebrations.  And, our goal is to be out of this house by the New Year.  Which means a moving trip to the cabin and to Chippewa Falls, WI.. Plus packing our 8  suitcases/bags for New Zealand (which may be the biggest packing challenge of my life).  Seriously, I really shouldn't be blogging right now.  However, I seem to have this eerie sense of calmness.  I'm not sure if I trust it, am I really that ready.  I even heard myself end a sentence in "no worries" the other day.  Maybe I am channeling my inner New Zealander.  Maybe I am just crazy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Start of the Goodbyes

Wow, it is really getting close! Only 2 and 1/2 weeks left. And the goodbyes are starting.  Both Liam and Phoebe had their last day of school this past week.  We were sorry to say goodbye to their awesome teachers and friends.  The goodbyes are starting to make my stomach do some flips.  Still can't believe we are really doing this, but saying goodbye makese it feel a how lot more real.

Phoebe's last day of preschool - pictured with teachers Sara (above) and Machael (below) and friends.

Liam says goodbye to his kindergarten teacher Ms. Seastrand

and gets some hug

and gives some hugs

Why New Zealand?

So what made us decide on New Zealand.  Honestly, I could see myself living just about anywhere. I just like experiencing new places.   We ultimately decided on New Zealand because we have heard it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and we felt it would be a pretty easy transition.  We speak the language, the schools are great, and we knew Brett could find employment.   Also, the people there are extremely fun and friendly.  Back in the day of my eurotravels I befriended many a kiwi and they were just awesome.

Really, has anyone ever heard anything bad about New Zealand?  I'm sure it's not perfect but I have some pretty high expectations.  From what I know the police do not even carry guns there.  Who hasn't dreamed of visiting New Zealand or Australia?  I figure, if you are going to travel across the world, you might as well stay a little while.   In our even grander dreams, we like to think of this move as just a jumping off point.  Maybe we figure out how to keep traveling for awhile.  Brett has already looked in job opportunities in Australia and South Africa.  I would love to show the kids really how different life can be, maybe through volunteering in India or traveling thru southeast Asia, maybe a clinic in South America.   Likely we will be back in Minnesota in the next 1-2 years (also a frequent question I get).  But, maybe not.  And, if we do come back, hopefully it will inspire us and the children to do it again later in life.   I guess it depends on how brave we are or how homesick we get - but I might as well keep dreaming for now.  It got us this far.

More of your Questions Answered...

So, like I said in my first post the most common question people ask is "why are you moving?"  The next ones I hear are "When?", "Why New Zealand?", and "What are you going to do there?"  If you are not one of the hundreds of people that I have already answered this too, then stay tuned.  If you know me even a little, you know I like to talk, but even I am starting to get tired of answering these same questions.  So, here it goes.  And, for those of you really close to us who may be trying to answer these same questions, feel free to reference them to the blog.  

When?

We are leaving the state of Minnesota on January 4th, 2011 somewhere around 4:00 pm in the afternoon.  We are actually traveling to Phoenix to visit Terry (Brett's Dad) and his wife Bonnie for almost a week.  Then we head to LA for 3 nights.  If weather permits, the plan is to surprise Liam with a trip to Disneyland for his birthday (shhhh).   We leave the US on Jan. 13th to travel 10 hours to Fiji.   Here is where the travel planning was not so ideal.  Liam's 6th birthday is on the 14th, we are actually crossing the international date line on the way to Fiji, which means (poof) the 14th disappears.  (also shhhhh..... we'll explain this to him a lot later in life).   As far as he knows, he will have a birthday on the airplane, which I hope he actually sleeps through.   After we arrive in Fiji, we get on a boat to travel to a smaller island for a stay at the Octopus Resort.   We are in Fiji for 5 nights, then off to Auckland.  In Auckland we have no idea what we are doing with the exception of Brett meeting with the Medical Council of New Zealand to have final approval to work.   If any one has any suggestions of what to do there, please comment.   We have 4 nights there and then we board one more flight for a quick 55 minute flight to our new home in Gisborne.   We will arrive there January 24th.   Was that the longest answer ever.    See, I told you I like to talk.   I think I'll go ahead and address the other questions in my future posts.  

Getting Ready

This is what the last several months have looked liked:

End of June - We make the decision to accept the job in Gisborne, New Zealand.  Kelly loses a whole night of sleep as she explores amazing beach rental opportunities.   Brett tries to calm her down as she tries to commit to a lease before the job contract has even arrived or been signed.  This is Wainui Beach, where she is now determined to live.

July- Job contract arrives

August -  The deposit is placed on the beach house.  Otherwise known as a "bach".  Against Brett't better judgement,  Kelly rents a place she has only seen one picture of the inside of - can't wait to see how this turns out.   

the deck on our future house - does it really matter what the inside looks like?

September - now for a really crazy month.  Garage Sale.  Brett runs an Ironman Triathlon.  Liam starts kindergarten (a day late because of the triathlon).  Got the house ready and put it on the market.  Sold it in 4 days. Sent in Visa paperwork, sent back to us denied.  And, then, Brett heads to a conference in Denver.  Never want to do a month like that again.

Garage sale

Ironman finish 13hrs, 43 mins

first day of kindergarten and preschool

house goes on market Sept. 25

October -

Still feeling a little out of control.  Found a temporary furnished house to live in (thank god).  Phoebe turns 4 and gets her ears pierced.  Had to finish up some items to close out open work permits on the garage we built (5 years ago).  Move out of our house!!! (oh the sadness of this event was a little overwhelming for me).   And...finally, the approved visitor, work, and student visas arrive!!!!

Adams family moves out on Oct. 24th, 2010

Arrival of the visas and the "Welcome to New Zealand" guide for immigrants

November -

Life has calmed down.  Feeling really settled in new house.  Trying to prepare for the biggest packing challenge of my life.  Flights booked.  New suitcases bought (going really lightweight).  And, even sold the good old Subaru!!  One of the many items we have sold on craig's list.  Trying to prepare for a crazy December!!

even got in a november trip to the lake

so long, farewell old friend

The Journey Begins

The job contract is signed, the house is sold, and the plane tickets are bought.  This really is happening.  The Adams family is taking off and moving from St. Paul, Minnesota to Wainui Beach, New Zealand.  The most common question I get when I tell people that we are moving is "Why???"  The best short answer I can give is "because we can" or "for the pure adventure of it" and this is the truth.  We are not being forced to do this and we are not running away from anything.   In fact, one of the hardest parts of this move is that we are happy - we have/had good jobs, a cute little house, and a very comfortable life.  Maybe too comfortable.  We knew it was time, time to live out a dream.
That brings me to the long answer to "why are doing this?' (you can stop here if the short answer did it for you)  It really all started around the time Brett and I met on that cold ice skating rink back in February of 1998.  He had recently returned from some Euro-travel and was applying to Medical and PA schools.  I was a self proclaimed travel junkie and was in my first year of Physician Assistant school at Augsburg.  From the start, we talked about how one day we both wanted to travel and live in another country "someday".   We were young, of course it would happen. And then, life really started happening.  Brett ended up in medical school (because, of course, he wasn't accepted into any PA programs).  I graduated from PA school and started working.  Brett proposed. Then residency, a house, the kids, and the real job for Brett.  Phew!  We still managed to do some traveling, but once those little kiddos started showing up our life really changed.  We always continued to talk about our dream of moving away for awhile and experiencing a different culture.  We started to realize that if we were going to do something, this would be the perfect time in our lives.  Our house was getting too small, our kids were getting easier.  It was either time to buy a bigger house and have another baby, or start living out a different goal.   Not any easy decision, and I struggled with it for awhile....guess you know which way we decided to go.
Stay tuned to hear how this life changing decision worked out for us.  I can't wait to find out myself.   And, I look forward to sharing the stories of our adventures.  Should be quite the ride!