Another beautiful day exploring the North Island

First stop was Lake Tarawera

Avery's new love is bread stick, she had to have it in the photo 

Kiwi 360 

A huge farm where tons of kiwis are grown 

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She wasn't to excited about sitting on the kiwi

But she loved the sheep skin. As soon as i sat her on it she went into a wild frenzy of laughter and smiles.

We ended the day in the Bay of Plenty 

Absolutely gorgeous and intimidating

Huka Falls 

More than 220,000 liters of water per second flow through this point; it was loud, the water was moving swiftly, and you wouldn't want to fall in. 

Avery was captivated by the river, she clung onto the railing and was solely focused.

Next stop Kerosine Creek

A huge hot tube flowing river, it was so relaxing. Avery just kicked back, laid on my chest and enjoyed the bath.

A beautiful canopy of trees along our drive. Everywhere you look here is breathtaking.

For some who may not know, New Zealand was my childhood.

Christmas on the beach, family vacations to Curious Cove, riding sheep out in Swannanoa, eating Goody Goody Gum Drop ice cream on a hot day, playing in the pools at the Botanical Gardens, and living for fish and chip night. Life was simple yet blissful. My family was happy.

Moving to the states was something i never wanted.

It happened, i dealt with it, and longed for the day i would return home.

I have planned many trips to return to New Zealand but for some reason or another they never worked out; school, work, mission, marriage, being pregnant. There has always been something.

Have you ever felt homesick? Have you ever been away and wished you were home curled up in the security and comfort of your own bed and home? Have you ever had a wave of emotion and desire flood your body so strongly that you know you have needed to do something or in my case go somewhere?

This is how i have felt towards New Zealand for years. A longing, a yearning, a deep desire to return. To revisit my childhood, to create new memories, and to explore the vast beauty of New Zealand.

Flights were booked, tickets purchased, and we are off Home.

A huge THANK YOU to a mother who is always encouraging and supportive. 

With out your encouragement i don't think we would be here. 

Love you. 

Merry Christmas

A mini photo shoot with a teething 8 month old baby is like 

trying to wrestle a peanut from an elephant. 

She was screaming, fussing, grabbing all the bulbs and shoving them in her mouth.

Yes, we are cruel parents for making her do this but hey, we ended up getting some classics from it. Doesn't this first shot look like it came straight from the 80's? Staring off into sky. Absolutely hilarious.