New Zealand

New Zealand was nothing short of absolute magic. We loved it there. The weather was perfect it was fall while we were there. The seasons are reversed of the US. It was so family friendly everyone kept inviting us to move there saying they need more families, there were family parking spaces at the grocery store beautiful park and beaches everywhere. People were very kind and I was super impressd by the school that were so laid back if I child needed a break they are welcome to just leave the classroom and go play for a while. I also loved the food. They try to produce everything locally which means beaut6fresh inexpensive produce and so many more healthy choices than were used to in the US. It was definitely a mixing bowl with cultures from all over the world, plus who doesn't love the sound of a New Zealand accent.

The old gold mine. We saw glow worms here

Whiritoa (pronounced firitoa) so beautiful with caves to explore

The Costco here was my favorite one I've ever been to. So many more healthy options than were used to and the prices were amazing.

Our flight was cancelled so we had to wait for a 2 am flight this was quite the debacle with 7 kids in tow. The poor babies were falling asleep all over the place. We had to go through the whole process of checking at the airport twice. It was super crazy and probably the most anxiety I have ever felt in my life. This experience alone might prevent me from ever traveling internationally with my kids again.

Captain Cook's landing in Nukalofa. We stopped here on our way to the airpor in route to New Zealand for a week. 

The Campground

This is home right now and will be for 5 weeks before we head back to Idaho. You might think we're roughing it and in some physical aspect that is true but something about the simplicity of life here is so liberating so peaceful... Freeing. We have been happy not without trials but a general sense of peace resides here. Sometimes it feels like our lives are in limbo but I think that's because of the lack of community. The kids are general very happy at this place, they fight less being surrounded in nature all the time is diffusing. They find things to fill their time I am often in awe at their creativity and ingenuity. I think the memories we are making will always hold a tender spot in my heart. Im grateful for the knowledge that sometimes having a little less can actually give you more. More time, more peace more patience less worry.

Hobbitton

This was the highlight of our trip! It was such a a magical experience for the kids we absolutely loved it.