He Arrived!

We received the word Saturday that Joe arrived in New Zealand safe and sound, but tired. The director of the program sent the parents this encouraging pic of the kids having ice cream and looking generally happy:

I'd talked to Joe the night before because his debit card was declined at McDonalds, despite the travel notice we put in with the bank. So, I made a call to the bank, who said everything looked okay and said some vendors over there wouldn't have compatible chip technology, and those vendors would have to manually input the number. So, problem solved and Joe relaxed.

I got texts and pics yesterday from him, and I'm envious and vicariously enjoying his trip through him. His birthday was July 1st, and yesterday was July 2nd in New Zealand. His group bought a cake and ice cream to celebrate his birthday. Pretty cool! He said he was doing good, and that they went to One Tree Hill and a black beach yesterday. He said it was SO beautiful.

Here are the pics he sent:

I think I see a cave in this one:

So, it sounds like his trip so far is already amazing. I'm so glad he gets to experience the magic and wonder of a foreign country as beautiful as New Zealand!

This weekend, back at home, James and I worked on cleaning up the house and finishing some organizing in preparation for Callie's arrival on the 11th. We're also trying to plan a short trip somewhere, but haven't decided where yet, and I have to make sure I can get the time off work. 

As I was going through a small box, I discovered something that had been my dad's. My brothers had taken most of my dad's things when he died, and I didn't think I really had anything. But I found these two lures. Out of all the lures my dad had, these two somehow ended up in a box of mine. So, I'm going to treasure them.

We also made some time to throw some axes, swim, garden, and buy a new comfy sectional for the movie room. Here's the landscaping James is working on. He's almost finished. He put in the stone border, weed barrier and new mulch. Just a few little tweaks and it'll be done. It looks great!

Today I have a busy, full day at work. Tomorrow, I just have a half day, then the day off for the fourth. Thursday will be a full, busy day, and Friday, just a half day. So, a pretty light week ahead. That's okay with me, cause there's some stuff to be done around the house to make it more cozy and comfy for Callie. I can't wait til she gets here!

Happy Monday!