Auckland Adventures in Fighting

We have spent the last five nights in Auckland, New Zealand visiting Jessica (our Rotary exchange student from seven or so years ago). New Zealand is an amazing, beautiful, exciting country and this is our third visit.

But the most amazing, beatiful, exciting part this visit was seeing Jess, her family, and my host-grand-baby Oliva. He is Jessica's two year old son and he is brilliant. (Probably gets it from host-granny-Jules).

As is my usual M.O. we showed up completely unannounced, and phoned Jess from an apartment we rented in the city. It was the day of her grandmother's funeral, and we made arrangements to see each other the next day.

The Reids couldn't have been more warm and welcoming (as is THEIR M.O.) despite this very sad time.

We had a lovely visit, and I do think Ollie looks just like me. When Jess sends me the photo, I will post it and you can see for yourself!

Despite the wonderful time catching up, it has been difficult with my kids. You'd think that being back in the land of t.v., computer games, communication with friends, movies, and shopping would be a tremendous bonus and keep the kids happy.

You'd be wrong.

It's been pretty much constant fighting over the computer, whinging over having to walk blocks and blocks to the movie theater, too much soda, junk food, and tv.

I won't say who has been doing all this fighting.....but it rhymes with banana and barley......

I think my mistake was not having a plan for Auckland. I thought the kids could use some time off from constant activity, learning new things, going without modern convenience.

I was wrong.

We leave for Melbourne, Australia today. Maybe I'll cancel the 2-bedroom apartment that Mike has arranged for us and we'll camp in a tent by the river. Better yet, maybe I'll stay in the apt, and THEY'LL camp by the river. Wonder if that's overly illegal in Australia.....