Week One

I've already been in Baltimore for one week - sorry Robyn for not posting sooner, hopefully these next few posts will make up for all of us slackers.
My frist week was filled with mostly family get togethers - my sister flew in from Portland and my cousin and her family drove in from Chicago and we've been pretty much non-stop this whole week.

I got in late last Friday night after about 20 hours of traveling. My mom and dad, Diana, Maddie, Sung, and Laura were all there to meet me. What a great way to to be greeted!
My first day, I had to see the neices and nephews. I went to see Di and her kids and then we took off to the ranch to see John and Jo and their 5 kids. Baby Wyatt - the first time I met him. I've been having a hard time letting anyone else hold him.


Hanging out at the ranch - still one of the most beautiful places around.

Alex got a bike for his birthday, and I just had to try it out.
So did Jo.

And Logan.


Amy flew in on Monday and then Megan and her family drove up on Tuesday after a whirlwind tour of the midwest and D.C. Tuesday night we went to Grandmom's and had some of the best lasagna ever.

The weather was so nice and warm, we stayed out as long as we could, playing base runners and enjoying spring.
Me and Megs

Just a few more days

Just a few more days and then I'll be back in B-more for a few weeks. I can't wait and it's about all I can think about, but I'm still having a good time on this side of the world with my friends here.
This past weekend I went down to Rotorua and cheered some mates on as they competed in a triathalon at the Blue Lake.
Warrick, me, Alisa and Ted before the race.
Team manager Ted and head cheerleader Emma.
Ted needs to work on camera aim.
After the race, we headed to some hotpools nearby. I really really like this country. We drove down a dirt road, parked our car, walked down a path and ended up at Kerosene creek. The water was so hot and the scenery was just amazing.

We stayed at a house on the lake and on Sunday, took the boat out for a wakeboard. We had a rings competition - and all did some pretty intense tricks, but I think I might have out-shined the rest - here I come Beijing!



I haven't been wakeboarding in 2 years and it was almost like riding a bike. It took me a couple of tries to get up - I slapped the water a few times with my face but then I managed to get up and stay up for a while. After the wakeboarding in Lake Rotoiti, we parked the boat at some more hot pools and hung out there for a while.
Not a bad way to spend my last weekend here before I head home.
I'm getting ready to head back to the other side of the world where most of you are. I can't believe I've been gone for 8 months. I'll be home for 3 weeks and know it won't be enough time to visit with everyone but I'm looking forward to squeezing the most out of every moment I'm there.