Ferry ride out to Devenport

Quick post today with some pictures we took on our way out to Devenport.  I wish we had gotten more of Devenport itself- it's a neat little seaside neighborhood with some quirky shops.

Without further ado- pics!

Auckland

Week one recap

Well we've been in Auckland for a week now! Steven started his new job on Monday (that's technically your Sunday yanks) and I started my new job of Stay At Home Mum. It's been great, my days are full of Isabelle. We are both (mostly me) very excited to have the option of staying in pajamas all day. 

That photo was taken at 3 PM. Whatevs! 

We have done quite a bit of exploring this week too. We've ventured to Sylvia Park Mall via the train. That place has EVERYTHING including a children's crèche. If you don't l know what a crèche is, lemme break it down for you...

"The Treehouse is a crèche centre you can drop your 0 – 5 yr old children in for an hour and a half while you have your own shopping time or get things done that need to get done. If required for a $5 fee sessions can be extended to 2 hours. The Treehouse is fun, educational environment for your child to help their growing minds and bodies." !!!!!!!!FOR FREE!!!!!!!! Also included at Sylvia Park is a crazy nice parents room, which includes unisex changing area, NURSING BOOTHS! A bathroom stall big enough for you and your pram (stroller). I'm continuously blown away by all the resources for parents and children here. Another example is Plunket. They're an  organization that monitors your child's development. They provide nutrition support, breast feeding support, car seat installments with a phone number to call 24/7. Even for non emergencies. It's amazing.

We also visited a local park, it was actually a nature reserve with wetland, but really just a park. Once you're past the entrance gate dogs are allowed to be off leads. There were dogs running around, playing in the water, it was so cool. Also beautiful birds everywhere. At the end of the trail was the nicest play ground Isabelle has ever played on. 

We are settling in nicely here in Auckland, trying to embrace all the local quirks like bringing our own bags when we go to a shop. We are very excited to get into a house eventually. We are staying in a furnished apartment right downtown in the CBD a block from Stevens work, and while its a beautiful apartment and right on the bay...it's SO LOUD past 8 PM. The courtyard behind our building is a hub of businesses and bars, so there's always music blaring and people shouting. It would be great if we were a bit younger, or child free. 

All said and done, it's been a great first week. Bring on week 2. 

A few pictures from a game at BFHQ

Played a game against Wayne- DAK vs New Zealand rifles.  The game itself was short and not exciting so not worth a full batrep.  But I snapped a few pics of the studio models I used, and wanted to share them.  It was pretty neat playing on the boards I've recognized from waaaaay back.

Panzer IIIs roll across an air strip.

 A Panzer IV F1 makes its way past some knocked out Shermans.

A Mark IV Special watches the horizon for Tommy tanks.

The Eagle has Landed

We finally landed in Auckland!  After a 13 hour plane ride, that baby was done for.  So were we.

Read on for a ton of pictures of our journey- mostly Isabelle's journey!  

Transition Phase

Adios, house!

As of Thursday, we are totally out of our house!  Finally the intensely stressful work of simultaneously packing our lives and keeping a toddler alive has passed.  No more packing, and we have family to help with the kiddo- and that leaves me feeling strange.  I'm a problem solver, and for the next few days there's no problems to solve!

Lydia and Isabelle leaving Richmond

I am, however, quite relieved, and am enjoying the time with our families.  There's been all kinds of bittersweet goodbyes, but finally the stress is giving way to excitement again.  I can't wait for the adventure before us!

All For One

Today was a very memorable day that certainly deserves a quick blog post. Today was tattoo day! 

Throughout the years Steven and I have thrown around the idea of getting tattoos, and after mentioning this to my friend Ashley and her hopping on board, we decided to finally do it! Our last big hurrah before moving. I'm so glad we did it! To put it lightly, I had MANY last minute revisions and, oof, many nerves. I couldn't be happier with our results though! 

Without further delay, a photo collage:

Mine are the elephants on top. My little tribe. Look close, the little one has a bow. 

Next is Ashley's finch. She tells this great story about her mother getting finches. Finally is Steven's MacLauchlan clan family crest. 

And here's our celebration beer afterwards!

 

Last day

This Wednesday was my last day at my job here. Man, what a weird feeling that is to leave your job, as an adult, without another one lined up. Part of me can't really accept it yet. 

I've taken care of patients at my job for the last 5 years, only missing a brief 3 months when Isabelle was born. It's going to be weird not walking into that place, bleary eyed, at 7 AM every morning. I will miss my coworkers dearly. Truthfully, it was harder telling my long time patients that I was leaving than it was telling anyone else. I will honestly miss taking care of these people and I will miss working alongside a team of doctors who have taught me so much. 

Wednesday they were sweet enough to throw be a Bon Voyage lunch. 

Shout outs to my PAR bestie/Steven's vestie, Ashley, for this mocha chocolate cake. It was from Whole Foods, so it was still healthy. 

I can't believe this chapter in my life is over. It's been a fabulous 5 years.