And we are Home.

After a busy, emotional and exciting few weeks we have made it to New Zealand where I think we have finally concoured the jetlag and are starting to settle in.

We were very sad to say goodbye to our lovely house at Copse Corner and our village, Englefield Green. It was such a fantastic place to live and we were so lucky to have found somewhere so perfect for us.

 

We had the packers in for a couple of days and they did a fantastic job.

 

 

We spend our last night in the UK in a hotel and our wonderful friends Lou and Washy had us for a farewell dinner at their house. It was pretty sad, but a lovely way to spend our last night in the UK.

 At the airport in the morning the poor staff wondered what had hit them with all our luggage...

 

The boys did incredibly well on the plane to San Francisco and didn't cause too much trouble!

We had a bit of a wait when we reached San Fran for Don to get our hire car, I think it was about 3am UK time at this point. Very weary travellers.

 

The boys were asleep before their heads hit the pillow, then awake around 4am local time. It was a long day.

 

We took them for a drive down the coast to see some of the amazing California beaches. They loved it!

 

That night Uncle Mark arrived so the next day we did a bit of sightseeing before heading to the airport for the next leg.

We took a ride on the cable car.

 

 

  

Considered dropping the boys off at Alcatraz...

  

Checked out the Golden Gate Bridge

 

Which Alby missed because he was asleep!

 

We really loved San Francisco and definitely want to go back sometime. 

Then it was time to get back on the plane.

Charlie was asleep before we even boarded.

 

 

Air New Zealand was amazing and their Sky Couch perfect for sleeping boys.

 

It was fantastic to have Mark with us - the boys adore him and we are sure going to miss him.

 

Our first stop was Poppa Chuff and Mary's house in Orakei. Poor them having to deal with the worst of the jet lag and grumpy kids, but there was lots to do and fun to be had.

 

We went and visited our house which is looking great inside and the boys made use of the space by playing chase.

 

 

We had a wonderful catch up with the Hills and really enjoyed looking around our new neighbourhood.

 

Then it was down to Masterton to see Topsy and Tim. The boys are slowly getting used to the space...

 

  

We have done lots of visiting of Aunties and Uncles. Especially enjoyable was Uncle John and Aunty Helens house in Carterton where there were some wonderful toys and yummy biscuits!

 

Don flew to Sydney for work on Wednesday for 5 days and I'm am taking the boys to the Sounds for a few days tomorrow, then the long drive South to see Grandpa, Grandad and all of our Rutherford family. We can't wait!