'tis the season for blog updates.

Ok. So a little update.... a real update.

Things have been fantastic here in Auckland. Everyone is happy and healthy and we're all getting ready for christmas. (and by that, i mean we have procrastinated our Secret Santa gifts until the VERY last seconds.) Its strange to not be with family and friends at home, but its really good that we have each other... and some amazing friends here in Auckland. My brother came in almost a month ago now so our three is four for a while too.!

Work has been super busy for Anna and I- The pre-christmas rush of office holiday parties and (rich) kids on their school breaks have kept the restaurant super busy. We have worked a few twelve hour shifts already this week... but our last day of work is on the 23rd, so its nice to get the hours since we're not sure what jobs will be like for a while after we leave Auckland. Alissa is getting to the end of her swim teaching time as well... And all the parents of her little fish are sad that she wont be coming back. but we're moving on to bigger and better things....

We've been living in Andrew Clements' business partner's apartment since we left Jan's house/ spent one week renting two rooms in some random kids' house. Geoff was kind enough to let us move in to his unused apartment for the time we are in Auckland- its right on Prince's Wharf. google it. It has been So nice to have free housing... everyone is saving money and we are right downtown so we get to walk most places we go. So we're here until after Christmas then we have a bit of adventure planned.

We have an orphans christmas all organized. A friend from work is from Ireland and his flatmate said we can use her parent's bbq.... so we have invited and gathered all the "orphans" we know, and we are going to do drinks together Christmas Eve at our house then Christmas day seafood on the barbie at Dwayne's house. Some friends of my good friend from college are volunteering in American Samoa and are coming to stay with us for a few days and are joining in for Christmas festivities as well.

Then were going to Waiheke island for a day of wine and sun on the 26th/27th where a friend's parents own a house and are taking us in. Then we will start our journey to Gisborne where we will stay at another friend's parents house for New Year... maybe some backyard camping is in store. There is a huge 3 day concert that everyone flocks to (we don't have tickets but want to go down to party and participate.) We will take a few days getting down there stopping on the way and camping or staying with friends then after the new year we will do the same making our way home. Then we'll say farewell to Auckland and head to the Clements house in Coromandel for some surfing and adventures!

SOOOOOOOOO. thats the update on our kiwi travels.

Keep an eye out for one more update before Christmas.

we miss and love you all.

feliz navidad.

looooooove,

jackie kyle alissa and anna.