Home

    After months of debate, weeks of planning,  and days full of goodbyes, we tore ourselves away from beautiful Sydney and sweet friends.  The removalists (movers) packed up most of our stuff and we had two days to hit some favorites one last time.

The neighbors got a bit closer than expected on our last day.  Really not a flattering photo but the look of utter discomfort on Chris's face makes me laugh every time.

 One last rugby game.  Sam with his coach after the game.

 One last visit from the gorgeous neighbors.

Last glances around the 'hood

One last day at school. 

One last Opera House shot. 

 One last Harbour Bridge shot.

 One last ferry shot.

One last afternoon at Balmoral.

 One last sunrise.

 One last brekkie.

 One last look... and then off to the airport. :-(

   We headed to the airport with one child yammering incessantly from complete exhilaration due to going home and the other consumed with sadness and unable to speak.  They are frequently so different it confounds us.  No exception at this moment either.

    A day or so later and we were back.  Home!  Exciting and bewildering at the same time.

    We were met in our cul-de-sac by neighbors and friends at 10PM.  The kids' reunions with their friends were joyous.  Our home was festooned with welcome posters, flowers, baked goods and the pantry and fridge were stocked.  Amazing friends we have!

     

 He made it home too!

Just like that, we were back in the swing of normal summer activities.

 Back to visiting family.

Back to swimming with friends.

 Back to the NC coast with friends.

   This post has sat unfinished for months.  Too busy? Too unable to fully process this adventure?  Too sad to keep looking at all the last photos?  All of the above.  We miss Sydney and think about it most days.

   The adventure didn't completely end in June though...