Made it to Fiji!

Haven't had a lot of wireless access but wanted to let everyone know that we made it safe and sound to Fiji. More later on our first couple days...

Fiji, here we come!

Waiting to board our flight from LA to Nadi, Fiji. Still doesn't feel real but we are super excited! Check out how big the plane is.

Preparing for Departure

After a 3 week delay, we are finally leaving for Fiji tomorrow!

New backpacks - Mars for Paul and Venus for me!

With full packs, we did a trial 5-mile hike...

...along Crystal Springs Reservoir

Huh?

It was nice spending extra time with my family and I'm glad I was able to help my sister be "Auntie Nanny"to my two nephews for a week. We had a lot of fun but boy, are they tiring!

A big thanks to my cousins Amy and John for allowing us to crash at their place for a whole month. We took over Lauryn's room (their 11-year old daughter) and were thankful for her bed...and that her room wasn't plastered with posters of boy bands (ok, Paul was disappointed).

Lots of gatherings to wish us well...

Sydney with Boots!

Kat Kat with Uncle Paul

With Junior High friends

With Amy, Lil and Anson (wish you were here, John!)

With Lil and Amy

Happy 2013!

Merry Christmas...

...and Happy New Year!

I know it's been awhile since my last post...We decided to delay our departure to Fiji (for a few reasons) until January 19th so we rang in 2013 here in California.

Paul's back wasn't in great shape before we left NY and it only got worse as we drove across the country. Seeing chiropractors in Chicago, Austin, and Denver helped a little but not enough. I also developed a cough before leaving NY (I suspect from all the dust in our apartment as we emptied it) and it was/is still lingering. We also got to spend a few hours in the ER on Christmas Eve...

We want to be 100% healthy before leaving the country so we are taking the time to do that. It's also been great to spend time with family and friends in the Bay Area.

With Janet and Jackie - friends for over 20 years now!

Merry Christmas! Shortly after this pic, I stabbed Paul with an Epi-Pen and we headed to the ER.

Paul had a severe allergic reaction to something...I watched A Christmas Story while he slept. 

Hanging with Jr. High friends and yes, Paul is feeling better and has an appointment with an allergist!

Play date - the kids are almost outnumbering us

Owen, Logan, and Branden - 2 out of 3 looking at the camera

Between both pics, I got all 3 looking at the camera...

Baby Wesley

Fire Chief Lily

My nephew Joshua poses for me

Random Shots of the Week (12/15-12/21)

With my niece and sister before leaving Vegas

Joshua trees while driving to L.A. 

Blanket of fog as we approached L.A.

We had to have some In-N-Out on the road! 

BAAAAA RAAAAMM UUUUUU! Oh, and the clouds look fake!

Rainbow...but actually a DOUBLE RAINBOW - can you see it?

Uncle Paul is so much fun!