The Seven Puffs...Trying To Live By Faith: New Year's in Brisbane

So we ended 2016 in the same country that we started it. New Year's Eve was spent with dear friends that we made in Hong Kong. When we were given the opportunity to have a long layover in Brisbane, we had to take it. We love the Savonoff's and it's not everyday that we can get to Australia...especially after we move back to the US. They were gracious to take us for a few nights, starting with New Year's Eve.

We began by renting a car and driving to the Savy's, just in time to get ready for their New Year's party. They had invited some family and friends, most if not all we met the previous year. It was a great time...the kids swam and sang, we ate lots of sweets and other goodies, and we laughed a lot as the adults played Telestrations. It was hilarious.

The next day, was a laid back day...just hanging out,, recovering from a late night, more swimming (they have a great pool), more eating and simply enjoying each other's company. We went for a nature walk and was able to see more of the neighborhood. It was just so good to be with them and catch up from the last time we were together.

One of the highlights of the visit was our day trip to the Sunshine Coast and King's Beach, which is north of Brisbane. Last year we went south of Brisbane to Gold Coast. Both coasts are gorgeous and so beautiful, so vast. When we arrived, we set up and found the kids in the water, pretty much the entire time. They had a blast, as the water was much warmer than in NZ and the waves were perfect. They boogie boarded, and we also investigated the tide pools and found some eels. While the weather wasn't a perfect sunny day, it was still hot and it didn't rain...the clouds were a relief.

We are incredibly blessed to have these dear friends, and even though we don't do life with them like we used to, the Lord has created a bond between our families that we will have for a lifetime:) So we will keep in touch until our paths cross again...maybe on the east coast USA:)