Back in Vancouver

We made it!  After all the planning and preparation, we are back in the Great White North.  Saturday and Sunday were incredibly busy days as we had to complete all our final packing and preparations before heading to Auckland and jumping on a plane.

Emma, Naomi, and Hannah with Brooklyn
in the St Paul's van.

It became apparent rather quickly that trying to clean and pack was going to be incredibly difficult with three children in the house and nothing for them to do!  The pouring rain did not help either.  In the end, Craig took Naomi and Hannah to visit Peter and Annie Osborne's new house while Ellen continued to pack and clean.  Big thanks to Annie and Michaela who went to the house to help with packing and cleaning!

We were literally packing and cleaning right up until the time when both our family and the Osborne family jumped in the St Paul's School van and drove to Auckland Airport!  We arrived three hours prior to our departure, checked our bags and had one final farewell drink with the Osborne's before going through security and heading towards the gate.  After some (very) last minute shopping, we were on the plane.

Ellen and Craig with Peter and Annie at the airport.

Emma, Naomi, Hannah with Brooklyn and Oliver at the airport.

The flight was remarkably smooth.  All three kids were very well behaved for the entire flight - thank goodness for in-flight movies!  Ellen was also incredibly well prepared (as usual) ensuring that the kids had their own personalised 'flight packs' with books, games and colouring pens.  The kids even slept well!

Naomi with Dad on the plane.

Hannah and Emma with Mum on the plane.

 We arrived in Vancouver at 11:40am - 20 minutes ahead of schedule - and after clearing customs, we were picked up by Craig's dad who drove us to 'Grandma and Grandpa's' house.  The kids were very excited to see their grandparents!  Auntie Rhonda, Uncle Joe, Patrick and his friend Alison came over for dinner.  The kids had a great time with playing with Patrick and Alison!

By 7pm we were all completed shattered from the long flight.  Most of us were asleep by 8pm.

Thus begins our new adventure in Canada.

Our van covered in frost the next morning!

Morning frost!!!