Day in DC

We had to get a few snapshots of those iconic DC locations. Unfortunately, the sun wasn't cooperating and Grace thought het time would be better spent napping. We took a few photos with the phone anyway.

Enjoying my Liberties

A day after running the Marine Corps Marathon, Sarah, Grace and I are enjoying a day seeing the sights in DC. First the National Archives, now a quick bite to eat at the courtyard cafe of the National Portrait Gallery, next... who knows.

Tales from Ice 2011

It has taken a full week since I've been home to post the photos from my trips to Antarctica, but they are finally up on Picassa.  Other than the amazing travels I had with Sarah, I did have to work just a bit while in New Zealand.  I actually got to fly down to Antarctica 5 times this season.  On only two occasions was I able to take any photos - one day was sunshine, the other clouds - it's quite obvious from the photos which day is which.  In the five trips I carried nearly 500 passengers, about 300K lbs of cargo, 3 medical evacuation patients, and had a blast.  Each day started around 5 AM with the alert, and usually ended between 10 PM and midnight, depending on winds and cargo.  

The sled is the cargo mover of choice on the ice.  We both uploaded from and downloaded to the sled.

This shipping container had over 20K lbs of food inside.   

 Buttoned up and ready to head back to Christchurch on a blistering -28 C afternoon

Finally got my photo for the season!

Check out all the photos on Picasaweb - Ice 2011

Zoo morning

I must admit that I raised quite a fuss while in New Zealand if I didn't receive my prescribed one photo of Grace each day. It seems as though I'm a bit of a hypocrite though as I've been home 4 days an not a single photo uploaded for the grandparents. Here is the first photo since I've been home...
Grace and dad spend the morning together at the zoo with two friends and their dads. I have a feeling bed time will come early today.

Going Home...Finally

Sarah and I have missed our child more than we could have expected.  As amazing as this work/vacation has been, we are ready to be home.  Sarah departed New Zealand yesterday and should be home in just a few hours.  I depart in a few hours to arrive home on Sunday.  Below you will find the last correspondence and photos we have received before departing.

Mom and Da are coming home soon. Porter and I got to go to the park with Grandpa and Grandma this afternoon and now it's play time. 

See you soon. 

Hugs,  

Grace

A Day For The Record Books

Scott and I just returned from an overnight trip to Kaikora, about 2 hours north of Christchurch. We started off the drive with a short stop and couple wineries then headed up for the night. The next day we awoke at 5am to swim with the dolphins in the area, a must do excursion! We lucked out. We were able to see the amazing snowcapped mountains so close to the sea at sunrise and swim with the wild dolphins before a major storm moved into the area a short time later. Despite the fact that I got totally seasick and had to squeeze into a wetsuit at 27 weeks pregnant, it was totally worth the amazing experience.

After a long hot shower back at the hostel we headed out of Kaikora and stopped at a few more wineries on the way back to Christchurch. We enjoyed some great Riesling and Pinot Noir at The Glenmark Vicarage, a very small winery and Bed and Breakfast in a turn of the century home. I couldn't help but think how much my mother in law would love this place as we got the personal tour from the owner. 

We made one last stop at Torlesse Winery, which put the icing on the cake for the day. By far one of the best winery experiences we've had to date, however, it didn't start off so great. The owner just got done finishing a tasting with a large wine tour group of young adults who "didn't buy anything" and after we entered the tasting room stated something to the effect of, "I detect an accent and suspect you won't be any good to me today." We then spent the next several minutes explaining that we are the type  that not only enjoys wine but buys plenty of it and are fairly knowledgeable. They quickly warmed up to us, especially after hearing that Scott is involved in the Antarctica missions, and before we knew it were helping him label wine bottles for an upcoming shipment and doing several side by side barrel tastings. Not only did we spent a ton of time there, around 3 hours, but we also spent quite and bit of money on some excellent wine that we can't wait to share with family and friends.  Thank you Kym for such a great experience.  

Kym, the owner, operator, sales manager, marketing director, and tour guide shows me how to run the hand operated bottle labeler.

Scott and Kym's son run the labeling line for a few cases.. 

Kym graciously allows us a few side by side barrel tastes - a true first for us!

We tasted the same grapes in new oak and old to see how the barrels impart different flavors at different stages of their lives.  

Next on the itinerary, a few more activities here in Christchurch, packing and getting home to our growing girls who we have been away from for too long now. I depart tomorrow, Scott the following day.  Grace, we are coming!

Letters From Grace

Over the past few days Joan and Allan have been keeping us updated on their activities with Grace.  They have continued a practice my mom started by sending us "letters from Grace."  Here are the letters we have received over the past few days...

Yesterday:

Today is sunny so grandpa and grandma picked me up early. After a stop at Dairy Queen we headed to Owens Beach along with Porter. What fun. See you soon. Love,  Grace

Wednesday:

The petting farm and shopping were great. I didn't want to pet them but Grandpa helped me!

Last Friday:

Oh, what am I going to do next?? There are so many things to play with here!  The Children's Museum is a great Friday afternoon outing.  Grandpa and Grandma are good and everything is fine at our house.  Love you bunches!!!  Grace