My Last Day - August 13

I'm siting in Auckland International Airport at gate 8 waiting for Air New Zealand flight 8, trying to keep it together.  Later I'll write the best of, but I have one last day to record.

Roger and I were up until 12:30am because he kept making me cry and that was his goal the whole day.  When I got out of the toilet this morning Keanna gave me a good scare and Mackenzie made sure I got wet.  We spent time talking, giggling, and singing Party in the USA (one of our theme songs during the trip).  After they left for school and I got cleaned up, Roger, Andrea and I went to brunch.  Roger kept asking what I was going to do for the afternoon and to get him off my back I told him I wanted to go for a ride in his fancy car.  We drove out to a beach(I can't remember the name and I only get the Internet free for 30 min).

The beach

Roger made me sit on a tree

Showing off my famous hair flicking skills I developed as a 19 yr old

Then we went to see his parents and his Dad gave me a tour of the Silverdale Firestation.  It has salaried firemen during the day M-F and then volunteers the rest of the time.  I got to sit in the volunteers engine

After that we finished the pre airport day with a hot chocolate from McCafe

We went home, got the girls and my luggage and came to the airport

During the ride I was surprised with a whole bunch of gifts inicluding the All Blacks pillow pet Keanna is holding for me.  I also received a couple of charms for my bracelet.  We had some food where little gifts kept appearing on the table - two more charms

A very full bracelet

Not appearing in the close up is my silver fern.  I also got, from the bottom Adventure, Anzac poppy, and happiness.  The best one they gave me was the family one (right above happiness). 

I burst into tears when it was time to ride up the special elevator to passport control.  I stopped crying, but as soon as I'm settled on the plane I know it will start again.  

This was an amazing trip, I couldn't have asked for a better adventure, fun, and amazement.  Even if I'm not coming home with a sheep farmer or a pilot (roger would say its not over until I get off the plane), this was exactly what I needed at this time.  I should have come long ago, but I don't think it would have had the same impact.  Thanks to my Mac family.  I will miss you!