We've been back a massive 2 months and still Fiji stays with us in many ways.  The boys live so much in the present that they don't spend much time openly discussing or musing over their time there, but we think the experience has had a fairly profound effect on them.  One thing we have really noticed is that they just don't WANT any extras these days.  Rarely do we hear the words "why can't we have a ....".  They know, even if it's subconsciously, how very lucky they are to live the life they do, and have the things they have.  I guess it's given them a better understanding of the difference between "wants" and "needs".

The Fiji experience has also opened their eyes to how much fun it can be to explore other countries, and so there's been lots of talk about where we could go next.  I think we may have started something...........

However, everyone has slotted straight back into their respective classes at school and Declan and Riley have started their soccer and rugby seasons.  Paul is once again coaching Riley's rugby team and doing a fantastic job of it.  I've usually been the one to do all the school trips etc, so this is such an awesome way for them to connect and do their father-son stuff.

Paul has slotted back into work at P & P.  Seems although some projects could be put on hold for 3 months, the deadlines weren't moved back accordingly, so he's really been making up for lost time.

In other news, Bettina (my younger sister) and her family are moving from Sydney to Auckland!  Pete has scored a great job with JWT (advertising) and has already arrived.  Bettina and Barnaby will follow in a couple of weeks, so hopefully we will be catching up with them on a much more regular basis soon.  Great opportunity for a fresh start following a pretty average year for them, and they are really looking forward to it.

Later,

Michelle