Back to reality

Hi All - I am trying out a new look on our blog, as suggested by our friend Emily while we were in the US the past few weeks.  What do you think?  I figure it is a good step 1 and hopefully will have some time to learn more about personalizing the template as we go.  Stay tuned.

It is going to take a few posts to share all of our adventures in the US the past few weeks.  Most importantly we had a great time seeing family and friends, all who we miss every day.  I have also decided it is much, much harder to adjust to the time heading to the US than it is heading to Oz.  I never noticed that until now.  Still it was worth it making the trek and even though we have only been home a few days, I am excited to go back in December.

Our venture back started out with my family.  We trekked over from Sydney to LA and spent just a few hours in California before jumping a plane to Seattle.  I was worried that, yet again, the weather was going to disappoint.  Thankfully that did not come to pass - aside from a few sprinkles and clouds Thursday morning, we couldn't have asked for a nicer few days in Seattle.  We didn't do anything too exciting, but managed to get Bill up into both the Piper cub for a late afternoon/evening flight and the next morning we all hopped up to Friday Harbor for brunch before the family came over to BBQ.  I love that Bill has taken to flying in a way none of us kids have, at least to date.  He really enjoys and looks forward to his time in the plane (either one) when we visit my parents.  I am sure flying lessons are in his future :-)

Friday night my brothers and their families, plus my cousins and aunt came to Tacoma for dinner.  It was great to see everyone - I know getting therewas a pain on a Friday, but so happy they all did.  As much fun as Bill and I have in Sydney, we don't get that type of gathering very often.  Our nephew Elliott is getting super big and hopefuly prepping for the sibling that is coming at year's end.  He loves his 'Pampa' more than life but getting good at sharing his time and attention with everyone at events.  Its crazy how fast he is growing up.

Saturday we had a typical Rounce family breakfast - corn fritters!!  Its one of my favorite meals and no one makes it like my dad.  It was a great way to wrap up our visit with my fam.  Dad, Mom, Bill and I took off to Seattle to have our traditional meal at Elliott's (another Bill fave) and for the first time we got to sit outside and enjoy our food.  Bill and I actually got sunburned during our 90 minute meal, it was crazy!  It was awesome though - I would love for all of our Elliott's meals to be so gorgeous.  After eating we headed to the cruise terminal to start the grand adventure.  I expecting a nice, quiet send off - but should have known better.  As we were pulling up in the drop off area, a big white van pulled up behind us and after a few seconds of staring, I realized it was Bill's immediate family arriving from the hotel.  What are the odds of that?  We all pull into the terminal at the same time.  Craziness!!

Its getting late, so I will leave you with that.  More next time on my first cruise ever, it was amazing!  Ciao!