Back to the States

This past Friday Joe and I travelled just under 24 hours back to the states for Jonathan and Lauren's wedding as well as my sister and brother-n-law's 10th anniversary. 

We were greeted by my sister and Dad at the airport. It was so nice of them to pick us up even with a 45 minute delayed flight. When we arrived at her house, we had no idea that there was going to be a surprise party planned with tons of friends that we would not have gotten to see. It was extremely nice of everyone involved and much appreciated. 

The next day we met friends for lunch then Joe went and had dinner with more friends while I stayed and watched my niece and nephew. We watched Frozen and snuggled on the couch just like old times. 

Today is my Dad's 52nd Birthday so my sister, Lincoln and I met him at one of his favorite restaurants, Journeys. It is great to be home and to see everyone. Joe was able to meet up with his friends again to play basketball for almost three hours. He and Travis both have the sunburn to prove it! 

Late Night Walk

I wasn't feeling well at all today but decided to go for a late night walk in the city with Joe. While I'm not sure my body feels better, my soul definitely does. Brisbane is a really beautiful city will all sorts of historic buildings. 

Another Day in Paradise

Because we live only an hour from Surfer's Paradise, we thought it would be nice to talk the beach and visit the shops. It was a beautiful day. 

In the Single Digits

Joe and I are traveling back to the states next week for his brother's wedding. We are extremely excited to see everyone. Missing big holidays like Christmas and Easter make it more difficult but recieving pictures like the one below makes it much easier to be away. We are in the single digits of coming home and counting! 

Easter & Gold Coast

Joe and I went to Palm Beach twice over the long Easter weekend. It's a beautiful beach that's isn't too packed and has a great surf club. It just happens to be only 45 minutes from our apartment! 

We also went over to our American friend's house for Easter lunch. I made sweet potato casserole, cookies and brownies. I'm starting to get used to this baking thing. After lunch we went to church where there was a brilliant service. Overall a successful weekend. 

New Place, New Job, New Outlook

Hey Everyone! 

It has been way too long since my last post. We have moved deeper into the city and closer to Joe's clients. The new apartment is part residential and part hotel which I wasn't sure that I would like but it's growing on me. This lifestyle is different than any we have experienced but change is good. We are excited to gain new experiences so we are able to learn what we like. 

I also started a new job about a month ago. I'm working for a hospital corporation in their organizational and professional development department. It started out as a 3 month assignment but I have already been offered a 12 month extension which is really great. As long as Joe's contract extends in August then we are both set for awhile.

I've been working on introducing my new coworkers to American food or at least from where I come from. As a culture here, having morning and afternoon tea is almost mandatory. This includes yummy sweets as well. To contribute I made homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. It had been years since I made them with my Mammaw but I had Joe run a taste test. They loved them and are now begging me to bring in something else. I guess I'm starting to actually put what she taught me to use. 

Today is the start of Easter break which is a four day weekend. We plan to go to the beach, church service and an American family's house for dinner. It's hard being away from family for the holidays but exciting to see other countries culture during these special times. 

Joe and I were chosen to be filmed for the local news regarding our new apartment building. It was fun telling our story even if we were only featured for 10 seconds or so haha! The link below should work for at least a few weeks. 

http://ninem.sn/iNsAk5P 

I'm going to try to post daily pictures from now on. I need to make up for lost time and I truly want to document our adventure. More posts to come soon! 

Rainforest

Joe and I travelled a couple of weeks ago to O'Reillys Rainforest which sit nicely on top of a mountain. On the way up the mountain we saw multiple kangaroo families and spectacular view. The road leading up the mountain was, at most times, one lane and very curvy. Little did I know Joe had been given the advice that we may be car sick from the 40 minute drive up the mountain. 

During this trip we hiked to natural waterfalls, treetop canapies and swam in an infinity pool that overlooked the valley. Overall it was a great trip for Joe's birthday. 

Birthday Week

This week my niece turned 7 years old. She is so intelligent and beautiful. Sometimes I forget that she is only in the 1st grade. It's been tough because I have never missed her birthday so my sister made a traveling doll with my face. It was a great way to make me smile while feeling a little down. 

Joe's birthday is tomorrow so we will be visiting O'Reilly's Rainforest for the weekend. Excited to walk the tree tops and spend time with him on his special day. 

Happy Australia Day

We are fortunate enough to live in a location where celebrating Australia Day is easy. There is a massive festival right outside our apartment with free lawn seats, markets, music and entertainment. We were able to finally ride The Eye Of Brisbane and watch the fireworks from our balcony. Overall is was a wonderful day. Happy Australia Day Everyone!

Happy Holidays!

This past two weeks has been wonderful. Joe has been off of work and we have had a relaxing break. We made Christmas dinner, went to a New Years Party, went to the beach and travelled around the city. This week is back to the grind is Joe working and me finishing up grad school. Excited to be done soon! 

We received a couple of Christmas cards and it was nice to have the fimiliarity.

Christmas dinner was a definite success

Joe surprised me with a Tiffany & Co. Infinity ring. He wants to make her a visitor every year. I'm okay with that!

Our first Australian BBQ. It was a blast!

News Years Eve with new friends. Thanks for such a memorable night. 

Moreton Bay near the city. My Dad is suppose to visit in May and hopefully he will use one of these sinks when fishing. 

Noosa Beach on one of the hottest days yet. It was still beautiful. 

Little Things That Count

Joe and I needed to add a little Holiday cheer to the apartment. It definitely looks different than are usual spread but different does not always mean bad. Having this adventure has been such a learning experience already. 

Brisbane's tree is powered by solar energy. The star at the top is made of solar panels. So amazing!

A choir of Angels singing outside of the Brisbane Convention Center. They were really good. I love their proper foot placement as well. 

Last weekend we went to the most incredible Christmas Program at Citipointe Church. All of the performers were amazing and professional.

Joe has the next two weeks off so we are going to travel around the city and surrounding areas to see what we can find. Hoping to head back to the beach and maybe hike the mountains. 

Happy Heart

My niece has lost two teeth since we left the states. It's ridiculous how cute she is!

Joe and I attended Citipointe Church this morning and truly feel blessed. Even though it took a 25 min bus ride and a mile walk, it was well worth it. The first couple I walked up to for direction happened to be American! They came to Australia six years ago. I felt like it was God stepping in and guiding us through with a little comfort of home. After leaving I could not help but have a happy heart. We wil be attending the Christmas program this next weekend! 

Happy Holidays!

Joe and I tried a new local place called "Balls." Yes, I feel like Joe gravitated towards the restaurant due to the title but it was really good. 

The restaurant actually brings in a local artist who created chalk drawings. The detail of this one was so amazing. It made me want to start drawing again. 

This past week was my first temp job in Australia. It was only for the week but I met some really great people. I am hoping to keep in touch with them as much as possible and pray that I find an awesome company like that to work for. I feel pretty spoiled to have gotten so lucky my first time out. They are located in the city on the 24th floor with panoramic views. 

One of the guys at the office used to be a chef so he made an Australian, or New Zealand depending on who you asked haha,dessert on my last day at the office. It's called pavlova and is so good!  

Joe felt bad about Thanksgiving and missing family so he txt me while at work to let me know that he is renting a car and we are staying in the coast for the weekend. It rained the first day but was still a great experience. 

This is the view from our apartment over the weekend. I could get used to waking up and seeing the ocean. 

We even saw our first surfing competition! I think it was for younger competitors but still amazing to see. 

This was a sign inside of our rental car. I'm glad Joe saw this or maybe we would have not known haha!

Christmas is approaching and seeing the lights in such hot weather is still something we can't get used to. 

Joe has been traveling a lot lately and it can be difficult at times when I am all alone but he is working so hard for our family. I'm so proud of him! 

I am starting to meet people and actually have a girls dinner on Wednesday. Things are starting to come together : )