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 : )

Silver and Platinum Status

Joe traveled to Sydney just one day after we came back from the states. He was there for a conference and to present to a client. His was able to see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We are hoping to go back to bring in the new year. 

While Joe was flying back from Sydney, he found a 7 page spread of Indianapolis inside of the Virgin Airlines magazine. How cool is that?!?

I am now a Silver Medallion member with Delta and partners Virgin Airlines. This means I have flown over 25,000 miles from July of this year. This does not include one of my international trips with Qantas Airlines. Joe is now a Platinum Medallion member with Delta and partner Virgin Airlines which means he has traveled over 75,000 miles with them alone this year. He has also had multiple trips with Qantas Airlines. His status allows us to recieve free upgrades and Sky Club use. I don't like when he is gone but these are nice benefits when traveling with him. 

Back to Brisbane

Joe and I decided to pick up Grace early from school on Friday so we could spend time together before heading back to Brisbane the next day. We took her to eat at Brunchies which is one of her favorites. It is hard to think that we won't see her until next year. She has already promised to skype and send pictures from her recitals and I will not miss out. Love you baby girl. 

Stephanie and Travis let us have a few people over before leaving on Saturday. We played Cranium, Family Fued, and Euchre. Of course I had to get pictures with all of the girls. A huge thank you to Stephanie and Travis for allowing us to stay at their house for two weeks. It was so cozy and we felt comfortable the whole time. Also, Grace gave up her bed and room for that long as well while still going to school and getting perfect scores on all of her tests. Such a rock star! Steph, I am counting on you to let her read this : )

Before the party, the kids watched a movie. This is so cute! 

Joe is now a Diamond member for Delta and therefore we were both upgraded to first class on our first flight. Thank you Delta for giving the Elite status to the partners as well. Truly loving those benefits! 

Joe and I were not able to make it around to see everyone while we were back in the states. We are sorry if we didn't make it to you but we hope you understand that our schedules were expremeley packed. Joe was actually back to work and up all night the second week back. We are hoping to be back in May and will try to get out more then. 

We are now safely in Brisbane. I walked into the apartment, unloaded our suitcases, walked to the city centre to activate our iPhones, came back and fell asleep for almost 13hrs. Needless to say I have been up since 1:30am here and am not quite feeling myself yet. Joe is already back to work and of course making me more proud than ever. One lucky lady : )