Moving

It seems to be taking me forever, but I think I'm going for it...

I'm moving into the mac blogoshere. It's experimental for the time-being. If you have the patience to play along as I figure out what I'm doing, here's the new site:

http://web.me.com/carrie.hall/hallsoup

ps. there are Fiji pictures there...

BULA!

Say, Boo-laaaaaah!

Everywhere you go in Fiji, this is the greeting. A couple times I heard myself say Hola by mistake. I'm pretty sure it slipped under the radar though.

We had a fantastic holiday to Fiji last week. It was exactly what we'd hoped for--hanging out together. It seems we've been going so many different directions for the past couple months. Well, mostly just Matt has been in the opposite direction from the rest of us. But, he was back in the Southern Hemisphere, and ready to reconnect.

I can honestly say, there is no better place to do so than in Fiji! We hadn't done our usual research and planning for this trip. We had it scheduled 6 months ago, and then it just kind of snuck up on us. We read the Fiji tour book on the flight, and just decided to wing it. Lots of Aussies vacation in Fiji--there are always cheap flights, plus the exchange rate works in our favor. We were warned that it can downpour for weeks at a time. We were warned that the government instability makes it an unsafe travel destination. But our experience was only positive. (Unless you count the runs we all came home with... but I just chalk that up as another souvenir.)

K. So, here's some geography & history before I get on with the trip.

Fiji is 2 large-ish islands and lots of little ones (including "Castaway Island" where Tom Hanks movie was filmed.)

Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II reigns over Fiji, but they have their own local gov't. If it weren't for the union jack on their flag, and her face all over their money, there is really no sign of the white Europeans (British Aussies) who "settled" the land. Of course, the Fijians had been living there for thousands of years prior, but some white guys went exploring and "discovered" the land, and paid off some Fijian kings debts, and therefore made claim on the land. They promptly started exporting sugar cane, and then imported lots of endangered servants (slaves) from India (another land ruled by the Commonwealth of England) to work in the fields. For this reason, there are now two dominant cultures in Fiji. The laid-back, warm and welcoming Fijians, and the more intense, born to be used car salesmen, Fijian Indians.

We stayed at the "X"--on the south side of Viti Levu (the Coral Coast), part way between Nadi and Suva. There is one road that travels between these 2 major cities. It is mostly paved, but sometimes dirt, and always best to drive it on an empty bladder... especially with Matt at the wheel. We arrived at night, and drove an hour or so to the hotel. Matt started to gun it early in our journey--he had the need to pass the slow guy in front of us. Well, turned out the slow guy was slow because the road turned to gravel, and was more like skiing moguls than driving. The kids launched a foot out of their seats (only a couple seatbelts actually worked.) We all screamed. And then laughed hysterically. It was so dark, and our headlights so dim that we really had no clue what the road was doing. The rest of the drive was slow and cautious, so don't worry mom.

The Resort life was picture perfect paradise. It looked like a back drop. We snorkeled, parasailed, swam, mini-golfed, napped, and buffet-ed. The staff were so warm and adoring toward the kids. They had babysitters and little chiefs club activities available at just about any hour of the day. I would highly recommend this spot as a family friendly holiday.

After a couple days in the Resort, we were anxious to get out and see Fiji for real. It was still "postcard" perfect: swaying palm trees and crashing waves, lush hillsides and tropical birds. But there were stark contrasts. Poverty; villages that are probably lost with every passing monsoon; barefoot hitckhikers. Boys carrying long swords--the Fijian's tool of choice. We picked up as many people as we could fit in the van. We started wanting to spend the day just giving rides to people.

On Sunday, the public busses hardly run at all, so there were more people than usual on the road. We took a boy to his church. We picked up a mom and her 2 girls. As they piled in we noticed a Book of Mormon in the girls' hand. They were able to direct us to their meetinghouse (which was an old store--everyone met in one large space which made it very hard to hear the Sunday School lesson when the Primary kids began singing!) This experience was so foreign to our kids. They were in awe. I don't think they (or I for that matter) can fully grasp what life in Fiji is truly like.

After church we drove some members home. They lived across the lagoon from our resort. They had never seen inside the bush-lined walls of the resort, so we took them in and showed them. They took us into their village, and into their tiny, dark home. They cooked us fish and potatoes and insisted we eat while they stood back and watched. The table was set with 4 plates, one fork, an open box of salt, 2 boiled potatoes and 2 fish. The fish were completely whole--eyes, fins, gaping mouth wide open. Brother Sorby had caught the fish the day before and his mother cooked them in coconut milk for us. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were eating their precious food, and that they would go hungry because of it. But, I knew it would've been much worse to reject it. Before the meal, they passed around a bowl of water to wash our hands in. I am emotional just thinking about all this.

My gratitude and awareness for my privileged life just sweeps over me. Why do I whine? Why do I waste? I want to stop. My new friends have so little, and yet they are so happy and filled with purpose. They cannot even imagine my kitchen cupboard. It is a very different existence we lead. One not superior to the other. I learn from this experience, and pray that my kids do as well.

(to be continued...)

Autumn Proof

I swear it was fall for less than a week here. Luckily I snapped these pics to remind me... Now that the radio guy tells me we are in for a week of "tops of 13" (celcius--not sure on the conversion, but just know it's c-c-c-cold) I am forgetting what those delightful fall days felt like.

It was one of those days when Taylor and I were out on a walk and I happened to bring the camera along. I'm glad I did because I have spent the past year and a half wishing I had the camera handy whenever I see a postman.

They make me smile in a smirk/laughing way; not so much a joyful happy way. In my opinion they are the Aussie James Bond. They race around with no concern for traffic; no concern for anything for that matter. Their helmet-sun-protection-veil flapping in the wind, making them appear to be traveling faster than they probably are. They drive across yards, jumping curbs, weaving into and out of traffic... It is awesome. I wonder what the job interview process is like.
I was literally running at top speed (while maneuvering Taylor's stroller and the camera) to try to keep up enough to get some photos.
I realized after I finally gave up that he/she (you never know!) was probably getting a kick out of watching me in his/her rear view mirrors! They definitely entertain me. And I'm just glad if I could return the favor.

Reconciliation Week

Using Truscott Street students' hands to create the Aboriginal Flag

Every year in May, the schools in New South Wales spend a week learning more about "Reconciliation." This is the word used to describe the relationship between Indiginous Australians (Aboriginals) and Immigrants (all other Aussies). Everyone is required to prepare a speech: the younger grades speak on a simple assigned topic while the older grades (3-6) choose from a list of topics that pertain to reconciliation: racism, discrimination, political views, social rights... etc. Not my forte... Last year when we prepared the speeches we were totally clueless. This year we knew more of what to expect.

The kids each practiced at home and then presented in their classrooms. Two kids from each class were then selected to present their speech to the school. Well, last year Bryson was selected to speak to the school. This year all 3 kids were chosen! I was so proud of them. Of course, they were not that happy... I will admit, I wouldn't think that speaking in front of the school is a very good reward for giving a good speech in class. (more of a dis-incentive if you ask me, but I didn't tell them that!) So, I bribed them.

Two new lego sets and one pair of ears RE pierced (for the 3rd time... don't get me started...)

It turns out, Aubs and Zach ended up winning! What does that mean?

I guess Aubs is supposed to go on to the next level... but she is conveniently not telling me any details in

hopes that I will just forget about it.

For the grandparents, here are their speeches on youtube...

Aubrye

Bryson

Zach

No photo left behind

May is slipping by... but not without mention of a few notable memories:

Holy Cross Soccer Club--Zach w/ Ethan Nicol 

Zach takes home the "Man of the Match" trophy after his first game. He didn't score a goal, but he did defend his own goal four or five times! (and he did it all with his eyes shut! j-k)

Celebrity Disco

As always, the kids' school is raising money for something, so they put on a disco--come as your favorite celebrity. Well, my kids don't know who their favorite celebrity is, but with the help of some friends here's who they decided to be: Taylor Swift (Aubrye), Tom Cruise (Bryson), and David Beckham (Zach).

The Prekpenarat Family was sealed in the Sydney Temple

What a privilege to experience this day with them. They immigrated to Australia from Thailand soon after joining the church. In Sydney they didn't know where to find an LDS church, so they just went to an Anglican one that was on their street. About a year after, an LDS Chinese lady (far left) moved into the Prekpenarats apt building, and somehow she met them and gave them the info for our Ward. We have loved getting to know this family!

Mother's Day

Rubs galore!

Zach & Lizzy's Wedding Day

After a week of sunshine, the big wedding day was stormy and cold. In fact, Matt & I hoped we'd be able to find our way to the Draper Temple just by driving toward it. But, the clouds were so low and thick we couldn't see it! Thankfully Lisa helped us make it...

But, it didn't even matter what the weather was doing outside as Zach & Lizzy's smiles were so big and bright. I love that pure joy of a bride and groom. Then, just as the sealing ceremony was ending, the sun broke through the clouds and shone in through the windows. It was really gorgeous.

During the afternoon, we got everyone dressed and ready for the reception, and then decided to go to Carrabas for our "final meal". No, we weren't planning to be executed the next day. But we were going to be headed back to Sydney, and just didn't want to have to wait another year for the deliciousness of the bread and Mezzaluna Ravioli...mmmmm. The kids were just happy to have the free refills on their rootbeer. Oh the things we have to live without!

K. Back to more important things... 

The little girls just loved being near Lizzy! 

(l-r Elle, Summer, Brynley, Bailey, Aubrye & Olivia)

The reception was held in the BYU Skyroom. It turned out beautiful. We took more pictures, and just wandered around until the guests started to arrive. Come to think of it, even after the guests started to arrive we just continued wandering around :) I felt so nervous that the cake was going to get knocked over by one of the grandkids (just please don't let it be one of my children!) Taylor napped in his stroller for the first half of the reception, so that was a huge load off my shoulders (25 lbs, to be exact.) The cake was delicious, the cousins all kept each other entertained and mostly happy, Zach & Lizzy kept their smiles up & did a great job welcoming all their guests. It was a perfect night!

The cake was perched on a very very narrow pillar. I was sure it was going to have an "AFV" moment at some point. Thankfully it didn't!

(l-r: Elle, Bryson, Summer, Aubrye, Parker, Olivia, Finn, Shae)

Zach & Zach

They simply could not keep their hands off Liz...

Linda makes sure the flowers get onto all the right people. Liz's dad and his wife in the background.

Brynley, Parker and Jenni enjoy the view of Y mountain

Zach, Bryson & Ethan looking suspiciously innocent...

Dads and their babies helping each other cope :)

Taylor chugs his bottle after he & I share a piece of yummy wedding cake. Full tummies & ready for bed!

Congrats Zach & Liz! We love you guys!

Dear Provo,

Thanks for the gorgeous welcome home: snow-capped mountains and blue skies! Oh how we've missed you! Thanks for being warm-ish and spring-y for a few days before turning grey and frigid. It helped us ease into wearing socks and shoes again.

***sidenote: what's up with the date stamp on these pictures? was I using some kind of 1994 camera? it is completely embedded into the digital print...weird. i know what you're saying, just photoshop it out. well, photoshop went bye bye with my laptop. waaah. k. moving on...

And, to you, Lizzy, thanks for agreeing to marry Zach so we could feel obligated to make the trip to Utah for your wedding. :) And to the new babies that we hadn't met yet. MAN you're cute!

Aubs just loved her time with you, Bailey. What a sweet baby! Your huge toothless grin is to die for. You even let us hold you! Taylor pulled the jealous oh-no-you-don't-that's-MY-mama routine, so I just held you both for a couple minutes. Miss Aubrye, babysitter extraordinaire, could not get enough of you! 

And Brynley, (whose twin Wyatt escaped the camera everytime...) you are a funny little firecracker! Aubs is seriously counting down the days she until she gets to babysit all you cuties! There were lots of similarities between you twins and Taylor: no patience for diaper changes; uncontrollable desire to empty all cupboards, drawers, bags; really cute and happy almost all the time, but not real interested in cooperating for the Hall family photo shoot :) Sorry Linda!

And, soon to be aunt/sis-in-law Lizzy, you and Zach partied with us almost every night! It was so great to get to know you better. The kids are working really hard on the worm, just like you taught them. And Uncle Zach, thanks for showing Taylor what it would be like to be tall. He'll never get there, but now he knows what he's missing. By the way, does that huge bump on his forehead have anything to do with you??? No. I know. In our empty house, there wasn't much else to do! SO thanks for keeping the kids happy! (Look forward to a separate post of the wedding day :)

And you, cute-- in a very masculine sort of way--Chihuahua, Milo.

As the firstborn of Katt & Justin, you have a big responsibility. You must train your parents well. Begin by insisting that they move back to Sydney. Lehi isn't all it's cracked up to be. Our life hasn't been the same since they moved away from us. At least Bryson's life, that is... Justin is king of Super Smash Bros, and is probably the only person I know who can actually beat Bryson. But honestly, Katt, Justin, I know you read this blog (not.) But if you are google-ing yourselves and find it, just know that we would really appreciate if you could move back. Pronto.

And to our awesome friends the Jensens. Don't you dare ever move. You must remain just as we left you... awaiting our return, just beyond Strat's fence. Deal? I forced you all into taking this picture with us after church. So, thanks guys! Now I get to put you on the blog. We miss you so very much. And to those of you whom we miss & love, but failed to make you take a picture with us, thanks for being our friend/neighbor/cousin/aunt/dentist/etc. We are happier people thanks to all of you! 

Just look at these smiles! That is HAPPY! (maybe a little goofball from Bryson, but still happy!)

And, dear bikes, the kids miss you ever so much. Thank you tires for holding air and being ready to ride. Thank you, cul-de-sac for being wide and safe: a perfect spot for Zach's "crash" course in 2-wheeler riding. (pun intended)

And to Grandpa & Grandma Hall, thanks for always driving us and our 9 tons of luggage, and then loaning us your car. And thanks for all the kisses and cuddles. And for taking the kids to lunch and shopping for new birthday funstuff. Bryson hasn't stopped building those legos and wearing that Pokemon shirt you bought him ever since. Seriously, thanks.

Last but not least, to you, my house. We decided (or Matt wore me down until I succumbed...) to move out of you all the way, and put you up for rent with a management company. To be fair, Matt has been patient with me as I have really fought against this idea. To him, it's a no brainer to rent you and make lots of money. To me it's a heart wrenching emotional battle to allow someone else to live with you! I mean, I haven't even really lived with you yet!

Matt agreed to hire help with the packing and moving. But, that didn't mean we didn't have a TON of work to do before the packers showed up to throw everything into boxes and haul it away. The kids and I tried to sort through everything. There is SO much that we left in you, dear Provo house, that we do without in Sydney. And a huge percentage of that stuff we don't even miss. SO, in the end, this is a good thing, right? When we come back, we can be more organized and less cluttered. Sound good?

And, to you, whoever you are, who is going to live in my house, be kind. Be happy. Love your master bedroom view of Y mountain as much as we did. Enjoy your neighbors. Change the furnace filters. Pay your rent. And above all, don't get too comfortable! Because it's not gonna last.

xx love always, 

c

Life in the Fast Lane

{Big smiles after Space Mountain--

Best part? Waiting in the air-conditioning. It was over 100 degrees outside! Hello, it's APRIL.}

{Autopia - Grandpa and Aubs, followed--a little closely I must say--by Grammy & Sue}

The CA portion of our trip was amazing. I'm pretty sure we defied the laws of physics--there is no other explanation for doing as much as we did in such a short period of time while remaining happy and healthy. We hit Disneyland, saw huge amounts of cousins sporting matches (lacrosse, roller hockey, soccer, baseball...) , survived a family photo shoot at the beach, got pedicures, celebrated birthdays and still managed to sit around and visit. Thanks to my amazing family for pulling this off, feeding us constantly, sharing your car, house, pool, church, beds, etc. We always feel at home with you :)

{kinda a large group, dontcha think? we split up a few times, but mostly stuck together. it was my favorite trip to Disneyland yet. 

Grammy & Gpa joined up with us for most of the day!}

{Is that your inmate number? No, it's my mom's cell #. She sharpied to my body in case I get lost...}

{Taylor l-o-v-e-d Winnie the Pooh's Blustery Day ride. We even saw Tigger, although we didn't wait in the line for a photo op... Did I mention it was over 100 degrees??? The other kids were busy getting soaked on Splash Mountain.}

{Sooo glad we waited in line for Dumbo while the girls went over to the Tea Cups :) }

{Best ride of all: Big Thunder Mountain! Not only do I love it, but it had almost NO line! We rode it 3 times I think. I just had to be careful on the turns not to completely squash Aubs!}

{Casey Jr with a cage of wild animals! And yes, Aubs mouth is bloody--her tooth just fell out as we were about to get on this ride.}

{The first time Bryson was officially tall enough to ride ALL the rides at Disneyland!}

{At Disneyland a diet coke & giant pickle totally count as dinner...}

{Time for night-night. The happiest place on earth makes us all tired after awhile!}

{overlooking Laguna Beach--waiting for the family photoshoot}

{Aubrye may not have a sister, but she has the most fabulous girl cousins ever!}

{Us with my parents. They live in one of the most beautiful places on earth!}

{We celebrated Aubrye & Bryson's birthdays after the beach photo session.}

{After Porter's hockey game--somebody get this kid some Gatorade!}

{between lacrosse matches Abbie showed us how to throw & catch}

{and Taylor showed us how he can steal the ball and end our little lacrosse lesson}

{it didn't take long for Taylor to fall for sweet Kenzie}

Once again, we were so sad to have to leave. But I'm pretty sure you (we) couldn't have kept that intensity up for much longer! Non stop. It was awesome.