Hi from Key West, the first time - throwback

Happiest Pal in the world - throwback

This kid.

Sharks vs. Robots

We have started a contest called Sharks vs. Robots.

If the shorts make it through the day, score one for the Sharks!  If the shirt makes it, the Robots win.

So far its Sharks: 2, Robots: 0

Gearing up!

We leave in 8 days!

Here are Pal's new hiking boots.  They are waterproof (GORETEX, actually) and nicer than the ones I plan to wear.  Watch out, New Zealand... Here comes ADVENTURE PAL!!

Farewell Roots!

Today was my last "official" class at Roots.  I am sad to be leaving such a supportive and friendly community but we will definitely be back next year.  Much love to you all!

Machu Picchu - throwback

After 4 days of hiking the Inca Trail, we were greeted with this upon sunrise.  This was one of the coolest moments of my life.

Victoria: More adventures in Canada!

In 2012, Matt and I spent a week or so exploring Vancouver Island in British Columbia.  One of the coolest things we did was take a boat over to Vargas Island, a small island off the coast of Tofino.  We had to walk a few miles through a muddy, swampy forest to get to a secluded beach on the far side of the island.  The beach was covered in soft sand and had tide pools with tons of critters!  We even got a visit from a curious seal that followed us in the water.  That night, we awoke to some sounds outside the tent.  A small family of wolves had come out from the forest to check us out.  The sounds we heard were the pups wrestling around about 100 yards from the tent.  The next morning we found paw prints in the sand no less than 5 feet from our tent.  What an adventure!

Honeymoon - throwback

Matt and I took a road trip up through the Canadian Rockies for our honeymoon.  We spent several weeks in the car together and lived through it.  I think that means we are meant to be together forever, no?

Christmas Pal - throwback

Another throwback.  This time it's Christmas!

He's such a happy kid.

Little Bean in a big tub - throwback

I got a little behind in posting since we are trying to pack and get the house ready for the renters... so here is a little bean in a big tub (from January 12, 2015).

My lunch date

I have been making a concerted effort to hit my favorite grub hubs before we leave!  I took Pal to Rio yesterday for chips and salsa!  Yum!

Selfie!

Pal loves to play with my phone.

Hi!

Trail-rated Pal

Since Matt is still recovering from knee surgery, we have been doing a lot of local, flat-land hiking.  These photos are from our day at Wonderland Lake.

Best friends!

"You drop some of that food and I will protect you from the bad guys.  Deal?"

Visas!

Since we are planning on being in New Zealand longer than they allow "normal" visitors, we had to apply for special visas so that we are allowed in the country longer than 90 days.  After much confusion and a lot of hassle we have our visas in hand!  And if we are good boys and girls, the Kiwi government promises not to kick us out before July 11, 2016.

Suns out, guns out!

We are ready to play today!

21 days until we leave for Maine!  Tick tock.

Bye Tannah! We will miss you, little girl!

My mom has kindly agreed to take Tannah back with her so that she can spend the year playing with Mikey and Madison in Albuquerque.  I think she will be a very happy pupster but I will miss her dearly.

Dear friends and Cuban tacos

Key West has some of the best food anywhere and the great thing about it is the really great stuff you get from a truck on the side of the road.  Frita's Cuban Burgers is the perfect example; this place has the best tacos I have ever had.  Seriously.

Arch and Nicole at Frita's.

Sunny days, no worries