Busy Week

The most exciting news this week is that JARED IS HOME! After many express letters to the consulate in Sydney and hijacking Amie's car to go to the airport, we got him back.



On Monday night (Tuesday morning for him) he called me to say that the papers I had just sent the week before weren't in order and I had to immediately fax something to the person handling his case. I ran over to Kaylyn's house and used her fax. Luckily, it all went through and the woman told Jared that he could pick up his visa first thing in the morning. So Wednesday morning he flew down to Sydney, took the train to the consulate, picked up the visa, and took the train back to the airport. He was on stand-by lists with United and made it onto the 3pm flight! Fast forward about 24 hours... He calls me from LAX to say that he made it through customs quickly and he changed his flight to the one arriving at 2:15 instead of 4pm. I quickly tried to get a hold of my Mom, who was out to lunch with my grandma, to tell her that I needed her car earlier. 45 minutes and 10 phone calls later, I called Jill in a panic saying "What should I do? I can't get a hold of Mom." She said Amie, who lives in my mom's neighborhood, was on her way to Costo and if I could ride with her there, then Jill would meet us with her car. About 10 minutes later Amie was at my door and I frantically tried to get my girls (and their carseats) into her big Suburban with James and Jessica curiously looking on. As we piled in, Amie said, "Why don't you just take my car? Then we won't have to go meet Jill and you'll make it on time". I felt really awkward (but VERY appreciative) and said, "Well, ok, if you're alright with that, that would be great." So the next thing I know, I am heading down the road with my kids in Amie's rig. She saved my life that day!!! I was so thankful tears actually came to my eyes. Thank you so much Amie! It was so kind of you. Since we had a little extra time (b/c we didn't meet Jill) I was able to get Austin from school on the way. I was very glad b/c I didn't want him to miss the event.



What a soap opera! It was touch and go for a while but we made it back home. The kids were asking him, "What did you bring me?" and "Where is my present?" Of course he knew he had to bring something. Austin got a nice jacket, see above, kind of a birthday present.



Olivia was overjoyed with her lotion, face mask, and tissues (from his pack on the plane) she is SUCH a girl.



Ashley couldn't eat the chocolate fast enough. All I asked him to bring me was the kitchen Wondercloths that they sold at the supermarket there.





Can you believe he carried all this ginger beer back in his suitcases?! I can't believe that none of them broke and I can't believe that he made the weight restrictions. He has priorities...don't mess with the ginger beer.

The next day we were out on the hunt for a car. I am so tired of not having my own vehicle and I am sure that my mom is too!! We are mainly looking at the Honda Odyssey(to my dismay) but I am trying to be practical. Of course, Jared knows someone who owns a dealership. If you know Jared, you learn quickly that he has connections all over the place. They usually have something to do with rugby, but this one is an old roommate. We'll see how the search goes. I would love to have something by next week.



The best news is, today I went out with Mom and she DID get a new car! Yay!!! I am so happy for you Mom! I am also happy for me b/c that means no more car shopping with you!! Sorry, I love you and I was happy to help, but it's a big job finding the perfect car. I am so glad that you got what you wanted.




Tonight Jill and Randy have a work party so we have Landon and Whitney over for a sleepover. The kids were so excited. It's great to be near our family and have the opportunity to hang out with cousins.