Introduction

Not one to miss a bandwagon, I have decided to create a blog.  After The Google, The Facebook, and The Twitter, The Blog seems to be something all the young people (and even the not so young) are doing these days, particularly when traveling.  Of course, I am not traveling, so these are recollections of my recent travels.  With luck, some recollections may in fact be accurate, and with even greater luck, you will not be able to discern the difference.  

To minimize expectations, let me say from the outset that this will provide you hardly any information about New Zealand, its history, or its people.  I doubt that I am overstating it by saying that really, this will not provide you any information at all.  Just as importantly, this is not a Jack Kerouac-style piece and sadly therefore has only passing reference to drugs, promiscuity, and spiritualism.  Actually, I am starting a cult and looking for followers, so please sign up.

Like a real blog, I will add new content to this ridiculous after the fact blog every day or so (emphasis on the "so" part), generally following a linear progression of our trip.  The meat of the blog (sorry Alison) will start with our arrival in Auckland.  To those of you who still will be traveling there, let me forewarn you that the flight is grueling.  And, I'm just talking about the Denver to LA leg -- the LA to Auckland portion probably violates some Geneva Convention.  We had heard that Air New Zealand had new Boeing 777s on the route and were excited about that.  The planes are brand new and very nice inside.  Unfortunately, the seats are narrower than even domestic flights, and legroom is wanting to say the least.  That being said, the excitement of going to NZ and seeing Dave, Megan, Max, and Olivia ultimately makes it a fast trip.

Not to worry, future entries will have less talk and lots of pictures (and will link to all my pictures on Picasa).  We had an absolutely incredible trip and look forward to sharing it with you.  These teasers are just to keep you interested:

Sara waiting for the plane:

Olivia in her playpen:

Max ready for school: