Final day in L.A -

27 January 2007, THE last day of our epic journey. I am writing this at 11.30 a.m and our flight leaves tonight at 10.30 p.m. We have secured a late check out and are now contemplating how we shall fit our mountain of goodies into reasonable sized packages for checking on. Quite a task I can assure you. We think we will have 9-11 suitcases at this point plus carry on luggage. Then there is the no liquids rule introduced since our departure from NZ so we have to be mindful of where we pack the shampoo, perfumes etc etc. Check in is 3 hours prior to departure so I am sure we will be glad to get on the plane tonight.

It is a beautiful sunny day here again and about 20-25 degrees. We know we shall miss the warm weather we have been so blessed with for most of our trip. We are all excited to see friends and cats again and our own home which we hope will be in a fit state having been tenanted for 8 months. Our possessions are being moved back in 2 days after we get home and then the unpacking and sorting will begin. I have not missed wearing a watch and enjoyed being totally oblivious to the time of day, date and sometimes even what day it is. I have also not missed telephones ringing.

Poor Beau has to start college/new school 2 days after we get back and get used to wearing a uniform every day including a tie. Though we are all nervous for him we know it is all part of growing up and we are confident it will be a new and exciting chapter in his life. He has matured both physically and mentally over these last 8 months and we hope all our talks of his new school will have been of help.

Jonty is desperate to play his first game of cricket, 6 days after our return so we hope we can find his uniform before then! He has lost 4 'baby' teeth since we've been away and I'm sure he has grown a few inches in height though not in girth. Both boys have learned to tie their own shoe laces since we have been away.

Kennedy is now 7 going on 15 and is seriously into fashion and makeup and telling me what not to wear and what looks good having become an avid follower of the American TV programme 'What Not to Wear'. She is now experimenting with high heels and makeup and various hairstyles now her hair has grown so long. Luckily she still has a 'little girl' side and yesterday we treated her to a much desired stuffed toy from 'Build a Bear Workshop'. This is a chain of stores where you choose an unstuffed toy of your choice, have it filled in front of your eyes once you have given it a 'voice' and a heart. Then you can buy any number of accessories for it including handbags, shoes, pyjamas, raincoats etc etc. Then you get a 'birth certificate' stating your toy's name,weight and height and a special box to carry it home.