We all know it's not a party until the cake arrives

This weekend was very busy as Mark and I geared up for his big celebration. There was cupcakes to be made, chips to portion into bowls, pop to be poured into glasses and candy to be passed out into dishes.

Saturday night, we had a house full of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, who turned out to wish Mark the best of luck on his trip as he leaves next Tuesday. There was so much conversation, and wisdom shared it was hard to take it all in.

Mark has most of his lists done, and now that the party is over, we will begin getting him ready. There is nothing left to purchase, but so much deciding left. Choosing what gets packed, what gets shipped and what he will purchase when he arrives. We have decided to lay out all the "needs" in one space and the "wants" in another. We won't have room for "would be nice".  We'll start by packing the needs and then prioritize the wants.

Mark and I figured out last weekend that he is entitled to 4 breakfasts while travelling. He leaves here at 6 in the morning to arrive at breakfast time in Ontario. He then flies to the west coast after a 1 hour layover to arrive in time to enjoy breakfast time on the west coast. After an 11 hour layover, he flies to Auckland where he arrives at 630 am, just in time for breakfast.

Mark has made arrangements for his stay in Auckland. He plans to be there 2 days before travelling off to Leigh. He has to register at the university for his scholarship, do some paper work, meet his colleagues, and finish setting up his bank account. He has temporary lodgings once he arrives in Leigh. From where he will find an apartment for us to live.

I have no doubt that this weekend will go by in the blink of an eye. Mark and I are getting ready to be separated, temporarily, through creating Skype accounts and figuring out regular Skype dates. Please email us if you are interested in having skype dates with us while in New Zealand. We will email you our skype names.

For those of you who are asking: I am hoping to fly down this summer one school is finished.