A Day at the Drayton's - Feb 4

Without a doubt, the best part of our travel to NZ was seeing a familiar face greet us in Christchurch.

As expected, our luggage did not make it to CHC. I knew when we were delayed in YYZ that our luggage wouldn't make it onto the flight from LAX to SYD in the 50 minute-long layover. Then, as we sat in the airport in Sydney, we didn't see our luggage loaded onto the plane, so it was no surprise when it didn't show up on the carousel in CHC. So, we completed all the paperwork and were issued 4 sets of Qantas pyjamas and toiletries. After clearing customs, we passed through the gate to find Al's smiling face.

Abby and Al. Abby looks so cute in her school uniform, and Al's all orange (his house's colour) for Sports Day.

Many moons ago, I worked with Al's late wife Robin at BHS. Al, a Kiwi, and Robin had just moved to Bowmanville and Robin and I began at BHS at about the same time. We both worked in the English department. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to remain connected to the Draytons after they moved to New Zealand just a few years later. Al and Robin soon had a couple of kids, Abby and Nick. Soon after, and far too young, dear Robin tragically passed away. I have thought of Al and his kids often over the years, and it was thrilling to get to meet them this week.

Here's young Nicholas!

By the time Al returned us to his home, it was after 1 a.m., and we all went to bed. We didn't get out of bed until after the Draytons had all gone to school, and so we spent the day (in our Qantas PJs), getting our rental car (Woohoo left side driving!), exploring Christchurch and the earthquake devastation, getting mobile phones (thanks to Bell for not really unlocking my phone after paying them $50 to do so, I had to buy a new phone), and so on. Finally it was time to go home and "see the people" (in Brody's words).

And Andrea, sporting her angelic garb (white house) for sports day at her school.

The old-time BHS crowd will be happy to hear that our friend Robin's family is awesome! Abby and Nick are adorable, confident, friendly, and super-cool. Al's fiancée Andrea is just lovely, a great mom, loving and caring, and so welcoming to us total strangers! Their home is bright and open and modern, and great for chasing one another and Honey the pup around -- right Brody and Nick? The neighbourhood felt very much like our South Carolina family's place -- a little tropical and immaculate.

A little kiss goodbye from Honey.

We had the honour of attending super-star Nick's touch rugby game -- he's a great little athlete! Then, we picked up fish and chips and had a big greasy feast. Delish!

The next morning we got up in time to see everyone off to school, reclaimed our luggage (hurray!) and headed off to Mount Cook.