The End of our Journey

On our last official day of the tour, we visited the pancake rocks in the morning which were so cool.  I thought they looked like old ruins built into the cliffs over the ocean.  We also enjoyed watching the blow holes along the route. 

Posing in matching outfits

View of the pancake rocks

More pancakes

Pancakes up clase

We then traveled to Greymouth where we walked around, purchased some souvenirs and had lunch before boarding the bus to Arthurs Pass.  We  were meant to meet the TransAlpine train at Arthurs Pass but unfortunately the train was a few hours late.  So we ended up waiting at the train station for quite some time.  Once we finally boarded the train, we got four seats around a table and enjoyed the scenery and company along the route to Christchurch. 

The group (including ipad) at a lookout south of Punakaiki

Another lookout right before Arthurs Pass

Wasting time waitin' on the train

Our train

Fun on the train

More fun....

We had a fun goodbye dinner with our group in Christchurch to cap off our journey!

Our crew left to right (Jenny and John Plant, Eric, L, M, D, J, and Linda)

The next morning we headed to the airport and traveled back to Auckland.  We had a fun celebratory last night in New Zealand dinner at Depot for M&D!  The food and atmosphere never disappoint!  Let's not forget that this night also marked the first time my mom enjoyed a raw oyster.

Depot dinner

K&A in Auckland

Justin and I had to work for the next two days K&A were in town but we still managed to have lots of fun and laughs.  K&A visited Devonport by ferry, relaxed, explored Auckland, and enjoyed the waterfront!  Wednesday night we all went to Food Alley for dinner.  Poor Aaron was so excited and decided to be adventurous by ordering a duck dish from the Chinese stand.  Unfortunately, they left all the little tiny bones in the duck and it was a disappointment.  The rest of us enjoyed our meals and we ended the evening at Movenpick for dessert. 

Adventures in Devonport while we worked

Super cool traveler girl

Thursday evening I arrived home to a Mexican Fiesta made by our two guests!  We had queso, salasa, guacamole, fresh fish and prawn tacos and delicious margaritas.  This was one of my favorite nights with K&A and I felt so loved that they took the time to cook a feast for us!

Friday, I took the day off work and K, A, & I drove out to Piha to see the beautiful west coast black sand beaches.  We visited Piha and the Karekare waterfall.  We walked along the beach for quite a while and decided to take some pictures near the surf.  As K&A posed, a huge swell came in and the water rose very quickly.  Kara jumped into Aaron's arms without a thought that he would catch her and save her from getting her pants wet.  Aaron managed to catch her despite no warning but Kara's pants were a casualty.  I caught the whole thing in a series of rather funny photos.  

Sisters on Piha beach

K&A on Piha beach

Love it!

And Aaron for the save!

We met Justin after work at Depot for a wonderful dinner.  We ate way too much but had an amazing time and enjoyed every bite!  We had to say goodbye that night before bed as K&A left at around 4 am to catch their flight to Sydney.  

All in all it was a wonderful visit and I was very sad to see them go!

Two things...

The month of September has been pretty exciting for me so far.  Just shy of my 31st birthday, I learned that I am being promoted to senior manager effective in October!  I have worked for Ernst & Young for 7 1/2 years (since January 2005) and truly never imagined this day would come when I joined the firm as a staff.  How am I experienced enough (not to mention old enough) to be a senior manager?  I am very excited about this next step in my career and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it as well.  I am fortunate enough to have some very supportive mentors in the firm who have assured me I am ready for the challenge.  The title of senior manager comes with additional goals and responsibilities and is the last promotion prior to partner.  Luckily for me, my role will remain very similar until I return to Dallas next year.  I am very excited to see what the next part of my career looks like!

And then of course, I turned 31.  I believe it is officially time to stop counting!  I had a great birthday with my friends and family going out of their way to make me feel special while I celebrated in Auckland.  My sister and parents sent (or hand delivered) gifts and my friends Sandy and Jeff had flowers delivered to the office!  Some of the girls at work brought me flowers and treats as well!  Justin gave me a very thoughtful manicure/pedicure gift voucher along with a gift voucher to the mall so I can have a shopping/spa day.  Justin and I then celebrated with dinner at Depot.  Depot is a new, trendy restaurant in Auckland CBD and the food was some of the best and most creative we have had!  I had a great day and really felt special and loved.  What more could a girl ask for!

Picture I should have taken of Depot Eatery.  We sat at the bar after waiting an hour!

Another picture I should have taken.

I know the future holds great things and I am looking forward to the next 31 years of my life!