Visitors!!

So yesterday we had some of our wonderful friends come visit- ones that we met in Shanghai-! But are originally from Melbourne and just moved back a few months ago. I just love some of the friends that we have made on our journey- and love having times when we get together. It's funny- but you know you say your "goodbyes" to some knowing you may never see them again, however, life may have it that your paths cross again someday. It's always so cool!

I first met Jacinta about 3 or 4 months after we moved to Shanghai- her oldest, Ashton, is about 6 months older than Jack. And her little girl, Madeline, was just about 6 months old. I still remember being in that "loving baby" stage and always wanting to hold her, but Jack having a fit each time (he was just 18 months at the time and didn't want to share Mommy!).

So these are Jack's little friends that he's grown up with- pictures to the right are of one of our many many playdates we had together (so young are they!!!). I'm so grateful for our new wonderful friends that we met while living in Shanghai- and now in Sydney! 

And this is a picture of the three of them (horrible lighting!) yesterday. Jack was so sweet, he said, "Mom, I wish they could live with our city all the time". I sometimes forget that Jack has just a hard time leaving our friends and loved ones as we do- even as a 5 year old he understands that new friends come, but we always remain friends with those that are special. :) 

Yet we can't forget all of our family and friends from the States that have come to visit! They must really love us to come the 14 hour flight, right!??! We had quite a few family members in Shanghai, but have had quite a few already here- especially considering we've only been here 6 months. 

My mother-in-law, Jan, has been out twice already!- how she misses her grandbabies!, my father-in law, Mark, and Jason's long-time friend, Max and his wife Kristie. I always love going home and visiting and seeing friends and family but we really get our special time when visitors come to us- we get to share with them a little bit of our lives- and that is truly amazing. Not to mention the true "quality time" that we get. Obviously not everyone can come visit because it is such a long trip, but we do so love when we do have visitors. The boys especially love it- it's a special treat! 

Here are a few pics from our visitors that we've had in Sydney:

Jan's 1st trip- Circular Quay

Our trip to the Tarronga Zoo- best zoo! 

Pa's 1st trip! Hanging with Henry at Balmoral Beach!

Now with all the boys at Bondi Beach!

 And just a week ago, we had our last visitors leave, Max and Kristie. So really the whole month of March we had visitors! Sad to see everyone go because it may be awhile til our next visitors- and since we are not going home this summer it may be a little tough on me- us. I love living here in Sydney but definitely the hardest part is missing our friends and family, especially when it is such a long trip away. But I know God has us here for a reason- and that we/I need to use this time to grow and flourish in all the ways that I can- my home is where my (this) family is- Jason, Jack and Henry! :)

A pic of the four of us- their last night in Sydney! We had a great night spent on Manly Beach. Love having visitors- so hope we have more! :)