Gramps/Mike Dear Lo & Sean - It's been just great following your adventures this way and I'm really impressed with your photos. Who is photographer-in-chief, or is it 50/50? The one of the sunset over L. Te Anau is almost surreal. Speaking of which, did you get to the glow worm cave? It's across the lake from the town and although it sounds kind of hokey it is actually quite magical. There's just so much beautiful stuff in NZ I'm sure you both wish you could double your time there (but your families don't!) All continues well with us, much love G&G

Sue Hi Lolo and Sean - I'm glad you're having such fabulous adventures. I'm getting very excited about seeing you again. Hey - you better give me a call or email soon and tell me when to pick you up at the airport! I'm going to Jackson Hot Springs with the Schees this Friday. Kels and Mariah are coming, not sure if Aaron will make it. We'll miss you! Megan and Jack will be sad to miss you too. loads of love -Ma

Kerry YOU SAW PENGUINS!!!How cool (literally).I commune daily with the Elison Harbor sea lion…many a night it's just him, Sophie and I out on the docks as I venture to and from the Shamrock. Good on ya both. Love, Kerry/Pop

Kerry MacLane Hey Bean and Sean, Holy hognuts, each posting seems to get exponentially more fun than the next! What a blast! I wonder so much how has this trip changed or solidified your world views, desires and resolves? I've got an idea for a related career that you both could do…it involves writing (lovely off the cuff stuff Bean) and travel. I suppose yer on yer way back to us/US now…call me on my home phone, as the cell still is mostly inasseable from the lower 48, unless you are a Schneeberger. Thanks for the 2nd missed message Bean. Like everyone else on your blog, its been snowing here in Sitka…which is unusual…2nd year in a row…I've been down to the boat every evening this last week shoveling snow off her so she don't sink…lost a couple of boat recently cause they were too topheavy with snow…but Sophie and I are our skijoring and loving it. Clear, sunny skies, but alas, only memories and expetations of salmonberries and blueberries. Jam on, Kerry/Pop

Sue Hi you two farmers. The pictures made me hungry. You must be off to your next adventure by now. Hope you have loads of fun travelling around. Keep us posted. love love - Ma/Sue

Sarah Aha! Yummy fruit and wine! Hope your B-day went well, Shawn too, I forgot the both of you's was Capricorn folk. Loves, Sar

Auntie D Hey Birthday Babies - REALLY belated happy happy. L - I was thinking of you on your day. We also had a beautiful snowstorm. Glad you had a fun bunch to celebrate with. Your pics are amazing - i continue to be insanely jealous of your weather. the good thing is, it's convincing me all over again that we MUST return. Thinking of you. xoxox

Sue Hi you two - thanks for posting the latest batch of pics. That looks like a wondrous hike! Sorry I missed your phone call AGAIN. At least you got to talk to Kels! I left you a message in your in-box - hope you got that. Things are snowy again here in Missoula. It has been a great snow year. Probably still will be when you get back! loads of love - Mom - Sue

Grampa/Mike Hi guys - loved your latest batch of pix, the Able T. hike and Brightlands Bay. You're in a part of NZ I never visited and it looks drop dead gorgeous. Hope the deliciously decadent chocolate cake didn't lead to any gastro-intestinal problems and that you're both staying healthy, happy and full of enjoyment. Hard to realize how long you've been down there already. All well here, lotsa lotsa, G&G

Grammie HI Sean and Laurel. Finally had the chance to see the wonderful pictures of your trip. This is an adventure of a lifetime-enjoy every minute of it!! Belated Happy Birthday, hope you are keeping a journal. I am going to try to establish an e-mail account at Brooksby and I will re contact you. Stay well I love you both. Love, Grammie

SpaceCadet Sue Hi you guys - I forgot about the day difference too!! Sounds like you have a really fun plan for your b-days. This will probably be one you won't ever forget! It has been snowing so much here - it is beautiful. I get a three day weekend for MLK-day. Of course I always think of it as a national celebration for Laurel's birthday! Love and big hugs to both of you. Mama- Sue

G & G Happy mutual birthdays little lovebirds, hope it is (was) wonderful. I temporarily forgot about the date change so I'm a bit late but I know gramma sent you a b'day msg recently so hope we're not totally in the doghouse. Sure wish we were down there to celebrate with you - NZ is among my top two or three all time favorite countries. Stay well and lots of love, G & G

Heather Happy Birthday, Laurel! I did not forget about your birthday too. I know it is 2 days apart from Sean's, so I am actually wishing you an early birthday from here. lol! Anywho, that chocolate cake sounds amazing, so enjoy! Love you guys! -heff-

LeeLee Hi Seany, Just stopping by to wish you a AMAZING birthday!!! I hope you had a fantastic birthday celebration in NZ with Laurel. I hope you 2 are having a blast. It was warm here for a while and then it got freezing again. Icky, oh well. That's what you get for living in New England. Well I am off to bed, but safe travels and I hope to talk to you soon Seany. Love you and miss you MUCHO!!! -LeeLee-

Kerry MacLane HAPPY 24 LOLO BEAN! I just realized that it already IS your birthday in N.Z. And, a belated Happy Birthday to you too Sean...I didn't realize that your birthday was so close to Laurel's. Thanks for the call the other day Bean...you sounded great. I just finished a big job and have am taking some time to work on the geothermal development and my two boats. How's the fishing there? Any clamming or other shelfishing? Thanks for keeping the wonderfu pictures coming and for staying in touch. Big Love, Pop/Kerry