Oz n Cuznz

No, I'm not having issues with my keyboard; obviously "Oz n Cuznz" is talking about a recent trip to Oz (Australia!) and a visit from our cousins. :)

Mikayla and I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Australia with Faith Academy's touch rugby team.  The team has never traveled before to compete, but they were better this year than ever before, and it was a great opportunity.

 We spent a couple hours touring Syndey on our way through to the Sunshine Coast (where we competed). This pic is of the two of us under the Harbor Bridge, looking across at the Opera House. Incredible!

 Mikayla was one of the girls who volunteered to share at a couple chapel services while we were there. Here she is speaking to a group of about 700!

 We were only in Australia for 3 full days (plus a half day in Sydney), and we played 7 games in 2 days!  It was a crazy whirlwind but such fun!

 Our girls enjoyed getting to know the girls on the other teams as well as learning a lot about rugby.

 I was the designated team trainer for the trip and refreshed my nearly-forgotten skills for taping ankles and wrists.

 Here Mikayla is sharing in another chapel service. She did a great job - so very proud of her willingness to step up and be used by HIM in this way!

 Our final day on the Sunshine Coast, we took a hike along the coast, spotted sea turtles, and saw some spectacular scenery.

 I was so very blessed to be able to share this experience with my precious daughter.

 One of the evenings on the way back from dinner, a couple in our group spotted a python along the road.  Of course what else will they do besides catch it and bring it in to the living room for some pictures! :)

While Mikayla and I were gallivanting in Oz, Steve and the boys enjoyed their spring break by doing some mountain biking and hiking with friends.

Quite the diverse group representing USA, New Zealand, Scotland, and Switzerland!

A couple days after spring break, my sister and her family arrived for a visit!

 The cousins had a BALL reconnecting. It had been almost 2 years since they had seen each other, but they picked right up where they left off.

 So thankful for our family and the memories we are making together!