There And Back Again

11 days to go to France. All hell is breaking loose. God is putting us to the test again. I swear he places roadblocks in our path, just to see how badly we want to go. Last week my computer went out. i’m still waiting to get it back. This week my brakes on the Xterra need to be changed. And Sue has heard of potential health problems to someone in her family, that might require postponement of the trip. But we are praying that NEVER happens. I made the last of our reservations today, we are going on a Greyline Tour, that was highly reccomended by Mary Suarez Turner, a fellow co-worker. This tour takes us on a River boat tour at night of Paris, when the city is totally illuminated, dinner at the Eiffel tower and a Show at the Moulin Rouge! 6 hours total. I’m looking forward to it. Plus Moulin Rouge is one of my favorite movies. I think Sue is also looking forward to it. Now all I have to do is pack, and thats going to be quite and undertaking . I’m under strict orders not to pack any clothes that makes me look American. when we land I’m going to become Francois Sebastien! My new identity. Francois is a very handsome, debonair, and smart Belgian Spy. Going undercover with a beautiful secret agent. Where her feminine wiles fail, his brains and charm may succeed! Our cover is young Parisian lovers, enjoying the sites of the city of lovers. Hahahah, if Andy (Sue’s Husband )hears this I’m in trouble!!!! Lets not tell him. It’s our secret. Shhh. Back to reality, I’m not allowed to dress “american” ie shorts or t-shirts, because we want to realy enjoy the French culture and environment, and don’t want to look like everyone else. We shall see.. Au Revoir Mes Amies.

France is less than 6 weeks away! We are very excited. I’m most excited about Mont St. Michel and Staying inthe Chateau in the Loire valley. Sue and I, Have been taking French Lessons for the past 4 weeks, we have 3 weeks left in the course. We hate the instructor, who is very condescending, arrogant and very rude. but we are sticking it out, and trying to learn something from him. I really want to learn french, just because I think it would be more interesting to be over there and actually understand people in their native tongue. So we shall see. Preparations have all been done, except for the rental car, but I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore,, Au revoir!!! Max

And bust it was,, our trip to Ny has been cancelled, due to money and other family obligations on my sister and brothers part, Thats too bad too, I’ve never been to NY and I was looking forward to it. I stilled tried to push mom and dad into going with just the 3 of us, but they werent having that,,I guess I’m not good enough. But Dad promised to treat me to Vegas instead, so Celine i’m on my way,,!!!! I love her, and want to see her show before she moves on,, stay tuned for details to that trip,.,,, Namarie Max

ps I’ve been real sick with a bad mouth infection all week, so maybe this is for the best,,.

And just like that, it’s all over.  Our 4 day florida weekend is done. We had a great time. The Twins conquered the park, especially Tom, who not only went on the Drakken in SeaWorld, but both dragons in Universal Sturiso-Islands of Adventure. Neither went on the Hulk, But Shelly, Rob and I did. It was a blast. I’m happy I got to have my picture taken with, not only Spiderman, but Wolverine and Captain America. Definitely, my highlight of the trip !!! I was a little disappointed with the Mummy ride, too fast, it’s over so quick.  Bring back Kong, boy was that ride missed! We also had a chance to visit Vivian. A lady the twins and I, met in New Zealand. She lives in kissimmee. We treated her to dinner and had a lovely time, She looks great, and it was funny to see her reaction, to see how big the boys got, in only 6 months, We all miss NZ. It was a nice, fun weekend, but over way too quick,,, Until next time Namarie Max

Hello There,,

  Ok this months trip is Orlando. The whole crew is going, Me , Michelle, Robbie. Timmy and Tommy.  Just for 4 days, on Memorial Weekend, but we are still excited. Its been a long time, since we’ve been down there.  Our first day, we are visiting with a friend , whom we’ve met in New Zealand, Vivian. She is sooo excited, she claims she has prayed for this day, because she misses us. How nice. we miss her too.  Then the next 2 days, we are going to be at the 2 Universal Studios Theme Parks. I love them. Our last day is going to be at Seaworld. And then back home, actionpacked 4 days, but I know it will be fun. Pics will be posted soon… Namarie Max

Hey, I’m back home! I’m depressed that the trip is over but now I’m starting to get used to being home. My mom was the happiest person in the world when she saw Tom and I in the airport. She almost killed me when she hugged my brother and I. All of my friends wont stop asking me questions about the trip. Because of this amazing journey I am now a bigger Lord of the Rings fan than I used to be. Im starting to hang up my flag and Tom’s knives, and our action figures in my room. The room will look beautiful with all LOTR every where you look. The tour has changed our lives and will change many other lives for many years. Im miss seeing mountains now that im back and I also miss our tour group and especially our tour guides Vic and Raewyn. They were all amazing to me. Uncle Max got an awesome tattoo and that was the bravest thing he ever did!

Tim

some more pics to wet your appetitite or go to my link

Hello There,,,

            The Fellowship is no more.  The Ring has been destroyed, and all thats left is the journey home. We are spending a couple of days relaxing in Queenstown, getting our strength back for the long journey back.  Last night we had a farewell Dinner and our Most Gracious Hosts Vic and Raewyn gave out awards.  I recieved the Gandalf Award for successfully leading 2 Hobbits through Middle Earth. Tom receieved the Gimli Award for recognising Brett Beattie as the true Gimli and a true Hero.  Timmy received the Ring Bearer Award, for carrying the One Ring all through Middle Earth. It was a very nice ending to a Fantastic Journey. This Trip has been the trip of our lives!!! It could not have been more perfect. It has been everything I dreamed it could be and more.  The country is absolutely beautiful, The people are friendly and kind and sincere, not to mention truely honorable.  I’ve met some people whom I hope will become life -long friends. I have many stories and countless pictures to share, when I get home in the next couple of days I will post all of them,, Namarie  Max

Hello There,,

       Today is the last day of our Fellowship. We went to see Amon Hen by ouselves today, becuase no one else wanted to ride Horses for an hour and 1/2. But we did. It was just the three of us and our Guide PER, who was very nice and funny. Tommy rode his first Horse. He handled Oscar like he was born to it. Oscar was the only horse in our ride who appeared in the movie, Timmy had Ginger and I rode Seth, a very bossy and frisky Stallion, at one point mine and Tommys horse took off for greener pastures and we had to wrangle them back and wrestle back control,me with one hand because I was still holding a camera with the other hand. Per said I looked like an American Cowboy, A natural.  It was a little scary, But Tom also handled his horse like a pro.  Timmy couldn’t get his horse to walk, it was a very lazy horse, He just wanted to sit in the sun.  The trip lasted about 4 1/2 hrs but that included the 3 hr drive to and from our Hotel, along mountainous side roads, very beautul.  Tonight , we have our last Dinner with the rest of our Fellowship atop the mountain in the Skitower Restaurant, The only way up there is by Ski Gondola,,, See everyone soon  Namarie Max

Hello There,,

         Today we went to the place where the Rohirram and the refugees from Edoras, ran into the Wargs of Isengard.  Its up on a hill called Deer heights and it overlooks Queenstown, spectacular views, we took many, many pictures, Tomorrow we go horseback riding, and the Twins are guarenteed Horses that were in the movie, Vic arranged it,, How exciting,, its an 1 1/2 hr ride to places that took place in the movie, I can’t wait,,, Queenstown is so beautful, I think its the most beautiful town/city that I have ever been to.  No kidding,, it’s nestled between 2 mtn ranges and by a beautiful lake,, and its warm here., we don’t need 3 layers of clothes,,, soon we will be leaving and heading home, I’m sad, I want to live here,, forever, I know I’ll definitely be coming back, probably next year, New Zealand is now my favorite place in the world,,,,,, Max