Earthquake!

July 21, 2013:  We were enjoying our usual Sunday evening, post-church ritual...I was preparing dinner, the kids were having their pre-dinner bowls of cereal, Steve was munching on chips and salsa, when all of a sudden, Steve shouts out, "You guys!!"  We all stopped what we were doing and instantly noticed that everything was moving.  Our plants were shaking, the mirrors and wall-hangings and doors were banging, the hanging light fixtures were swaying, and grabbing the countertop didn't help me feel stabilized at all.  After a few seconds, it seemed to increase in intensity and went from being sort of cool to pretty dang scary.  I felt like I might fall over!  We all sat on the ground and kept swaying, hoping that it would end soon.  It was pretty intense for over a minute (which sounds like nothing unless you're in an earthquake).

Gratefully, we had no serious damage (other than rattled nerves).  The 6.9 magnitude earthquake originated about 150 miles from us.  We had been told by many to expect to feel several earthquakes while living here (we had felt a small one just a few days before), but I won't be sad if that's the last one!

The city that suffered the most damage was Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, located on the lower end of the North Island.  I thought this would be a good time to share a few photos from our visit to Wellington a few weeks ago.  Steve had an interview with the New Zealand Medical Council...it was a short meeting, basically just to verify Steve's credentials.  It was a long way to drive (2 hours each way) for a 15-minute meeting, but we were happy to see more of the country and to get a look at Wellington.

All of our travels through New Zealand up to that point had been inland, so we were excited to get our first glimpse of the ocean!

Homes on a hillside just outside the city:

Crossing the bridge leading into Wellington:

The twins were having a rough day...they'd spent a lot of time in the car over the previous days.  I must have been trying to entertain them because I didn't get any photos of the "city" or big buildings.  We walked through the streets and made our way to the water while Steve had his quick meeting.  It was a cold and windy day...they don't call it "Windy Welly" for nothing!

We drove back to Palmy in the pouring rain.  I love this shot of the rainy ocean at dusk.

Our next trip to Wellington will most likely be to catch the ferry to the South Island!  We are all looking forward to that.  It's going to cost a small fortune to get our whole family (and our van) ferried over, so I'm not sure how many trips we'll be taking to the South Island...we're planning a long trip over summer break (December or January).  Until then, we'll keep enjoying all the beauty the North Island has to offer!  Preferably earthquake-free.  :)

Rachel's 15th Birthday -- Part Two

Rachel's birthday ended up being the most beautiful day (weather-wise) that we've had in New Zealand so far...clear, sunny, and unseasonably warm.  To be truthful, though, every day here is unseasonably warm compared to Utah winters.

The drive to Gravity Canyon was quaint and charming.

This narrow bridge led to the last stretch of road heading to Gravity Canyon.  You can't tell from the photo, but it was at least a hundred-foot drop on either side...harrowing!

Gravity Canyon...equally stunning and terrifying!!!  For those who are brave enough to jump, it's an 80 meter (263 foot) fall.  

Cameron was pretty bummed to learn that he wouldn't be eligible to jump or swing.  He didn't meet the weight requirement for the jump by quite a bit, but he was almost heavy enough to swing.  We promised him that if he reaches the minimum weight required before we leave next year, we'll bring him back.

I was plenty heavy enough for either activity.  I finally decided to swing (50 meter drop), which meant I would go last.  Steve and the girls geared up... I love this photo of them ready to go.

Would you believe that the girls went first?!!  They were afraid that if they saw someone jump before them, they might want to back out.  My heart was racing seeing my babies standing on the edge of that platform.  We're so proud of them!  

Here's something that didn't make it to Facebook --- video!! 

Steve has nerves of steel.  He stepped up there, extended his arms, and jumped like an old pro.  When he came back up, the guys said, "Nice form, mate!  You've done this before!"  He surprised them by saying it was his first jump.  

 

When I started walking the narrow bridge out to that platform, I gained an even higher level of respect for the girls and Steve!  I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I started practicing the breathing exercises I used to teach in childbirth classes.  If I thought my heart was beating fast at watching my family, now I felt that it might leap right out of my chest.  As scary as it was, though, I wish I had jumped instead, but the "drop" was pretty exhilarating.

 

Confession:  Part of the reason I wish I had jumped instead is because then my crazy, embarrassing facial expressions wouldn't have been so visible.  :)

We drove home feeling like rockstars, and finished off the day with a little cake and ice cream.  Happy Birthday, Rachel!!