Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful for Thanksgiving

It's that time of year again. Autumn, Thanksgiving, and preparing for Christmas. Although I'm not a huge fan of the transition from hot summer weather to the freezing cold days of a Colorado winter, I do enjoy the perks of these holidays. The first snow is always exciting to me – the pure white snowflakes covering everything in sight, frosting the green pine trees and gracefully dancing in the air– everything outside at peace. Watching snow fall truly captivates me. 

"snowflakes covering everything in sight... everything outside at peace"

It is one of nature's most beautiful abilities and one of God's most beautiful creations. It emulates a perfect atmosphere for sipping hot chocolate by the fire and listening to Christmas music. I can also attest to being snowed in with 4 feet of snow just outside my front door– an invitation to go sledding in the street, build snowmen and snow tunnels, and the excitement of having a day or two off of school. As sad as I am to be missing some of these festivities, I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to get a university degree and spend time with lovely friends in a beautiful country. 

"an invitation to go sledding in the street, build snowmen and snow tunnels, and the excitement of having a day or two off of school"

And for those who are pondering why I am missing Thanksgiving (I have had a couple friends who have asked me what Australians do for Thanksgiving), sadly, Australians do not celebrate this wonderful American tradition (although Halloween is becoming more popular here, so perhaps in the future, Australians will adopt our Thanksgiving traditions? ). If you recall, it was the pilgrims and indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts who shared the Thanksgiving Harvest. Check out a brief history of Thanksgiving here! Did you know that it was President Abraham Lincoln that declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday?? 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever" –Psalm 107:1

As I read all of the Thanksgiving statuses on Facebook and see the pictures of turkey, cranberry, and mashed potatoes on Pinterest, I can't help but get excited. I am so thankful for all of the years that I have spent time with my family at Thanksgiving and all of the wonderful memories (playing hide-and-seek, sitting at the 'kids' table, playing football, and eating leftovers the next day). Even though I'm spending this Thanksgiving away from my family, I am still so thankful for all of the blessings God has given me. 

What are you most thankful for in your life??

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo,
Kirsten

Being Tourists

This week my beautiful cousin is visiting me in Sydney! So far, we have hung out with koalas and kangaroos, gone to some of the beautiful beaches, had fish & chips in Manly, and walked around the The Rocks & Circular Quay, as all good tourists do! We have even been blessed with some beautiful weather and consequently got sunburned. Check out some of my favourite shots :)

"Ready for my close-up!"

My boyfriend and his new furry friend

  

How many koalas can you spot??

My cousin & I in front of the Harbor Bridge!

Alaskan Adventures

With my family spread out in Hong Kong, Colorado, and me currently living in Australia, we decided to go to Alaska for our summer week-long vacation. 7 days, 2 cities, 5 people, 1 motor home, lots of fishing and sights to see. When we arrived at the airport at 1:00am, it was still light outside; not during-the-day light, but it definitely looked like the sun had just set. This new light-after-midnight excitement led to some extremely late nights of fishing, making s'mores and hiking around. 

After driving a couple hours to the first campsite, we tried fly fishing for salmon (aka me trying to cross a river = inevitably getting soaked). My brother, Chris and I spent hours chasing and trying to hook this one little guy, but he was far too smart for us.. We did however see a number of big fish jumping around us (if only I had thought to bring a net). Even though we didn't spot any grizzly bears on the river, I did happen to see a moose in the woods while we were driving back to Anchorage. On a side note, in my eagerness to be the first to spot Alaskan wildlife, I thought I saw a bear. Turns out, after driving back, it was a tree.. a very-brown-and-bear-shaped-tree might I add.

Did you know that  ALASKA's  state animal is the Moose??

We also went on a Halibut fishing charter, which was.... interesting to say the least. The waves were HUGE. Literally, I don't think I've ever seen bigger waves in my life. And let me tell you, those sea sickness pills that are supposed to keep you all fine and dandy, well.. they DO NOT WORK, especially in rough seas. I spent 3 of the 5 hours over the bin (which was slightly better than the 4 that CJ endured). But, I did however catch 2 Halibut which was exciting and difficult to say the least. Those  fish are ridiculously heavy! Worth the fight though :) Halibut is delicious and I definitely recommend it! Ask me for an amazing recipe if you get your hands on some!

Sea you soon! (see what I did there??)

xoxo
Kirsten