5 O'clock Somewhere - Jay

OK, so we are invoking a sort of backward "it's 5'oclock somewhere" logic...

First. We are in Fiji, so that means drink, right?
Second. We are now in the in the southern Hemisphere, so Drink.
Third. We are looking after kids, so (Dont) Drink.
Fourth. Its only 2pm here so DONT Drink.
Fifth. That means its 5pm in California, so Drink!!1

3-2 Drink!

Weather in Fiji - Easton

The weather in Fiji is pretty nice. It's pretty sunny all over Fiji. It rains every once in a while, but it is pretty nice. When you are outside taking a long walk, you should sit down. There is shade and a bench. Also, when it rains, it is not that heavy and it only goes on for about 5 minutes. That is what the weather looks like in Suva, Fiji.

Easton

Suva Beaches - Creighton

The beaches in Suva, Fiji are bad. There is trash, the pipes are clogged and there "kinda" isn't any beach.

There is a lot of trash (like bottles) because people up in the hills throw trash in pipes that get clogged. The rain then comes and pushes the trash onto the beach. Another reason there is trash on the beach is people throw trash on the beach. That is why there is a lot of trash on the beaches in Suva, Fiji.

The pipes are clogged because people throw trash into the pipes. Instead of coming out, it gets clogged and doesn't come out. That is why the pipes are clogged. 

There isn't any beach because it is filled with water. The beaches are filled up because of the rain. It rains a lot in Fiji so it fills up. That is why the beach is filled up.

That is why Suva, Fiji's beaches are bad.

Christmas Day Weather - Jay

The weather in Fiji on Christmas day is varied.

When the boys woke up this morning at 5:30am... it was Christmas morning... it was dark but still warm. It was still in the upper 70's and the warm air flowed through the windows. We could hear the voices from across the street of other children playing with their newly opened toys.

After presents and stockings, we headed down to the Gurenos and hung out. The sun was shining and hot. Reaching into the upper 80's, we could feel the heat burning our shoulders as we sat outside with a cool drink.

To hot to hang, many of the group jumped into the pool to cool down. Splashing, swimming, and relaxing. Then it rained. The rain fell like cold pellets out of the sky. The pool water and air were warmer than the rain. it splashed on the shoulders cooling us down even further.

The moral of the story is... don't like the weather? Just wait a minute. It will change.

Pure Gold - Jay

Here's something that you don't see a lot of here in Fiji. Cougar Gold! Yum. We brought a tin with us to the country. Cougar Gold cheese is good for eating directly out of the tin, or putting it on a piece of bread.

Merry Christmas - Jay

While our friends at home in California get their morning started... Its Christmas morning here in Fiji. The kids got up at about 5:30am local time (8:30am Pacific time). Yes, that is 21 hours ahead of time.

The boys opened up their stockings and pulled out all sorts of neat things. they got things like hand sanitizers, glow sticks, mini flashlights, walking pedometers, toothpaste, the standard socks and underwear, silly putty, pencils, and lotion.

Karen's stocking was awesome again this year. It was a pile of beauty supplies for the face: lip balm; for the hair: head bands, pony tail holder, & hair ties; and for the eyes: eye liner, fake eye lashes, and an excellent pair of sunglasses. The package suggests that santa shops at Athletic Performance on Lincoln Avenue in San Jose.

Jay's had socks & underwear, dental supplies, and some electronics. Just what was needed. He also collected some well sized "cool weather" outfits and a gift certificate from his favorite car wash.

Then came the Fiji style gift exchange: Creighton is into drawing right now and received a nice journal and pens where he can practice his craft. Easton got some Paul Frank items and an origami & paper airplane kits.

Overall a good Christmas.

We Made It - Jay

Some stories are good news / bad news. This one is pretty much just good news.

Despite leaving the house about 20 minutes late, we got to the airport in plenty of time. Special thanks to the Dishotsky – Everett household for driving us to the airport.  Upon arrival at our terminal, we were able to sit at the pub and have a drink. Karen had a Lemon Drop Martini, and I had a Martzen.

Our flight from San Jose to LAX was on time and was uneventful. Got about a to minute cat-nap along the way.

We checked in for our Fiji flight and chose the correct security line (dumb luck).  The boys grabbed a last fast food meal (@ McDonalds). Then we were able to board for our flight.

Kids did some homework. Factions are so much fun! Then a little bit of Ipod for the last time… then 5 hours of sleep (for the kids).

Arrived in Nadi (pronounced nandi) Fiji at 5:30am. We were picked up by driver Roheet. Completed the 3 hour journey around the island to the other side. Arrived at Joe and Terri Gureno’s house in the capital city of Suva.

So, we are alive and well. It is hot. It is humid. 

And with Joe and Terri's pool, it was perfect!