Wet wishes from Mooresville, Missouri

NZ is such a quirky place. We've learned so much about the people, the culture, the land. And little things too. Such as the marshmallows being a different flavour. And very few people say "bless you" after someone sneezes. And when someone says "I can't be bothered to work on that project right now," they're not being rude; they're politely expressing a preference. (Hat tip to Brett for that one. It's now his favourite phrase he uses as often as he can.)

And I'm slowly coming to learn that most of our mail is going to arrive wet. I don't know if it's because we have a lot of international mail, but we get local mail that's wet as well, even when it's not raining. When another case of wine was delivered today (half pinot noir, half sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, NZ, in case you're interested), the box was even wet. But I digress. 

I was pretty excited to get a card from Uncle Bernie and Aunt Bettie today. I tried to open it carefully, but the soggy envelope really kind of fell apart in my hands. 

But no worries, the card inside was fully intact. It was so sweet because everyone who made it to the Sievering annual 4th of July family reunion in tiny Mooresville, Mo., signed a card for us! This is on my side of the family, with my folks hosting it every year. With my brother in basic training right now, neither of their kids were there for the first time. Apparently that didn't slow anyone down because 34 people made it this year. It's been more than six months since seeing our folks, and much longer since seeing a lot of others, so it was so great to hear from everyone! 

Thanks Aunt Bettie, Grandma, Mom and Dad, and everyone else for thinking of us! Alec, you're conspicuously absent from my card, and I expect a thorough explanation. :)