The Sisters Lloyd

Long ago, my older sister served a mission for our church up in Brisbane. It was fitting for her to be called to Australia as she'd had a koala obsession for as long as anyone can remember. Lucky me got to be her companion on a "mini-mission" for 2 months and it was certainly a highlight of my youth. The title of this post is reminiscent of the conundrum in which we found ourselves while knocking on doors: "Hello, I am Sister Lloyd and this is... also Sister Lloyd... my sister." Then ensued inspections of our matching name tags and a 5 minute conversation about how we're actual sisters, but also representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and yes, it's cool that we are out together and no, it's not normally done that way and yes, she's older and yes, we are American and wait, can we talk to you about God??

At one door she had the clever idea of introducing us as "The Sisters Lloyd", and the man was so immediately confused as we melted into a fit of the giggles that we had to excuse ourselves with many embarrassing pardons. Ahhh, mission humor.

Fast forward 15 years later and I'm living here with my family. How could she NOT come visit? So, last month Merrilee and Steve brought their two eldest as well as my brother's daughter (some of our kids' closest cousins) and had the most fantastic visit. We only got them for a week before they headed up to Cairns but we made every minute count.

You can read the ecstasy in our children's faces at having live-in cousins for a while. After their first night together I knew we just had to pull them out of school for the week. Nonstop party ensued. In fact, we hardly even saw them. They were in heaven and totally self-sufficient. I can literally say there was NO FIGHTING the whole week, which is almost unbelievable.

We're talking wrestlemania and Minecraft with the boys and perpetual fashion shows and dance offs with the girls. Sweet Cali was such a nurturing, responsible ringleader and Whit and Grace were just so much fun.

 Of course, we had the now-traditional chocolate fountain and pav and Tim Tam Slams. And were lucky enough to celebrate Mer's birthday AND the 4th of July together.

Hit quite a few sights around town in those few days we had and the full schedule was so worth the hours of chatting, catching up, cooking and hanging together throughout.

Ironically, despite very sunny winters, Canberra was cloaked in fog almost every day they were here. It didn't set them back any though on their morning runs and bikerides - what was lacking in views, was made up for in kangaroo encounters.

our one sunny afternoon :)

Independence Day fireworks at the Embassy's awesome bash

Dance Wrestling (with judges and all)

spinach/hot pepper contests?

 Of course, Summer had no trouble warming up, especially to the men per usual.

gloating over the sugar loot they brought

(The week started off in Sydney with Darren and Annie picking them up to avoid driving a rental and/or two cars around that manic city caravan-style. They toured mostly in the rain for a couple days :( but still enjoyed the sights and even got in a trip to the temple.)

I swear, the anticipation leading up to visitors is half the fun -- so much excitement!!