Getting to know Phyllis

Phyllis is such a wonderful host "grandma". It's been fun getting to know her better because she's definitely been opening up more to Jessica and me. Last weekend Heidi and Anna came over to our house for a girls night. We were painting our nails on the back porch and jokingly asked if Phyllis wanted to join us. She replied that she had never had her nails painted in her entire life. What?! So of course Jessica jumped at the opportunity to be the one to change that. Phyllis wasn't too keen on choosing the neon orange color we were putting on our toes, but she chose a nice, soft pink that Jess had. Now Phyllis has lovely pink toes!Our pretty painted nails!

After our nails were dry, we were just sitting around chatting with Phyllis. Then she all of a sudden went over to her closet and slyly came out holding the movie Sister Act. Who knew a woman like Phyllis would have such a movie?! So we watched it with her. She was giggling incessantly at all the parts. It was the funniest thing to see her come out of her shell and thoroughly enjoy this movie with us.

We went to our ward for the first time on Sunday. Family! It was so good to see and talk to you! I miss you guys a lot! Thank heavens for Skype. :) After church Phyllis wanted to take us to one of the westcoast beaches. So we hopped in our little car and took a 30 minute drive to Muriwai Beach. It is a black sand beach with such fun waves (Orewa had hardly any because it's on the east side)! Before going down to the water, Phyllis showed us a place near the walking trails where you can see gannet birds nesting. It was so fun to see the little chicks and the adults flying around everywhere. There were tons of nests on top of that tall rock and on the ledge at the front of the picture. It was actually really cool!

Can you see the big, fluffy chick?

We then headed down to the beach. Jess and I weren't really planning on getting all the way in the water and getting our hair wet. We felt bad. It was Sunday. We were just going to put our feet in. But Phyllis! She was wearing her togs, and as soon as she waded into the water she dove in! The water was freezing! She was kicking and splashing around, calling for us to jump in as we shivered together knee deep in the water. We were laughing hysterically! We never would have expected Phyllis to jump in the water like that! She was like a happy little fish bobbing around in the seawater. Well, with Phyllis leading like that, Jess and I had no other choice but to follow suit. The waves were so fun to play in! We spent the rest of the evening pulling the last few rays of warmth from the sun and enjoying a picnic dinner on the beach. Phyllis went and got us fish and chips. Yum! It was one of those perfect days when you feel so content and at peace with the world. Thanks, Phyllis!

Our dinner