Vamos a Australia!

So, 2 more days until Joaquin and I leave for The Land Down Under!!

I can easily count the number of times that I have seen blue sky and/or sun in 2013.  They fit on one hand.  Unfortunately the northern latitude (53.5° N) and the proximity to the Nord See join forces to create a persistent, stubborn grey sky with regular precipitation and hurricane-like winds.  Last year was tough. This year I know what to expect.  Spring won't come until May.  And summer won't come until August. If we are lucky.

Our trip plan!!

I can't wait to leave this all behind and hop on a plane to another world!  The plan is to fly into Sydney and spent 3 days: recovering from any jet-lag (that most definitely will affect us), spending time with Joaquin's friend from elementary school who requested that we bring him 4 packs of cigarettes (weird? yes, definitely. but apparently they are $20 a pack in Australia), and then fly up to Cairns.  In Cairns we will rent a Camper Van and drive back down to Sydney with lots of stops along the way.

Hoping we don't kill each other in this thing...(!)

Which part might I be looking forward to the most you ask....4 days exploring the Whitsunday Islands...aka paradise!!! I can't wait. They will have to drag my kicking and screaming body off these white sands and out of these crystal clear waters.  Its going to be amazzzingg!

Green Card Application: Step 2

Just yesterday (January 31, 2013) we got the letter of approval of the I-130 package that we send in December!!

That letter is suppose to come within 1-3 months, so it came early/on-time.  We are thrilled!

The next step is to submit the SD-230 with a laundry list of additional documents.  The ones that apply to us are here:

1. Joaquin's birth certificate in English
2. Police certificates from Germany and Spain
3. Marriage certificate
4. Passport photos of Joaquin and I (again)
5. Additional photos (i need to look into exactly what the mean by this...)

Because we are headed to Australia for our long awaited HONEYMOON!! and we need to request the Spanish police report, we won't be able to send this second package until we get back (March 7th).  This isn't really a big deal because everything else is ready and it won't be a stressful month delay.

The approval letter also requires that we request a Move-to-the-US date.  Joaquin and I are going to discuss what makes the most sense for us as far as this is concerned over breakfast Saturday morning...as per usual.  All great plans are made with a pen, paper, and a croissant.  I'm convinced.

hopefully we'll be here this time next year!!