Pics from New Year's

We actually went out on New Year's Eve!

We went to "Don Ho's " for a quick bite to eat and then watched the Hawaiin music and hula shows at the Aloha Tower Mall. We had been there with Russ and Paulette when we went on a cruise to celebrate our 25th anniversaries in 2005. Later, we watched fireworks out over the ocean.

On New Year's Day we went on a hike on an old highway, which was an engineering feat for its time. Nuuanu Pali State Park is situated at a notch in the Ko'olua Mountain Range. There is an old legend that King Kamehameha fought the last warriors who were defending O'ahu and pushed them over the mountain range to their deaths. An extremely strong wind blows you back over the ridge when you go to the other side and it is believed that the wind is from the warriors still trying to beat back Kamehameha.

2 1/2 weeks already gone!!!

I'm going to backtrack a little bit and cover some of the things we did from the beginning...

We arrived on a red-eye on 12-28-07, exhausted but excited and already missing our favorite peeps. we found the hospital, the state board of nursing, the grocery store, the apartment and then finally the motel room-all by 11:00 AM. It was kind of a crappy little hotel near the airport, but the grounda and pool were still beautiful, just like all of Hawaii.

Milk really is 6.99/gallon! While walking around we saw some cool statues-this one was one of my favorites.

Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches

Lanikai was the first beach we visited, It is on the windward side (East). It was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world! It is over the Island on the Pali Highway. You get to go through 2 tunnels to get over the island. We are planning on going to the North Shore tomoorrow to see the waves-they are predicting some doozies! Also, the Sony Open is this weekend, so we are hoping to go watch a little of that. I've never been to a golf tournament, have you?

We're here!!!

We made it to Hawaii. It is so beautiful. The weather of course is perfect, perfect temperature, balmy breezes, occasional raindrops, sunshine, (even when it is raining!). Sunsets over the ocean are such a treat, and I think I've seen a rainbow everyday. Weve been to 4 beaches and can't decide which one is our favorite. We've been on 2 hikes, I felt liken I was deep in a rainforest and then suddenly, we would come out upon a breathtaking vista.

It was a crazy December!

We had so much fun at Christmas time this year. We started our Christmas Eve hanging out at my Mom and Dad's, the boys love playing with all the fun toys and with the swing set out back.

We then had a great time out at the Lake Mead Marina feeding the ducks and the carp. The carp are kinda' gross but the ducks are all different colors-although a little dangerous-Noah got nipped by one of them! Noah and Isaac still had a great time and then we went over to Boulder City and saw the bunnies and Sam and Garon played a little basketball with Noah.

Later that evening we all went over to Marcus and Susan's-they are always very gracious hosts. Yummy lasagna and grilled chicken were on the menu alond with lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Sheridan, Anya, Brian, CJ, Garon, Taylor, Alex, Noah, and Isaac had a great time in the playroom. 9 of the 15 Erling Grandchildren were there. Mom is still recuperating from her knee replacement,so had a quiet Christmas Eve at home with Skip and Dad.

Cameron, Garon and I actually slept in on Christmas Day and waited patiently, (not really), for the Earl Family, and CJ to come over to open presents. It was great fun, Noah loved opening the presents and Ikey played along, too. I think the kids were all very surprised and hope they had fun.

We were all able to spend the afternoon over at Heather and Dave's. They are always very welcoming and put up with the extended Hillstead Clan with class. There are about a million of us! The potluck food was delicious and it was good to see everyone. We missed Summer and her boys, but Stephanie and Pat were there with their adorable girls. Spring and Mike were there, too, with their adorable girls and grandchildren. We sure miss Nic and Ani, hope to see them soon. Mark and his family were here from Enoch, Utah. Mom and Dad were there, too!

Hawaii

we are leaving for Hawaii in 5 days!! we can hardly believe it is a reality- 3 months of sun, sand, and beauty!