The Pali Lookout

If you haven't been there... you gotta go. It is beyond gorgeous!

Liliha Bakery

This was my first time going here but it is a place Tommy and his mom love.

They love their Cocoa Puffs but I think the Long Johns are better.

Are these not the cutest cookies EVER???

Cool Trees

I wish Tommy's grandma was still alive so she could tell me what all of the different beautiful vegetation was called. She knew everything there was to know about every tree and plan that grew in that state.

This was taken at Sunset or Pipeline beach.

Is this called a monkey pod tree????

Mom and Dad to the rescue!

I had all our stuff from our trip up North was still in their suit cases. I needed to get Tommy and I packed for Hawaii and also get all the kids clothes washed and organized for mom and dad since they would not have time for laundry. The 10 days we were gone we probably the most busy our schedules had ever gotten. I was dumping all that on mom and dad.
They were total champs and hit the ground running.
Dad helped me organize and pack. I literally had the whole family room covered in clothes. Mom jump right in and was giving the kids some much needed love and attention.

YAY for awesome parents!

Getting the house ready for mom and dad

Since Tommy and I were heading to Hawaii without the kids. Mom and dad agreed to come down and take over our schedule and man the house and kids while we were away. It was a big job. I really wanted to make things a little easier on them and give them a few clues so they could adjust to a new kitchen. It's hard enough to cook with little kids around....add the extra task of locating the cooking tools you need and things could get hairy.

I wanted to more to make life easier for them while we were gone but we had some unexpected family emergency to handle. Little did mom and dad know they would be walking into an emotional landmine.

The few days Tommy and I were home between Thanksgiving up North and vaca in Hawaii were pretty bad. Tommy's sister was having her usual drama and it seems to demo the whole family. It's been hard to see Tommy hurting and effected by her . The time he spent trying to be a good brother and subjecting himself to the crap the swirls around her life totally effected our little family, too. When I look back at this year I am shocked at how her drama and problems spilled over into so many family members lives. It sad and maddening!

BUT This year had so many great moments that kept us a float. Having Joey live with us and getting to know him better and see him achieve so much has been rewarding.
Buying a new home has been so awesome and being able to achieve one of our life goals was huge for us.
Nifae started Elementary school and Owen started Preschool. Both pretty major things for our family.
Lilia got potty trained and Owen took off the training wheels on his bike.
Nifae learned to tie his shoes (for a family that only wears slippers, this is pretty major).
Joey and his Hurricane High school football team made it to the State Championship game. Then he finished the 2nd quarter of his sophomore year with a 3.8 GPA.

It's been a remarkable year for our family, despite the black cloud that has been looming over head.



I am sad that I didn't get everything in order for mom and dad but I am so grateful to them for all their love and support. Not just for coming down to help us with the 4 kids (well, and Kristy, Tommy's niece too )but also for loving and supporting me through such a turbulent year. I could have never made it through it with out you and your prayers. Love you mom and dad!

What they don't know wont hurt them.

So here is a funny pic of my boys dreaming about and circling the things that they want for Christmas in the Walmart mailer.

The totally funny thing is that inside that box they are on is ALL the toys they are getting. Hehehehehe! Every time they would circle something I would just smile and think....if you only knew how close it was. :)

Mean while Kristy, Tommy's niece, had a temporary stay at our place before she moves onto greener pastures. She was cleaning Joey's room and trying to get things organized. Not the greatest job in the world!

I didn't know she could do this.

All of our counters are higher than average (because giants live here). So this totally cracks me up to see this little mini get herself up there for a drink. When there is a will there is a way, right?!
Nov. 28, 2010

Home Sweet Home.

Back home from our fun up North. The kids were sad to leave all the people they love but so happy to be home.

Nov 27, 2010