Mele Kalikimaka

Yes, we did have Christmas. Santa was good to us this year: Rosie a new changing table and accessories for her "Bitty Baby", Lizzy a tea party table, chairs and serving set for her American Girl and Max, little Max and his new Truck from Santa. Elizabeth summed it up with this conversation on Christmas Day:

Lizzy- "Mommy, Santa is SO NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, he really is Lizzy"

Lizzy- "Yea, cause you guys would NEVER buy a real car you can drive for us, and Santa just brought one to Max, he is so NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, Lizzy, he really is so nice"

As for Kelly and I, we were still on cloud 9 after our trip to Kauai, so everything seemed swell. It was a simpler Christmas for me. Knowing that I would be gone the first week of December, I simplified. I took less time decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping and stressing and more time enjoying. It was quite amazing how I much I didn't miss all the fuss and I think I'll make it a habit from here on out (Kauai and all......I wish!). Regardless, Christmas 2009 was "Merry and Bright" as it hopefully always will be.

Mahalo, Garden Island

Dearest Kauai,
Never had we the occasion to meet, until now. How I loved you. How I appreciated your goodness. Thank you for giving us 7 days of pure sunshine, how thoughtful of you. It allowed my parents, Kelly and I plenty of well needed relaxation. You are too kind.

Your sandy beaches were so warm and soft, we felt like we could lay on them all day, which you know we did. Morning walks along them were the perfect way for Kel and I to greet each day you so wonderfully created for us, it didn't go unnoticed.

The waterfalls, canyons, lighthouses and seascape's were picturesque. Never have we been treated to such beauty, we almost got use to the lushness....almost. Kelly and I particularly enjoyed our hike and kayaking adventure to "Secret Falls"; you really out did yourself there.

Kauai, someone must have told you Kelly and I were there celebrating our 10 year anniversary, why else would you have rolled out the most glorious sunsets? You really know how to create a romantic atmosphere, and we ate it all up....YUM!

Speaking of Yummy, the food was to die for! My favorites being Mahi Mahi in all different forms and your perfectly ripened pineapples. Delish!

Oh, and by the way, Kelly wanted to make sure you know how much he appreciated your perfect waves and warm clear blue water where he could learn the art of surfing. You shouldn't have!

Yes, Kauai, you are a new favorite- A trip to go down in our records of most magnificent. How we needed you! We will not soon forget the magical experience that was ours, and are already planning our return trip.

Yours ever so "warmly",

S&K

PS- My parents also thank you! And we must thank my parents who were also celebrating a special anniversary and were nice enough to hook-us-up with a time share of our own so we could celebrate together. You two were great company, I especially enjoyed being able to have a conversation with you Mom, without the constant "Nana, will you play with me?" interruptions that otherwise happens. So, Mom and Dad, what are you doing next year?

You Can't Catch Me

"The Cookie" So cute I could eat her up!

The Cookie making new friends, who also

acted like they wanted to eat

her up!


The Cookie with a Sugar Plum Paige,
who both had visions of Sugar Plums
at ages 3 (Grace) and 4 (The Cookie) when they
first attended the Nutcracker together.

A big heart-felt thank you to all of The Cookie's fans! We
appreciated the flowers, toys, candy and books you brought. But,
mostly we appreciated your time to come support our dancer.

Once upon a time, a little old woman and a little old man lived in a cottage. One day, the little old woman made a gingerbread girl. She made red velvet stickers for her cheeks and a very darling (and very hot) gingerbread suit for her to wear (although, I really didn't make any of her costume). As they pulled her out of the oven, she jumped off the tray and opened the window shouting: "Run, Run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Cookie". The little old woman and the little old man chased her all the way to........

Year 2 of The Nutcracker.

Our Lizzy delighted her parents and friends looking darling as the Gingerbread Cookie in the Nutcracker. What fun it was to watch her. A very special THANK YOU goes out to Grandma H. who lovingly took her to dress rehearsals and performances while we were away enjoying some sunshine. Lizzy enjoyed being the youngest dancer in the "fight scene" and basked in the attention she received from Toy Soldiers, Bears, Dolls, Candy Canes and Mice. As always, I left this year wondering if we will do it again next year, considering the enormous amount of time required during the holidays. Yet, even as I write this post and look at her face in the pictures, I have a feeling I know what my answer will be in 9 short months from now.

Her Own Fancy Way

As I was debating on how we should celebrate Rosie's birthday this year, Nana came up with the most fitting idea: A Posh Birthday Soiree (that's fancy for a fancy birthday party). Brilliant Nana. Simply Brilliant!

The young ladies were invited to come in their exquisite attire for an afternoon of pampering and primping (at the local Beauty School) and than back to the house for some ice cream parfaits. Writing and creating the invite was a highlight. We be-dazzled and feathered it to Rosie's approval. I'm starting to agree that Fancy really is "more funner".

The day of the Party was so fun, all the little ladies looked darling in their "fanciest dress my Mommy said I could wear". The beauty school was a huge success, their students did a fabulous job with the girls (and did you know it's only $7 for a facial? I will be returning!).

Rosie enjoyed it the most: the getting ready, the presents, the "fancy" hair and nails, the ice cream sundaes and all of our attention. In the words of Fancy Nancy herself, it was a "Splendiferous" birthday for a lady who has her own Fancy way of doing things. Happy Birthday Dearest Rosie, may you always stay true to your inner Fancy.

Well Done, Grandpa, Well Done

On Tuesday December 15th my family lost a beloved Grandfather. It was the first time I have had to deal with the death of a Grandparent; I felt so thankful for my faith. My Grandpa was a Hero in his own right; successful business man, loving father and devoted husband. As I reflected on his life, I realized that he and my dear Grandma enjoyed a great American Romance, one that only grew stronger through the test of time. I hope and pray that Kelly and I will have that level of love and devotion well into our twilight years. My Grandpa made me laugh, his quick wit and jovial personality made him an instant favorite among many. He was strong both physically and spiritually. He was smart, savvy, classy and had an eye for style. Most of all though, he knew how to love. He knew how to express love and made me feel like I was so much better than I am. He knew how to connect with children and loved having them near him. He expressed to them how great, smart, pretty and handsome they were each time we were around him. He loved babies and even though it was painful for him to walk, he was always the first one in my hospital room to welcome our newest addition. I will miss his loving support and kind words immensely. Thankfully, I know I will see him again! I know he is reunited with loved ones and is patiently waiting for all of us here on earth. He lived a wonderfully full life, committed to faith and family, and enjoyed the success that comes from a life well lived- a job well done. I love you Grandpa, thank you for loving me and for teaching me some of life's greatest lessons. Your legacy lives on, my everyday Hero.

3 Times the Charm!

This now 3 year old has worked a boyish charm spell in our home. We love him. He brightens my day, I love being the recipient of his attention and adore seeing the world through his eyes. On his birthday I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with him "Just Mommy and Max, Not ZeZe (Lizzy), Not Ro Ro (Rosie), Not Daddy (Daddy)......no". What fun it was to follow him around the children's museum and play, Max style. He proved to be a great date, giving me lots of hand squeezes and an occasional kiss or five.

At 3, Max has developed a uniform of sorts (any kind of "hoop ball" or sports outfit, the top picture is his most favorite), enjoys playing outside (even when freezing cold) and loves to sing and play his drums (a "gift" from a cousin and Aunt/Uncle.....hmmmmmm.....). Happy Birthday to Max, our little boy, our charmer.

PS- I know, I know, it's been awhile (to say the least) but, I promise to catch this neglected blogg up........sooner than later........I hope!

Tricks and Treats

The Next Generation of serious Trick-or Treaters.

Two witches, one black cat, one skeleton (taking the picture) and a scary spider=
Classic Halloween 2009

As our children grow, new traditions emerge. This year Rosie had to walk in the school parade with Elizabeth because every witch needs her black cat......right Mommy?

My Mother's Family has some pretty fun holiday traditions. One that we all look forward to is the Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. Complete with carol singing to the light of glowing jack-o-lanterns, I look forward to it every year. It wouldn't be Halloween without it. After some lenghty discussion with my dear husband, we decided that we also needed some fun traditions of our own. We decided upon a few things:

1- We will be Fun Parents, the kind that dress up and enjoy tricks and treats.

2- We will give out "Good Candy".

3- We will Not travel hither and thro to see our family, instead, we will entreat them to come to us, with a yummy Halloween Dinner (and it works!).

Many of you have asked, some of begged, for a copy of the Halliday Family Pumpkin Carols, which we sing after we carve our pumpkins. Although I cannot give you the entire book, I will share my very favorite, I expect great things from you all come 2010!

The 12 Days of Halloween

On the twelfth day of Halloween My True Love Gave to me:

Twelve bats a-flying, Eleven masks a-leering, Ten ghouls a-groaning,

Nine ghosts a-booing, Eight monsters shrieking, Seven pumpkins glowing,

Six goblins gobbling, FIVE SCARY SPOOKS, Four Skeletons, Three black Cats,

Two trick-or- treaters and An owl in a dead tree!