Lanai, Hawaii

Derek and I just returned from our trip to Hawaii. It was a wonderful time for us. We stayed at the Four Seasons at Manele Bay. It was lush and beautiful. Lanai is a small island, home to about 3000 people in all. There are 2 resorts and 1 small hotel on the entire island. Our resort was very tropical, but the other part of the island had a different feel- there were tall pine trees and it was about 10 degrees cooler. We enjoyed some time shopping on the square and hanging at the other resort, The Lodge at Koehle. We had a supplier lunch with the execs from Derek's client. We got to play some traditional Hawaiian games like lawn bowling, croquet, and spear throwing(as you can imagine, Derek was better at this one than me). Most of the trip was spent at our resort area. We spent time relaxing by the pool, laying by the beach, reading, snorkeling, hiking, golf for Derek, eating LOTS of delicious food. We had some events at night and those were a blast. It was a great vacation and Derek and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were happy to see the kids when we returned. They were in great hands while we were gone. my mom and Derek's dad each took a shift and came and watched the kids. They seemed to have had a fun time. Here are some pictures of our vacation.

Sunrise picture taken from our balcony.Derek throwing a bamboo spear into a tree. He did pretty good. Derek on the grounds of the resort.
Happy in paradise!

Dinner in the resturaunt at The Lodge at Koehle. The food was great- lobster tail, scallops and souffles!Beautiful coastline. We hiked up this and it was a gorgeous view.Standing in front of the beautiful blue seaDerek enjoying listening to the waves crashing.Dressed for our theme night- Rock and Roll vs. Country. We listened to a battle of the bands and had a fun time dancing.

Early morning sun over the water.

Pine trees in Lanai City

In the town, by the original island hotel. We shopped on the town square.

Derek after a morning of snorkeling

Lunch over looking the ocean-awesome!

We're Outta Here

bathing suits- check

flip flops- check

sundresses-check

lots of books- check

gossip magazines- check

Ipod loaded with music- check

2 plane tickets to Hawaii- check

2 excited and happy people- check

Tommorrow, Derek and I leave for the island of Lanai, Hawaii. We will be there until Thursday. I am so excited! I know we will have an awesome time! I am looking forward to days of relaxing at the pool and beach, having drinks with little umbrellas in them, reading several books, and hanging with my awesome husband. And did I mention- it is free! Yeah! Can't wait ! I'll leave you with a picture of the pool that I will be hanging out at next week.

Tagged about my kids

1. How many kids do you have? 2

2.What are their ages? Barrett-4 and Brooklyn-2

3.What time do you start your day?I like to get up around 7:15 and have some coffee and get on the computer before everyone wakes up around 8.

4.What do you eat for breakfast? Coffee is usually my breakfast, except on Saturdays. I often eat a snack around 10. My kids eat eggs, waffles, oatmeal, sausage biscuits or cereal.

5.Do your kids watch TV? Yes. They usually watch it eating breakfast and Barrett watches a show or two in the afternoon when Brooklyn naps.

6.What are their favorite activities? Brooklyn loves her dolls and coloring. Barrett likes to ride his bike and scooter and build all sorts of things. They both love to be outside playing on the playground or playing "sports". They love hanging out with each other.

7.Do you get a break during the day for some down time? Yes, the kids go to preschool 2 days a week, so I have some time to myself then. I also usually get to have time in the morning to myself. I also enjoy taking bubble baths and reading a book.

8. How do you end your day? Derek gives the kids baths and then reads stories to the kids before they go to bed. Then Derek and I usually hang out together.

9. What is your best parenting advice? Have a plan for how to deal with different scenarios, tell your kids you love them ALOT, and listen and enjoy the ride.

I tag- Kara, Anita and Raegan

Don't call the HOA!

Who is that masked man? And what is he doing?

Well, funny you should ask. It is my husband and he is having target practice, using his bow,in the vacant lots behind our house. Don't turn us in to the HOA!

Here is the target all set up. Derek practicing shooting his bowDerek and his coachesAnd here is Barrett looking for some deer for Daddy to shoot

And Brooklyn doesn't want to miss out on seeing the deer either

Barrett is happy even though there was no deer that was shot behind our house, in our neighborhood. Maybe next time!

Arrggghh! Ahoy mates!

We have been living with some pirates.

And a pirate cowboy

33 Things I've Learned In 33 Years

1. God is faithful.
2. Having friends that you can count on and who love you just as you are, makes all the difference.
3. A meal must end with some sort of dessert.
4. Family is forever.
5. You can travel anywhere in a book.
4. Exercising really does make you feel better.
5. It breaks ones hear to see your child in pain or hurt.
6. Women need to talk alot!
7. TV is not real life.
8. I eat when I am stressed. I totally wish I was one of those who did not eat when stressed.
9. Life is fun!
10. People still like me if my house is not perfect and I serve dessert on snowman plates in July.
11. And, if they don't, I don't need them to be a part of my life anyway.
12. When I was younger, I was extroverted, but as I have gotten older I am introverted, unless in a group of people I am comfortable with.
13. I am not great with managing money(or should say saving it), which is why the cash system works for me.
14. Getting away with my husband on a trip every year or so, is great for our marriage.
15. Everyone needs to be pampered every so often.
16. Your kids can make you feel so good.
17. Everyone needs a little "down" time.
18. Singing at the top of your lungs and dancing around is sure to make you smile.
19. Things go smoother when you plan ahead.
20. Kids don't always go along with your plan or schedule.
21. I am a scheduled, list making person.
22. Computers can help you waste alot of time.
23. Coffee and sweets are 2 musts in life.
24. Life is a journey that has us always growing.
25. Girlfriends are a blessing.
26. Summer is meant to be relaxing and laid back.
27. It is good to have goals, both small and big.
28. It is important to keep your commitments, follow through with things and be someone that people can count on.
29. Pictures can help tell the story of ones life.
30. Patience is something that I am still seeking.
31. Children are a blessing.
32. It is important to laugh every day.
33. Getting older can bee a good thing.

Teddy turns 60!

This weekend we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday. We had a small party with family and a few friends. We had the party at a BBQ place in Humble. The food was really good. We had peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. It was a fun time. People brought old pictures, newspaper clippings, letters and cards for my dad. Alot of people also shared memories that they have of dad. It was neat to hear the stories. The kids sang a song to Teddy and it was great entertainment. Happy Birthday Dad! We all love you!

The whole gang!

Bulletin board of picturesThe kids having fun playing togetherMy dad's parents, Dorrie and Pops My dad talking B, Derek, Anthony, and Kurt visiting at the partyDorrie and my momAlton and my dadMe and my dad