Last week, Shane and I had the chance to go to Maui for a few days. It was a wonderful trip and we had such a blast. Get ready for an old-fashioned slide show!

Here we are on the plane...pale, and excited.

Literally within 10 minutes of checking into the hotel we were swimming in the pacific blue. Every evening at sunset the hotel does a cliff diving ceremony.

We were about a 10 minute drive to Lahaina, were you could get a burger and this view for about $8.

When we went to the car rental place, Shane was jumping for joy that we got a PT Cruiser. So this is me showing him how cool a car it can be...

And here's one for the ladies...


My favorite shade of blue!

Run Forrest, Run!

Yes, that is 32oz of Prime Rib on his plate. Eat your heart out Derek!

A Cabana With A View

Shane rediscovered his love of swimming in the ocean.

Thursday Shane had all day meetings, so I went into Lahaina and did the historical tours (making me the coolest nerd ever).

View of Front Street

This ship got washed up on the rock by a storm. We were fascinated by it!


The home of Reverend Baldwin, a missionary/doctor and hero to Lahaina. The tour was great, even though I almost cried when they said that James Michner's book was full of historical errors. I still love you Jerusha Bromley!




The Lahaina Fort, built when the drunken whalers would fire their cannons onto the town.

The Courthouse

At the Company Luau



Look at that face! He looks 10 years old!

Our last few minutes on the beach. I decided to take this rainbow as a good omen of a speedy return.

Back on the plane. A little less pale, very sad, but excited to see our boy.


I just want to thank Nana again for coming to stay with Hank. He was so happy that he didn't even notice we were gone! You are the best mom and Nana in the world and we love you so much!

Happy Birthday Hank! (and Nick and Joe)

Hank celebrated turning 2 by having 2 birthday parties!

Here are pics from the family party:

Hank proudly showing off the shirts Grandma got him



Making it look easy. Thankfully Kamaikan's Coach was on hand to give pointers!


Hayley and Chloe get in on the action

King Hank

Hank's best friends Nick and Joe Peterson's birthdays are two days after his, and since they are all obsessed with trains, so we decided to have a Thomas the Train party for them. We invited their best gal pal Bailey and had a blast!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! It was our first being home, just the three of us and I think we started (adapted) some great traditions.

But first, I must post this picture of my dear friend Nicole. She was dropping off her boys at my house while she went Visiting Teaching, and alas, got stuck in our driveway. You have never seen such a determined Visiting Teacher as Nicole, shoveling out her car with no coat and designer boots. Thanks to Jared and Berek for bailing us out!

Alright, on to Christmas. We decided to open up PJ's on Christmas Eve, and it was so fun. You may need to shield your eyes from the technicolor PJ's that Hank received. But they were the only Thomas the Train set at the store, and he loves them! He cried when we took them off the next day, and we have already washed them several times so he could wear them every night since.
Shane read us "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Christmas morning Hank found a train set waiting under the tree!

He caught on to this pretty quick!

He loved the art easel Nana and Papa sent him.

After breakfast and some naps, we went over to the Johnson's to celebrate with the family.The kids played really well together!

Dylan was very nice to share his toy with Uncle Shane

Hank and Grandpa

The Nutcracker Sweet

While Shane was out last night, Hank and I were cuddling on the couch. I noticed that PBS was showing a performance of "The Nutcracker". I turned it on, thinking Hank would give me 30 seconds before wanting Mr. Rogers instead. I was wrong. My son sat in abject (and silent) wonder, watching the show. He barely moved a muscle until the moment where the full size Nutcracker jumps out of the magic box. Hank jumps out of my arms, and literally starts imitating all the dance moves. I kid you not-he was marching, leaping, swinging his arms back and forth. He even tried a few double axles (none landed successfully). His face was of total focused concentration. It was hysterical. Shane came in a few minutes later so I rewound the show to the same part, with the same results.

I don't know what was funnier. Hank's moves, or Shane's obvious concern hiding behind a plastered on smile. Luckily, Shane was quickly able to think of a past Heisman Trophy winner who also danced ballet.

To be honest, if I knew my boy was destined to be a dancer, I don't know that I would have named him Hank. Maybe Hans, or Demetri or Meredith.