Wrapping up 2008 . . .

So I wanted to rewind a little bit here and catch everyone up on our last couple weeks of the holiday season before I move on any further into the New Year. I figured some pictures were in order, so I'm posting a few of my favorites out of the hundreds that were taken . . . plus I'll tell you what we've been up to along the way.

A week or so before Christmas, Charley had her school Christmas program, and as you can see, she was pretty nervous . . . hence the finger in the mouth and the "deer in headlights" look. In fact, every single picture taken of Charley during the performance looks just like this one. I'm not sure she even sang one word. But by the time Santa came and delivered presents, she was a pretty happy camper . . .

The very next day, Brian's dad, Jim, and his wife, Delora, arrived for a ten day visit. This was Delora's first time here, and Jim had not been here in many decades, so everyone was pretty excited.

The day after their arrival, we threw Charley a Hello Kitty birthday party for her 4th birthday. She had about ten little friends at her party, and I think the party was a success because she told me that it was the "best party ever." Although, as we all know, her basis for comparison is pretty limited. :) I was particularly proud of my cake-making that day, because as most of you know, I am ANYTHING BUT the Martha Stewart/creative/crafty type, but I managed to decorate her cake all by myself and actually made it look the way it was supposed to. Aren't you proud, Mom?

The day after Charley's party, we headed down the Hilton Hawaiian Village for a two-night stay, and we all had a FABULOUS time. We were lucky enough to get two adjoining rooms, and here is our gorgeous view.

Over the next few days we went to the Waikiki Aquarium, walked the entire length of Waikiki Beach, celebrated Charley's birthday on the 23rd (more presents and birthday ice cream), relaxed at the pool, and ate lots and lots of food. It was a blast.

On Christmas Eve we checked out of the hotel and headed towards home. On our way we stopped at our friends, the McGinity's, who were hosting a party for close friends. Our usual Coastie friends were there, and we all had a very relaxing and fun afternoon. After the party, it was time to head home, finish wrapping gifts, and prepare for Santa' arrival. Here's what the tree looked like after all was said and done . . .

And here's the kids first glimpse on Christmas morning of what was in store . . . .

We had a very nice quiet Christmas, topped off with an awesome dinner of prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, and lots of other goodies prepared that Delora and I prepared. The kids had a blast opening presents, and I think they got just about everything they asked for. They must have been on Santa's "good list" this year.

The remaining days of Jim and Delora's visit were spent golfing and touring around the island. One of our stops was at the infamously windy Pali Lookout, and it was perhaps the windiest I'd ever seen it. I couldn't help but post the proof . . .

Overall, I would say that we had a pretty stinkin' good Christmas this year. We were surrounded by family, friends, lots of good food, beautiful weather, love for Santa, and the Christmas spirit. However, Charley and Zander are already dreaming of what they are going to ask Santa for next year . . . .

I guess that about covers the remainder of 2008. The only other noteworthy thing that happened over the Christmas break was a blackout across the entire island. And the ONLY reason that you may have heard about it on national news is because our poor President-elect and his family had to SUFFER without power for an entire twelve hours, most of which took place during the night. While we were sleeping. Can you imagine such a travesty, a whole 12 hours without power? It's amazing any of us made it that long . . . . :)