Family reunion vacation - Part One

In October we got to see EVERYONE in both sides of our family. First we met up with the Milne's in San Diego for our annual beach house getaway. We rent the same house on Mission Beach each Fall and each year it seems to get better and better. This year was especially great - maybe it's the fact that the grandkids are getting older, more independent, and therefore the adults get more time to enjoy the vacation? These short 3 days were filled with games, beach activities, play time, an unforgettable talent show, and lots of laughs. I love that we don't plan anything and just get to hang out and be together. I am truly blessed with the best family ever. Unfortunately, I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures. The only ones I got were these posed family photos we did one morning.

A new tradition we have is that the grandparents have a slumber party with the grandkids one night while the adult kids get to go out on the town (thanks Mom and Dad!!) This year we went to an amaaaaaazing restaurant (Taylor always finds the best ones!) and then we went to hear a concert - David Bazan in downtown San Diego. He is one of Taylor and Kathrin's favorites. Me and Travis totally love them now and bought a couple CDs. Thanks Tay and Kat!

Part Two with the Parkers coming soon...

Introducing...

There's a new puppy in the Parker family. Meet Thumbelina, or "Lina" for short. She is half Chihuahua and half Papillon. It was love at first sight in the pet shop and after some convincing Travis was even excited to welcome her into our home. Haui is... tolerating her and starting to warm up to her bit by bit. Like all big brothers, he gets irritated with her and lets her know when she is out of line. She is pocket size and I hope she stays this way!

But don't let her fool you with her adorable looks. She is fierce!

We keep her in a pack n play when we can't watch her every minute. This is how we found her one day. Just chillin under the covers.

Nice earring!

This speaks for itself.

Our Halloween

Here we are on Halloween. Veda and Travis went with a Star Wars theme - Darth Vader and Princess Leia. Eve is a peacock and I went as my usual.

You don't know the power of the dark side.

We trick-or-treated with some of our good friends in a new neighborhood this year. Left to right: Eve the peacock, Canyon as Rapunzel, Kai the Mexican wrestler, Veda as Princess Leia, and Keppler as Jasmine. Veda and Keppler have become best friends in school and were on the same soccer team. It has been so good for both of them to have each other.

Happy Halloween!!

Good friends, hula, and...other stuff

We had some good friends we met in California visit last month. It was so much fun to see them and catch up.

We got to meet this little sweety for the first time. This is Ella, daughter of Ian and Heather.

Mason with a 'stache.

Hubba hubba. Eve, Sydney, and Veda. These girls go way back.

Veda and Eve practicing for our ward Lu'au. The primary kids performed a hula and sang a song in Hawaiian.

Veda and Eve giving Sydney a hula lesson.

The primary presidency and teachers ALSO performed a hula. This is me and Jesica feeling cool post-performance.

The primary ladies! We all made our own pa'u skirts.

The chickens finally moved outside once they started getting ugly and stinky. How cool is this chicken coop? Thanks honey!

This is the cutest, sweetest dog in the world. Scar and all. He had a huge tumor removed from his forehead a while ago and it left a large scar. But it didn't affect his appeal with the ladies. :)

An unlikely pair?

How are these children related to me??

calling all runners...

Today was the first annual Kauai Marathon. The girls and I were sideline cheerleaders and spectators. Travis ran today and did AWESOME. He was the first Kauai resident to cross the finish line and 18th overall - out of 1600 runners! 44 states and 6 countries were respresented. It was very exciting for our little island.

As I was watching the runners, I was inspired and motivated to join in next year. I'd like run the half marathon this time next year. Who wants to join me?