Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Nothing like bringing in the New year than with a tasty buffet, live band and fireworks on the beach. What a fabulous night! 2009 was a great year! Thanks to my sweet husband and my darling Eliza! Love you guys!

Helicopter Tour of the Big Island

This is one of the coolest things I have done in Hawaii. The helicopter fits seven people including the pilot which was the perfect fit. Sweet Julie stayed back with the grandkiddies and they had a blast with grandma! It was a 2 hr tour and the pilot showed us the active volcanos, the beautiful waterfalls just up the coast from Hilo, and then rounded off the trip with some whale watching. What an incredible view! The last photo is a pick of the back-up Air Force One. That was our close encounter with the Obamas! Okay, not really, but they were vacationing on the island of Oahu, the next island over, and I guess they were parking their back-up in Hilo on the Big Island. So of course we had to take a picture since that was the closest we'll probably ever get to the President!

Golfing at Mauna Kea

There is something about golf that just puts a smile on Nate's face! The course was gorgeous and it was fun to be with just my hubby!

After the Temple we went to dinner at the Kona Inn and it was delicious-Jonathan really knows how to scout out the best cuisine!

Hawaii

The Big Island

The day after Christmas we flew to the Big Island with the Bullen family! What a fun trip it was and definitely one of our favorites. Eliza loved spending time with her Nana and Papa. The first day we were there she wasn't a huge fan of the sand or the endless waves that catch you by surprise, but by day 2 she couldn't get enough of it. She had so much sand on her face she looked like a little racoon with only her eyes visible. Squishing the sand between her fingers and toes and letting the waves run up over her legs was a thrill. We went golfing, snorkeling, Helicopter tour of the island and volcanoes, delicious food, Kona temple, New Year's Eve party and of course plenty of beach and sunshine. The one thing I love about Hawaii is when you're there you can't help but slow down to the pace of the island and truly relax. Thanks Juji and Bear for a splendid week!