Home Sweet Home

We arrived safe and sound back in Hawaii this afternoon, after a long and draining flight. Ella slept most of the way to Phoenix, but was a bit of a pain to Honolulu, sleeping only about half of the 6.5 hour flight. We've unpacked, had dinner, Ella is bathed and in bed, and we're so ready to hit the sack. I will post photos and details about our trip once I have some more energy and get the photos off the camera. G'nite, Y'all...

Atlanta

We have been way from the blog and have no photos to share due to an unexpected trip to Atlanta. Sadly, Ron's uncle passed and we came home for a week to be with the family. We left Thursday night and took an overnight flight to Phoenix and then onto Atlanta. It was an uneventful flight, just long, especially long with a toddler. Ella was great, sleeping most of the time.
We arrived Friday at dinner, spent yesterday with the family and today worked on cleaning out the house. It's going to be a quick and very busy visit, but Ella is enjoying spending time with her grandparents. She loves her uncles and they spoil her rotten. I have some pictures of Ella with some of the family and will post them at some point. Maybe when we return home on Thursday.

It's nice to be home, and visit but I definately don't miss the humidity here in "Hotlanta". And I'm sure our pockets could do without all the shopping this place has to offer (I packed an extra bag so that I could bring back some much-needed purchases - I've been in a shopping drought for almost 2 years!) Tuesday I'm meeting an old friend and heading to Target - I can't wait!!!

Birthday Party

We all went to a first birthday party for the daughter of one of Ron's co-workers. It was so nice to lounge around the pool, swim, eat really good BBQ, and have cake. One day I want to own a house with a pool - heaven. They released butterflies, which were stunning, at least the ones that flew away. Apparently they are kept refrigerated and the ones that hadn't "thawed" out yet were motionless. The kids carefully (as carefully as kids can) got to hold them until the sun warmed them enough to fly away. (The second photo was Ella eying this kid who kept trying to push her out of the way)

Splash Day

It was splash day at the YMCA playgroup today...

Chuck E Cheese

Hugs for Chuck E...Emmi and Ella...Sebastian and Ella...
Mommy and Ella...

Helmet

We finally bought Ella a bike helmet. She's still trying to get the hang of pedaling on her tricycle so we've not been in a hurry to get a helmet... not that any fit her anyway. But... Ron just bought himself a new fancy road bike that is lightning fast and he's taken Ella out in the bike trailer a few times. The helmet is no longer optional at Ron's speed and luckily, Ella has grown enough that we found one that fit. She's so in love with it, she's worn it all afternoon - eating a snack, playing blocks or doing a puzzle. Ron finally got her to take it off... I think he bribed her with watching "Barney". :)

Love

Ella and Emmanuel

Mamma Mia

I arranged a girls night out with Sara, Christina and Maikou. We had dinner together and then saw the fabulous Mamma Mia. I saw it originally on stage and couldn't stay off my feet dancing. The movie was just as good and I can't wait to dance around to ABBA this weekend with Ella....

Hickam Beach

Ella and SebastianElla and EmmiElla, Sebastian and I went to Hickam Beach on the airforce base with Christina and Emmi. The beach is gorgeous and we get the added entertainment of watching planes take off from the airport as well as fighter jets practicing and taking off right next to us.

Blog Makeover

I'd like to thank Lesley for introducing me to The Cutest Blog website. I noticed her blog was looking very adorable and much nicer than the blogger layouts available. I spent much of the afternoon playing around with it and love the new look - hope you do too.

Yesterday afternoon we had our friends over for a potluck BBQ. Maikou made her famous (and delicious) egg rolls, Christina made some fantastic chicken tostadas, and Carrie and Sara brought fruit and cake for dessert.

Yummy! With the hamburgers and hot dogs it was a feast. It's always good to see everyone and hang out, we've made some great friends here.
Here are some pictures from last night, and all of Ella's friends....