Kauai, Firsts

Kauai was so wonderful. I was so happy Brian could come to Hawaii with us. It was our first time visiting this island and it did not dissapoint. There were so many parts and pieces to this vacation. We had different arrival dates for different family members. Emmy was Surpised to have Jordon decide to come along and they enjoyed it so much. The first group with her, and my folks, Jordon, Tanya, and Addison got to tour the Napali Coast. They loved seeing dolphins and whales and couldn't say enough good things about their time. They hiked and had fancy shaved ice. We all got to go to a luau together(except Celia opted out.) and enjoyed many a sunset and explored the whole island. I am a big fan of Princeville, It was so well maintained and quiet and having a condo near the cliffs was extremely relaxing and beautiful. We loved seeing the Fern Grotto on a boat and our Napali Coast boat ride was quite adventurous like a roller coaster. I was glad I had a waterproof jacket as I was pelted by the waves on our way to the viewing area. Once arrived, We got closer to the land than anyone, I bet. I saw the back of the boat only a foot or two from the island. The food was good and the sunset did not disaapoint. Joseph really enjoyed the ride and that made me happy. I saw waterfalls and got to stay two days later after most of the family had left and going to the gardens was quite the treat. Everything was great. Church was spiritual, The Big SUV was fun to drive around, the food and trips to costco were wonderful. I went into jaquzzi every day. Stresses happened, but were resolved and I have a new dislike for cerain loud birds, but the positiviely of the area trumps any ill feelings experienced there. Emmy and I got to stop at a pond that was so clean and clear and still. I can see why the island wants to protect the area and keep it free from polution. I also like the cave we went in. It isnt like me to explore a cave, but I felt like it was a cool place with a history and I loved the nature and experience there. Hawaii is expensive, but I hope to go again someday. It is a treasured place to see and experience.

November speeding by

November was a whirlwind. I was thinking of Christmas time and putting up lights really early, knowing we would be coming back from vacation and be in full holiday swing. We started off with Emmy's Birthday. It was a celebration of her finishing her thesis. She defended and got it passed and turned in and we are so pleased it is done and proud of her for getting her Master of Science in Special Education! We went to Flame Fire and ate a lot of meat and enjoyed some time near Folson Lake and eating at the cliff house. Like a job offer, I got the opportunity to be on the Administration Commitee for our demonstration garden in Loomis. It has been great being at the groundbreaking level starting to get that going. Joe and I shopped a while on Black Friday and I have our christmas card done. Thanksgiving was nice. My folks came over and we enjoyed Rah Rah's rolls and pumpkin pie that were sent to us. Celia continues to blaze through school work in spurts and finished well with seminary attendance and testing. Spence got a cool mullet haircut and I am on the grind trying to get him some fantastic dentistry to help him out. Something always comes up, but we are blessed and loved and the year is flying by. I still am grateful to be a part of the children's lives and be doing my thing in UC Master Gardener newspaper writing. I pulished for November about Mychorrizae and I am slated to write for January as well. Theres nothing I'd rather be doing then my current jobs with the templand family history with Brian, my mothering and Master Garden duties. I feel blessed and it make al the time fly by.