We were able to go back to Disneyland this year. Even with a few very rainy days we still had a blast. Park was able to go on more rides this year. After going on Space Mountain we asked him if he had fun. He said “it was Awesome; I don’t want to go again!” After the Tower of Terror he said “It felt like raccoons were coming out of his eyes!” That was a one time ride also. Soarin’ Over California was his favorite ride this year. Chloe still hit all the crazy scary rides. I made Eli go with her. Chloe really got into getting autographs from the characters. So we spent one morning at a Disney Breakfast. We meet up with Steve (Eli’s buddy from breakfast last year) and he arranged for the kids to dance with Eeyore and Tigger. It was a huge hit. The kids can’t wait to do it again…mom thinks a shopping vacations sounds good…dad just wants a vacation without so much walking.

Hawaii

Hawaii, as always, was FUN - even if it was windy. They closed all of the island schools because of wind on Friday, the day we arrived. Never did figure that one out.

It had rained 2 weeks before we came. We had days when it felt chilly because the sun wasn't out and the wind was blowing. It was great when the sun shone!

There were some big waves on the north shore.

Kim and Cindi joined us and we really enjoyed their company. Kyler and Ciara were also with us for a few days. Here are Kim and Cindi at Haunama (spelling???) Bay. It was too windy and rough to do a LOT of snorkeling. But we still tried.

Here is one of the fish I saw. Also saw a barracuda
- fortunately small and not very interested in me.

Then, of course, we had to go see the sharks - NOT at
Hanauma Bay - in a shark cage.

The sharks in the back ground were NOT digitally added -
this is an untouched photo! Kyler could hold his breath for
a very long time!

Here is Jim in the rental car - lots of fun. We were on the west coast which a have for
Hawaiians who feel that Hawaii should be for the natives and resent outsiders. So
we were a bit cautious. We had to make a bathroom stop. As we were leaving the
parking lot, a car of young Hawaiian men pulled in. We heard a voice call out,
"Aloha, white people!" Made my day!

Also saw four turtles on the beach, sunning themselves.
They were not overly energetic. True beach bums.

Sorry it has been so long since we shared photos, we aren't so good at taking the photos off the camera. We had a fun holiday season and wanted to share some photos with you. On Christmas Eve we had a great time writing letters to Santa and baking cookies for the big guy. Christmas morning didn't start until Chloe couldn't wait any longer and finally woke Park up around 7:30. After our "only on Christmas" breakfast and presents we spent the rest of the day with the family and lots of Rock Star. On the 27th we decided to spend the night at the Cabin. It was so cold!!!!About 21 degrees inside the cabin for the first few hours. Once we got the fire going we got the cabin to 74 degrees, then we complained we were too hot. The next morning we spent the morning snowshoeing and sledding. We had so much fun together we can't wait to add it to our holiday traditions