COUNTDOWN

We are on the countdown now for our last trip to Hawaii. It's a shame we have to go to such a place to visit our kids (in January no less), but it isn't going to last much longer. I know for sure Vic was thinking of this yesterday when he was out with his snowblower helping four neighbors and friends plus our own. We will be in Hawaii during the time R&C's belongings are packed up to head to Little Rock. Airbeds and paper plates will come in handy during that time. As you can imagine, we can hardly wait to get our hands on that little Mack. Please check back.

REMEMBERING

Today we are remembering two very special people in our lives, Tony and Deane Luiken. This picture was taken on their 50th anniversary. They were married 75 years ago on Christmas Day in the Parsonage of the First Baptist Church in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. They had four sons, DONALD (Jeannie), NORM (Jan), LOUIS (Pat), VICTOR (Marilyn). Later that parsonage would become the home of the Marquardt Family as Marilyn's Dad was the pastor of that church 1956-1963.

Frightful Weather on Sunday Morning

Here's the view from our front window this morning.
After checking the Grand Forks Herald, we found out there will be no services at FEFC. So we decided to check on another FEFC we know about in Iowa.

Andy is the Worship Pastor and Kristi, his bride is even on the program today. There was a children's program too but we were unable to catch those K Kids. I know another couple a few blocks from our house were also tuned in and we wonder if M &L were watching at the same time from their home in another country.

Then our friend, David showed up to share a sermon.

Winter in North Dakota

This picture is mainly for Rob and Carrie to see what it looks like in North Dakota these days. It truly was beautiful this morning with the snow floating down (well, for awhile it wasn't blowing). Now it is looking more like Christmas with everything white.

Visiting a dear friend...

On our way home from Iowa, we stopped in Andover to visit a dear friend. Len and I have shared many a conversation over lunches at Paula'a in Mayville and other spots in the Hoople area. We miss him a lot but are happy that he has such a nice place to live. It was great to see him again!

Thanksgiving weekend in Iowa

These are pictures taken this morning when we awakened to snow fall. Random shots are taken around Norm and Jan's property in Huxley.

When is that man with the camera going home?

Which One Would You Choose?

Carrie has been talking about taking us to a couple of places she and Rob have enjoyed. Today we were able to go to one of them. It is a restaurant owned by a New York Pastry Chef, however, he serves Laotian food. I can't even begin to describe how good the food was. As we entered the place we walked by the case holding the desserts. We could hardly believe what we saw. Knowing Hawaii and the prices for most of the food, we was shocked to see the price on these desserts.

This Pyramid Cake was Vic's choice.

The bee and the flower are edible on Carrie's choice. The side of the cake looks like a log.

Marilyn picked Apricot Pistachio. None of the desserts were over $5.

Mack, Mack and More Mack

We are noticing how Mack is filling out. No one knows how much he weighs but we know for sure it is more than it was 2 weeks ago.

It's so hard to give him up to someone else. Why would his parents want to hold him? I think Grandpa and Grandma should have first choice.

Mack's shirt says "I like Hugs" (and kisses)

Daddy wants to have his turn too. He has to go on a trip so I guess he should get some time with him.

What Fun We Had Today!

Here's how our day started...Mr. Mack having an early morning nap in his swing.

....then a little Tummy Time.

Later we headed to the beautiful outdoor Ala Moana Mall for some real fun. We saw lots of beautiful things. This was one of them - Ann Taylor was having a photo shoot and a model was waiting for her photographer to get set. She saw Vic's camera and gave him a smile.

This is so sweet....a little girl fascinated with the beautiful fish in one of the pools at the mall.

We especially enjoyed the flowers knowing the weather report from home.

If you have been reading Vic's blog, you will know about this Rainbow Painted Eucalyptus tree. He saw this photograph in the Men's room at Nordstom and thought it was so neat.

Grandpa Never Saw a Diaper Like This One

Mr. Mack wears Bum Genius Diapers, so when they come out of the dryer they need to be assembled. Since Grandpa wants to help, Carrie is giving him a lesson.

Looks like he is making progress!

He seemed to catch on quickly with only one lesson.
He's so proud of himself because he figured it out!
Note: He has only worked with CLEAN diapers.

A Special Day

This morning was the Dedication Service for Mr. Mack. He was such a good boy - slept through the whole thing.

Kahu Ching (Kahu is what the Hawaiians call their pastor) is the pastor of the church. Vic did the dedication prayer.

Mr. Mack was totally unaware of what was going on around him. Note Carrie's necklace....a little boy at church told Carrie it looked like bubble gum.

Happy Birthday, Rob

Rob was a Halloween baby. So, yesterday Mack got dressed up for the occasion. I really don't think he thought it was fun. Rob's request for his cake was a pumpkin cheesecake. The man loves pumpkin!! Happy Birthday to a great son in law!
Vic is using his blog for most of the neat pictures he is getting. He is having some good conversations with Mack. Hope you'll check it out.

The Yellow Cottage

Here's the place we are staying. It is a cute little cottage a short walk to Rob and Carrie's house and a short walk the other direction to Kailua Beach.

He's a cuddler

Grandma is getting a good chance to enjoy Mack while he naps.Actually, I think Grandpa and Mack both might be taking a nap.
Mack is trying out his new swing.

Honest People

We walked downtown Kailua Sunday afternoon to have a coffee at Starbucks. Vic and I got there first and were waiting for the Slangers to come. When they arrived we moved to a different table. We were sitting drinking our coffee and Carrie saw a young couple get up from their table and start toward their car. She said, "Dad, that man's camera has a case strap on his camera just like you do". Vic suddenly realized his camera was gone! We both jumped up and started toward that couple getting into their car. Vic could see his camera inside and tapped on the window. He said, "I believe that is my camera". The couple both said they didn't want to leave it at Starbucks, so wrote a note and hung it by the window so whoever lost the camera could call them. Sure enough-there hung that note. We thanked them over and over and walked away feeling really good that there are some honest people in the world.

Cute!

FRIDAY

Grandpa would not give up Mack this morning. He was so cuddly and sweet (Mack, not Vic)

We headed to Hickam AFB for a quick checkup for Mack. He is almost back to his birth weight so they sent us on our way. Grandpa enjoyed being outdoors in the beautiful weather as well as getting Mack to sleep while Carrie talked to the nurse.

After the appointment Rob took us to eat at Sam Snead's at a golf course. It was a very beautiful place. Mack slept through the meal!

Thursday

A malasada (or malassada) is a Portuguese confection. Malasadas are made of egg-sized balls of yeast dough that are deep-fried in oil and coated with granulated suguar. Traditional malasadas contain neither holes nor fillings, but some varieties of malasadas are filled with flavored cream or other fillings.


We drove along the coast toward the North Shore this morning. We stopped at a food vendor to buy a very yummy treat. We took a picture of it because you may have eaten one yourself when you were here. If you haven't take my word for it, they are wonderful!
Mr. Mack had a really good day today. We enjoyed his company a lot but I don't think the feeling was mutual. You can see he appeared to be bored with it all.

It seems to me he is saying "I am sick of that camera in my face all day"

He seemed to quiet with the ripple of kisses on his cheeks. I just can't resist!!