Last Day in Santa Fe

It was cold on our last day in Santa Fe, but we braved the weather and went to The Plaza.

US Bank had a display of trains that we had tried to see and finally managed to get to the bank when it was open.    These men set it up and run it every Christmas for the bank.   You can tell they love doing it.     

We ended up at the LaFonda for lunch.   It is the oldest and best known hotel in Santa Fe.   Pat was at the counter making sure we could get a table.....

Course, she is laughing because we are both taking a picture of her.   

Vic walked up a level and took pictures down on the dining room.    Pat and I are sitting to the left of the tree.

Check out that Blueberry Smoothie!  

It was a pretty drive as we headed west toward Scottsdale.     This picture is taken east of Flagstaff on the Interstate.

Christmas Eve in Santa Fe

We started our Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at Pat's church.   

It had gotten dark while we were in the service.  It was beautiful as we walked outdoors.

Santa Fe knows how to use lights to make everything beautiful.

We drove around the Plaza and also into the neighborhoods to get into the Christmas Spirit.
Thank you Pat for letting us share this special time with you in Santa Fe.

Pretend Christmas

Since we head back to cold country tomorrow night we decided to have our Christmas with the kids last night.   In the afternoon the kids made their gingerbread house so that became the center piece for our salmon dinner.   

In the afternoon the kids had a birthday party for the neighbor girl and Vic overhead Mack telling one of the men that tonight was our pretend Christmas.   The man just laughed and told him he could believe that if he wanted to.  Mack just walked away but he knew he was right.

One of Mack's gifts was a 3 in 1 Lego's set.   

Ellie got the dress for Merida (Brave) and was so excited to try it on.   She was acting a little goofy on the steps when Papa wanted to take her pictures.  She had her arms touching each side of the stairway and Vic told her to put her hand down and she decided this old fashioned choir pose was the next best.

Christmas?

The signs of something exciting are appearing at this house.   The kids feel it in their bones and  it causes a little wild and crazy activity from time to time.   Like today when some wrapped gifts showed up under the tree after rest time.    But, their Mother knows how to calm things down when she says, "How about a book"....

This book was especially fun because they had to find hidden objects.

Like most kids, they love books!
Back to the subject of Christmas.....It is very hard for me to really believe it.   I have to stop and ask myself what month it is because there is no sign of December when you are outdoors.   But, the way they decorate with the giant blow ups in their yards reminds me it really is Christmas season.

Waikiki

Sunday afternoon we made our way to Waikiki for lunch.    After we ate together we checked into our hotel and the kids played in the green area of the hotel grounds.   Of course, there was water so you can imagine the fun.

Slangers left for home and we walked to see the sites.    This is taken from the porch of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Of course, the man in the hat is snapping pictures as we walk.

We stayed at Waikiki until the sunset.   Vic got some prettier pictures than I did but I like this one of him waiting for the perfect moment.

Almost every time we go to the beach there is a couple taking wedding photos or actually having their ceremony on the beach.    This one was a little humorous because the 2 sitting on the sand to the right of the couple would not move even though they knew this couple had a professional photographer trying to get the shot right at sunset.    I hope the photographer had Photoshop.

Thanksgiving Morning

Thanksgiving Morning these two were allowed some iPad time.    They were having the most fun and of course Papa grabbed the camera to capture the good time......

Who knows what was so exciting but they sure had some giggles over whatever it was.

Monday Walk

From 9 degrees to 85

It was great to be greeted by this sign as we walked on the bridge from our gate to baggage claim.     We left GF in very cold weather and even sat on the plane for one hour before we finally took off Friday am.    That meant we missed our connection, but when we got to the gate Delta had already rebooked us on a flight through Salt Lake City in first class no less, so we didn't complain.    We arrived in Honolulu only 1 1/2 hours later than first scheduled.

I was so excited to give these these kiddos some kisses.   I tell them I'm going to kiss them until they are teenagers.

The Dollar Store is a fun place to go to buy some crazy things for the kids.    Mack had to try out the red hair and a few other things he found in his dress up drawer.

Showing more things from the suitcase.

This morning Mack showed how he had to eat his toast.  He just lost his 4th tooth.

It was fun to go with E to her ballet class this morning.    

In search of color

We went in search of some fall color.   

The grasses were especially pretty at this time of year - and especially with the Amur Maples in the background.

Water in the picture always seems to make the setting more inviting.

If you are familiar with the Twin Cities area you will recognize the tall spires of Wooddale Church.  We attended there this am for the traditional service and enjoyed a variety of music and a sermon by the new pastor.

The Last Iris of Summer

We were out for a walk in our GF neighborhood and came upon a front yard garden.    The owner had already clipped the irises down like he is getting ready for fall.   But, sticking up on the end of one of his plants this beautiful white iris was in bloom, defying the fact that it is September.        

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIC

After he was goofy for a few shots, I finally got a decent picture.   He said he was acting like the grands when it's photo time.   We had a fun time watching the Twins get beat 13-4.    It was a very hot day so we had to find some cooler seats.   One of the highlights of the time was meeting up with Den and Karen.    They met us at the game so we had a great catch up time together.

I love taking pictures of food.  This is my plate of Sushi at the Crave Restaurant we went to after the game.   I think Vic had a nice birthday with many texts, emails and cards.   Thank you to all for making it a special 70th for him.

Iselle left town and took Julio with her

The storms didn't amount to anything.    We did some preparing though, like move all the plants that were small enough and pulled the table and chairs close to the house.

Yesterday we drove to another part of the island (Hawaii Kai) and could see some leftover clouds and heaviness along the mountain range. 

Hawaii Kai is one of my favorite parts of the island.    This is where I would live if my ship would only come in. 

This young girl was showing the kids a little chicken she had for a pet.    

Kailua Farmer's Market is always a fun place to go.  
We were able to stop there today and pick up a few favorites. 

There was music.....

By this man - the little guy was adding his talent too on the drum. 

There is a craft table M&E enjoy.   They are sharing a Kale Smoothie while they do a project.