'appy ndew yeahr

Well,it was inevitable. When Alicia arrived,she spent the first several days of her visit sick. Then Tim arrived, and within a day he too was feeling icky. They've now recovered and have returned to their respective homes on the cold east coast.

We got ready for our big night out for new years eve... A little dinner, maybe a club with some dancing and then watching the fireworks at midnight! But alas, halfway through dinner, Michael got cold, clammy, achy, stuffy.... The dreaded goo had struck. Here it is almost 10pm on nye and we're back home, watching (the horrible) Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve. we can hear fireworks going off in the neighborhoods and parties all around us (they are legal here And it's a lot like 4th of July).

oh well. Seen one new year....

Happy - and healthy - 2012 to you all.

Yes, Nancy, there really IS a Santa Claus

.... and this year, it was our kids.

We have been so busy with all the things to try to get the house set up blah blah blah (I feel like all I do is complain about how busy we are... wah wah wah).  Anyway, certain seasonal elements had fallen by the wayside.  Yes, I finally got lights up around our lanaii - lovely.  But a tree?  No.  Any decorations up?  No.  The kids got here, and Alicia said  "WHAT??!!"

Days went by and still nothing.  We looked at one tree lot (on the 22nd) and they wanted $35 for a tree that was really too big.  It just didn't make any sense.... And I somehow couldn't bring myself to put up decorations without the centerpiece.

So one morning - the 23rd of December to be exact, the kids left for an adventure together - they ended up circumnavigating the island from Kihei to Kahului to Hana and around the back way through Kaupo up the backside of Haleakala through Kula, Pukalani back through Kahului and home.

They actually managed to put a few miles on the Box Car!

Meanwhile, we finished our work day and headed out (yes, on the scooter) to run errands.  When we arrived home, we were met at the gate by a familiar reindeer and two festively bedecked puppies.

And this was just the beginning!  All the Santas were out, the nutcracker, the stockings... the sparkle and warmth of Christmas and the comfort of holidays past.  And lo and behold - a TREE!  A perfect small, fragrant tree ready for trimming.  Our kids brought the holiday spirit to our little ohana.  They are the best gift ever.

Gone Native ...

Michael has joined the ranks of locals and now comandeers his very own 150 cc "scooter".  It's actually considered a motorcycle - requires a license plate (which we have) and a special operating license (which he has - albeit old and CA still).  It's perfect for the little around town errands, trips to the beach (sans doggies), and the like.

There may yet be a kink or two to be worked out... like remembering to remove the lock (think bike chain) before you attempt to scoot down the driveway.   (Luckily it was on the back tire, thus avoiding a dicey ass-over-teakettle spill.  Actually, there was no spill involved and no damage to scooter, lock, or, thankfully, operator.) 

And yes, we always do wear helmets.  (Honestly, we didn't once, but the next day saw a nasty accident, and decided not worth the risk any more.)

Happy Christmakus!

The holidays come to Kihei....

With warmest Aloha for the season,
Nancy & Michael