Another Day In Paradise!!!

I not only got to experience another day in paradise but actually 8 days. Kauai is definitely the garden island. Bob and I had a wonderful, relaxing time. We stayed in a condo on the beach in a small town named Kapaa. Our lanai (balcony) looked right out onto the beach. We had that gorgeous view every morning and evening. I will always remember our vacation in paradise. Here are some pictures as we went all over the island and not only experienced the beaches but also the mountains.
This is the path we walked every morning for an hour. It goes on for a long ways but follows the coast line. I miss those morning walks - just a little different then the desert!!!
Bob and I checking out Opaekoa Falls and then heading to the beach. Why the ball cap well!! we rented a red mustang convertible and had an awesome time enjoying the sun and breeze. Oh the memories~~~~
Kayaking up Wailua River. We then landed our kayak and hiked to Sleeping Falls.
Water hole on Wailua River I took pictures and Bob took the plunge!!!
Bob and I hiked up to Secret Falls - the water was too cold for me so Bob experienced the falls and I enjoyed the moment.

Kauai has beach after beach. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! The sand is a gold color, the water is warm and a unforgettable color of blue.
Kilauea Lighthouse - its also a wildlife refuge and we saw lots of red-footed bobbies (a white bird with red feet) that soar in the air above the water amongst the cliffs
Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) we fell in love with the colors Na Pali Coast was gorgeous. We took pictures from above as you can only get to the actual coast by either hiking in, boat or helicopter.

Desert Walks

The best and most beautiful things in the world

cannot be touched.

They must be felt with the heart.

~Helen Keller~

Five days a week the alarm goes off at 5:30 am. Time to get up and go walk the trails in the desert at Ussery Park which is about 10 minutes from our home. These breath taking pictures of the sunrise and the desert where taken this morning. Our desert walks are 3 miles long and we enjoy every minute of that time. What a great way to start your day. Thank you Heavenly Father for your beautiful creations!

Kaley's Baptism

Kaley is my niece Jenny's daughter and she was baptized on Saturday. She looked and glowed like a little angel! What a great way to spend a saturday. After the baptism Jenny had a luncheon for those who attended. Grandpa and Grandma Cook where able to be there so I got to visit with my sister Lorraine and her husband Chester. They live in Los Lunas, New Mexico so we don't see each other often. It was fun to catch up. I have to say the brownies at the luncheon where to die for. I asked Jenny to email me the recipe so when I get it I will share. Awesome for those of us who have chocolate cravings.

Sweet Baby Jessica

Sweet Jessica filled with God's grace

We miss your sweet angelic face

Grandma & Grandpa send you their love

Up to your eternal home in Heaven above

You are always held close in

Grandma & Grandpa's hearts

It's such a blessing to know we will never be apart

Hugs & Kisses xxoo

Jason, Emily and Quinn we want you to know how much we love you and that our thoughts are with you today. Thank you for being such an awesome part of our family!

Totes in Triples

I got ambitious this week and made three "Save the Earth" childrens tote bags. Anna, Greg and family are going on a road trip later today to San Francisco. I thought how fun if I made each kiddo a tote bag with some goodies inside to keep them entertained while they traveled. After I got the bags made I headed to the Dollar Store searching for goodies. I had lots of success and also gave each of them a disposable camera because grandma & grandpa want to see lots of pictures. I went by say good-bye to Gavin, Gabriel & Isa got lots of loving and gave them the bags. They where thrilled!!!

Yeah Julien! Kindergarten 2008

Today was Juliens first day of kindergarten. It was a happy but sort of a sad day for me. Happy that he got to have the experience of school but sad that I couldn't be there to enjoy the moment with him along with his family. That's the disadvantage of having family living out of state. But I got to talk to him on the phone today and he had a great time. He really liked playing tether ball at recess and of course getting to take the bus to school and back. Julien is growing up too fast like all of our grandkids. I wish there was a way we could slow time a bit but no such luck. I posted a few pics of Julien in his younger days.

We love you Julien! Have lots of kindergarten adventures. Love you bunches xxoo Grandma & Grandpa. Look at you NOW !!!

Happy 2nd Grade

I just got off the phone with Lauren. Today was her first day in second grade. She is just growing too fast. It seems like just yesterday we where experiencing her kindergarten graduation. I posted a few pics from that sweet emotional day. She really likes her new teacher but missed her new puppy a lot today.

Happy first day of school! Grandma & Grandpa love you bunches xxoo. Look at you NOW!!!!