Sunday, November 30, 2008

Nie Auction

Go check out these hand-crafted coasters available at my friend ~J's site.

CLICK HERE!!!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

It's beginning to feel a lot like CHRISTMAS!







The tree is up... later today my hubby will put up the lights outside... and I am done with shopping for my little family. Everything is wrapped, under the tree...and I even filled the girls' stockings.

This year is going to be simple, stress-free and focused. Hip, hip, hooray.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Reflections of Christ

Yesterday after it had been raining our little family went to the Reflections of Christ exhibit. It was the perfect beginning to Thanksgiving. If it is coming to your town - I highly recommend taking your family to it.

We began with a short documentary about the inspiration for the photographs, and how they came about. It gave added depth to each photo we would view after.

The life of Jesus Christ is powerful. His humble beginnings, then rising to his divinity, and sacrificing himself for us, always brings me to tears.

I used to think, naively that when I had the chance to see him again I'd just want to run up to him and give him a huge hug. Several weeks ago my friend Candice spoke in sacrament meeting. She said that while we think of Christ as someone we can confide in, He is our Savior. He is glorious. So when we do get the chance to see Him again, we will probably not go in for a familiar hug, but fall at His feet, and worship Him.

So as I watched the video with my husband and my two darling daughters...I felt indebted to my God. As we were able to view the photos up close in the gallery area I couldn't help but feel the spirit of gratitude.

My favorite photo is the one of John the Baptist and Jesus embracing after John baptizes Jesus. The rapturous joy in both faces makes my heart leap. I also love the photo of the angels. That joy conveyed in their faces at the birth of the Son of God might have been ours as well... as my friend Carrie and I chatted afterward, that maybe we were one of those angels joyously welcoming our Savior, Lord and King. I loved watching in the video where they shoot the scene of Jesus walking on water. The shot of the feet anticipating the next step, the majesty of God, that all things bow to him...that imagery knocks me to my knees.

I also really liked that the photos of the baby Jesus focused on Joseph as the father. The photographer said he chose that focal point because so often Joseph is set in the background. In that time, in that societal structure, in pure natural man ego, Joseph overcame all of that. He overcame all that and also had to bear the weight of his calling as a husband and father. A father to the Son of God no less.

Then there are the crucifixion photos. That's when the tears flow for me. It's taken me my entire lifetime so far to know that God loves me just as I am... right now, in my current state. I am so grateful to know that I do have a loving Savior. That despite how people on earth treat me, that God loves me, knows who I really am, and will love me unconditionally...love me even though. I am so grateful that no matter what circumstance we grow up in we can look to God as our example, if a good one has not been given to us to follow. I am grateful for hope.

As we were walking around my four-year old, K, wanted to touch the pictures, she wants to hug everyone and everything she loves. There's this one large photo of Christ in white, bathed in white light. His back is too us, but his head is turned. You can see the hole in his right hand. I walked over to it and talked to my two-year old M.

Me: Who is that?
M: Jesus.
Me: Do you love Jesus?
M: Yes, I want Jesus to come with me.

Me: What about you K?
K: I want to be like Jesus.
Me: You do?
K: Yup, I want to be bigger than Jesus.

I am so grateful to my Savior. For His ability to love...real, not counterfeit. I am so grateful to my husband. He always offers patience and unconditional love as well. I am so blessed to be a mother to my beautiful, precocious daughters. I suppose I am their special test... sometimes I think they raise me better than anyone could.

I am grateful for this season, even in a time of economic belt-tightening...to reflect on Christ, to reflect on what is truly important, to find goodness and peace without increase.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

What are you playing?

It's been ages since I bought a new game... so I'm curious...what games do you like to play with a group of folks?

I have the standards:

Catch-Phrase
Taboo
Cranium
Mexican Train
Spoons

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Baby It's Cold Outside

We love Elf...and this is one of many favorite scenes. My girls are watching this right now as I finish up the laundry.

No dirty chimney flues

The girls love this song...ever since our radio stations started playing Christmas music last week... and they heard this once... we've been singing it ever since.

Enjoy!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Twilight Friday

My friend Carrie had told me about this fantastic chocolate boutique, Ginger Elizabeth, in midtown Sac. So we decided we'd make the drive just to get some hot chocolate and treats before the movie. I am glad I went. Carrie is one of my friends who appreciates gourmet food. She's a premiere cook in my book.

If you go - try the Oaxacan Spicy Hot Chocolate... it's not spicy - but the flavors play a little music on your tongue. They also make marshmallows from scratch for the hot chocolate... holy heaven!

Carrie highly recommended the Parisian Macarons...please tell me they have these in the next life. I also purchased a box of 12 chocolates to share with my hubby... I love that there are chocolates with lychee in them... I love lychee. I love savoring good quality chocolates.



Below you'll see some of their exquisite cakes. The Café Cremeux is supposed to be one of the best... but since they have it all the time...I took home the Fall Dessert below, right. It has pumpkin mousse, bittersweet chocolate cream, salty caramel sauce, and a chocolate graham cracker crust. Vampires have their blood lust... I have gourmet food-chocolate lust.



Then we were off to the movie...I had my hubby meet me at the theater so he wouldn't have to wait...


Sally must've said something funny... that's why I'm laughing like a hyena.

My lovely friend Sally and her hubby Chuck. Sally is someone who is a kindred spirit. She is one of the people in my life that I am forever grateful for. Plus, she is sassy ...I love that we can talk about anything, and everything. The two of them love to ride motorcycles. They do awesome trips all the time and ... she made him take her to Forks, Washington... that's what it says on her sweatshirt. They are awesome people. I keep asking activities people in our ward to make him Santa... but nobody listens to me...shocker. ;-)

Julie, Carrie, Jaime, Teri and Kathy

These are a few of the ladies from the book group I'm in. They are awesome. I love women like them. Wise, smart, funny, sassy and real. I relate to women like them who know what's important and don't fuss with the silly, shallow world. Centered women inspire me.

I went into the movie with very low expectations. I was one of those Harry Potter readers who didn't like the movies. I was pleasantly surprised... there were a lot of funny things I laughed at... some meant to be funny, others, accidentally funny.

My favorite scene was Edward's reaction to Bella on her first day in Biology. I didn't like the way they did Edward showing Bella why vampires can't go out in the sun. It was nothing like I had hoped... given that scene was what spawned the series. The actress that played Bella was overacting in parts.. but Bella was always sort of whiny and moody...

I was very surprised by the actor playing Edward. I'm curious how they're going to bulk up the little guy playing Jacob. They're going to need quite a makeover. Poor Jasper didn't get any explanation as to why he always looks constipated. I love the characer and the gal that plays Alice.

The gal that played Esme didn't do as awful I anticipated. I couldn't stand her character on Grey's Anatomy.

That's all that I can think of right now... my memory is short. What did you think/remember?

Yes, I was the one "shushing" the crazy teens/moms who coudn't resist to act like twitterpated crazies.

ps. I'm so excited for Coraline the movie.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Friday Fun

Want to know what your blog personality is?

Click Here.

Let me know what yours is in the comment section.

Mine is:

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

An American Burger

Last night my hunny and I finally watched Iron Man. That scene where all he wants is an American Burger... made us pause the movie around 9:30pm and... my hunny went out and grabbed some burgers, fries and a shake for us. Aren't I lucky?

I love that he so readily, willingly did that - and that we both get cravings for food.

And... for those of you that can access it. My oldest had a Thanksgiving show this week...it's up on the family blog.

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Time is running out!

Last chance!

Free shipping ends tonight at midnight!

30% off towels!

Must have boots of the season!

Bogo ends Tuesday!


Delete, Delete, Delete.

Do you get emails like this? It drives me nuts. I know I should go and unsubscribe - but I wonder, what if... what if there's some crazy good deal?

Truth is though - I rarely ever shop. Don't get me wrong - I love retail therapy as much as the next gal, but I don't feel the compulsion anymore. I've never understood how you could go to Target every day to purchase things. I'm just tired of things...things that clutter, gather dust and take up space and energy.

My money ends up going to food. That I can get with. I believe in feeding our bodies and souls. All that extra stuff is just window dressing...and it fades... all of it.

This year I'm a little grateful for the economic woes. Don't get me wrong...it hurts...but it's only when we hurt that we reflect and focus. It's time that we trim the fat. We spend far too much time accumulating things. Those American automakers begging for a handout... I say, it's time to close shop... I don't care how long you've been in business. There are other automakers out there... doing a good job...and not failing. Maybe... just maybe you need to swallow the pride and arrogance to reevaluate the lack of quality...the entire business model, and change.

Failing businesses are just one way the natural market takes care of success and mistakes. Do we really need a Circuit City a few miles from a Best Buy, Costco and Sam's Club? Do we need a Starbucks across the parking lot from a grocery store, which already has a Starbucks inside? Waste...

Truthfully, I remember running around a mall with bags galore... but that was when I was young and naive. Also... that shopping never did fulfill whatever it was I was trying to fill. I'm grateful for a chance to grow older and wiser. Maybe we could get gifts people need... not want. And if they don't need anything... find a way to show appreciation.

Another thing I recently learned... too many of us walk around with a mantra of "I should do..." I've learned saying that...and doing whatever you think "you should" will not make you happy. Maybe the activity is a good thing... but why bother doing it if your heart isn't in it? Happiness comes from placing our hearts in whatever it is we're doing, willingly. That's not to say there aren't things we ought to do... but there are a lot of outside commitments, and people we give of our precious time and energy that just don't make us happy.

This season I'm raising a glass to gratitude, saving, and losing the fat.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Grateful for those who are Grateful

So one of my friends in my neighborhood is preggers for the third time. I was able to help out in a teeny tiny way by picking up her daughter from school today.

As I drove away from her home... I realized how grateful I am for people like her. Folks who are sincerely grateful to you for doing something so little.

This is such a contrast from a year... year and a half ago... I'm losing track of time. When there was someone I was helping out with who wasn't ever grateful.

I've decided that I'm glad I cut out the fat in my life. I'm focusing on people who enrich me as much as I enrich them... even if it is in my teeny, tiny ways.

So... thank you, for being thankful.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I'm not in denial

Sure I have a cotton-head, sandpaper throat and my nose isn't totally clear. My eyes are actually sore...but that's only when they're open. And, yes I'd like to keel over into sleep at a moment's notice... but I'm not sick.

These are the reasons why I'm definitely not sick:

My husband isn't feeling well.
My oldest is still coughing, has a runny/stuffy nose...and threw up 3 days ago.
My youngest just threw up and has a runny nose, with occasional coughing. (Thrown up hot dog makes me not want one for a very, very long time)
I have dinner to finish, laundry to do and I need to get this house in order...again.
I also have a calling to complete...I get to do the newsletter and that means I get to beg, nag people to get me content about them.
Moms aren't allowed sick days....didn't you know?

So I am definitely, one-hundred percent fine. Totally well... I just need some more tea and honey...

Anyone else not in denial?

Friday, November 14, 2008

At least you aren't drinking urine at work...

Saw this today - astronauts get to drink purified urine...and you thought your job was bad.

Maybe I'm the only one...but Kanye West makes me laugh.

In Mexico City Viagra is the key to quality of life and happiness.

Superheroes get ready... a flying car.

Aftermath

I've been reading a lot online about the aftermath of Prop 8. I have been frustrated, saddened, angry and baffled by the reaction and the mob-mentality hitting our streets and airwaves. There's so much information out there.. this post will include links to many places.

I understand the issues are deeply emotional and personal. I understand that defeat moves people to do things they wouldn't in their right minds. I understand the need to find someone, something to blame....to focus all that pent up frustration on. I understand that - but it isn't the right thing to do.

Hypocrisy flaunted in the public square drives me cross-eyed. I honestly believe that if the homosexual agenda, and those that oppose Prop 8 want to be upset with anyone - they ought to look at Gavin Newsom, and the four justices (lawyers in robes) that gave them a counterfeit reality.

Newsom and those lawyers created a reality that they had no right to give. The gave hope and change to people without authority. They short-circuited the people's process which only served to torture a group of folks they claim to support.

Prop 8 came about as a result of what Newsom and those lawyers did. Supporters of traditional marriage and Prop 8 didn't start this cauldron. They rose up in defense of an institution that was threatened. Enough with the catch-phrases. This was never about equal rights.

In California:
California has passed three pieces of legislation that provide rights and responsibilities to registered domestic partners (same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples over the age of 62 are eligible to register). Assembly Bill 26 passed in 1999 established the statewide domestic partner registry and conferred a handful of rights which included hospital visitation and the right of state and local employers the ability to offer health care coverage to the domestic partners of their employees. Assembly Bill 25 was passed in 2001 and extended the rights of domestic partners to include the right to make medical decisions, the right to inherit when partner dies without a will, the right to use state step-parent adoption procedures, the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner and the right to be appointed as administrator of estate. In 2003 Assembly Bill 205 was passed, basically extending all of the state-level rights and responsibilities of marriage to domestic partners. The rights and responsibilities associated with Assembly Bill 205 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2005.

I hope people come to their senses. I hope this appalling mob-mentality dissipates quickly. In the meantime I applaud those who stand up for, and recognize that marriage is between one man and one woman. I am grateful to see true heroes in this world. I am also grateful to organizations of all faiths who have stepped up and come out in defense of Mormons, who have been targeted in this fervor of angry unrest.

Elton John recently told folks "I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership," John says. "The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off." I applaud Elton John. He said something that is not very trendy in the mainstream, pop-culture world of ours. It would be so much easier for him to just go along with the loud, angry mob.

I hope people can be wise like this 14 year-old girl who did a social experiment on tolerance. It is frustrating when entire cities refuse to listen to the will of the people... for the second time.

It is sad when black-listing and intimidation works to silence those who have given so much to the community. It is insulting and patronizing when Pelosi tells people that the voters are too stupid to know what they are doing.

My hackles get raised when I see base behavior enacted in places of peace and worship. It offends me when I see vandalism and blatant disregard for the law.

Despite this - we, those of us that do believe in tolerance, acceptance and goodness - continue to turn the other cheek.

And last... I'm grateful for guys like Kevin Hamilton...I'm posting his great email (that's been going around) below:

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the recent election, we may find ourselves oddly on the defensive regarding our support for the Yes on Proposition 8 cause. Our young people have been especially subject to mean spirited comments by high school friends and teachers. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We did nothing wrong. In fact, we did everything that a civic minded American can and should do. I have put together a few facts that help me to appreciate our position better. For example:

Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California. There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.

The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.

Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.

The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8. Even Los Angeles County voted in favor of Yes on 8. Ventura County voted in favor of Yes on 8.

African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.

The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).

The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims – all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California. Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.

Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.

The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that Churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church as always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.

Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do – we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.

Hold your heads up high – you did a great job on this most important cause. We will have more opportunities in the future to participate in our democratic process. Let's remember the lessons learned and do an even better job next time.

These are my personal opinions and thoughts; any errors are mine and in now way reflect official Church policy or doctrine.

Thanks,
Kevin Hamilton

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Come on Pretty Mama

ooo...I wanna take you to...bermuda Bahama...

Flying to Nassau

So two weeks ago we were in the Bahamas. My hubby's work paid for the hotel and flight. We felt lucky to go this time, as this is the last year for Club. He also lucked out because nearly his whole team made it to Club too... it was fun hanging with all of them. Very rarely do you luck out - and get to work with people you like. This is one of those rare occasions. This is one of our blessings.

Rolling to Atlantis from the Nassau Airport

Really excited... can't you tell? Yes, I was chilly. I love humid, warm weather.

In The Reef lobby they had these awesome chairs I wanted to bring home with me.

We left the girls with our friends, who have two little ones of their own. To see what they did while we were gone - check out the family blog.

Maybe it was the season...but the resort was not crowded at all. It was fantastic.


This was the first time we left the girls longer than a weekend. And we'd only ever left them once for a weekend. So this, this was momentous. We used Webex to conference call with the girls. It worked well. (Buy Cisco Webex)

View from the corner of our... balcony? (in Hawaii it's called a Lanai)

Lily pond at The Cove (this area is the chi chi one...)


We stayed at The Reef at the Atlantis resort. The Reef is unique with it's in room kitchens. I loved the half-size dishwasher.

Our room at The Reef - they're equipped with kitchens... which is nice.



The giant Atlantis throne by their casino


The resort is grand. It's beautiful. We spent our time running around in the water slides, pools and beach. It was nice to only need a swimsuit. The resort boasts some great restaurants. The resort is also a place where everything is jacked up three times. I think it would be a fun place to go if your kids are older - and over the height limit. And... the resort charges for everything. They tell you not to even touch the mini-bar because sensors will charge you a kidney for everything. You know how most places you can use the fitness centers as a part of a hotel's amenity? Not here - it's 15 a day... but you get a bottle of water with it. All of us that were on this trip - wanted to use the fitness center... but were deterred by the scam artist prices. We no longer wondered why these beautiful fitness centers sat empty.


Seriously... I don't think I'll ever understand why guys choose to wear bikini bottoms. ;-)

The dock at The Marina... one of the yachts was named "Outta Touch". Um... yeah.

Oh yeah... Rum is big here. I tried a rum cake... rum bread pudding, ice cream - meh...



We heard that the giant suite, forming a bridge at the Royal towers is owned by Michael Jackson. You can rent the room for 25 grand a night - minimum four night stay. They say that everyone from Michael Jordon, Tiger Woods ...owns homes there. Trump owns a large percentage of the island too. We also passed the cemetery and hospital when all the hoopla around that Anna Nicole Smith character.



If you're into shopping - you can get all that chi chi, label stuff without paying taxes in the Bahamas. So if you're into that - I hear you can save a bundle.


We loved the lazy river ride with it's rapids. We also enjoyed the power tower. It's fun sitting in a tube and not having to do anything to ride up and down the water slides. I also liked all the aquariums.




The frustrating thing is that everyone tells you how great the beach and water is in the Bahamas - maybe it was the time of year - but often the flags telling us if we could go in the water or not were often red... or red/yellow. And then when we did go snorkeling the water was murky and there wasn't a whole lot of fish to see. We were also solicited to go on a snorkel cruise...



This seal performed before the dolphins at Dolphin Cay. We saw him twice being transported around the resort. I wanted to say "Hey seal. How you doin'? You like upstaging dolphins? Say hi to your mother for me."

I did enjoy a massage at the Mandara spa. I made sure to take advantage of the cold/hot plunge pools, saunas...and helped myself to their fruit and tea. I even took an apple and a bottled water back to my hunny. I felt like Robin Hood. (I am Asian like that)

Seriously empty...almost like being secluded...nice

It was actually funny to get caught in one of the rain storms. The rain starts to sprinkle and within seconds it turns into a downpour. We ended up drenched, as if we'd just gotten out of a pool. The weather was cloudy on most days - there were a few days where the sun came out... we didn't even use sun screen.

My honey snorkeling




One of our favorite experiences at Atlantis... the Deep Water Dolphin Adventure at Dolphin Cay. Our dolphin was named Makai. I would love to hug a dolphin every day.







I didn't understand why the instructor was mocking my hubby kissing the dolphin, until I saw this picture. hehehe

So in addition to playing with the dolphins, we were able to take these propeller things, a snorkel mask and swim in the water with the dolphins. No matter how skilled a swimmer you are (which I am not), these dolphins are just majestic.







We were in groups of 7. My hunny said that when each of us had a turn to kiss the dolphin - our dolphin flapped his tail only when it was my turn. And then it turns out that during the dolphin push - our dolphin pushed my left foot and pushed everyone's right foot. I knew it...Makai the dolphin loves me too . ;-) Yipee!!!



We found the best places to eat for lunch/breakfast was at Starbucks at The Reef. It has to be the most luxe Starbucks I've ever been in. Remind me to get some pumpkin spice in hot chocolate again. We also purchased some basics at their Sundries store for the week - bagels, ham, cheese, snacks and drinks. My hubby lost 8lbs on the trip. I didn't gain anything until the last few days. ;-)

Halloween at Atlantis - I didn't know that they were into poodle skirts in the Bahamas.

We did indulge in some of the food. We went to Mesa Grill - one of three that Bobby Flay owns. We'd already been to the Mesa Grill in Vegas. The one in the Bahamas at The Cove at Atlantis is head and shoulders above the Vegas one. I guess we just need to get to New York to try the other Mesa Grill.



We also went to their Mosaic Buffet (three times). It's the high-end buffet at the resort. It's about 66.00 a person... and compared to everything else on the island - it's a great deal.






We also went into the Marina Village to try Bimini Road. The company had a reception at Fathoms at the Atlantis resort and in Nassau at a Chicago style restaurant.

Plantain chips at Bimini Road
Another Asian trait... these masks were laying all over the tables at the reception... so they make great souvenirs for the girls...free.





The service at the resort was, interesting. Most of the men who worked there were really helpful and easy to get along with. The rest, and most of the women seemed put off whenever we'd ask for directions, or for a towel at the towel shack. It also seemed the resort was over-staffed. There would be 3-4 people hanging out doing a job of one person.

Some of my hunny's sales team and wives


At the Nassau airport, on our return flight - we felt scammed. After taking a taxi to the airport we saw two guys fight it out to get a cart to our taxi for the luggage. When we said we didn't need one the taxi driver told us we had to - so we had to tip that guy. Then after ticketing, there was another guy who took us to security... it was crazy. I couldn't wait to land on American soil...and not be scammed for tips.




All-in-all... it was nice to be just us. It was lovely spending most of our time in bathing suits... so it was a little jarring coming home to a cold rainstorm. We both experienced withdrawal from our girls. Both of us agreed that we prefer Hawaii over the Bahamas. Although if a trip is all (including food) on someone else's dime... I'll go anywhere... almost.

I wanted to take this table home too.



Good bye Reef lobby

So happy to be home... cuddling with our little cuties...



We did purchase two bags from a beach vendor for the girls... our souvenirs from the Bahamas. We figured our souvenirs ...the experience, and pictures...lot's of pictures.