Our Little May Day Hike

It's been a coon's age since we've had an outing -- so, what with all the inspiring pix of hikes, we decided to take a little one today. It was hazy, so no pix of town. Recognize this place? Monument's new since I was last up here.

Mom's 90th Birthday Party

Mom turned 90 on April 12, so Liz suggested we have a celebration last weekend, similar to the one we had for Dad three years ago. The highlight for me was surprising Mom by showing up on her doorstep Friday eve. It was wonderful to spend Friday and Saturday eves with my folks, to see so much family at the party and to spend Sunday with Rob and Anna and family, Court and Todd, and Whit.

Here are Uncle Mayo and Aunt Elsie with Mom and Dad.

Mom cutting her birthday cake

Terry, Liz and I with Mom and Dad

Mine

The folks with progeny present (at least most of them)

Thanks to Liz for getting us organized, Lisa for putting together the family scrapbook, Terry and Angela for the food and decorations, and all for making the party such a special event.

Mom's New Friend

Mom spotted this little fellow for the first time in the Ohia tree off the porch the other day. He seems to like it here, and I got to meet him this morning during Conference.

Part 3 - Florida

Tuesday, March 9, I flew to Florida for the ACTEC meeting in Bonita Springs. Thursday eve we had dinner at a private animal park, where we could get up close and personal with a giraffe, alligator (small), and rhinoceros. This guy didn't seem to notice us!Spent most of the days in meetings but did manage to make it out to Lovers' Key State Park Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours. Florida beaches don't look like Hawaii's, but it was nice to get out.
Behind the beach was a trail along the inland waterways. Saw a few birds ...
and an alligator!

Sunday afternoon, I moved to Ft. Myers to be closer to the airport for my Monday morning flight then checked out the beach at Ft. Myers.

Big bird -- eagle?

Monday, I left Ft. Myers at 7:30 EDT, met J. Lynn at LAX, then arrived in Kona at 5 HST -- one long day!

Part 2 - Family

We got to visit with our wonderful grandkids. Thursday, March 4, Tucker turned 8. On Saturday, he was baptized.
Most of the family was present for the occasion.
Rob, Anna and family

Tucker and Dad

That eve, we had a little family party for the birthday boy.

We spent Sunday afternoon with my folks, then went over to the Taylors' for dinner. The food and company made for a lovely evening.

Grandpa Taylor with his arms full!

Monday eve, Terry & Angela, Liz, Alan & Andrew, and I celebrated Dad's 93rd birthday a day early. We had a great time being together.

Trip report - Part 1

Flew out on March 2nd to Utah for Tucker's birthday, baptism, skiing and visit with family. Friday, Whit, Jim, Court, Todd, Rob & kids and I all went skiing at Brighton. About 16 inches of new snow fell during the night, so skiing was great! Court & Todd on the lift
Beautiful day!

T's B'day

Tristan's first birthday was Friday, so we went over for the celebration. Friday night, Christian and Shandra had another couple over, and we ate some great Greek food, then watched T-bone open his presents (with a little help from his mother).
Saturday's party was planned for Kailua Beach Park, but after the beaches were closed by a tsunami warning, C & S decided to move the venue to a park in Manoa valley, not far from their home. Everyone came, we had a great time, and at the end of the party, we weren't even wet or sandy. All in all, we had a wonderful, though short, visit.