Kauai Vacation

Back in March we had an unexpected opportunity fall into our laps......don't you hate when that happens?  So we quickly packed and flew off to Kauai. 

The last time we were in Kauai was 36 years ago.....this is where we stayed the last time with my Mom and Dad.

We found a small village having an orchid festival....very quaint.

Our generous hosts, Steve and Marilyn

 

Sunday brunch out with Steve and Marilyn.

Apparently, a truck full of chickens and roosters overturned in the 1980's...and they were fruitful and multiplied!

Walks on the beach, exploring the small towns

Our favorite beach was in front of the Sheraton Hotel....the harbour where the cruise ships stopped

Beautiful old church

 

Bob and I biked the terrific trail around the south end of the Island...gorgeous!

This was our last night in Kauai....dinner at an amazing restaurant on the beach.

We felt very blessed to spend time enjoying this Island paradise with such great friends.
Thanks Steve and Marilyn for sharing!

Robin's Nest

We have been hosts to a robin's family for the second year in a row....I love that they thought it a good enough housing arrangement to return to it again this year.
I love God's creation.
God is good.  All the time.

Bob's Birthday

Wow....it really has been a while since I recorded some of the happenings in our life....this was back in March.  We had a relaxed celebration at Paul and Shawna's....always a good time.

Wishing my hubby a year full of God's richest blessings!

Be still your heart.....I'm finally back from my long, unintentional hiatus.  I have lots to catch you up on....so stay close.

While Bob was away in Zambia on a Missions trip (more on that later), we celebrated Mother's Day with our traditional brunch at Fort Langley Golf Club.  It was even better than usual....food was incredible, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the company delightful. 

I was spoiled with gifts....I am blessed and thank God for my dear family.

And a photo of me and my missing husband.....although I missed having him there, I knew he was having a terrific time in Zambia.

Jacob'c 5th Birthday

I can hardly believe it's been five years since this dear boy was born!  We  had a terrific time celebrating his big day.....thanks, Shawna for being such a great hostess.

Grammie loves you, Jay!to

Women's Retreat 2011

It's been YEARS since I have attended a ladies retreat....and I wasn't too sure if it would still be "my cuppa tea", but I brought along my SIL and headed out the valley to Harrison Hot Springs. 

It is a lovely spot to get away from it all.....so serene and peaceful.

Shawna did a workshop on cake decorating.....she did a stellar job!

 

Lois brought along her SIL Lyla.....the four of us had a great time together....out for a walk in the afternoon.  I love when an organizing committee plans specific down time for everyone to "just be".

Our nighttime "party-in-a-bag" to take back to our room....we laughed 'til we cried.

Jewelry confession is good for the soul....

On the bed ~ Lyla's must-haves she brought "just in case" for the weekend....In the box ~ Lois's weekend collection.

We shared communion during the Sunday morning session

 

At our PJ party we discussed the usual ladies stuff...clothes, our aging bodies...hair and make-up.  We also discussed (aka mocked and laughed 'til we cried) our vanity and that of someone else who always insisted on draping her hand across her neck to "hide" her age....thus the photo below.....us'all trying to hide our age!

Did it work?? 

Line dancing for exercise...great fun even if I'm VERY uncoordinated!

 

It ended up being a wonderful weekend spent with women I love...we topped it off with lunch and shopping on our way back home.....lovely!

I need to make a point of setting aside time to glean from and pour into other women in my life...very worthwhile!

Blessings to y'all and hope you have time to spend with a friend real soon!

Bob....

the dog whisperer.
Talk about an entourage!

The Girlies

Raced over to the Island for a quick visit before we took off for a vacation down south in January.

Look at those faces ~ no words required

Always a warm welcome from the Island chapter of the Mac Clan.

Blessed.

The Dirty Dozen

Our annual Six Pack Christmas gathering includes our dear husbands - thus the name - The Dirty Dozen

Ken and Evie hosted a fabulous dinner this year.  An evening to look forward to.....great friends, lots of laughs, a feeling of comfort and belonging.  Wonderful.

The boys - take one and then take two

The girls - take...well, maybe....five

The girls - take....I lost count....too fun!

Hmmm.....I think it's time for a six-pack dinner again real soon.

Grampy's helper - Coley

Grampy was finishing up with the Cranberry Creek stuff and Cole was a big helper.