And we're back ... sort of.

Mom gave me her camera for a couple of days, so I can show you what we've been up to and I can take some "1st day" pics.

First off: my missionary returns!

My more than a little handsome newphew served his mission is Cambodia, but spoke Vietnamese. All of the sudden he's this grown up man, ready and able to take on the world! It's great to have him home.

We also had our annual "putt n' swim" end of summer mini golf/swimming party at my parents house yesterday afternoon. How fun is it to be together with your family, laughing and just having a great time?!

So tomorrow morning I send my girls off to school. Don't worry, I've got my kleenex ready. It's a great thing to get back into a school-year routine, but I'm sure going to miss my little stinks all day long. I'll post some more pics tomorrow before I have to give my mom's camera back to her. Thanks, Mom!

Sorry, guys, I got nothin'!

I've been trying to think of something clever and witty to dazzle you with, but . . . nothin'. I'm more than a tad bugged because my camera's on the fritz. We may need to pull in a birthday favor a little early. Sigh.

The highlight of this week was the return of my handsome nephew from his Cambodian mission. Seriously ladies, line forms to the left! I guess we share some common genes, but I can't see any. I'd love to show him off, but remember how my camera is not functioning right now? Sigh.

I've purchased my back to school box of Kleenex, two this time! We're excited and ready to go. And in case you're worried about me, my back to school blues last about 5 minutes and then I'm headed off to buy myself a celebratory soda! And I'm sure the Guy will make sure I still feel needed.

So, I promise to resolve my camera dilemma and post a list of some of my latest pet projects soon! Think scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, canning ... have I gone off the deep end a bit? Don't answer that!

Calling All Readers!

All of you readers out there (you know who you are) why don't you join me at Goodreads? I've been having the best time tracking what I'm reading and getting great recommendations for a growing "to-read" list. If you sign up and want to be friends, let me know.

Happy Week to All!

Aloha!

After several days I'm finally emerging from my jet-lag haze (I'm pathetic, I know) and getting back to real life!

Our vacation was one word ... fabulous! We can't thank everyone enough who made it possible for us. Grandpa, Nana, Jim and Kathie... you're all amazing. Some of our favorite spots:

-- Kua 'Aina Hamburgers (of course)

-- Liliha Bakery cocoa puffs (we had these bad boys in our hands within an hour of arriving)

-- Ala Moana mall (if only we could afford to actually buy something there!)

-- Lovely Ladies' Luncheon (Thanks Kathie!)

-- Matsumoto's Shave Ice ... these are no snow cones, people!

-- The Polynesian Cultural Center (ask Adam about this one!)

-- Teddy's Bigger Burgers (sigh, more food!)

-- Kailua Beach (at least the big people liked it (Bug and Guy both got slammed into the beach, end of beach experience!)

-- A true favorite spot was Jim and Kathie's pool and home theater. At least I think the theater was our favorite spot, I never really stayed awake long enough to find out!

-- Haleiwa Joe's, where the scenery is gorgeous and the Prime Rib is indescribably huge!

But beyond all the food and the fabulous scenery was the great time we had being with our family and friends in Hawaii. We celebrated Grandpa's 90th birthday, caught up with old friends and were generally spoiled! I have to admit it was a little hard to come home!

But we did come home to our life, family and friends here! We're now getting ready to start school, 3rd grade and Kindergarten! Get your kleenex's ready, people!