In a fleeting moment, 2008 was gone. As with it's predecessors, 2008 brought many happy moments as well as a wave of sadness.
- Kapena, dear brother, son, uncle and friend, left us this past April for the ultimate paradise. We will always cherish your memory Kapena.
Robert & I are proud to let you know that there are two graduates in the family during 2008:
- Becca graduated from high school in May and has gone on to the University of Wisconsin Eauclair to pursue her degree.
- Chelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eauclair this past December with a degree in Marketing. We are also excited to have her join us here in Atlanta during her job search.
We would also like to announce that there is a new member of the family that joined us early in the year.
- Her name is Leilani, perhaps you've already read about her. Robert & I rescued her from a local thrift shop and she has been quite the traveler/partier since then. Noe felt that she needed company and sent her a 'mail-order' boyfriend, Kimo. Well, don't you all know that they work really quick as many of you have already received one of their offspring this past Christmas. Don't worry - we'll keep an eye on them....
As most of you know, our motto is 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and this year was no different. If it seems as if we crammed alot in this past year, also know that we worked like crazy. Or maybe it was Robert who did...... We have both been with our employers for over 20 years (Thank you employers!), therefore have quite a bit of vacation time. So, here's a brief snapshot of our vacations - hope I didn't miss any.
- March brought Mary from South America through Atlanta on her way to back to Alaska. She has already done more than most of us will do in a lifetime. What a wonderful sense of adventure she has! Dad came down from Nashville to visit with her, as he does each fall and spring. This year, Uncle Ron and Aunt Judith also joined us on their way down to Florida (or was it back from???) It was fabulous to catch up with everyone.
- The end of May found us in Appleton/Neenah, Wisconsin for Becca's high school graduation. Where does the time go? Kawika met us there (he's a regular frequent flyer now) and was greeted by Brayden saying, 'Uncle Veeka'! We had a great time hanging out at Jessie & Sky's house, especially at their Driveway Party and their new Basement Bar. We visited and toured the Lienenkugel's Brewery with Jess, Michelle, Becca & Kawika. Who can forget Robert's famous line when the tour guide asked, "So where are you guys from?" to which Robert replied, "Hawaii". Oh really, the tour guide says, "What brought you here?" You can probably guess what Robert said, but I'll humor you anyway - "an airplane." Said tour guide indicated that he would tell the jokes! Ha! We also checked out the annual 'Cheese Fest' and had a combined birthday party for Brayden & Kawika, which was alot of fun! Becca's graduation was great and we made noise with bells, an air horn and hoot n' hollars even though we had been advised otherwise....... Her party was a blast too! Lots of food, friends, music and games. We had so much fun!
- July - Sara, Ken & Eyore came to visit for a weekend. We hung out at the house, went to dinner at the Bistro and listened to Premonition perform. Great relaxing weekend.
- End of August - so I'm at work and Robert calls me to say that he is off Saturday, Sunday and Monday and wants to drive to Kansas City to see Kawika play soccer on Sunday. Yahoo!!!! Roadtrip! Kawika scored the only goal of the game! We also visited the infamous 18th & Vine, and were fortunate enough to catch a performance by the McFadden Brothers. Their performance is the kind of stuff referenced in the song Kansas City. And to top the weekend off, we hung out with Chris and Kawika all day and ended with a authentic KC BBQ dinner. It doesn't get any better than that!
- I had the opportunity to visit Orlando twice this year! August with Angela & the boys, then December with Mike, Angela, Nathan & Elijah. August found us at Wet n' Wild, while both trips had exciting trips to Chuckie Cheese! It is so wonderful just to spend quality time with the kids. Christmas was especially memorable this year since Mike is home.
- Thanksgiving was a Family Reunion time for us here in Hotlanta. Kawika, Angela & the boys, Jess & Sky and Chris & Tommy, AND let's not forget Dexter - joined us for a week full of family fun. We had a big pre-holiday party for our friends at which Nathan welcomed everyone by saying, "Welcome to our Snowman party, we're glad you came." The snowman part was his personal touch! We had a great time at Bass Pro in their little Christmas Wonderland, and then at the rock climbing wall watching Chris, Tommy & Kawika give it a try. Nathan, Elijah, Kawika & the boys next door all watched in amazament as Dexter performed tricks under Chris's watchful eye. We had a fun afternoon at the Marietta Square eating pizza and playing tag in the park. Thanksgiving was wonderful as we all shared our thankfulness for family with each other. The week ended too soon, but we were already making plans for the next event.
Additional Newsworthy Items.....
- Robert & Sheri have the decorating BUG!!!!
- We were sitting in the basement after returning from Wisconsin this past June, and looked around at the bland wall color and furniture arrangement. We thought about how much we really liked the decor at HuHot, a restaurant we visited on our last day there and decided that we would paint the room. An hour later, we were at The Home Depot buying Behr paint, drop cloths, brushes, etc. One week later - we were done!
- I went to the fabric store with my friend Denice as she was planning to reupholster two of her grandmother's chairs. I found a fabric that I like, cut a sample and went back to buy it about a week later with my friend Cheryl in tow. My plan was to reupholster a chair in the small bedroom and use the remainder to make a couple of pillows. I was so inspired by the colors of the fabric that I bought paint in complementary colors and painted the room. The fabric wound up being a comforter and sham. Fun, fun, fun..... I think one of the best things I like about this room is the letters on the wall that spell, imagine.
- Fast forward to December, with Robert getting the bug to change the garage around a little. He was tired of the gold and silver lame' that we had hung to hide the storage area when we have parties, as well as the fifties record tablecloths that covered the bare stud walls..... Neither one of us know what exactly inspired us to completely redo the garage, but before you knew it - we were well on our way! An 'Endless Summer' poster was the color inspiration. Ceilings in light blue, walls in teal, light yellow and brown and the floor covered with outdoor grass carpeting. The windows are covered with curtains made from Robert's old Aloha shirts. The bar is the old pulpit (purchased from an antique store a couple of years ago), with the top removed and a new bar platform added. It is covered in Hawaiin honu (turtle) fabric that Jessie gave to us many years ago and enclosed in a clear resin coat. Add bamboo furniture secured from local antique and thrift shops and a custom sign and you've got 'Leilani's Aloha Lounge'! We've got a sound system, free WiFi and cable TV on the wall. If we don't answer the front door, just knock on the garage door as that's where we'll be!
- Mike comes home to be with his beautiful wife Angela and his sons, Nathan & Elijah!
- Larry Savage (of Totally Savage) and Kari Conolly (of The Barry Richmond Band) are wed on a perfect October 4th in a fabulous backyard ceremony!
- Premonition plays the Grandies (Hyatt Employee Appreciation Event), the Sun Valley Festival and Shopping with a Hero, in addition to many gigs at local establishments.
- Chris & Tommy move from the windy city and purchase their first home/loft in Pittburgh!
- A tornado hits downtown Atlanta in early March....
- Tony Stewart leaves Gibbs Racing to be a co-owner of his own team, and make one last stop at the corporate THD offices to show his appreciation. Joey Logano signs with Joe Gibbs Racing!
- Sheri displays a few photographs in local art shows....
- A few of our favorite local businesses closed due to tough economic times; Crystal's on the Square, Three Bears Cafe and The Bistro. Please remember to get out there and support your local businesses!
- The Strand opens and King's Row Antiques moves AND changes their name to LimeLights! Please make sure that you get out there to support them!
- Robert & Sheri host three parties this year for their fabulous friends!!! Our motto is 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and you help to make that possible!
Thanks to our family and friends for making this such a memorable year! We love you!
Posts
