Happy New Year - Welcome 2010

It's that time of year that one reflects back on the year behind and looks forward to what is yet to come.  I can't recall the last time I actually made some New Years Resolutions...but that's okay because I also can't recall the last time I actually stayed awake until the New Year.  I'm not certain why people insist on making such a big deal out of the changing of the year...more intriguing was the "blue moon" last night.  Truly beautiful.  I hope you all took a moment to look at it.  I've been told (by my mother...whose wisdom I don't question) that the next one isn't until 2028.  18 more years....I wonder if I'll still be blogging?  If I sit and think about it, I'm sure I can conjure up quite a few resolutions, but seriously, why put extra pressure on myself?  Instead I am enjoying those things that are meant to be enjoyed.  Happy New Year all....Thought I'd give my doglets some airtime and offer some relief to those that may be tired of always seeing pictures of my angels!

I'm always impressed at how photogenic a dog becomes when you mention the word treat!

Not sure why Shey insists on drinking dirty plant water when she has a perfectly good bowl of nice fresh water.

Gotta wonder exactly what that expression means in words.

The Best Gift Of All

I will be the first to admit that I am spoiled by my husband.  I need nothing.  I have everything..and more.  Yet, despite this, he continues to spoil me and surprise me when I least expect it.  Prior to my birthday he surprised me with a new camera.  I didn't need one and truthfully, I wasn't even wanting one.  He has been so supportive of my interest in photography.  One of the many reasons I love him.  I call this one of my greatest gifts because it allows me not only to practice something I love, but to document memories and moments with those I love.  Here are some of my practice pictures.

Maui Wowie

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Novosel family (YaYa, Sir & Auntie Jess Jess) by going on vacation to Maui together the week prior to Thanksgiving.  It was a beautiful week spent together and came to an end far too quickly.  Daddy and Sir went on a helicopter tour of the island.  YaYa, Auntie Jess Jess and I  spent some time at the spa.  The children enjoyed their beach and pool time and for the most part were well behaved.  It seemed meltdowns happened in the evening while out at dinner.  I didn't really get to enjoy any dinners because Addley turns into a little Gremlin about 4pm every single day.  While I was able to eat a few meals one handed, it was a challenge eating something like spaghetti and meatballs!  Our sleeping situation was much to be desired as well, but how can you complain when you woke up to the shining sun each morning, someone else cooking all the meals and cleaning your room?  We stayed at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort in Wailea, Maui...where you truly do get pampered.  Facial spritzs and cool cucumbers by the pool for your tired eyes, fresh baked muffins and pineapple brought right to your chair...fresh ice water brought to your chair on the beach.  Here are some of the pictures from our time spent together.  Wonderful memories.  Miss you all!

Beautiful Auntie Jess Jess - Dayton & Saige miss you!

Dayton & Saige playing on the beach.

Sir & Dayton looking for sea turtles.  Lord only knows what kind of stories Sir is telling him, but you can tell he is passing along some type of wisdom.

Auntie Jess Jess, Sir & YaYa having a family picture before a nice evening stroll along the beach.

Dayton enjoying a sunset stroll.

One of the only opportunities we had for a family picture.  Turned out great didn't it?  Wait, who's missing?  Ah yes, my non-compliant 4 year old.  It seems even the nice lady who offered to take our picture couldn't convince him.

Auntie Jess Jess and Dayton doing some beach exploring.

Dayton & Saige building sand castles.

The Novosel & Szczekocki Families.

YaYa & Sir with the grandkids...or as YaYa refers to them, "her precious angels".

Auntie Jess Jess with Dayton, Saige & Addley.

Auntie Jess Jess & Dayton on a drifted in tree trunk.

One of many horrible attempts at a family picture.  Dayton REFUSED to be in pictures and threw quite the fit about it all.  The reason why you can't really tell is because I'm tickling him.  Scott is just plain aggravated, Addley won't look up and Saige was plain ole tired.

Two beautiful sisters!  Again, Dayton refusing to be in the picture.  One day he'll wonder why he was never in any of the pictures!

Saige & Addley...sans Dayton.  My two beautiful girls.

Saige enjoying pool time with Auntie Jess Jess.

Dayton enjoying pool time with Auntie Jess Jess.

Saige attempts the waterslide.  No fear - what a big girl!

Dayton attempting to "stop" himself on the waterslide.