Gum Graft

On Friday I underwent a small form of torture. My dentist decided I needed to get a gum graft on my 6 front bottom teeth. Either do it now or a transplant years down the road. Both sound awful, but this one, a little less awful, I guess. So what they do is take tissue from the roof of your mouth then stitch it to the gum line. My mouth is full of stitches and this big bulky clay band-aid thing and a retainer for the roof of my mouth. Not exactly very comfortable, besides the pain from the actual procedure. I go back to get the stitches out next Friday and hopefully I can start eating and talking normal at that point. I know all of you are wishing you were me right now. ha ha. I did talk Kevin into teaching my Sunday school lesson for me so I got out of that one. Funny because after he agreed to do it for me, someone called and asked him to teach a YM's lesson, and give the closing prayer in sacrament meeting. He agreed to all 3, what a guy. I guess he gets triple blessings today.

President's Day Sledding

 

We love a break from school at our house. We finally got out to enjoy all of our snow. We went sledding and had such a fun time. It is one of those things that you leave scratching your head wondering why you haven't done it more often or certainly sooner. Josie couldn't get enough of the sledding and was perfectly happy climbing up the hill and going down by herself. Conor was very brave with the jump at the end of the hill and came home and told his Dad that he got 8 feet of air, we didn't tell him it was more like a foot. We were all impressed with his abiliby to snow surf. I was shocked at how easy he made it look, he jumped right on and got down the hill without even a bobble. Way to go Conor! I guess I better get him some skiis.

My New Favorite Song

I have found my new favorite song. Those of you who live far away from me (all of you) need to down load this song to your iTunes so you can think of me when you hear it. The title is: Hey Julie by Fountains of Wayne. For a sneak listen turn up your speakers and click on it from my playlist. So vain I know ! xoxo

Maui 2009 Collage

 

I decided I needed to hurry and write about our fun trip to Maui, as my memory is sadly fading. Feel free to completely skip the journaling as it is solely for that fading memory.

Saturday January 24th:
Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen traded in a timeshare and ended up with one in Maui, they so kindly invited us to tag along. How could we pass up the chance to enjoy 7 days in Hawaii? Josie went to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Kellogg and we drove to Seattle to catch our direct flight to Maui. We landed on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we stopped at Costco for some eats then hurried out to Lahaina to the Marriott resort and of course their pool. Conor and I spent the evening at the pool while Kevin went back to pick up Grandma and Grandpa from the airport, they ran into some delays.
Sunday January 25th:
We went to church in Lahaina and ran into the Niska's,our old bishop from the Indian Trail ward here in Spokane...small world. After church which happened to be 3/4 visitors we went over to Waelaea and spent some time with Kristi and Ryan (Kevin's sister) They were on their way home the next day, another small world. Amazing the difference in vegetation and scenery on the different side of the island.
Monday January 26th:
It was a bit overcast, but that didn't stop us from going to the pool and beach. We spent a good chunk of the day being lazy at the pool then we went on a whale watching tour. The hump back whales are incredible this time of year in the waters of Maui. You could see whales from our condo deck and then on the boat you could see tons of them. Not too impressed with the company we chose to tour with, but now I know better for next time. (Frogman-through BossFrog)
Tuesday January 27th:
We woke up the next day to RAIN...bo hoo. It rained all day. Conor braved the hot tub for about an hour but even he had to come inside. Such a bummer day. We were all really disappointed. We took the opportunity to hit the shops in Lahaina and check out some scenery.
Wenesday January 28th:
The weather was slightly better, at least no pouring rain in the morning so we trekked out to the beach and pool all morning. Conor was tall enough to ride the big water slide and he practically wore it out. The rain finally chased us inside and we relaxed and napped and I think we wandered some more shops. One of Conor's favorite places was a little shop that where they were blowing glass. He was fascinated. We had to drag him away which is saying something for Conor and a shop. He also really liked the place with the boat replica's/models.
Thursday January 29th:
Our 1st absolutely beautiful not a cloud in the sky sunny day. Kevin and I spent an hour with a resort trying to sell us their crappy time share so we could go on the awesome zip line for 1/2 the cost. Worth the time!!! Conor and G & G spent the entire day at the pool and beach while Kevin and I went to this awesome zip line called Philo Ranch, it was brand new and the equipment was awesome and easy to use. The views were amazing and the rush was awesome. Highly recommend it.
Friday January 30th:
Another BEAUTIFUL day!!! 80 degrees no clouds and sun sun sun. We got up early and went to a blow hole we had heard about a few miles North of the Condo. Unfortunately this was the location of the death of our camera (may she rest in peace) We got a few great pictures and unfortunately a wandering wave doused me while holding the camera. I looked as if I had jumped in. Funny now, but a bit irritating regarding the camera. I don't think a wave has hit the spot I was standing in since...sort of a fluke. The blow hole was pretty awesome, but not $200+ awesome, ha ha. After the blow hole we went to the beach and Kevin and I went snorkeling up at black rock. We had a great time and we even got to see a tiny octopus and a big huge turtle. It is amazing all the beautiful fish you can see so close to the surface. We did some boogie boarding and sand castle building today and even got a bit burned. A fabulous day, probably the best one. What Hawaii is famous for.
Saturday January 31st:
Departure day, but still time to hit the beach and pool. We got up early and went boogie boarding and saw a really awesome rainbow, but no picture as we had no camera. :( We packed our bags and sadly left. On the way to the airport we had time to stop and watch the kite surfing. What a neat thing to watch. Looks like a crazy sport, but super fun. Next time. The flight was uneventful and we landed in Seattle very late. We hoped in the car and drove the entire way home to Spokane. We were exhausted. We slept as long as we could then we were into the car again to go and get little Josie. We missed her! She didn't really miss us though, she was spoiled and had a fabulous time, she didn't even want to leave Grandma Kellogg.

So there you have it....the complete detailed version of our fabulous trip to Maui. It was over too fast, but thank goodness for the wonderful memories we will cherish forever.

A Few Conor pictures in Maui

Making a fort to withstand the waves!
The beloved waterslide at the Marriott pool.
Conor wore his Lei for 1.2 seconds. I had to bribe him to hold all 3. No pretty stuff for my all boy, he was willing to hold them if it got him to the pool faster.
Playing in the monster leaf/foilage in Wailaea...where's Conor? The greenery is incredible.

Conor loved Hawaii. He adores the swimming pool and would be absolutely happy if the pool at the resort in Maui was in our backyard. Then he wouldn't have to endure all the traveling. He much prefers the pool to the sandy beaches or shopping or eating, or exploring the island. I suppose the pool would need to include the nice weather of Hawaii. He was always asking when we could go back to the "apartment," and the pool. He is one lucky kid! I know many people who have never been to Hawaii and my little 5 year old has been twice!! I guess being a diabetic can have its advantages.

January in Maui

Maui Sunset - January 2009

This is where I have been for the last week! We had such a fabulous time. Hawaii is a beautiful place. More later!