Thursday, December 10, 2009

Ohana

Been a while and we have stayed true to form with plans and travel. Since blogging has been put off so long this will be more of a catch-up. We posted a month and a halves worth of photos and broke them up into November, Hawaii and December. Sorry for the overload, resolve to do these postings in bite size portions come the New Year.

November kept us busy with a baby shower for Kruze Ingle, preparation for our trip, ladies night out with a dozen of us out to see New Moon, Salon visit for Pres, David Pritchard's birthday, book club and then the hum-drum of life. Work for both of us is still entertaining however, nothing new to offer in that regard. Pres has gotten used to the 2 year old room and comes home singing a new song weekly. We were lucky to get him into class with Kenz which is always good motivation for a slow morning, "let's go see Kenz!". He is learning loads of new things. Each day is pretty spectacular as there are so many 'firsts' to enjoy. Walked into class and we were shocked to see that Pres can use scissors. Sometimes the little things just seem amazing. He is constantly singing, reading or just narrating our days. The tantrums have also begun. Karley did what she does best and bought an armful of parenting books. So far the advice seems to be working. Only one mortifying public experience thus far...stay tuned. Kenz got to spend a lot of time with us since baby Kruze has been anxious for arrival. Stacey has been to the hospital more times than we can count to slow down pre-term labor. One night turned into our first sleep over. They seemed to enjoy bunking in the same room and even slept well. Pres was in his big boy bed and Kenz in the pack-n-play. Pres still will not get out of his bed on his own without permission... which is shocking. So when Kenz coaxed him out to rescue the blankie she tossed out, he was pretty hesitant. Ran straight back into bed after retrieving it for her (must be a Halsted trait). Hilarious to watch on Preston-vision!

Thanksgiving brought Preston and Regan's first trip to Hawaii! In order to coerce Regan to visit a tropical location (he typically hides from the sun) he requested that we pay a visit to Pearl Harbor. Oahu was a perfect destination for us. We were worried about trapping Pres on a plane for 9 hours but he did great. His Diego backpack-o-fun provided just enough distraction in between layovers and naps. A minivan and the Borella's were all we needed for a week of sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling and sunshine. North shore beaches and tide pools, Hanauma Bay, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, a Luau, met a dolphin, a parade, shopping, gelato, too much eating (skip puka dogs if given the choice) and lots of drinks! We did have a bit of rain here and there but it never got in the way. We did not take near enough photos but we were pretty distracted. A great trip overall. We did also squeeze in 3 trips to the ER, 1 for Bob and his near broken toes and 2 for Pres and his 103.6 fever...fun! Luckily both were able to bounce back quickly and still enjoy the trip. So much to see and we didn't see half of what we would have liked. Guess we will just have to go back! Perfect way to spend Thanksgiving, our 11th wedding anniversary and Karl's 33rd birthday.

Leaving Hawaii was rough especially when we got back to single-digit temperatures. Winter is definitely upon us. We tried to distract ourselves and some friends from the weather with a belated Turkey feast and game night. Nothing motivates you to decorate for the holidays like left over turkey! Decorations are up and Pres is enjoying his first Christmas tree. The previous 2 Christmas holidays were decoration free as we were traveling for the holidays. Karley's coworkers would not let her get away with this excuse so decor is strewn about. Holiday cards will be in the mail shortly and then we head to CA. Bring on the sleigh bells and fire up the jets!! Until we head out we have a few holiday parties to attend, Stacey's graduation is coming up and of course we need to tackle shopping. Lots to be excited and thankful for!

Other news:
Congratulations Adam & Oriana!!
During their recent trip to Italy, Adam asked Oriana to marry him. A perfect fit and we look forward to celebrating with them.

The Halsted Quartet and their families will all be traveling on or around the holidays, keep your eye out for a possible sighting. Travel safe and Merry Christmas!

Pres receives his first Christmas gift from Grammy & Grandpa:

Final note, we try our best to not ask for anything but our hearts are full and heavy. We need a little of your prayers, crossed fingers or positive thoughts. The Col is going in for surgery on the 22nd and all we want is a speedy recovery and a Healthy Grandpa. Thanks for the help.

2 comments:

HyenaProf said...

It is "great" how kids seem to learn better with others, no matter how hard we try to teach them ourselves.
If one plans a trip to HI withot seeing Pearl, they need their head examined. I was looking for more photos on the Mighty Mo, but I understand how it is with taking pictures while on vacation. It becomes a chore!

Halsted Fam said...

Bad timing on our part as the MOssouri was in dry dock getting painted. Reg & my dad cried.