Horseback riding and Awalua

One day back in April, before I was pregnant, Richard and I had a fun filled day. We went horseback riding...this was Rich's first time on a horse...and then we went camping down at Awalua.

Here's a few of the great views from the mountain where our ride went.





Here we are before heading out. We look pretty official, don't we? I sure did love that helmet! And the others are at the stables.

After the ride, we went back home to get Izzy. Can't forget her, especially when camping. The next few pictures are on the way down to Awalua.

Richard throwing out the shocka...

The views are gorgeous. The red dirt contrasts so beautifully against the blue of the sky and ocean.

This was our set up at the beach. This beach faces North, so we knew we'd see the sun set.

We moved over to the fire to relax and cook some food. We were just hangin'.



The start of the sunset...

These next are examples of how beautiful the sunsets are here. It was amazing.

The next morning Isabelle was running around the beach. We didn't wake up early enough to see the crabs coming out of the sand, but we have a picture showing how many there were...tons!

We had a great time the day before, but were exhausted. So we went home late morning and relaxed the rest of the day.

Iowa and SNOW!!!

It snowed a bunch in Iowa before we got there. I think it snowed a few inches in Chicago while Richard was there, but there was much more in Iowa. It was such a great time being with my entire family before moving to Hawaii. Rich had a chance to meet them all. I didn't get a chance to take a ton of pics, but the ones below are so much fun. We went SLEDDING!!!

Here I am riding down Bowman Woods Hill in a saucer. It was such a nice day. The sun was shining and the kids were having a blast...big kids too.



Here's Eric walking back up the hill with a sled. There's no other way to get back to the top.



Below is Brian with Sean. I think Sean had enough by this time. He was getting a little tired.



I loved taking this picture. Nick is making a snow angel. He was also eating snow, but I didn't post that one. (You know you did it too)



We were at our elementary school, so there are swings, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds to have fun on. Below are David and Nick playing on the merry-go-round.



I can't really remember what David was doing here...



Richard had never held a baby until spending time with my family. He had a chance to hold both Lauren, 3 months (my mom has that picture so I couldn't post it), and Sabra (below), 7 months. In just a few short months, he'll get a lot of practice and I can't wait.



Here I am with Sabra, spending a little time before I leave. They grow up so fast, I just got a new picture of her and she has changed so much. I wish I had a few of Lauren, but they're on Mom's camera.



I know I didn't put these in order. So, here's a few more sledding. Here's Brian pulling David and Nick up the hill. What a workout!



We knew we wouldn't see snow for quite a while. We had to take advantage of it. I love this picture!



And here's Mom...taking a break from all the fun.



Richard and I had a great time. We can't wait until we are all back together again. And next time, there will be another baby to join in the fun. Like they say...the more the merrier. :)

Leaving Chicago

We started the drive to Iowa with a fantastic breakfast at this tiny diner a block from my apartment. We drugged the animals, packed them into the Uhaul, and were on our way. I said goodbye to the city as we drove West on I55.



Isabelle and Jaxson were high on meds to help them cope with the drive. It was kind of like animal Xanax. They sat on my lap most of the way. How cute, huh?



A lot of the scenary along the way on I80 through Illinois and Iowa is farm land. Rich took a bunch of pictures of the farm houses. He's never been West of Indiana. I think it's the most country he's ever seen. Below is one in IL. I still think it's pretty...open land, gorgeous.



We crossed the Mississippi River to get into Iowa.

"The people of Iowa welcome you" We were now in Iowa, good ole IA. It's a great place. You all should visit some day.

Now here's something to boast about...the largest truck stop is on I80 in Iowa. And it is huge! What a landmark.

Ah...another farm...I kinda miss seeing these.

Then we finally get into downtown CR. It's about a 4.5 hour drive from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. It's a blue collar town and it's called the City of Five Seasons, but my dad likes to call it the City of Five Smells because of the 5 factories in town.

Here's one of the factories...Quaker Oats. I always loved when they were making Peanut Butter Captain Crunch...YUMMY!!!!

Here I am drivin' gansta style...almost home...

Richard in Chicago...Feb 2008

Richard flew from HI to Chicago to help me move. We spent a few days in Chicago driving around town to see some of the sites, spent some time with friends, and of course...PACKED. I didn't want to bore anyone with nonsense photos. So, we start with our night at the John Hancock. The picture above is from the Signature Room looking South. I think it's one of the most beautiful views in Chicago.

Below is Dana and Marcum. Two of my good friends in IL. Dana and I worked together for Ventana. These two were in town to say goodbye and to take my car back to Monmouth to try and sell. And I think everyone knows that didn't quite happen. I now have my Uli in Hawaii with me. But a huge THANKS to these two for helping me out!




Ah, look at these two...aren't they cute? We had a great time that night with Dana and Marcum. It will always be a great memory for me.



Me and my girl. I think we have a million pictures like this. Ah, the memories...






The following photos are from our drive around Chicago. Most of them are from driving up Michigan Ave, but I do believe there is one from Lake Shore Drive...you'll know which one.

This one is of the John Hancock Building when we were going over the river.




So simple, but so profound. The Michigan Ave. sign...




I'm not quite sure of this sculpture. It's down on Michigan Ave. at Roosevelt, but it looks like bodies, but only the legs. Interesting huh?




And last, but definitely not least, Da Bears!!!! Soldier Field isn't the most gorgeous stadium at all, especially since it now looks like a spaceship landed in old Soldier. But even so, I love this stadium. I'm hoping my Bears pull it together this year and have a decent season. I guess only time will tell.




Well, that's the jist of Richard's time in Chicago. We're looking forward to visiting again soon...