Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sheila's Hawaiian Dream

For years Sheila has wanted to take all our family to Hawaii for Christmas.  I reminded her that we took the entire family shortly after Darcee and Brent were married.  She said that didn't count because we didn't go at Christmas and we didn't take our grandchildren.  So finally, it's a fait accompli.  We are here in Hawaii enjoying a really amazing Christmas holiday.  Earlier this year, she dreamed that Keith was running on the beach in Hawaii.  I was certain that Keith would recover and that we would all be together in Hawaii this Christmas.  Tragically, that didn't come to pass, but I'm going to be optimistic about her dream and interpret it to mean that we will have yet another Hawaiian Christmas vacation when Keithy can accompany us.  Our next Hawaiian Christmas will be even more joyful than this one because Bay and my dad will be here as well. Until then, we are determined to be happy and enjoy the wonderful times that we share, particularly when we are in a venue like this where it's never too hot, never too cold, where the sun shines everyday and the gentle breeze and waves from the ocean seem to wash and blow all our worries to some other, far away place.




















We all owe a special "thank you" to She-she for having the vision to make this happen, and for managing our money so that we could afford to take such an amazing family holiday. 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Turkey Bowl 2012

Although Snick had their own Thanksgiving dinner in Eugene, we still spent a couple days up in Yaktown this year.

We couldn't miss the Turkey Bowl!

This year, the non- Darrell/Sheila Smarts (Melissa, Syd, Jack) beat the Smarts (Chels, Shea, Darel). Nick played all-time offense since the teams were uneven due to a hernia injury to Big D. 

Albeit freezing, we still had a good time (at least I did since I won). Melissa's clutch play deep in the fourth clutched the win for the Non-Smarts. Afterwards, the winners basked in their good fortune and skill while binging on She-She's frittata. The losers also binged on She-She's frittata, but only because they needed to drown their sorrows and eat their feelings.

It was a good Black Friday. 










Even Taz showed up!


So kind of Taz to cook everyone dinner.





Sick.


Models.