GM Meeting

This past week we've had the international subsidiary General Managers in Utah for management meetings. Though this meeting is small in size, it's a bit complicated because it involves four languages, and nine break-out meetings in addition to the main meeting.

On Monday, we went to dinner at Benihana, which is always fun. On Tuesday, we went to Boondocks. That was fun, especially the part where the bus driver got lost! I wasn't really paying attention, until my ears started to pop - then I noticed we were headed up into the foothills. I guess he misunderstood - when I said "Boondocks" he thought I meant the boondocks.

On Thursday, the final night, we went to dinner at the New Yorker. And in between the fun, of course, we had very productive meetings. I think it turned out well this year, but I'm always glad when it's done. Due to lack of sleep during the week, I am vegging this weekend!

Soccer

I went with Steph & Mickel to their soccer game the weekend before last. Sorry I didn't get any action shots, but I was pretty busy with the kids. Teague was okay as long as we were up and moving, and Kaiya was busy with her new friend, Natalie (in the grey sweater). It was kind of funny to see Steph a little unsure of herself in a sport (since it's only the second time she's ever played), but I think she did great. Of course, I always think that.

Teague's Blessing

On October 12, we gathered together for Teague's blessing. What a special occasion, for a special boy! We love ya, Teagster! And I love this picture ... so cute the way Kaiya and Teague are looking at each other.

Maui

My last trip this year - barring anything unexpected coming up - was to Maui. And yes, this was for work. And no, I don't need (or at least can't talk my boss into) anyone to carry my bags for me. If that changes, let me know if you want me to add your name to the list. :-)

At any rate, as I always say ... if you have to work, Maui ain't a bad place to do it. It turned out that the place we were going to stay was full, so they put us up in some adjacent condos. Let's just say that this place was MUCH bigger than my house. I very much wished that I had someone along with me for the trip. Both of the girls and their families could have stayed and we would not have been crowded. Oh well. :-(

The island is beautiful, of course, but I was surprised at how dry it was in certain places. We visited different venues that we thought might work for the group, one of which is a helicopter tour. What fun! The tour we took went up over Haleakala (the volcano) and then down the green side of the island.

Another tour we're considering is a submarine ride leaving from the town of Lahaina. You go down about 135 feet, and the fish just come swimming up to the sub (I guess there's good stuff on it for them to eat).

Kaiya Jane Turns 2

Our own little reincarnation of that lovely Disney beauty, Cinderella (also known as Kaiya Jane), turned two years old on Sept. 8. (I know I'm a little late in getting to this, but I'm having camera issues :-( )

Mom made her a Cinderella cake, and the great cupcakes in the background (gee, Steph, I just thought of another business you could do at home ...).

LOCKED AWAY PHOTOS

Sueno Beach - Antalya, Turkey

Grand Resort - Limmosal, Cyprus
Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem)
Tel Aviv

Well, I've been meaning to update the blog with some recent stuff, but I've lost the cord to download photos from my camera, so I haven't done it. In the meantime, I've been to Israel, Cyprus and Turkey, and I'm sure had a few family things in there as well. So, I'll get caught up a little better later, but for now here are some "canned" photos of where I've been.

Happy Birthday Steph!

Tomorrow (Sunday) is my baby girl's 30th birthday ... she may be handling it pretty well, but I'm not so sure I am! Steph brought a sweet and wise spirit when she came to us, and helped me to learn and grow in ways I am still amazed by. There is never a day that I'm not so grateful for her presence, and so proud of the person she's become. And she is truly an AWESOME mom ... better than I ever hoped to be. I love ya, baby. Happy Birthday!