Christmas Day

Christmas day I woke up to my sweetheart calling & chatted the morning away, while I made breakfast for his mom and I. Oatmeal Pancakes with Walnut Banana Maple Syrup and a side of Bacon. The same breakfast that he made for us last year on Christmas morning.

Still chatting away, I quickly finished eating and doing the dishes and then it was time to open gifts. Gabe & I agreed not to do gifts until he came home for R&R however we both caved in and got each other a little something to have on Christmas morning. His gift was the first one I opened and much to my surprise it was a book on Muscle Cars.

He's such a goof but we do both love our cars!!!! I loved it so much and cant wait till he gets home so we can continue our Christmas together. I sent him a box of his favorite goodies along with some pictures that I had taken and a stocking filled with my love.

I finished opening the rest of our gifts both from my mom and the Gabriel family. It was a nice quiet morning a bit different than last year but we made it work and I will continue to. I was in such a funk all morning that I didn't want to do a thing but lay in bed, but knowing how much he loves me pushed me to get up and make it through the day. It's ruff being away from him and I hate it more than ever.

My mom must know how much I love pictures and how proud I am of my last name and who I'm married to. She made this for Gabe & I and I just love it so much. I have to fine the perfect frame for it so all my lovely friends can see!!!!!!! THANK YOU MOMMA!!!!!


This is the bag I happened to mention to Cathy when we were at the PX that I was going to get before we PCS'ed. She was so sneaky in getting it for us, now we just have to get one more. You can bet with this I will be packing all my clothes and MORE to take with me on the plane.


The afternoon part of our day was spent cruising around the island taking in the beauty of it all. Down to Hawaii Kai and around Kaneohe and a stop off at Bellows Air Force Station. We also managed to squeeze in a pit stop at the Pali lookout, some days like today I still can't believe I've been given the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place. I enjoy getting out and exploring the Land of Aloha so much, something about it just puts a smile on my face and warms my heart.

~Scenic lookout along kalanianole Highway~

~Halona Blowhole~
~looking towards Kaneohe~

After our journey around the island we ventured back home to freshen up for our night out. We had reservations at the Star Light Luau downtown at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I had never been to this one before so I was really excited, even more so that I didn't have to cook. Don't get me wrong I love to & especially on holidays but it was different this year with Gabe being gone. So I decided I would do something new and a luau was just that. On the roof top of one of the towers was were the Luau took place just beneath the stars of Waikiki. Once we indulged in a feast of unforgettable tropical flavors created with traditional island ingredients the show began. With live music, drums and the drama of traditional Hawaiian, Tahitian and Samoan dance we were taken back to the heritage of the Pacific Islands. It truly was a spectacular show, it shows you how much the men and woman of the islands try to carry on the traditions of their ancestors.







I had a wonderful evening definetly one I wont forget. It may have not been the best Christmas I've ever had but its up there on the top 5 list. I may not have been able to spend it with the one I love but I'm thankful that his mom was so willing to come all the way out to be with me over the Holidays. :) I have been so blessed with everything I have in my life, and could never ask for anything more than. Well other than having my hubby home with me right now that is.

BUT IN DUE TIME, NOT MUCH LONGER NOW. :)

Luau Party ALOHA!!!!!!! AZ Style

Two of our dear friends started a Annual Luau tradition last year in July and just so happens this year they decided to plan it while we were going to be in town. That only meant one thing, I had to help with it as well. I mean it only made sense with us living in Hawaii to put a little Hawaiian spin on it as well.

I had a friend make some Lei's, I picked up a few at the PX as well as some sweet treats and Muchie Crunch to add to the event. What's a Luau with out Kalua Pork....we had that covered as well. Umm Umm Good we were set to go. They day was fabulous and couldn't have been better, after everyone left we dug into the Banana pie that was just off the wall good and took a late night dip in the pool. Although that didn't last long for me because the water was COLD. I think we all (us, them & his brother & their mom) finally called it a night around 1AM when we went inside and passed out on the air mattress in the middle of the living room floor. (It was so comfy & I was out within like 5 mins. lol) I love hanging out with the C's they are the sweetest couple EVER. No matter how long it has been since we have seem each other we pick right up were we left off as if no time had ever passed. That's a true friend for you, their there for you whenever you need them as well when you least expect it.

~Ready for the party to start~

~Birds of Paradise~

~He looks so relaxed w/ his cold beer in his hand~

~My SeXy Hunka Hubby~

~Nichole & I~ I LOVE LOVE THIS GIRL~

Besos to a Fabtastic evening~

~Our last drink of the night :)~

PARADISE COVE

Friday night we thought we would do things Hawaiian style & go to a Luau. Seeing's Gabe & I had been to Germaine's luau before we wanted to do something different. So Paradise Cove it was.
We arrived & were greeted with a Mai Tai & a shell Lei, what a way to start the evening. We found our sets & started exploring the lagoon. There were so many things to do from making Lei bracelets, Haku-lei's (a lei head piece), taking a canon ride, having our pictures taken with parrots even gift shops to explore.
After the unavailing of the pig that had been cooking all day long we made our way back to our seats to get ready to enjoy the wonderful feast that had been prepared.
Dinner was so good, well the part that I had was but Jared told me everything else was pretty good as well.

The show began and it was the most spectacular show ever. Sitting there with My Loves arms wrapped around me keeping me warm, just gave me chills up my spin & butterflies in my stomach. He is the most amazing person ever and always will do whatever he can to make sure I am enjoying myself and having a good time. :)
The evening was just PERFECT as we sat there & listened to the Hawaiian music and watched the dancers dancing with the sun setting in the back ground over the ocean. I just began to think that this is the best year living life in PARADISE!!!!!