Friday, February 01, 2008

Hawaii 2008

January means our annual trip to paradise so I could cover the first two Champions Tour events On the big island and on the north shore of Oahu.
We stayed at a different hotel on the big island a little further north than we've stayed in the past. Great place,, but a long drive from the course. We didn't get to spend much time there.
Here's the view from our room.And looking back to the hotel.
Beth enjoys the beach when we first arrived.
The private beach and the "Hapuna Prince" hotel
Golf on a lava field...
Pretty clouds!I put Beth to work. I think the players like her better!Monday we spent around Kona. This is the seawall downtown. We also drove to a cool little cove that I completely forgot the name of!
You can't see them, but there are spinner dolphins in the background.
Then we're off to Turtle Bay!
Turtle bay is a great hotel on the north shore of Oahu. Right down the street are the surfing meccas of Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay.This year we got a cottage by the bay. Here is the view from our room. It was so beautiful!
Our digs for the week. Itried to get a late checkout, but the front desk staff wasn't amused when I said "July"!The famous waves of the north shore. No, I didn't paddle out.Sweet sunsets!"Leave only footprints"Our friends David and Aaron mug with Beth.The lounge was convenient and served fruity drinks!And then it's time to unwind with a friendly game of shuffleboard. Beth and Brooke take on the boys"Team Maui Jim", Brooke and Aaron take on the Condons. Beth and Lisa love Turtle bay!
I discovered an old abandoned building on the property behind the 15th hole. It used to be camouflaged by trees. Someone cleared them since last year and now you can see it from the course. Yes, I had to hop the fence and check it out!
Turns out this is the old Marconi transmitter building which is pretty historic. Check out this site for more infoYes, I did actually work. This is my signature shot from Turtle Bay. I told myself I wouldn't shoot it again, but it's just too cool! Jim Thorpe walks through my tunnel vision.Two weeks flew by! This is our last sunset in Hawaii as we wait to board the LONG flight back to the east coast.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Welcome Home Chloe!

Eric and Katie returned from China with their new daughter Chloe. She is beautiful and healthy. It was a long trip, but well worth it to give this girl a life she never would have had in China.
Luke is already looking out for his little sister.How cute is she???Luke digs in to a good book.Can this kid work the camera or what?

Thursday, December 27, 2007

It's Christmas!

We spent Christmas in Alabama with Beth's brother and his family again. Since Christmas is all about the kids, we enjoy making the trip and watching their excitement!

Mark Jr. was overwhelmed when we arrived.Beth went horseback riding......And had to sign her life away on an insurance waiver. Santa brought lots of cool stuff like this animated pony. (picture a big furby that reacts to motion and sound. Creepy!)I think Deanna needs a but more sugar!
Little Mark was still rockin' his monster truck from last year. I don't think anyone expected it to still be in one piece!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Beth's birthday Surprise

For Beth's birthday this year, I booked us a weekend trip to Philadelphia. She has always wanted to visit the Mutter Museum at the College of Physicians.
Beth in Rittenhouse Square
What trip to Philly is complete without a visit to the Liberty Bell?
And Independence Hall

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

New toy

Anyone who knows me knows my love of motorcycles. I love everything from Harleys to sportbikes to choppers to touring bikes... You get the picture. I've wanted another sportbike for a while. I wanted one that would stand out from the crowd. Ducati is the two-wheeled Ferrari, and I found this one for a great deal. Sweet!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Thanksgiving in Orlando

We spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Eric & Katie in Orlando. We brought Shelby, and Luke just loved her.Of course Luke had to dive right into her water dish!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Chris' big birthday weekend!

We kicked off Friday night at Culhane's Irish Pub where Larry and Nycole surprised us with a rare visit to the beach!Burks made the trip back from Texas to help celebrate.
...And immediately takes over the stage with Palmer and his band "Something Distant"
Saturday was the Blue Angels at Jax Beach
Luke was digging it!And then the party continued at Spare Time Tavern where Dial-9 past and present rocked 'til the wee hours!
The guys all signed a drumhead for me.The current lineup in action.I'm feeling it!Then Burks, Larry and Palmer join me for a "Dial-9 rewind"The original Dial-9 groupies!A crazy night for sure! Thanks everyone!