We had an amazing time in Florida for our family vacation.  We rented a gorgeous house on the beach about twenty minutes west of Panama City.  The house had everything we could ever need starting with the most spectacular view of the beach and gulf right outside the large sliding doors and windows on the second floor.  The garage was completely stocked with pool and beach toys for the boys and they had their own room and beds set up for kids too.  We spent the days swimming in the pool and ocean and playing on the beach.  The house also had bikes so we either explored on the bikes or enjoyed long walks on the beach and walks to the near by state park, Camp Helen.  It was the fastest week of my life, I felt like we were packing back up to leave almost as soon as we had unpacked.  We are already planning our next trip back to the same house next year. 

We changed things up a bit this year for Easter.  I had good Friday off and spent the day with the boys dying Easter Eggs with Amy and playing at the park.  On Saturday we went to Matt and Erin’s for a family pot luck and Easter Egg hunt.  That night we drove down to Socorro and spent the day at the Eveleth’s with all the family there.  The three day weekend flew by and we cannot wait for the next one.

We had a wonderful time at the St. James Tea Room for a belated birthday present for Lottie.  Lottie and Abbey looked beautiful in their dresses and hats and gloves.  The food and tea were delicious and the company (Mom, Amy, Bonnie, Lottie, Abbey and Sheri).

It was a big change from the previous nights event for the boys at the Santa Ana Star Center for the Monster Truck Show.  Josh stayed with us, so we had a full house of family and a great time all weekend ending with James’ rueben sandwhiches for St Pat’s.

We had an opportunity to visit Puerto Rico in early March.  I had a business trip for Honeywell in Aguadilla and James was able to join me at the end for a long weekend.  Mum and Dad came up to stay with Roland and Langdon so they enjoyed their vacation from us as well.  We started off for a night in Old San Juan and walked around the city and the old fort and castle walls.  The views were spectacular and it was a great walk around exploring and tasting the local coffee, rum and beer.  From there we drove to Rio Grand near the El Yunque rain forest.  We stayed at the Rio Del Mar resort on the beach and made a trip near by to Farjado for a morning of diving and a trip to see the water falls in El Yunque.  Other than that we just relaxed and enjoyed the beach and pool at the resort.  It was a great trip and we hope to return and try the South of the Island which we were told has the best diving. 

Our dear Hobbes passed away today in his sleep.  We mourn his passing but remember all the happiness and joy that he brought us.  With his mild temperament and patience he was the perfect ring bearer.  His ability to seek out and immerse himself in any nearby body of water proved his labbiness, and his wiggleworm greeting to any patch of grass he might encounter showed that the puppy never really left him.  His “never quit” approach to a game of lake fetch never dwindled even as he aged.  He was the worst sing along partner you could ask for and the best “monster scarer awayer ” for our young boys.

We remember his ability to goose all newcomers with his special sneak up behind you, split your legs, and nearly knock you over style, often followed by his reversed head butt knee splitter for the perfect butt scratching position.  He could unwrap a present in 5 seconds flat and never met a stuffed animal he couldn’t chew the stuffing out of.  He always seemed to wear a grin and wanted nothing but to be close to you and sneak a head scratch when you had one to give.

His tail never stopped swishing and we’ll always remember him.  We love you and miss you Hobber Dobber, send Kiwi our love.

We had a great holiday season that flew by with family and friends.  We enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas in Socorro.  For Thanksgiving Tony joined us and we splurged with two amazing meals, one at the Eveleth’s and one at the Napier’s.  To counter the calories a bit Mum organized a triathlon and she, Amy, Tony and I all completed and felt great.  Dad did the bike and James caught a run during the adventure.  We went to Durango to bring the boys on the Polar Express.  They had a great time and we enjoyed a fun and relaxing time staying at the Double Tree and swimming and walking around main street.

For Christmas we barely made it to Socorro before they closed I-25 the Thursday before and woke up Christmas Eve Eve to 13 inches of snow!  It was a winter wonderland and so neat to enjoy a white Christmas.  It delayed everyone coming from Albuquerque and delayed Tony coming from Arizona, but everyone arrived safe and had a great visit.  We also got in a trip to Pagosa Springs for some skiing and sledding with Mum, Dad and the boys right before New Year’s.  The year started off so fast and busy, we have all suffered some servere seasonal illnesses but seem to be recovered now.  We even enjoyed a trip to Santa Fe to visit Melissa and John and join them for an incredible dinner along with Jim and Heather Dountas.

Today we went to the Chinese heritage center and saw the Dragon and Lion’s perform and enjoyed some great Chinese food with Amy, Mom and the boys to celebrate the Chinese New Year (the year of the Dragon).

Kiwi and Hobbes in the snow. 2007 Kiwi and Hobbes Youtube video

Our sweet Kiwi has left us.  She had been struggling against a failing liver over the past few months and finally passed away last night.  Before she died we were blessed with a full week of a healthy and energetic Kiwi-girl just like we remembered.  She was able to go on walks and enjoy her belly rubs right up until the end.  She leaves behind precious memories of a sweet loving puppy who wanted nothing more than to be loved… and of course fed… a lot.

Our little Wee Wee made coming home such an enjoyable moment with her wiggling, jumping, and flopping.  Even with her graying hair and medical issues she always had a spark that made you smile.  We love you Kiwi and miss you immensely.  Sleep tight our little angel.