More Surfing

 Reeve got another chance at some surfing. . . can never complain when it is December and there are chances to enjoy the surf and sun, and be in water without a wet suit.  This time was a bit more successful, with some good lessons and progress. 

Congrats, Reeve - and thanks Auntie Tasha for some surfing fun in Hawaii!

Surfing - Here we come!

Reeve gets to test his balance with surfing.  Tasha had arranged for one of her friends to help with surfing lessons - and bigger boards are always easier to start with - so good to get a chance to try to figure out the balance, and hopefully catch a couple of waves.  

Biggest, initial lesson: it can be mighty tiring using those arms to get in and out of the surf! 
 

Hawaii Hiking

 Of course, a visit to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without the chance to go on some of Auntie Tasha's favorite hikes. 

Certainly some stunning, picturesque scenes which were shared. . .and so excited that Mark (with his family in Kenya) and Reeve (with his family in Malaysia) were able to join Tasha and Grandma with a chance to visit Hawaii!

City Life

 The girls got some shopping downtown near KLCC.  Sure are looking good. . .and great to be able to be out enjoying some shopping.

Pearl Harbor

 For the first day in Hawaii, the group made it to Pearl Harbor, getting to see this somber historical site.  With limited travel and the realities of covid, there certainly weren't the crowds that might normally show up for such an historic site. 

Relaxation

 

Sometimes, sleep is the best remedy for a holiday break. . .well at least for one of those pictured.  The other two certainly appear to be enjoying themselves with the enjoyment of whatever is on the TV. 

Honolulu Arrival

So amazing to get to spend Christmas during Covid in Hawaii - with Reeve surprising Grandma in Honolulu.  Grandma knew that Mark was coming. . . then he 'forgot something' and Reeve popped up from behind a pillar.  Pretty fun arrival. . .and looking forward to a Hawaii vacation with family!

 

Christmas Brunch

 

yes, some good food still remaining. . .as well as more delicious food in the form of some quiche and treats for our brunch and time together with the family.

Christmas Gifts

 And yet more pictures from Christmas morning.

Definitely some excitement around some new PS4 games.

Christmas Presents

Yes, Rania's pristine wrapping is finally revealed. . .and the beauty and masterpiece of the wrapping results in some tangible gifts.

Always good to get sandals. . .exactly like the ones that have been great for the past decade.

 

Christmas Stockings

Have to get the pictures with the Christmas stockings. . .as Santa certainly arrived in our home by the time we all woke up on Christmas morning.  Exciting.
 

Christmas Eve Dinner

Wow, what a feast!  Delcicious, complete with some Swedish tea rings, twice-baked potatoes, green beans, jellow salad, meat, and more.  WOW, what a treat. 

Many thanks to one of the premiere chefs!

Enjoying our meal, complete with some some fabulous kids. 

Don't worry, though not pictured, the Oreo cookie ice cream dessert is definitely part of the meal!
 

Under the Tree

There is some VERY impressive wrapping taking place underneath this year's Christmas tree. . .largely compliments of Rania.  What could it be?  (Hint: it is NOT a lamp). 

 

In the World (and Ampang Grocery)

One of those trips to get some groceries. . .and you never know what pictures might show up in the photo roll. . .courtesy of some daughters and their photographic generosity. 
 

Ochan's Hospitality

 What an absolute treat to get to visit another home, get to spend time with friends, and some of the things that have been tough with tighter recent limits of CMCO.  So thankful as some of those are lifted, and what a thrill to get get the delicious hospitality from Ochan, and get to spend an evening with Karen, as well as Praxia and Matt (and Olympia). 

Charlie Brown Video

 Fun enjoying the video. (Google Drive link)

Linus in Charlie Brown Christmas

 You can enjoy the full Charlie Brown Christmas. . . as well as some of the pictures, including Doug posing as Linus next to the Christmas tree.  Hilarious fun, and thanks to Karen Palko's wisdom and generosity. 

Celebration

 Wow, wild to think of the limited celebrations we might have with Gabi on this special day . . .or at least in the same way. 

What an wonderful young woman . . .and some fun presents to go with the celebration.

The candles also fit well with part of the birthday celebration.

Gravestone

 Carrie sent us a picture of the gravestone after the memorial service in October.  What a tribute to a life well-lived. 

Gingerbread and Family Time

 

I will certainly admit that these dates are estimates, though after North Carolina, fabulous to get to head back north to Silver Spring with some great times together.  THANK YOU Mark and Marta for such incredible hospitality for Reeve while he is away.

Turtles

 Yum. . . turtles. . .the edible, yummy kind, complete with caramel and chocolate as well as the roasted pecans.  What a delicious treat for the holiday season. 

Think we'll be enjoying these in the coming weeks.