We haven't become shark bait...just real busy!

Aloha! We are still alive and well here in Hawaii. I know we've been slack about blogging (okay, ME...since Matt keeps reminding me that it's my turn). We have had an amazing 2 weeks! Thanks to our first couple of visitors!



We were lucky enough to host Matt's fraternity brother, Chris Strom and his new wife Linda, on the last leg of their Hawaiian Honeymoon! Chris and Linda stayed with us for two nights after living it up on Maui and Kauai! Since they were our very first guests, we worked hard to get our little house just perfect. Unfortunately Matt had to work the 2 days that they were here, but of course he rushed home each day and was ready to party at night. Chris, Linda and their favorite 3rd wheel (me!) had lots of fun though. We went to Pearl Harbor, shopped, climbed that damn Koko Crater...again (Matt wasn't upset about missing that) and cruised Waikiki. It was so fun having them even for a short time. We hated missing their wedding, but I think we ended up getting the better end of the deal!

We had one day to wash sheets and towels, then it was off to the airport to pick up Ansley and Michael!! They hadn't planned on coming so soon, but surprises happen everyday, right!! Turns out my sweet Matron of Honor shouldn't have been celebrating as "heavily" as she was at our wedding since she was about 2 weeks pregnant!! All is well though and bambino Clarkson is now 14 weeks old and very well traveled! Ansley knew she better hurry up and get here while she could still look awesome in a bikini...and of course she did!


Ans and Michael were here for a week and man did we live it up! Matt was off most of the time which was great. We did almost everything you can do on this island. We beached it a lot, hiked to the top of Diamond Head and Manoa Falls, went to a luau, shopped and ate in Chinatown, toured the North Shore, snorkeled in Haunauma Bay, cliff (okay, big rock) jumped, and most exciting for the boys...surfed!! Michael and Matt successfully surfed on long boards at Waikiki Beach! I think Ans and I had more fun watching them try to get up...but both actually were pretty good.


No Mai Tai's for Ans:(


I could go on and on about everything we did, but it would be like writing a novel! The best part was having Ans here and just sitting around talking about the BABY...but the beautiful beach is a great backdrop. We will be continuing to post amazing pictures from their stay because Michael, who is a very talented photographer, took at least 800 pictures! We appreciate it, Michael! A trip very well documented!!

We're calming down now...no more guests till Thanksgiving. Matt starts a long 14 day rotation tomorrow and I start my NEW JOB on Wednesday! Yes, I was offered a part-time position at Koko Head Elementary. I decided to take it for the sake of consistancy and so I could actually help kids and maybe meet some cool people. The subbing was driving me crazy! Now I will be working Monday through Thursday from 8-noon (nice, huh?). I will be pulling out struggling kindergarteners that are falling behind and working with them to get 'em back on track! I'm excited and will keep you posted. YEA...more school stories!


Lastly, Matt and I would like to report that we are NOT pregnant, BUT we do want to congratulate all of our crazy friends (hee hee)!!

• Congrats to new parents Mandy and Trey Prophater on the birth of sweet Catherine Frances (Cate)!


• Thoughts and prayers go out to Megan and Rhett Shirley...week 39 of pregnancy cannot be fun, but it is all worth it! Can't wait for baby Ford to arrive!


• We're sending all our love to Milmont Park to Megan and Matt...can't wait to hear whether baby Murray is a girl or boy!!


• And to all of you who had a "randy" summer...we are anticipating all the spring 2008 babies! Chris and Kathy Hogan due on St. Patty's day (Yea...a new niece or nephew!), Ans and Michael of course, due on April 1st! Wild child Csontos due on 4/20...appropriatly! And Rick and Danielle Flounders rounding out late April!

WHOA!!! Anyone we're missing?! I'm sure more news of baby bumps is headed our way!
Keep us posted...
love, E