THE WAIKIKI BEACH MARRIOTT CHRISTMAS TREE

I always thought the lobby tree was boring, never having anything to do with Hawaii.  I have been complaining for 8 years and even offered to decorate it myself.  Until this year.  We had the children of the Queen Lili'oukalani Children Center make the ornaments for our tree.  How perfect is that?  The ornaments will be given to guests of the hotel after the holidays.

THE PEACOCK TREE

My theme for this year's Christmas tree is "peacock".  I love the rich jewel tones of purple, teal and green.

THANKSGIVING 2013

 It was a lot of work but well worth it.  There was eleven of us this year and we still had left overs.  But who doesn't love turkey sandwiches?  I tried a new dessert recipe called "Better Than Sex Pumpkin Cake".  It was a huge success but I'm not sure if it's really better than....

MY BESTIES

Cathy, Valerie and I just don't get together enough but when we do, we have so much fun.  Thirty years of friendship.  I love my besties.

FRIENDS FROM JAPAN

 Karen Niki brought some friends from Japan to class.  Miyuki Seki and her friend are from Kanegawa.  5 year old Ami was shy but knew the songs and requested DJ Dale. 

CATCHING TAKKO

 Charles, Eli and Justin went out to catch Takko and came back with three of these creatures. 

SUNDAY BRUNCH

 This was my mother's first brunch since her stroke.  She invited all her friends and had a wonderful time.  It was nice to see her happy surrounded by friends and family.