December 10th & 11th

Let's face it, were just counting down the days until you come home. It's the school, swim team, eat dinner, do homework, maybe wrap a present routine. I fixed your shades in your room (they had fallen apart) and will wash your sheets tomorrow. We'll save the tree trimming for your arrival. I did go into Teddy's yesterday and remind them that you'll be coming home. We are going to go to Molokai right after Christmas so you can't work during those days. You can talk to the jamba people when you get home. In 24 hours you'll be back on U.S. soil.... kinda surreal.

December 9th

Honolulu Marathon day. Dad's band is playing at Triangle Park for the whole thing. It's been raining off and on, but it's cool so it's going to be a fast race. Sierra and I walked down to watch at 7-11. We'll spend the rest of the day getting Christmas stuff going (wrapping presents, etc.) and then I have a staff party at the Oahu Club tonight. Tutu is going to come hang out this afternoon.

December 7th & 8th

I had to sub Japanese today. Kinda fun. After school, I had to go straight to Oahu Club to coach in the POURING rain and then right back to Punahou for Jay's swim meet. He swam 100 fly, 100 back and 50 back in the medley relay. Dad had a gig at the Yacht Club. We watched a lot of Scrubs re-runs and the 2 newest episodes too. The HP references were funny! On Saturday we had to do some clean-up from the heavy rains. The yard is a mess and the mud is everywhere. Kelli and I took Misty on a walk and in the afternoon we went to the Oahu Club for a Christmas party. We stayed late and had a great time. Then, Sierra went to the Fitter's for a few hours while Dad and I went to the Hayter's for a Christmas party. So, lots of party-ing to get into the spirit of the season!

December 6th

You just called! It's good to know you're safe and the trip sounded AWESOME! Dad worked after school and Sierra and I went to Wal-Mart while Jay had practice. After picking him up, we went to the new "Taco Del Mar" near Costco. It's not at all like your Mexican food but for us it will have to do. When you come home you'll have to tell us what you think. SOSOSOSOSOS love you.

December 5th

I forgot that I wanted to tell you this:
I think we're going to go to Molokai on Christmas afternoon and come back on the 29th or the morning of the 30th so we can have a 18.25 birthday party for you. Tell your friends so they can come (to Molokai and/or the birthday party) and they should try to get the cheap fares on Pacific Wings at:
http://www.pacificwings.com/pwexpress/
Spread the word.
Oh, and today would have been Grandpa Ray's 93rd birthday. I really loved him.

December 4th & 5th

Tuesday and Wednesday: regular school and work days EXCEPT we had a HUGE storm last night and this morning and half the island (and the state) is without power, etc. It rained SOSOSO hard and major flooding and the wind was so strong that trees blew down and crushed cars and more. Most schools were closed today, but Punahou was in session, although plenty of kids couldn't get to school because of the roads being closed. We all went to school and even had swim team after school. The traffic was kinda light because so many people stayed home. I still haven't had a chance to watch SCRUBS. Maybe I'll save it for when you get home. Also, I'm distracted because I am hoping that you got back to Guadalajara safely from MEX and that you had a great time at Teotijuacan (sp??) We still have yet to decorate the Christmas tree but will probably get to that in the next few days. Oh, one kinda big thing that's happened whileuweregone is that the bus route has changed and now it doesn't stop right in front of our house. In fact, it only goes in one direction through our valley (clockwise) and you have to catch the number 1 from in front of 7-11. It's causing Yui hassles. I can't believe you'll be home in just over a WEEK!!

November 29th-December 3rd

I've talked to you quite a bit in the last few days so when I didn't get to the blog, I wasn't too worried. However, there are still some things that happened "whileuweregone." In no particular order, they are:
* Dad went to San Diego to a Social Studies Conference * Sierra and I went shopping briefly at Old Navy in Ala Moana * Jay's slipper broke * We went to a craft fair at Punahou on Friday * Jay swam a 50 free and a 50 fly on the relay at his swim meet on Friday after school * Sierra, Jay, Yui, Isabelle, Cole, Kelli and I went to see "Enchanted" at Koko Marina... it was hilarious! * Misty got a bath * I finished the tile project * We went to the Ai's to watch the UH vs. UW Football game * UH won the game in a HUGE come from behind fashion and went UNdefeated for the season * On Sunday, UH was given a bid to the Sugar Bowl vs. Georgia- this is BIG TIME football * Sierra, Jay, Yui and I went to Home Depot to get our Christmas tree, some new lights, and some pointsettias * We spent much of the day Sunday putting up lights and "decking the halls" * Monday morning we had no traffic going to school- can't explain it * Dad came home today (Monday) and picked up Jay from swim practice * Sierra had piano * You called to say you'd just seen Beauty and the Beast and that you must stick with your BROADWAY goal * We had soup and salad for dinner * We love you and can't wait for you to come home in TEN DAYS!

November 28th

A normal Wednesday with school, swim practice and a MAJOR thunder storm. We had super heavy rain and cracking loud thunder and lightening. It started right at 8am and after school Sierra said that she was worried about us and thought that the lightening might hit our house. By mid-day all was quiet and the rain had stopped. Dad is getting ready to go to San Diego for a workshop. He leaves tomorrow. We miss you and hope your trip to Mexico City is fun. Call us before you leave, if you can. Be safe and have fun.

November 27th

It looks like the Cold Stone is open near Safeway. I think it may have opened yesterday, but I'm not sure. Today is Tuesday, and I'm subbing for Mrs. Crabb and she's got a morning class at 7:30 and then a 1:30pm class so I'm home between classes to finish washing the sheets from the beds that the Baird's used and maybe tackle a little of the grout on the steps. I wish I had remembered that it was Yui's birthday during the day because I would have made the cake then... as it was, I remembered as we were finishing dinner. It was 6:45pm and I quickly made a traditional yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I was at Safeway buying the stuff for frosting when you called. Thanks for calling again so I could talk to you. Made my day.:)

November 26th

G'pa Kimo, Katie and Andrew went back to California on the red-eye last night. When I got in the van to drive them to the airport, the van wouldn't start. The battery was dead. We re-loaded in the small car and this morning I called AAA to get a jump start. It worked but it wouldn't hold the charge. Battery dead. Had to re-call AAA and have them bring a new battery and install it. I didn't sub today so I was able to get that done and I spent the rest of the day catching up on laundry, house and yard work, and attacking the tile project on the front stairs. I got a lot done but still need a couple of more days to finish it. Dad, Sierra and Jay had a regular school day. After coaching at the Oahu Club I went to pick Jay up from swim practice at Punahou while dad took Sierra to piano lessons and then the Oahu Club for a swim. We had ravioli for dinner and Simeon came over to hang out with dad for awhile. G'pa Kimo said he'd pick you up from the airport when you get there on the 12th and you can spend the night with them and he'll get you back to the airport on the 13th!! WE MISS YOU and now can count down the days until you come home. LOVE YOU!

Still More Photos

More Thanksgiving Photos

November 21-25th

Thanksgiving on Molokai. You know what it's like. Lot's of eats, beach, games, reading, music, tennis, surfing, darts, ping pong, desserts, sand skiing, trip to see the sights, etc. I'll post some photos to remind you.

November 20th

G'pa Kimo, Andrew, Katie and Misty and I hiked the Makapuu lighthouse and then had a Jamba before trying to get some shopping done to get ready for Thanksgiving. Dad took Simeon and Marilyn and the whole Baird gang to Point for sunset. Jay went to see Lion King with the Roger's family. He got home REALLY late and he has school tomorrow, but the rest of us don't. We leave for Molokai mid-day. Pictures of this day:

November 19th

Work, school, swim team and heavy rain! Picked up G'pa Kimo and the kids at 7:30pm and we're hanging out at home.

November 18th

Dad took Jay and Sierra to Makapuu and to Sea Life Park and they got to do the "dolphin encounter." I swam the 2K Turkey Swim this morning. I'm trying to get enough energy to go work on the tile project again. I'll probably do about an hour of it today. It's hard work and I'm sore from it.

November 17th

I went to yoga with Kelli at 7am and then as soon as I got home I began a project of putting ceramic tile on our front landing and stairs. Jay helped and it was hard work. We only got about half done on laying the tile. It's a few more days of work. Dad took Sierra to AlaMoana to the Disney store to see/experience the excitement of the new movie "Enchanted." They got an autographed poster of the stars and bought some cute sparkly jewlery. All the little girls dressed up all fancy. Jay and dad went surfing and then to see the movie Beowulf while Sierra and I hung out at home.

November 16th

Yikes, I'm way behind on these posts, but partly because I got to talk to you on Friday, so I don't feel "out of touch." However, you'll still want to know what's going on, and I vowed to share our days with you, so I'm going to catch up right now! On Friday after school and swim team at the Oahu club, Sierra and I picked up Jay at Punahou (after his swim practice) and then stopped at Boston's for a slice. Dad had a gig at the Yacht Club so he went surfing and then to his gig. Sierra ate one bite of her pizza and then threw-up. She wasn't feeling well and was SO tired. We cleaned her up and put her to bed and then Jay and I watched the UH vs. Nevada football game on tv. We won on a last second field goal and are currently one of only 2 teams in the country that are still undefeated! 10-0 on the season and ranked in the top 15 in the country. It was very exciting. There's a chance for a "BCS" bowl game if we win the next two games.... anyway, there's football fever in Hawaii!!

November 15th

Dad and Sierra swam at the Oclub after school while Jay had practice. I went to Borders and killed time browsing at the books and realizing I would be perfectly happy spending a whole DAY at a bookstore. Maybe when you come home, we can do that....

November 14th

After school, dad stayed to wait for Jay's swim practice. They're in "conditioning" and they go to about 5:30 or 6pm. Sierra and I rushed home to coach at the Oahu club and then we went to Super cuts so I could get a trim. A stop at Safeway for milk and then home for turkey panini's and The Simpson's. Did you make it to Guadalajara? I'm subbing every day this week so if you try to call us, make it after 3pm.... or try dad's cell phone. I hope your new project is interesting. We LOVE you!

November 13th

Jay had his first day of swim practice and it was MORNING (6am) so dad took him. Sierra and I ate breakfast at home and got to school at about 7:30am and had a regular day. Dad went to the N.Shore right after school and Sierra and I took Misty on a walk to 7-11 while Jay had his second practice of the day. S & I played pool after she read me her story. She's becoming a good reader. Today is the 13th. You come home in ONE month! Yipee!

November 12th

It's Monday, Veteran's Day. It's a school holiday. Dad and Jay went to the North Shore. You called right when Sierra and I were heading to the club for a morning swim. It's very hot and muggy and we needed to get wet. We ran lots of errands, Sierra looked at shoes at the shoe store and did a Costco emergency toilet paper purchase before going back to the club so I could coach. I'm going to look at the Mexico City airfares for you asap.

You're booked!! Here's the details and I've already purchased it so it's a done deal. If you can't go, we just lose out on the $200 for the flight (the flight was $98 but taxes were another $100.)
Guadalajara to Mexico D.F., 12/03/2007, 07:00, Flight 6A329
Mexico D.F. to Guadalajara, 12/06/2007, 19:35, Flight 6A332
USD 198.62
Booking PNR:ITD03404890
Internal reference (PNR):MYC93
Ticket Details:E-Ticket - to be picked up at the airport with official ID.
Adult passenger:Mr Jack Smart

You're leaving early in the morning (7am) and returning at 7:35pm so you'll have 3 full days with your 2 nights. Travel light (just a backpack) and you'll be able to go straight to the pyramids, etc. on the morning of the 3rd, or you can go explore somewhere and then late morning or noonish go find your hostel or hotel and do the pyramids the next full day. Maybe you need to do those more than one day???

November 11th

Sierra had a birthday party at Aiea Bowl so I dropped her and went to swim brieftly at Ala Moana. Then she and I went to Home Depot to buy more arbor stones and plants. Dad had band practice and Jay went to the club for a swim and a bike ride. We watched Finding Nemo in the evening.... love it.

November 10th

Dad worked on the yard in the morning and I dropped Sierra off to play with Helen and Bobbi at the Hahaione Fun Fair. Then Jay and I took over the yard work and Sierra brought home a fish and showed off her "crazy hair" that she got at the "crazy hair" booth at the Fair. Dad took her to get fish food and Jay and I were still making walls and planting grass on the hillside. We're going to go to Chachacha or somewhere for an early dinner and then hang out at home. Miss you!

November 9th

After school I took Sierra with me to the Oahu Club for practice while dad took Jay to the Essig's house on Kahala beachfront for a V2 party. Sierra and I met them there after swimteam. They have a great house and we had fun.

November 8th

Regular school day and while Jay was at his swimming meeting and we were waiting for him in the car, you called! It was good to talk to you and I can't believe you're almost done at the turtle camp! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!

November 7th

Normal work day with the whole family coming home right at 3pm so I could coach at the Club. Dad went surfing and Jay rode his bike to get a haircut and make a deposit at the bank. Sierra and I went to the gas station to vacuum the car and then to Costco to get a birthday present for her friend Dylen who is having a birthday party on Sunday. There's a writer's strike in Hollywood so there's no John Stewart or Colbert so I'm hoping we can find some SCRUBS...... haven't seen any new stuff yet but I think it's out there. LOVE YOU!

November 6th

My subbing days got switched around because it rained so hard that 8th grade camp was cancelled so I didn't have to sub for Diana McKibbin because she is not going to camp this week as planned. So, I got to go to Sierra's Wilcox A Dolphins chapel. Sierra was the scripture leader, meaning she used the pointer to show us the words of the scripture. They also sang a couple of very cute songs. She really enjoyed it and it was very a age-appropriate message. I went to Home Depot to buy some more "arbor stones" for the hillside. There's still a lot of mud and mess due to the rain. We've got to get some more plants growing on the hillside to help keep the top soil from running into the ditch anytime it rains hard. We're going to put some grass and other ground cover down this weekend to try to get some growth before the next big rain. We had a good pot roast for dinner and we all went to bed pretty early, missing you and hoping that you're back in your little tent safe and sound. If you can, call us this weekend so we can catch up and I can talk to you about Mexico City travel. Miss YOU!

November 5th

The rain finally stopped and our hillside had dragged tons of mud into the drainage ditch behind our retaining wall. At least our house didn't flood, nor did we get water in the garage, so I guess that's a big positive. I didn't get called to sub today so I figured I'd better tackle the mud problem. Kelli came over and we worked for 3 hours shoveling and lugging buckets of wet, heavy mud out of the ditch and clearing the drainage pipes. We've only just begun, but at least if it rains hard again, we've cleared the way for the water to flow into the drains. G'ma had to leave to go back to Calif. in the late morning just about the time that Kelli and I had to quit for fear of passing out from the hard labor. (Dying of thirst, blistered hands, and aching back.) We took a "stretch" swim and then lunch and now it's about time for me to go coach at the Oahu Club. We're done with water polo at Punahou so I don't have to be on the Punahou pool deck for awhile. Our new curbside recycling has begun and they've sent us these stickers so that we can place them on our cans to remind us what days to put out what color bins. I'm going to stick the labels on the cans before heading to the O.C. to coach. Thinking about you and hoping you'll let me know about dates for your trip from GDL to MEX. I can book them for you or you can go to: http://www.cheapoair.com and try to book it yourself. I was able to find a $79 round trip, so get on it quick to get that cheap fare. When do you go to GDL?

November 4th

Sunday and it's been pouring rain for 14 hours straight. Jay awoke to water dripping on his forehead from some problem with the roof. After crawling around in the attic we thought we'd solved the problem by placing a couple of towels and bucket in key areas but we found out later (after more rain) that we've got some leak. I don't know where to begin to solve that problem. Dad, Jay and G'ma had scheduled a dive and even in the rain, they went anyway (last time she dove with your guys it was an earthquake.) Sierra and I hung around and went grocery shopping because Matt & Becky Smart (dad's cousins) were coming over for dinner. We found poi at Costco so we decided to make Hawaiian food. Mid-day, Sierra and I went to see "Bee Movie" with Yui and it was just right for a rainy Sunday afternoon. You called and left a message while I was in the movie and then called to talk to dad. I hope you got a couple of those cool t-shirts.

We had a little trouble with the hillside dragging inches of mud down the hill and onto our sidewalk and yard. I worked to clear some of the mud to get some drainage and Misty walked in the mud and then all over the patio and even in the house. It was a mess and the rain kept coming. When Matt and Becky came over we had a nice dinner and chat. We had kalua pig, cabbage, rice, lomi salmon, pineapple and haupia. It was good. They wanted to see some of your pictures so we got the computer out to show them the latest. Jay had to sleep in your room because his ceiling was still leaking on his bed. I hope things dry out a bit so we can figure out how to fix the roof problem. G'ma leaves tomorrow. She's had a great trip. We'll miss her and WE MISS YOU!

November 3rd

It's 10pm and I just finished reading your newest blog while watching the Broadway show "Legally Blonde" on MTV. They showed it on tv and I think it was the whole show and it was so fun! The music was great and it is just one big number after the next with funny court scenes, etc. Great singing and I could totally picture you in the part of Emmet. Your BLOG was awesome and I was so glad to see those pictures and more importantly to read about your adventures. Wow! You really are having an amazing experience!!

Today was a big day. Sierra had her last soccer game this morning and then her "awards" party at the rec. center at Koko Isle. They got to swim and then get trophies and gifts. She is very thrilled with her trophy. Photos to follow. Mid-day, Jay had his last water polo game vs. Pac-5. We were up 5-2 at one point and they came back to tie us 6-6 at the end of regulation. Our first period of overtime we scored right away and then held them scoreless for the rest of the first period and then almost all of the second overtime period but they scored with 18 seconds left in the second overtime period so then we had to go into sudden death overtime. We won the sprint and went down and scored winning 8-7 in sudden death. So, V2 water polo is over and we are the ILH champs. After the game the team and coaches went to OSF for dinner and dad, g'ma and Sierra ate and then dad and G'ma went to see "Darjerling Limited." (sp?) They're just getting home now. I can't tell you how many times a day I think about you and brag about what you're doing to people, sometimes people who are practically strangers (today it was Kellen Chong's mom.) Many people ask about you and I gush when I tell them everything you're doing. Seriously, it's kinda pitiful, but what can I say because out of all the 18 year old MEN in the world, I can't believe that I got you as MY son! How lucky is that?

P.S. Can you forward me the Vassar email? I think you should send an email to the admissions office or even make a phone call to remind them that you're out there and that you fully intend to enroll in the fall. I'll help if necessary.

November 2nd

G'ma Wackie picked up Sierra after school and hung out with her while Dad went surfing and Jay and I had his last water polo practice. We got home just in time to change our clothes and then hussle to Niu Valley Intermediate for Sierra's piano recital. We have it on tape, and hopefully we'll try to get it on-line for you because she was really cute.