Holiday Updates...

Things have been busy this holiday season. In addition to all of the holiday rush Roger has had a couple of business trips mixed in.

Last week’s business trip turned into one of the most miserable week’s of Mika’s life. Roger left on Saturday to prepare for some Monday morning presentations and everyone was in good health. Then Saturday night, Maile was up all night throwing up. Sunday night was not good either. Maile was doing better on Monday night, but then it was Ellie’s turn to start throwing up. Tuesday night was Nisa’s turn. On top of all that, for Ellie it came with a touch of constipation and she ended up clogging the toilet. It wasn’t until Friday that Uncle Joe was able to snake the toilet. (Thanks Uncle Joe!) Mika had the ‘sanitary’ setting of the laundry machine running around the clock all week. Roger arrived later on Friday and Mika was ready for a break.

Going back a few weeks, Thanksgiving was an adventure as well. We roadtripped down on Friday night so we could catch the Big Game on Saturday at noon. (Go Bears!) The girls have become excellent road-trippers. We only needed one pitstop for gas/potty for the trip down & one for the trip up. Having the portable DVD player helps a ton.

Special thanks to Doug and Anne for the great accommodations over the Thanksgiving holiday, not to mention the solid Internet connection. ;-)

While down in California, we had one evening at the Beach House so we could hang out with friends and see “Suessical the Musical”. On the way to the beach house Nisa told Gram how much she loved the beach house. Gram said that she loved the beach house too. Nisa said, “No Gram. I REALLY love the beach house because it always has good food, good games, cozy beds, a tv we can reach, and we always have lots of fun here.” Nisa made some good points with Gram on that drive.

On Thanksgiving Day, Ellie, Nisa and Roger all went running in the “Run to Feed the Hungry” 5k/10k. Nisa and Ellie did a great job keeping up with Anne and Gram.

One other Thanksgiving highlight was bowling. We took the girls to a great bowling alley with automated bumpers that pop up for when the kids bowl. Watching Ellie and Nisa hurl the ball down the alley was great entertainment.

One other update is that Ellie got very good marks on her report card last week and 100% on her spelling test. We are all very proud of her.

Now for some fun stories…

• Ellie was reading a card to Mika that said “You’re not old until the fat lady sings.” Except in Ellie’s excitement she got it backwards and said "you’re not fat until the old lady sings." Unfortunately the lady sings when you open the card.
• Maile slipped the other day and called Nisa, “Nisa”. It was just as she was waking up and she quickly corrected herself by calling Nisa, "Ellie".
• Here is Maile’s latest potty update… the other day she spit out carrots into her potty chair. We still have a long way to go on this one. :-(
  
• While shopping, Maile wanted to hold Mika's shopping list so Mika gave it to her. When Maile gave it back to Mika, she had eaten a big whole in the middle of it. :-(
  
• One endearing part of Maile is her hugs. When you give Maile a big hug and pat her on the back, she gives you a pat on your back too. Also, Maile often interrupts Mika when Mika is talking so that she can give her a kiss.

Finally, a special prayer for Grandma Ellie who passed away earlier this month. We love you Grandma Ellie.