We got back about a week ago from our vacation in Hawaii and I think I am finally recovered from the jet lag. We were able to go with my wife’s family and stay on the North Shore of Oahu. It was an incredible time. We really enjoyed our time there and spending time with family and each other.

We were able to visit Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, The Punch Bowl National Cemetery, Went to Sharks cove on the North Shore to snorkel, MANY beaches, and lots more that I am not thinking of at the moment.

I have hesitated to post pictures just because there are so many and I have a hard time picking just a handful to post. Hawaii has so many beautiful aspects beyond its beaches (which are awesome of course). These few pictures will have to do for now.

Ari turned one on Friday. It's been a great year!

We had a party for her last Sunday. As you can image I took a few pictures. I would love to post them all but these ones with the cake are my favorites.

1- My friend Joy finally has a blog and already has some great content.

2 - Birch Champeon, a friend of mine and missionary has put together a very cool, practical blog with tips for survival on the mission field. Some great reads.

3 - In January I started a second blog called Design Speak as a creative outlet for me as well as a way to interact with other creatives and hopefully establish some contacts. Feel free to take a look.

There are some other updates as well but I just wanted to draw your attention to those.

It was there in the bulletin
We're leaving soon
After the bake sale to raise funds for fuel
The rocket is ready and we're going to
Take our church to the moon

There'll be no one there to tell us we're odd
No one to change our opinions of God
Just lots of rocks and this dusty sod
Here at our church on the moon

We know our liberties we know our rights
We know how to fight a very good fight
Just get that last bag there and turn out the light
We're taking our church to the moon
We're taking our church to the moon
We'll be leaving soon

Happy Valentines Day!

Goin Out

Playing with Daddy's glove

Before

After (bottem of the "hill")

(Vanessa and I in Rockefeller Center.)

Happy New Year! We just got back from hanging out with some friends. It was a nice time.

NYC was a great trip. Crazy, but cool. We basically were up for an entire 24 hour period. Maybe someone will make it into a TV show.

We left the city at midnight and got back to my folks at 5am, which was when we left, the day before. We then left at noon to head back to Maine. So, I am going to throw some pics up here and head to bed.

No Apple store pics. Sorry. We didn't go. Didn't really have time. I will try not to be bitter. I took the virtual tour online though. It's kinda as good. Ok, maybe not.

Anyway, the trip was awesome. Very cool to see some friends we hadn't seen in a while and spend some time with my brother Jon and his fiance.

Here they are.

Jon and Heather on the Staten Island Ferry with Manhattan in the background

Our group with Statue of Liberty somewhere back there. From Left to right, Heather, Jon, Me, Vanessa, Nate Peterson, Kelly Peterson, Jolene Kaufman, Brannon McAllister. Steve (Jolene's husband) is taking the picture.

Vanessa, Ice Skating in Central Park. This was probably the highlight other than the fellowship. Very fun. Expensive, but worth it.

Ground Zero. The amount of space is staggering to think about. Very sobering. I was glad I saw it.

We are still in upstate NY at my family's. We are enjoying our time here. It's great having the whole family together. Ari is enjoying her first Christmas. No shortage of presents and attention to be sure.

Vanessa and I, Heather and Jon are going to NYC tomorrow to meet some friends there. Ari is staying with Grandpa and Grandma.

I will post some pictures of our trip. I am planning on a pilgrimage to the 5th Avenue Apple store.

She can sit up now. She is almost ready to crawl.

Her first carmel apple. She will never eat peas again.