2022
We are pleased to announce that Lisa is now a citizen of the United States of America.
Having sworn off allegiance to princes, potentates, and the like; and pledging to support and defend the constitution of the United States – It’s official — Mum’s a Yank!
Watch the video to see the RED, WHITE, and BLUE celebration.
Well Done, Mum!
We can hardly believe it has been a year already…how time flies when you’re chasing after three wee ones.
Olivia is famous for being absolutely fearless of heights. She loves to climb up on anything and everything: chairs, tables, the sofa, her sisters. You name it and Olivia will climb it.
She is also the loudest of our children. She manages to release exceptionally high pitched shrieks for no apparent reason – other than to scare the dickens out of anyone and everyone on the windward side of the island.
We wonder what she will be like when she gets to the terrible two’s?
Thank you for your prayers.
Life here is beginning to return to normal now that whole family is back together again.
Papa was especially impressed with the work Mama and Lucy completed on the yard and around the house. Trees cut down, hedges trimmed, steps painted, driveway strimmed…it is all very impressive.
On the “Academic Front:” Lucy was awarded “Student of the Week” for her First Grade class at school. This award is Lucy’s third “Student of the Week,” as she received the award twice last year in Ms. Beaucage’s (K2) Kindergarten Class. We are so very proud of Lucy for her sustained superior performance in all areas. Well Done, Lucy!
Thank you for your prayers.
After just fourteen hours and two plane rides Ella (and papa) returned safely to the Honolulu Airport.
Mama and Olivia were there with welcome home leis for the weary travelers. Mama and Olivia both started crying when they saw Ella. Olivia’s tears, however, were likely due to hunger or her impending loss of seniority within the family hierarchy.
Once back in Kailau, Ella received many welcome home hugs and kisses from Lucy and Olivia; and several welcome home wags from Suzie.
Thank you for your prayers.
Ella was very cooperative when the doctor removed her “chin to chest” sutures this morning.
She was less so when it came time to remove her PICC line – once she was wrapped up like a burrito she came around and the line was removed.
After one final check by Dr. Rutter, Ella and Papa left the hospital and headed for the hotel in Blue Ash.
As you can see from the photo, our little “Kailua Girl” is bracing herself for the cold weather outside.
Thank you for your prayers.
Although the temperature outside is nearly freezing, Ella and Nurse Dana are full of warm smiles inside.
Ella is looking forward to leaving the hospital tomorrow morning – especially having her chin to chest sutures and PICC line removed. Papa is looking forward to being discharged, as it means being one step closer to home in Hawaii.
Speaking of “one step”… Mama informs us that Olivia has, over the past few weeks, become an accomplished and fearless walker.
We can’t wait to be back on da island with our Ohana.
Thank you for your prayers.
Ella likes to start her weekend with a routine she calls “Spa Saturday.”
The day begins with a relaxing pink bubble bath that lasts at least 30 minutes. Once warm and toasty in big white towels, Ella likes a scalp massage. A chignon by her stylist conveys the duality that is Ella’s essence: carefree and classic.
Next comes some fun time with her cards and sticker book. After breakfast in bed, Ella has her “healing touch” body massage and a nap.
Check back later to find out about the rest of Ella’s Spa Saturday.
Howzit!
Kailua Girl Ella here with ya Cincinnati surf report.
It’s been cool and sunny here da last few days. But dey no got any waves on dare skinny ocean so I tink I gonna come back to my ohana on da winwade side.
You down for mo pizza when I get dare? Eh Brah? See ya soon!
“Pinch, Punch, First of the month…
Ella continues to improve! Each day she is a bit stronger and a bit healthier. Today, during her first post-op trach tube change, we were able to get a good look at Ella’s surgery site and stoma.
Everything looks pink and healthy. Best of all, we are once again allowed to use Ella’s regular velcro trach ties – they are much more comfortable than the white cotton ribbon that is used during surgery to literally tie the trach in place.
Ella will soon get her “liberty card.” This will allow us to leave her room to use the play deck and play room – we can hardly wait.
Lastly, Ella is helping Papa readjust to civilian life. She sounded her version of “General Quarters” shortly after midnight on 01 Nov 2008, in honor of the historic passing.
Thank you for your prayers