Fun pics...

We are about to go to a fun New Years Eve party at a neighbor's house. Before we go, I wanted to post pics that I took today:

Kate is the Ripstik Queen!

My sweet Grace (love her sweet face--a combo of K and E):

following big sis, Ella:

Fun with friends:

Chamorro village

We have heard about the Chamorro village since we arrived on Guam. Every Wednesday night, it's a huge market place/festival: live music, dancing, mostly native Chamorro venders. It's a popular hotspot for everyone on Guam: Japanese/Korean/Chinese tourists, Chamorros (Guam natives), lots of military families, etc. It was pretty neat. If you come to Guam, we will be taking you here. The Chamorro food is AMAZING (not healthy at all though)!

Ella had Christmas $$ burning a hole in her pocket. She bought a pretty flower/shell necklace.

Have you ever seen a coconut crab? They are HUGE--this one was alive, people were taking pictures of it, so I jumped in and took one too. I have not seen these on our palm trees on base. Their pinchers are designed to crack open coconuts! The guy asked me, "Want to pet him?" My response..."Uh...NO."

And here is a quick video of Kate on her new ripstick. This was the first night she had it--she was outside practicing till 9:30 at night. Now she's even better. Infact, last time I looked outside she was starting up a 'ripstick school' and had lots of girls on the street over to learn how to ride it. :) I'll video her again soon. The ripstick is tricky--but so much fun. We might have to get one for Ella too. (But Ella just got a new bike for Christmas, so there is no rush.)

Underwater World, Two Lovers Point

Pics from today:

I was very impressed with Underwater World-

Kate's ripstick got here today, YAY!! Holy cow, it's HARD to learn how to maneuver, but after watching a few 'how to videos' on youtube, Kate's got it down! It's 8:50 p.m. and she's still out practicing--with reflective gear on. :) I had no idea that that present would be such a hit. She will be a pro in a couple of days.

Christmas on a tropical island

Santa came!

Mail coming to Guam is VERY, VERY slow. Frustrating, especially when Santa relies on USPS.

Gracie knows how to ride a scooter--nobody had to show her, I guess she's just seen Kate and Ella do it enough.

More pics...

This Christmas we wanted the girls to think of thoughtful gifts that were from the heart. Ella made me breakfast in bed on Christmas morning (thank you for helping her, Scott!), and Kate made a power point presentation telling her daddy how much she loved him. Very thoughtful girls. :)

After opening presents, we headed to the Hilton to enjoy the beach and pool there...

Overall, it was a wonderful Christmas. We are very much missing our family & close friends in the states. We are hoping for lots of visitors in 2012! :) I hope you had a very Merry Christmas, full of love and memories.