Merry Christmas - from us!

And our letter...

Well, we’ve had a busy and fast year! We’re still in Hawaii, and earlier this year we experienced our first {hopefully only} big tsunami warning. Daniel was promoted to a First Lieutenant, and Dmitri has taken the plunge into potty training!

The beginning of 2010 got off to a good start. Daniel is still working at the Army hospital here on Oahu. He made a move though, and now works in the OR {Operating Room} as a nurse. He’s learned a lot and seen a lot of interesting things…
In June he left for Texas, to start his OR course. It was a 4 month course, with some serious work and big projects. He did fantastic, and completed the course as one of the top students in his class. We’re so proud of his hard work and dedication!

While Daniel was away, Dmitri and I planned a trip back to UT. It was our second trip there in 2010 {the first being in March}.
Dmitri has become quite the traveler. He loves being on the airplane - and is so well behaved and patient. Of course a lot of praying on my part, helps with that too! Up until August, he was a lap child - but since he’s now 2, he finally got his own seat! This was a big excitement for him. Even more so, because his first seat included his very own window - which he was pretty ecstatic about.

Our trip to Utah was pretty jam packed. We loved seeing all our family and friends - and were able to get out and enjoy what Utah has to offer. We visited; the Dinosaur Museum, the aquarium, and a few farms. We also made it up the Canyon a few times, to roast marshmallows and play in the streams.
When Daniel was done in Texas, he flew up to Utah and was able to spend some time with family as well. We had 3 weeks together, before we all flew back to Hawaii, and took some of that time to visit Disneyland.
We drove with some friends to Southern California, and took in all the surrounding sites. We visited San Diego, and went to the zoo and Sea World. Then we headed up towards Anaheim, and went to Universal Studios, Disneyland, and California Adventures.
There were so many firsts for Dmitri - and a couple firsts for Daniel and me. We’ve never been to Sea World or Universal - so it was fun to see them!

We had a blast, and I think Dmitri especially loved Disneyland. He rode his first roller coasters {the Gadget Coaster, and the Matterhorn} and got to see his idols… Mickey and Donald!
Though he wasn’t keen on being measured for the rides, he did love being on them. His favorite was probably Dumbo. He liked that he could control the ups and downs. He also loved riding the train around the park.
He got to take a lot of pictures and give a lot of hugs to the characters. He gave Donald a kiss on his beak,
And even got to hold Goofy’s hand while walking down Toontown! He played peek a boo with Sully from Monsters Inc, and gave Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore some BIG hugs!
He still talks about his trip, and going with his good friend “Fifi” {Sophie}. It was such a great trip for all of us, and we feel so blessed that we were able to go!

So now we’re back in Hawaii - and life has resumed as usual. Daniel is happy with his choice to work in the OR. I am also happy with Daniel’s choice - because he has a set schedule and is able to be home with us more!
I’m teaching CTR 7 in our ward, for the second year. I have 9 boys and 1 girl. So it can get a bit hectic, but I am enjoying it! Next years class only has 4 kids… so that will be a big change!
Dmitri is loving Nursery! He loves his teachers, and is eager to share what he learns each Sunday. He is very excited for Santa to come - and talks about it daily! Within the past month, his verbal skills have tripled! He is a chatty Cathy, and always has so many questions. He’s also into anything dealing with transportation J
So all in all, it’s been a good year at our home! We’re hoping that next year is even better - and we wish you all peace, joy and love in your homes!