tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30832270433128605992023-06-20T05:55:16.495-07:00Hawaiian HowardsBob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-8132126303928189342012-12-03T20:41:00.001-08:002012-12-27T09:20:45.407-08:00Christmas 2012 in ArizonaThanks to all our friends and family for the generous support during 2012. As we near the holiday season, we realize how blessed we are to be surrounded by so much love and kindness. You are appreciated.<br />
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This has been a year of learning and growing. The Spirit of the Lord has blessed us with more faith.<br />
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Nov 2011 - Lenn's trip to Vegas with Mitch to see the new bridge. Mitch negotiates a bungee jump with the owners of Circus Circus. We have a memorable mom and son time of fun and food. Mitch takes home stuffed animals by playing "chicken flickin"on the Circus Circus midway. The video is hilarious. <br />
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Dec 2011 - Lenn spends nine days with Summer in Denver, helping to re-organize a payment plan for Summer's house. Summer steps up and takes the Dave Ramsey Financial Freedom course to change spending habits to saving habits. A good winter visit together and some quality mom and daughter time at a woman's holiday party. Summer is struggling but is determined to manage, despite the poor economy. Trish and Charles have a holiday wedding and we wish them much happiness.<br />
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Bob, Lenn, Chuck, Evalyn, Patrick, Sheri, Michelle and Joyce all enjoy an AZ family Christmas dinner together.<br />
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Jan - 12th anniversary / holiday open house party. We so enjoy celebrating the beginning of a new year with friends and loved ones. We are happy to be back in AZ to enjoy the mild winters and familar smiles. However we still had a fire in the firepit ...just to enjoy the 40 degree chill. Sweet other-mother Robin goes to Denver to be with Summer and offer encouragement. Her love and support much appreciated.<br />
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Michelle's good friends, Carla and Treavor Wirth, come to visit for three days. Neighbors, Ken and Fran join us and we all go to Glendale Glitter and hot air baloon glow. Quite a spectacular holiday event.<br />
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We celebrate Patrick's 38th birthday with him and Sheri at their favorite restaurant, Out Back, and have a tiny "no sugar added" cake to share. Patrick is still thinking of ideas and screenplays for future movies.<br />
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Feb - Tyson has completed truck driving school training and is grateful for a job after a long dry spell. He must drive long-haul with anothr driver, but his goal is to have a job that allows him to be home more.<br />
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Big boy Jacob's 4th birthday and G'ma Lenn arrives in KY 2.27, so we celebrate then instead of 2/25. He is a happy boy and loves to play and learn. While in KY the entire Morris family and G'ma assemble nameplates for a MTS contract Mitch has with a military base in San Antonio. Also, Evan and I go out to shop for jeans in tornado weather!! We get to have lunch with Uncle Frank and Lee, then, I take him to his YW/YM event, volly ball in the dark! Julie played a lovely piece on the piano which was like a heavenly concert. Of course, Mark and I played soldiers and chess. Caylyn was super busy as usual and has band practice until late...but still finds time to date.<br />
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March - Lenn travels to Denver for a beautiful and precious five day trip to be with Summer. The ladies celebrate with massages, a lovely dinner at a fine hotel with Tom Schoppet and his date, Sara. Summer invites a few friends, Kelly, Michael and Bonnie over for a birthday dinner on March 6th. She is celebrating birthday #36, but looks so much younger. We take pictures and have her favorite, carrott cake ('cause it's a vegetable!) Summer is struggling financially and is attending recovery meetings to deal with addictions that keep her from realizing her dreams and goals. Always positive, Summer signs up for court reporting classes to, hopefully, suplement her income during the real estate slump. The time with her is a treasure for eternity.<br />
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April - Overwhelmed by life, our precious Summer has a terrible accident and dies April 6, 2012. Our hearts will never be the same. Friends and family gather to console...faith is tested and we can only hope that it was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father to take her to a place of peace she so richly deserves. Mitch travels to CO from KY and helps beyond measure. We celebrate Summer's life at a memorial 4/14 in Phoenix, where friends and family share stories and pictures of this beautiful and brave young woman. Robin, Kristi, Holly, Michelle, Carrie and many others prepare food, flowers and guest books for the 60+ people who love Summer. Summer's special friend, Isa, comes to Phoenix from Florida for her "send-off". Patrick, Sheri and Ty kept spirits light, sharing fun stories with old friends. On April 16, Verletta and I spend special time with Summer and then the family participates in a church memorial with beautiful music provided by Steve Coffin. Tyson gives an especially tender talk and reminds us...families are forever, Summer is sealed to us for time and eternity and will be in heaven to greet us. Summer is lain to rest in the Mesa City Cemetary and Michelle plays Summer's requested music. Bob, Mitch, Frank, and Lane are especially supportive. On April 23, we have another memorial service at Summer's church, Thorncreek Christian, and many CO friends attend. Bob puts together a powerpoint to celebrate Summer's life in pictures. Shawn and Jessica Christensen, Tom Schoppet, Tony Silva and his girlfriend, Mariah, were very supportive. Toni Wilkinson, Summer's roommate when they were flight attendants, generously came all the way from Lexington, KY and was a "sister/daughter" strength in helping with the Denver memorial. Little Hannah and her dad, Josh, say a sweet and full-of-love good-bye to Summer. We are all truly glad for the 36 years of Summer's smile and full-of-life memories. Her brother, Patrick, is maintaining her memorial website at <a href="http://www.summerchandler.com/">www.summerchandler.com</a> where you can still add comments. Every day is a gift. Be sure and tell loved ones often how much they mean to you.<br />
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May - Grieving is a process...and life goes on with God's help to heal. Lenn travels to El Paso to spend Mother's day with Mollie. They have both lost daughters so there is a special kinship. Shawn and Elora are excited about moving into a new home and there is a fun Mother's Day cook out at Angela's house with Doug, Garrison and Shawn at the grill. Mollie adores Doug's mom, Ann. There are sweet and constant phone calls to Lenn from all the kiddos, all day long, to give "air" hugs and express much love, which is soaked up and appreciated. Bob celebrates by joining Michelle, Evalyn and Chuck for dinner at Blue Adobe. A good day for all!<br />
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Kristi and Ted Kupchik are married 5/18 at a family ceremony on a CA beach, and then have a huge Phoenix reception 5/26. Kristi is a stunning bride and Holly a beautiful brides maid. Robin and Vince host a lovely outside dinner and the event is a great beginning for the new couple. May they live happily ever after!<br />
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Memorial Day, Patrick and Lenn go to the cemetary to re-decorate Summer's grave with a shiny red/white/blue heart and then spend some time together in the old Mesa neighborhood. We share stories about relatives and honor their memories and gifts of encouragement their lives provide to the living. We honor Bob, Grandfather Huff and all veterans that sacrificed for our freedoms. Chris and Jennifer come visit a few days before going to see family in AZ City and before Heather gives birth to cute Hunter in June.<br />
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June - Evan joins us in Phoenix for a week+ visit and is willing to be proxy and baptized for brother, Ray, who died 5/23/11. Evan takes this priesthood ordinance seriously and we feel the spirit as he is baptized for his uncle Ray and then graciously is baptized for 5 or 6 other people while in the Mesa Temple.<br />
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We so enjoy Evan being around the old folks to cheer them. GrandBob takes us on a fun trip to the Grand Canyon for a "fancy" lunch at El Tovar, and see native american dancers; a stop at Camp Verde Fort, an interesting evening at the Lowell museum to view Venus through a telescope...oh yes...and listen to the Big Willie Om-pa-pa Band....Evan's favorite (not)! Back in Phoenix to the Science museum, spend 5 hours at Bass Pro where Evan scales a wall and considers buying a Civil War repleca gun. Michelle treats him to swimming pool time at her place and we even go to the water park. Evan sweet talks G'ma into going down the waterslides together! G'ma's spine and neck will never be the same...but what an awesome memory!<br />
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July - 7/1/12 Lenn celebrated 40 years of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a life changing event that has blessed Lenn and the family with happiness and purpose.<br />
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Bob goes to El Paso to celebrate Mollie/Mom's 89th birthday 7/4. What a good son...and his reward is and playing golf with Doug at the Rio Ruidoso Country Club (sweeeeet), while Angela nursed a hand infection (saddddd). In Phx, Michelle and Lenn celebrated 7/4 with dinner, a movie and 3 verses of Janis Joplin song "O Lord Won't You Buy Me A Color TV". Truly an accapella red-neck prayer.<br />
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Good friend, Steve Coffin, serves as proxy 7/12 to do Ray's endowment. Steve and Lenn were proxy for Ray's parents, and performed the sealing ordinance for Ray to be joined for time and all eternity with his family. Steve, Barbara and Lenn go to lunch afterward and celebrate getting this important work done. Good friends are a blessing and it's great to build memories that deepen that friendship.<br />
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Aug - Lots of Leo birthdays....Mitch Morris 8/7, Kristi Kupchik 8/9, Bob 8/15, Lenn 8/20, Trish (Robertson) 8/25 and Evan Morris 8/31. Frank and Constance give the perfect gift....a Blue Adobe certificate. Bob and Lenn are treated to a long (cool) weekend at Doug's place in Rio Ruidoso NM. Angela and Lenn shop while the guys play golf....it works! Several deer come close to the house to be fed. The last night we visit the Inn of the Mountain Gods....amazing resort on a lake. Very beautiful at sunset.<br />
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Lenn travels to Long Beach, CA to visit Tyson and he arranges for a comfortable hotel room at the Aires. He is having a yard sale to try and make more room in his studio apartment. The sale goes well...except Lenn (Ty's "sherpa" for the day) keeps wandering off to look at other yard sales. There are interesting political discussions over meals. Ty is really an excellent economist and would excel in a job of that type. Ty's ward members love him and are glad to see him on the Sundays he is not on the road.<br />
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August 31, 2012 Bob officially retires and it's Evans 13th birthday....reasons to celebrate. Barbara and Steve Coffin invite us to dinner....cherished friends.<br />
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Sept - Official retirement family brunch for Bob at Blue Adobe....a new beginning of more golf and possibly helping Mitch with his Military Training Support business and the new Young's Bridge Adventure in Kentucky. Bob has served his family and his country well and now has the time to enjoy every day just the way he wants....about time! Wishes for a long and fun retirement, sprinkled with interesting adventure.<br />
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Lenn spends 10 days in Sedona taking care of puppies while Bonnie and Barry look for a new home in IA. Tony and Mariah bring Summer's puppies, Gracie and Reggie, to live in AZ. Lenn sorts Summer's photos for a memory book. Bob and Lenn go to KY 9/26 for Mark Arron's baptism by his Dad. Lenn, brother Frank and Evan go on a road trip to OH to see Aunt Aline while Bob and Mitch golf. Jacob gets a new tricycle and Bethany introduces her fiance, Rick, to the family. They plan a Feb. 14, 2013 wedding.<br />
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Oct - An awesome 14 day Celebrity Infinity cruise for Bob and Lenn from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Guatemala, Costa Rica, through the Panama Canal to Colon, then to Cartagena Columbia and finally dock at Ft Lauderdale, FL. Spent two days in FL visiting Bob's NY friend, Tom Nedlinger and Jean Saxton, Sandee Mitchell and family. A surprise trip to the ER....but all turns out well for Sandee and we have a lovely visit.<br />
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Nov - Mark and Jacob participate in their first primary program. Mitch finalizes the exciting purchase of Young's Bridge. Michelle returns to school to work on her masters and is working with a real estate company developing charter schools. She graciously hosts Thanksgiving for the family at her new home in Mesa. Ty is fortunate to be in Phoenix for the Thanksgiving holiday, so he joins us with Patrick, Sheri, Evalyn and Chuck for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner together. Lenn attends the Mesa Temple each week and is reuniting with friends from the Gilbert days....Bill and Susan Wilde, Tammy Van Cleve, Julie Dunn and Carolyn Dey. She also learns from her church calling, teaching the 4th Sunday RS class.<br />
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Dec - Many holiday cards are sent to soldiers with love and appreciation. Handsome brother Frank celebrates birthday 56 and Aunt Aline celebrated birthday 89 in Nov. Bob and Lenn host Christmas Day dinner and family comes together again for a feast and reunion in gratitude. Shawn and Elora announce their engagement. Laurie, Angela and Doug travel from Texas to attend the open house party Dec 29th. What fun to have them in AZ and, yes, Bob is still romantic and brings red roses. Bob and Lenn celebrate wedding anniversary 13 at the Ranch House, Lake Montezuma AZ and welcome 2013.<br />
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We are grateful for all the blessings God has given this family and close this year in peace.<br />
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<br />Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-81915185420386508462011-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:002011-12-11T15:41:22.763-08:00Back to Phoenix.....bittersweetIt all began Jan 2011.....Bob put in for jobs all over the southwest....and got an FAA offer in Phoenix! We had such great renters we didn't want them to move, so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lenn</span> went to Phoenix to find a retirement-style <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">casa</span>, with no yard and a pool. Even though there are lots of homes available....a short sale takes a lot of time. Just to keep it simple, we (sadly) kicked out the renters, repainted and moved back to our Maldonado Rd home 3/2/11.<br /><br />Feb 2011 - we were frantically trying to re-rent the Honolulu condo because of 6 mos still on the lease. Then, my brother Ray and his sweetheart, Lee, decided to get married on Valentine's Day. Bob donated his Continental flt points so I could attend...whew....8,000 miles in 4 days, but worth it to see the happy couple and celebrate with all the family. Lots of pictures were taken and the love-birds were happy Ray had a little bit of hair growing after the chemo and radiation treatments. He and Lee wrote their own vows and there were tears of happiness all around. They want to be together for all eternity....and I will take care of that part. We celebrated Jacob's #3 birthday and he blew out the candle so his wishes will come true!<br /><br />March - return to Oahu to pack and be ready to move to Phoenix by 3/1/11. Bob had a training in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">OKC</span>, so he was off-island for part of the month....but we got movers this time. Got renters for the condo.....stayed the last few days at a hotel, shipped the car....then to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phx</span> and stayed in a Hilton, again thanks to Bob's points, until we could buy a bed and TV....took another 6 weeks for furniture to be delivered and 3 weeks for Bob's Saturn. We were very glad to be home, but will truly miss our new HI friends....and the weather!<br /><br />April - Bob and Mitch meet in Reno/Sacramento area to facilitate Mitch's new online business, Military Training Support. The investors are very impressed with the talent and everything is a "go". Mitch worked very hard to put together all the intricate pieces for this huge success. The timing is perfect, as Julie has decided to close the Springfield Academy 5/31 to make time and be home to manage all the children's events, plus assist with this new profitable venture. She served the community well and may consider establishing a non-profit school in the future. Mark Aaron showed me how well he could sharp-shoot a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">bb</span> gun by making the shovel go ping.<br /><br />May -The first part, Ray got worse, so I went to KY to be with him and maybe help Lee some. He was moved to the Hospice floor of the hospital to try and get his pain managed. I went to see him every day and let him know of the events going on. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> getting ready for prom, joining Jane Tenny (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">RM's</span> sister) to go to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keenland</span> to watch the KY Derby on TV and be part of the Derby experience -first time I had visited with Jane in 18 years, so we had a lot to catch up. We got Ray's Derby bet placed and brought Evan and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> to visit Uncle Ray. Wonderful visits with Ray's daughter, Bethany <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lenn</span>, and son, Tony. Lee especially, and family, pampered Ray everyday.<br /><br />Came home 5/15 to plan for Heather 's(Bob's step granddaughter) HS graduation event. Ty came to Phoenix from CA to celebrate with us and we truly had a fun family time. Ty always makes events a party. However, after just one week after Ray was release from the hospital, he passed away May 23. Even with Lee's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">valiant</span> dedication to her sweet husband, he was simply too tired to fight. He was 62 yrs old. Frank has lost his best friend....and me too. However, we have a new sister we all treasure. We celebrate Ray's life and the love that he shared with us.<br /><br />Another trip to KY for the funeral. Younger brother Frank and I comforted each other but Constance, Austin, Trent and many others all pitched in to ease Lee's work if we could. The funeral was attended by many kind friends and relatives we had not seen in a long time. Lee gave Ray a lovely and beautiful-heart-felt-send-off for her sweetheart. Ray's sense of humor gave us all a laugh....his final song was "Don't Worry, Be Happy". Yes, he lived a rich, full life but we were all hoping he and Lee would have a few more years together. He had a military funeral and is buried at Ft. Campbell KY. We miss him so and appreciate Lee joining the families together to continue celebrating Ray's life and sharing the love.<br /><br />June - full of unpacking and sickness. It seems I've had whooping cough all spring and immune system was weak, so also got mono and valley fever. Finally discovered and properly diagnosed / treated. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hallelujah</span>!! Plus, (good medicine) Miss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> visits us in Phoenix and brings us a beautiful painting of hers. We cram in lots of activities with this talented young artist...Heard Museum, Annie stage play, Mesa Temple visit, before she headed back to KY band camp. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> is so grown up and is taking college classes when she starts her Junior year. Oh, and previous Prom date, Bob, gets a second chance...lots of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">texting</span> by those two!<br /><br />July - both Bob and I have surgeries, so we do not go to El <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paso</span> for Mollie's 88<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday. However, we do celebrate Michelle's birthday and enjoy a fun time with her. My sweet husband had to go back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">OKC</span> for 3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">wks</span> of classes. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sooooo</span>, I travel to Denver to see Summer and get out of the heat. Summer, little friend Hannah (5 now) and I go to the Renaissance <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Faire</span>. It was a welcomed respite from all the stress and sadness. Thank God for children and grandchildren to help us see the many beauties and possibilities of life. I'm in love with Denver...Summer and I have dinner with Tom and his new lady. Sure wish Bob and I could live in the cool each summer...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phx</span> is brutal! Happy Birthday to pretty Julie! Used a free SW flt ticket to be with Bob in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">OKC</span>. Yes, very hot but glad to be with my husband. We watched a weird hail storm ...glad to have some time together that did not require more unpacking or moving furniture! Also in July, Bob bought me a beautiful black Lexus with leather seats, etc. Guess he wants full <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possession</span> of the Saturn...suits me! Got a beautiful new ride with lots of bells and whistles!!<br /><br />August - An awesome birthday for Mitch who looks even more handsome with a few grey hairs at the temples. Mitch travels a lot for business and was able to visit with Summer in Denver. He still works with his bungee friends to set up jumps ....maybe from a tower in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span> Vegas!<br />Bob and I spend our birthday week at Los <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Abrigados</span> in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sedona</span>....where we were married almost 12 years ago. We took a star gazing class and saw interesting sights via telescope, had dinner with Bonnie and Barry...Bob golfed and I took water aerobic and yoga classes. Another sad occasion, went to a memorial in Mayer for my friend Linda Gate's (Blake) husband who died suddenly. We went to Flagstaff on the Sunday after we left the hotel and spent the night with Chuck and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Verletta</span> Christensen. Shayla and her twin girls were there so the girls entertained us plenty. Chuck fixed steaks and we talked and talked. Next morning went back home via Prescott where I called my friend Peggy Spitz and visited by phone while Bob golfed one last time<br /><br />BIG NEWS, Evan turned 12 Aug 31st and became a Deacon! All the family is proud of his decision to serve the Lord by passing Sacrament. He will have leadership opportunities with the Priesthood and is getting blessings already.....new bedroom furniture! Brothers, Mark and Jacob are glad to be home schooled with Evan. Of course, Julie is the best teacher on the planet and still finds time to assist with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">MTS</span> . The family is truly blessed with her skills, talent and LOVE.<br /><br />September - Mitch and Julie buy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> a Marimba...uh, located in Phoenix. So, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">G'ma</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">GrandBob</span> got to pack and ship the 7' instrument. Miss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span> just might get a scholarship because she is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> talented. She sent us a video clip of her playing....she's awesome!<br /><br />October- a visit to El <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paso</span> to visit sweet Mollie. We celebrate her birthday (finally) at Olive Garden. All the servers sing to her and give her a special birthday hat. We love getting together with all the TX family for a gathering at the new Lancer's club, Angela, Elora, Shawn, Garrison, David...and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Evalyn</span> and Chuck joined us too! A big cookout at Angela's and then breakfast the next day at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cruces</span> with Holly. It's Holly's first year at college in NM. Then, sister Kristi announces her engagement for a May 2012 wedding. We have an interesting back-road trip home to AZ in time for a Happy Birthday dinner party celebration for Sheri!<br /><br />November - Mitch & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lenn</span> have a fun business trip to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span> Vegas just to visit the new bridge and proclaim "WE OWN THAT TOWN!" Much <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">chickin</span>'-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">flickin</span>' was done at the midway Circus Circus game and Ma really enjoy having the special one-on-one visit with #1 Son. Priceless!<br /><br />We take one last trip to Hawaii in Nov to do all the things missed....submarine ride, golf for Bob at the Mid Pacific Country Club, lots of time with friends and a special Victorian tea party in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kailua</span> with Miss Velma. We enjoyed staying at the Papaya Paradise B&B and recommend it to all friends going to Oahu. Bob and Jeanette <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Martz</span> really provided a wonderful stay. Joe and Jeff both welcomed us and gave us a send off at the Hawaii airport with their smiles. We arrived in Phx at midnight 11/23 and had a great Thanksgiving the next day with Michelle, Patrick & Sheri, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Evalyn</span> & Chuck, Craig, Brian and Joyce. Everyone pitched in and we had an awesome feast....with much <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahalo</span> for a safe trip home to enjoy with friends and family. Friday - would have been Grandfather Huff's 96<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday and we remember him with much love. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">Verletta</span> and Chuck invite us to their home in Gilbert to celebrate yet another Thanksgiving with Scott & Tracy, their TX kids, plus Shayla, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Colton</span> and the girls, Chris & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Christy</span> with Carter and baby Gracie, plus Christina and Sandy too. Food, fun and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">TALKIN</span>' enjoyed by everyone!<br /><br />Well, the 2011 Holiday Season is here. Spent 9 beautiful snowy days in Denver with Summer and plan a January visit to Ty in CA if he doesn't make it to Phoenix in December. We hope Lee, Frank & Constance will come this winter and stay a while. People are scattered....but we <strong>Celebrate Them Home</strong> in our hearts. We give thanks for a blessed year and appreciate the reason for the season....Christ's gift of love and peace for us to share with all.<br /><br /><strong>We invite all to our New Year's Day come-and-go Open House on Sunday, </strong><br /><strong>January 1, 2012 starting at 4:00 pm....We've missed you and would love to see you. Much Aloha!!<br />Bob and Lenn<br />2139 W Maldonado Rd, Phx, AZ 85041<br />602-826-3353</strong>Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-41699471735315303462010-12-10T12:33:00.000-08:002010-12-15T21:19:09.912-08:00Mele Kalikimaka MERRY CHRISTMAS!Aloha family and friends,<br />2010 was very exciting and fulfilling. June was the month of moving our beloved Mollie to a retirement village apartment. She has lots of new friends and her living room overlooks the pool....to see all the guys in bathing suits?!? Mollie celebrated her 87<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> birthday, July 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span>. What an experience with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tai</span></span> Chi lessons and a big party where Mr. Han, a music professor at UT, and his family, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">serenaded</span> Mollie with lovely songs and a performance just for her!<br /><br />"On the way home" from TX, I stopped in Denver to visit Summer. Sweet Basil, her puppy of 10 years, passed away. It was good to be with her during that time and spent 4 wonderful days just hanging out. Later in the year, Summer got Gracie to keep Reggie company. An extra Colorado treat was spending Maria's July birthday dinner with her and Tom. Sure wish Bob was with us.<br /><br />Mitch and Julie are hard at work. The Springfield Academy has taken off and Julie now has a growing staff to manage. Mitch is positioning his already-successful-website for military training support to go live in 2011. Both Mitch and Julie are serving to create huge legacy. Aunt Jane and Uncle Mark generously had the traditional Morris gathering for Thanksgiving. We all miss<br />Vincent and surely his spirit was at this annual Morris event. Mendel "Skinny" was there with sweet Bobbie. Bobbie and Mendel are, along with Kay and Fred, the A+ KY grandparents.<br /><br />This year Bob and I enjoyed a HUGE family trip. In August, we went to Phoenix, visited all the friends and family and had a wonderful dinner at Blue Adobe with Patrick, Sheri, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Evalyn</span></span>, Chuck, Michelle, and friends, Carrie and Grace. Then, to a golf resort in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sedona</span></span> for a week and visited with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Verletta</span></span>, Bonnie and Barry. Back to Phoenix where Trish picked us up for an awesome birthday dinner with her, Michelle, Heather and Marilyn (see pics). We miss seeing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taeven</span> but delight in all the positive changes for him and beautiful Michelle</span>.<br /><br />We drove with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Evalyn</span></span> and Chuck to a special Labor Day memorial for Cathy. It was held at a ranch in NM near El <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paso</span></span>. We celebrated Cathy's life with good music (live band), good food (Dave's BBQ) and lots of friends and family(Angela, Elora, Garrison, Mollie, Tom & Maria). Laurie rode Sunny (Cathy's horse) to a special place at sunset and scattered Cathy's ashes. We felt her spirit there with us, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">celebratin</span></span>' too. God Bless her and may we keep her wisdom in our hearts to pass on. We are all grateful to have spent a little more time with Cathy. Much <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">mahalo</span> to Angela, Laurie, Tom and Maria for putting this event together for family and friends.<br /><br />From <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phx</span></span>, Bob went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span></span> Vegas to celebrate his NY cousin Joey's birthday, along with cousin Angela and Joey's wife, Stephanie. A good time was had by all. I went straight to KY where Mark Aaron, age 6, and I played serious soldiers, Jacob, age 2 1/2, and I read books together and we visited with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caylyn</span></span>, now a grown-up 15, as she was on her way to band practice, church, hanging out with friends (Benji), etc. We had several family dinners with Ray, Lee, Frank, Constance, Austin, Tony, Kim, Sara, Ashley, Beth, Liv and the Morris crew. Awesome!<br /><br />As a grandparent tradition, Bob and I took Evan for his 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> birthday trip. We drove from KY to West Virginia, played golf there, then went to Virginia for a 3 day historical trip. We visited Jamestown, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Williamsburg</span></span>, and the Lost World Caverns in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lewisburg</span></span> WV on the way back to KY. Evan is a handsome and polite young man and we truly enjoyed the trip with him. Whew...lots of people in costume showing history skits, beautiful old buildings, cannons, caves, breakfast at Waffle House almost every day and swimming at the hotel indoor pool/hot tub. What a fun trip for everyone, but we hope it was especially fun for Evan.<br /><br />From Ky, I went to visit Tyson in Long Beach and his friend, Dawn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Van <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Landingham</span></span>. I stayed with Dawn's gracious parents, Susan and Steve, and had a wonderful day of garage sales with Ty. Ty is now working at United Health and he is planning to finish another university degree.<br /><br />We are especially grateful for Ray's returned health. After chemo, he was given a second chance to enjoy more time with pretty Lee and the family. Thank God for this special holiday blessing.<br /><br />We enjoyed visitors this year...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Verletta</span></span>, Michelle, Frank, Constance and Austin, Steve and Barbara Coffin, and pretty Dawn. Bob and I toured the Laie Temple with Steve and Barbara and Bob was very impressed. It was a glimpse into eternity to share. I was blessed to have a ticket for an inside-the-Temple seat when Pres. Monson rededicated it Nov 21. Families are Forever!<br /><br />Summer is spending the 2010 holidays with us while Mitch, Julie and family spend the holidays in Denver at her place. Snow fun for them! Sun for her! We are truly blessed with health, prosperity and much aloha in the family. Bob continues to be the hero with his hard work and great contributions to community and family. He is the love of my life and keeps everyone informed via <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">FaceBook</span> with pictures of our trips. We celebrate our 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> anniversary 1/1/11 and we are thankful for all the opportunities to love and grow here in Hawaii. May the Christmas season be celebrated for the gift Christ gave for all of us to share.<br />LOVE!Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-87812582091367992842010-04-28T19:31:00.000-07:002010-04-28T19:54:49.403-07:00ReunionAlmost the end of April and lots going on. Just reunited with my friend, Mary Richter-Brown, who now lives in Oregon. We last saw each other 20 years ago. How wonderful to pick up where we left off....with lots of details (grown children, new grandchildren, new partners, health issues) to discuss....NEVER to be parted again! We have 20+ yrs of catching up to do.<div><br /></div><div>My brother, Frank, his wife Constance, and their son, Austin, arrived April 2 for a 9 day visit. We went to the Easter sunrise service at Punchbowl cemetery that was lovely with music, despite the rain. Frank calls it "liquid sunshine". We did all the tourist things, celebrated Constance's birthday, they took a day trip to Kauai and wrapped up the visit by attending the Highland Celtic Games on 4/10 before they left. Another wonderful reunion and Bob took time off to enjoy too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miss Caylyn is receiving her prom dress directly from China this week...but g'ma got nervous, so I sent her a back-up dress. She is soooo lovely and promises pictures of the winter formal and prom after the May 8th event (that I will certainly post!). Constance is loving the participation as auntie after all those boy events of Trent and Austin. So glad she is willing to help Julie with this since the school takes much of Julie's time these days. And the school is a huge success!</div><div><br /></div><div>Mitch is still working on launching his new business.....everything looks great! Patrick and Sheri went to CA on some business and visited Ty. Summer is branching out by taking a court steno course that will be an asset to her appraisal business. Michelle is working lots and still finds time to completely redecorate her kitchen better than Martha Stewart. Taeven is in our hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div>May 9 Bob is going on a 2 week trip to Guam and maybe I can catch up emails to friends (Verletta, Zelda).... I will miss him mucho and must keep busy. He is still the love of my life! My brother Ray may NOT need to have surgery, but I've offered to come to KY if he needs me.</div>Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-30448807318181188612010-03-07T21:12:00.000-08:002010-03-07T21:58:30.375-08:00Hilo, Kona, Thompson visit, Happy B'day Summer!ok...so I'm a little slow on updating....been busy!<br />Bob and I spent Christmas in Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. We were only there 3 or 4 days, so we maxed activities. Before sunrise boat ride to see the lava pouring into the ocean....then a helicopter ride later that day to see volcano action from the air...what a great Christmas present to each other. For our "official" (1/1/10) tenth wedding anniversary celebration, we went to the Polynesian cultural center for new year's eve, lots of fireworks and next day a fancy lunch at The Willows, then the movie Avatar, plus a romantic sunset at the beach. See?....busy!<br />In Feb, Tony and Connie came to visit from AZ and we toured the Mighty Missouri battleship...then, Valentine's weekend, we went to a world class wedding celebration (cute couple, Jim and Stephanie) at the Prince Hotel, Kona and hung out with awesome friends, CA Jim, Betsy, MA Ron and his lovely wife, Ann, sister to the groom.<br />We had an AZ Thompson visit the end of Feb and Michelle and I were determined to get a tan, even with all the wind left over from tsunami action. It was truly a sweet reunion visit, Bob took the week off, and we did something fun every day and hugged / talked a lot. Oh yea, and ate!<br />March 6th, beautiful Summer's birthday. When we called, she was flying a kite with Hanna (age 3) and had ladybug cupcakes to celebrate after Sean and Jessica take her to dinner.....uh, there was some jewelry involved too! Life is good and Miss Summer looks 28 at the most!Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-21490623052248658512009-12-10T16:02:00.000-08:002009-12-10T16:27:38.397-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy 2010Aloha...Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian for Merry Christmas with love!)<br />Lots of blessings this past year...Bob and I are healthy, the kids are all healthy, happy and involved in successful lives. We are grateful that our four beautiful grandchildren, Caylyn (14), Evan (10), Mark (5) and Jacob 1 1/2) have parents (Mitch and Julie), uncles (Patrick , Ty and Taeven) and aunts (Michelle, Summer and Sheri) that all love them ,care for them and teach them what is right.<br /><br />Big news: <span style="color:#ff0000;">Mitch and Julie</span> moved into their new home Feb 2009 and recently opened Springfield Academy for pre-school and grammr school students. Check out the details at <a href="http://www.springfield-academy.org/">www.springfield-academy.org</a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Michelle</span> is writing a column for the AZ Bee Hive LDS Newsletter and she and <span style="color:#ff0000;">Taeven</span> are moving to Idaho in April for more school. Winnie and the three kitties keep them company and they are currently still in Mesa.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Patrick and Sheri</span> live in Chandler AZ. Patrick owns an electronics business, Sheri is a manager for an upscale optical company and they enjoy all the nieces and nephews, plus their two cute puppies.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Summer</span> has her own real estate appraisal business in the Denver area and just bought her first home, a new red Jeep and loves snowboarding. Her puppies, Basil and Reggie are spoiled and that works.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Tyson</span> lives in Santa Ana and would love to have a yard with doggies ...maybe soon. He has his own internet business and might be returning to school.<br />Our sweet <span style="color:#000099;">Cathy</span>, Bob's sister, was lost to cancer this past November. We are grateful to have been able to visit her several times in El Paso and had hoped to be able to bring her to Hawaii. We will all miss Cathy; and her generous spirit and pretty smile lives on.Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-8928691145876431462009-09-11T19:02:00.000-07:002009-09-11T19:14:47.717-07:00Day of Honor....Day of ServiceMay we all take time today to remember the sacrifice and the families that have shown us the courage it takes to make important changes in our life. I don't know how to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embed</span> a video ....but if you go to this link, you will see the story of an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LDS</span> 911 survivor and how his life is ....better.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E</a><br /><br />Today is now a National Day of Service....so, please, find some way to serve and honor those that left a legacy of life to us at the price of their lives.Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-78526165282115480692009-06-27T20:32:00.000-07:002009-06-27T20:55:45.450-07:00Ty's Visit and New WheelsTyson loved celebrating his 31st birthday with the folks at the ShoreBird restaurant. He also had a really fun time at the Polynesian Cultural center because.....we had FRONT ROW SEATS! Not sure how that happened, but just another special treat for the birthday guy. His last day on the island, we went to the beach, had a special going-away dinner at Red Lobster and then Bob retrieved Ty's tape player from the airport lost and found, so Ty was one happy dude. He was totally dressed up to travel as a native, complete with orchid leis to give to the people picking him up at the airport. Great memory for us all and helped the old folks with missing the mainland kids and grandkids.<br /><br />Bob knows how much I miss family, so he got me new wheels to also get exercise while going to the post office or grocery. Yup...a pepto-bismol-pink beach cruiser with a basket and bell! This is my early brithday present and much appreciated. <br /><br />Bob just got back from from inspections on Guam and says we are taking 2 weeks vacation in August. We are planning to go to Portland to celebrate Mae's passing with a family memorial services. Then, for our birthdays we sail out of Seattle on an Alaskan cruise to Juno, Sitka and Ketchikan. Our dream cruise and someplace coooooool. <br /><br />How quickly time flies.....7/7 will be Michelle and Taeven's 2nd wedding anniversary.....we wish them continued happiness and much love. Also, Mollie, Bob's Mom, Michelle, Julie, and our extended family members, Betsy Mog and little Trish all celebrate July birthdays. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRETTY LADIES!Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-64938531647495920342009-05-01T00:36:00.001-07:002009-05-01T01:23:17.011-07:00Summer & Ty visit and first art show May 15thWow! Lots of excitement since the last post.<br />Summer came to visit...she swam with the dolphins, did a tandem sky jump in the arms of a cute guy, went on a kayaking trip and has pictures to prove it all. We really enjoyed her visit and hope she comes back in August, as planned. Her contact implants were a success but she might still need Lasik. So grateful for this new surgery to improve her sight!<br />Tyson is coming for a short visit May 4 - 7...yup, just 4 days. Bob is taking some time off and we are looking forward to hiking Diamond Head and maybe going to the Polynesian Cultural Center luau....Ty loves to eat and watch girls dance, so it's a perfect match. We will be his personal tour guides...if we can pry him away from the beach!<br />New website for the art agent business <a href="http://www.hawaiiartagent-lenn.com/">http://www.hawaiiartagent-lenn.com/</a> and an exclusive show at the ING Cafe, Waikiki, May 15th. Four different artists being represented, including my talented friend, Sharon Pike. Sure hope to sell something so the artists being represented aren't starving artists!<br />As soon as the show is over at 7:00 pm, I travel to the big island of Hawaii to Kona and join Bob. He will be there earlier in the week for business, but we are extending the stay over the weekend just to explore the big island and see some sights. His next trip is to American Samoa but it is way too expensive a flight for me to join him, so we appreciate the Kona opportunity.<br />Mollie, Bob's Mom, Cathy and Evalyn, Bob's sisters, are all doing well and we are so thankful Cathy can have surgery. All prayers appreciated.<br />Next updated planned for June 20!Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-6896607483976333742009-02-24T11:18:00.000-08:002009-02-25T14:01:51.821-08:00Family Birthdays and VisitsHAPPY BIRTHDAY FAMILY February 2 is Aunt Shirley's birthday and February 12 would have been Aunt Shannon's....also my friends Verletta Christensen (grandmother of 5 new babies!) Shayla Corwin (mother of 2 of those grandbabies) Dianna Wolfe and Susi Yeager. Love you ladies. AND, of course, Mr. J. D. Morris will be one year old this month.<br /><br />March is bringing our gal Summer to us for a wonderful week of visiting. Bet she's gonna really enjoy a break from her first Denver winter to work on her tan at Wakiki. I think she and Bob are planning to go parasailing over the ocean....not me....that ocean is still way too cold. I'll just tag along when she goes to the big Flea Market.<br /><br />Frank, Constance and the boys have put in their visit dates too....we look forward to seeing them at Christmas time, December 26 - Jan 3....and we are very happy to be able to celebrate with family at that time of the year.<br /><br />We stay busy with our new garden plot and have some tiny tomatoes in our lani pot. Sure hope our banana tree fruit ripens soon so we can have something besides raisins for our cereal.<br /><br />Mitch, Julie and the grand kiddos are loving the new house and getting ready to celebrate baby Jacob's first birthday TOMORROW, 2/25. Hopefully we will have a birthday picture of him soon.Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3083227043312860599.post-26592172052227286242009-02-09T15:12:00.001-08:002009-02-25T14:01:09.955-08:00WelcomeWow! What a great idea for far-away families! How lucky we are to have a smart kid that takes the time to set up these things for the folks. Mahalo Michelle! Love the layout and pictures.Well, maybe I'll get better at this as I go along.<br />News: Bob is doing well with his job and plans a trip to Guam in March. I am so grateful to be living in this lovely, secure building while he travels to Guam, Siapan and American Samoa during the year.<br /><br />In 2 weeks, I plan a day trip to the big island of Hawaii to go to the Kona Temple and do endowments for Aunt Genevieve and Aunt Shannon. It's Bob's Valentine to me. Bob and I had thought about a Valentine's trip so he could play golf and I could attend the temple and we could both see the island a bit, but the hotels are terribly expensive and there is no public golf course unless you go to Hilo, on the other side of the island. Just can't mix the two this trip, but maybe the next time there are cheap flights.<br /><br />We are offering incentives to friends and family that help us find renters for the Phoenix house. Let our property management company know any leads (Real Property Management, 623-748-7800). We would love to pay a spiff and only pay one house payment. Good hunting!<br /><br />Let us know about YOU now.Bob and Lenn Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456296666331952159noreply@blogger.com6