Pro Photos

In November, our little darling was 18 months, and we took some pro shots to prepare for Christmas and celebrate the event!

We took the opportunity to take our first pro family shot since we arrived from India as well!

Hawaii!!!!

From Oct 31-Nov 9 our family (minus Jayakar, who insisted I take the opportunity to collect my 49th state in spite of the fact that he needed to stay home and work) made a trip to Hawaii! We've always wanted to see what we thought of America's island state, and thanks to frequent flier miles and hotel points, we were able to do so reasonably :). Our trip included the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (the Big Island). I think if I could pick one word to describe our vacation it would be...surprise. We were quite unprepared for many of the things that we encountered. Hawaii has done an amazing 'selling job' for itself- probably one of the best advertisement schemes I've ever come across. The islands are NOT tropical paradise from one side to the other, nor are there beaches and palm trees at every bend. Pictures of Hawaii are very selective, excluding the miles of bleak lava flows, barren desert (much like the empty stretches of Wyoming or Eastern Colorado), and comparitive lack of green on much of the islands. That said, we had a wonderful family time, and enjoyed our trip- it just wasn't what we expected from all the pictures we've always seen. Below are some pictures from places we really enjoyed:

OAHU

We kept our Iowa schedule while in Hawaii, partly for Liberty's sake- it made the transition back to home timings much easier- and since there was little to do once the sun set, it worked really well. We were up at 4-5 every morning, then went to bed between 7-8. Certainly gave us all the daylight to go touring :). So...a picture of our first Oahu sunrise!
Famous Waikiki beach! The surf was a lot more than we expected on all parts of the islands, except where protected by manmade barriers. This part of the beach was near the Hilton, so we were able to get into the water with Liberty and enjoy it.
We took the hike up to the top of Diamond Head, which overlooks the ocean, Waikiki beach, and Honolulu. We were grateful for the cloud cover, as it would have been terribly hot to do the hike in the blazing sun! It was quite strenuous, with several sets of steps (99 on one), tunnels, and steep trail. We had a lot of fun- Dad took Liberty most of the way, which was quite a feat!

HAWAII (THE BIG ISLAND)

After flying into Hilo, we took the eastern coast road, and came to one of our three favorite places. Akaka Falls SP was an experience in natural beauty. The vegetation was incredible- so lush I doubt I could have hiked through it without the path! Truly tropical paradise...

Favorite place #2 was on the same day. Laupahoehoe Point Beach SP was spectacular. The waves roll in and pound the black lava rocks, while the landscape is lush and green. We stayed for a couple hours, just watching the surf, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the blue of the water.

We were amazed at the change in scenery from one side of this island to the other. The windward side is lush, green, and utterly tropical. But as we rounded the north point, we entered Wyoming- only there was an ocean in view. The resort we stayed at was located on the Kona side of the island. The resorts like it there because it is always sunny. Below is a picture of the lagoon (no natural beach) that Hilton Waikaloa built for swimming. It was an amazing resort, one of the most incredible places I've ever been. Its motto seemed to be 'no expense spared'.

We toured the island and saw the Hawaii Volcanoes NP. It's an active volcano, though only steam is occurring at this time. Had the chance to walk through a lava tube and a giant fern forest. Quite unique and beautiful.

As we circled the island, we stopped at a famous black sand beach. The waves have crushed the lava rock into sand, and it was very pretty.

MAUI

While on Maui, I took a few hours and traveled by myself to the top of Haleakala, a 10,000 foot dormant volcano. It is a famous place to view the sunrise, and I made it! While not the most spectacular sunrise I've ever seen, it was lovely with the clouds in the valley below, and I really enjoyed it. It was also impressive to see the black lava valley once the sun had risen, and see the complete devastation of the landscape!

We took no pictures of our third favorite place. That's because we were busy enjoying the sun and water, and didn't want to take a chance with our cameras. Kihei/Wailea on Maui is the one place we all agreed we could go back to and stay for several days. It was tropical, great beaches, sunny, and so pleasant. We were glad to have had a day there, though I came home with a slight burn due to two hours in the water :). We packed up a happy, tired car that day!

A New Addition

I finally got my long-wanted Rottweiler as a late birthday present in mid-August. We named him Rambo, and he is proving a perfect fit for our family!

Liberty in August and September

During August, one of Liberty's favorite places to hang out was her pool.
Definitely a toddler, she loves to get into anything she knows she's not supposed to!


"Yes, I know I'm beautiful! But do you think my hair looks alright?"

A true little explorer, she has no fear and loves to climb and see new things.

Eating corn was an Iowa highlight of the season this month.

Special Visitors

Two years in a row now we've had the blessing of having both Ellie and Lena come and visit us. Ellie came for a few days in July, then Lena and her husband Michael came in Aug. We had some great times!

A Trip to San Francisco

On July 17-20, we flew out to San Francisco to meet Jayakar's brother and his wife who were visiting from India. It worked out well, because we also got to visit with many other relatives, including Jayakar's sister and family- they drove up from LA- and his aunt and uncle and their family. (Thanks for hosting us, Rajus!) We toured downtown, saw the ocean (Liberty touched the Pacific), and visited. There were some great chances to discuss spiritual issues and bring the Lord into the weekend quite often. It was a wonderful time!

Jayakar, Shannon, Suma, and Sam at the Golden Gate Bridge Joey and his niece, Jael, join Jayakar and Liberty

Little Liberty, always on the go! She enjoyed the trip, too. Barely five minutes of crying during all of the flights, and loved meeting all the new people.

29 on the 29th

I just celebrated my 'golden' birthday. I turned 29 on the 29th, and to top it off it happened in 2009 :). I had a quiet day with Mom and Dad (Jayakar had to work), went out to lunch, played in Liberty's baby pool, and just enjoyed being home.

Liberty the Executive

Liberty thinks being like Grandpa is the best!

Hill Get-Together

In June, we had a Hill family gathering up in Minneapolis. Uncle Doug and Aunt Carol graciously hosted most of the members of the Hill clan! Jayakar enjoyed playing basketball for the first time, and wore himself out on his vacation days :).

The four siblings: Gaynelle, Marcia, Claudia, and Doug.

Pray for Dad

Dad came home from a business meeting last week feeling very sick- high fever, headache, cough, and pain everywhere. He rested and tried to get well for a couple days, then went to the doctor on Sat. They immediately diagnosed him with pneumonia, and sent him to the hospital. The underlying cause of the pneumonia turned out to be a bacterial infection which was resistant to the first antibiotics they tried. When the third antibiotic worked, they thought he had Legionairres' Disease.

However, we think we had a miracle. Mom was with him at the hospital last night, and his temperature was still up, he was coughing all the time, and Mom was sure they would never discharge him today, as planned. Sometime in the night things changed, and this morning his fever broke, his white blood cell count returned to normal, and he quit coughing so much. The bloodwork also came back negative for legionella bacteria, so he either never had that, or God healed him.

So...they discharged him. He's still sick, and will be on bed rest for a month. But we are so grateful for the Lord letting him come home to be with us and get the rest he needs (and couldn't get at the hospital).

Another Little One

Many of you are already aware of our news, but for those who haven't heard...I am expecting again! I am due Feb 4, which just happens to be my Dad's birthday. He's a little excited about this b-day present :).
Things have been going well, though I am experiencing a lot more stomach discomfort and severe fatigue this time around. We're just hoping that means it's a boy! I am also hoping that the end of the first trimester truly does bring an end to those feelings.

Liberty's One Year Photos

Eating on Her Own

Right after turning one, Liberty discovered that she can eat certain foods without help. Ever since, solid foods have taken on new joy!

Happy Birthday, Liberty!

We cannot believe that our little girl turned one on May 14! Can it really have happened already? What an incredible joy she is, and we are so grateful to God for His precious gift to us.

Though we did nothing traditional- no cake, no party- we had a great day together. Liberty opened her presents, enjoying the wrapping paper as much as anything else :). She loved her presents: some books from Gramwa, clothes, a Castle Marbleworks (which she learned how to use within a few days!), and a little red wagon from Grandpa and Gramwa, which is a constant draw- she'd be in it all the time if we were willing!

My Best Discovery Toys Ad

Liberty may be too young to connect them together for herself, but she loves the Bright Builders set from Discovery Toys...our family's favorite!

Liberty Reading to Grandpa and Gramwa

We absolutely love Liberty's 'cooing' vocabulary!

First Steps!

Reading to Mom and Dad

Goofy Girl!

Are we supposed to eat her with the spoon?"I told you so!" (Typical Liberty expression.)

"Yeehaw!"

Discovery Toys

For those who haven't heard, I recently joined Discovery Toys as an educational consultant. I really enjoy the parties, and have a great time meeting new ladies. I'm still trying to get my business started, which is why I thought a quick post here would be good.

I really need people to host parties for me, and that doesn't mean you have to live close. I can easily send you catalogs so you can show your friends and have a book party. You get the same great rewards for doing so (free toys!). If you're interested, please let me know.

Also...please keep me in mind when you need to shop for those baby shower gifts and birthday presents. All Discovery Toys come with a lifetime guarantee, are safety tested, and provide educational play- the best way to learn. Our company encourages parents to play with their kids!

To learn more about us and view a catalog, please visit my website. My url is: http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/juhloguri

Thanks!

Favorite Things

If Liberty can't be outside, she'll happily look out the window. One time she watched Grandpa working on the landscaping for almost thirty minutes. Phones are wonderful. Liberty thinks all ringing phones are for her.

Reading with someone is wonderful...

or reading to them is even better! However, she'll happily read by herself for long periods of time, too.