SUNDELL STORIES: January 2011

So this year for my 25th birthday my sweet husband and family got me the BEST gift EVER! I have wanted a new, nice camera for quite some time. I have been using my father in-laws on and off for awhile now. I guess a couple weeks ago my sweet Peter had called my parents and in-laws to see instead of giving money, if they could just go in on a camera for me. They all said yes.
On Saturday we were cleaning the basement of his parents getting ready for us to move in when Peter said "do you want you birthday present now?". I totally thought he was kidding because I think since we have been married he has just gotten my presents after my birthday or I already knew what he got me. He went upstairs and brought down a big purple sewing machine carrier. He said "your gift is in here somewhere". I proceeded to open one of the zippers and saw the Nikon D5000 box. I immediately started to cry. I haven't put it down since. I LOVE IT!
Sunday, Abby made me my favorite cake, German Chocolate cake. She is seriously so gifted. It was DELICIOUS! I made some delicious mashed potatoes, a roast, and my favorite salad (which didn't turn out so good because my peppers weren't very crunchy).
I am still trying to figure out how to use different settings. Which will come with time, but I am so excited to explore it and try new things!

This year we went to Hawaii for Christmas with the Sundell side of the family. We had a BLAST! It was so nice because everyone was able to come! We first went to The BIG Island! There we snorkeled, went to a luau, went to the beach multiple times, boogie boarded, ate some delicious food, and just hung out. The condo we stayed at was beautiful! However, the front door sucked because Nixon could open it and it would automatically unlock itself when you opened it from inside. So we spent a good portion of our time trying to find heavy things to block the door and chasing after Nixon when he would get out.
Snorkeling was so much fun! Unfortunately, my underwater camera doesn't do so well with water. Somehow water made its way inside the camera. The same thing happened to my sister in-laws camera. I was so bugged because I had the camera for 3 days! I am over underwater cameras! BABE! HINT FOR MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT! I WOULD LIKE A CAMERA!
We went to a luau one night and it was rained out so we had it inside. I have to say, it was still entertaining, but totally not the same! The food was alright.
Nixon loved the sand! He literally would roll around in it. He hated the ocean and would cry when I would even try to walk in with him. I was so surprised! He loved the pool though. I am guessing it is the salt water he doesn't like.
On our way to Maui Nixon was HORRIBLE! He cried so much! Good thing it is only a 30 minute flight! I thought it was funny because it was jam packed and here is Nixon screaming bloody murder on this little plane! Peter didn't think it was as funny as I did.
For Christmas Eve Jenny made a delicious dinner. Brown sugar pork something with delicious coconut rice. So yummy! Nixon opened his fabulous pajamas that Grandma Sundell made. They were so cute!
Christmas day we opened stockings, gifts, went to IHOP for breakfast, and went to the beach. It was great!
I can't remember what day it was but on Maui we went did a portion of the road to Hana. We stopped at a fresh water pool with a rope swing. Peter climbed across the huge tree to get it, but it was way too thin and we were worried it was going to break. The water was freezing and both Nixon and I weren't about to attempt to get in. Nancy was the bravest and got in first. Abby was the first to jump off the cliff. I was impressed. She's definitely got some Robi in her.
Robi was for sure missed. It wasn't the same. It was still super fun, but not the same. We all love and miss him so much and wish he was here. I know he is doing good work and watching over us though. Love you Robi. Miss you.
Now here comes the crazy amount of pictures! Enjoy.

When we were doing family pictures on the beach there was a turtle on the sand. Surprisingly Nixon wasn't scared.