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Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We’d like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Arnold. He’s a kind, gentle little man. Is very healthy, eating 3 times a day and even swimming quite nicely…..if you haven’t already figured it out – he’s a goldfish! Did we get you?!?!? Well, we are, like everyone else, is anxiously waiting for the “other” news too. We know that God has all things planned out for us, including having a baby. As of press time, we are still considered D.I.N.K.’s (Double Income No Kids). With that out of the way, let’s do a quick recap of other major news and events of our year. A year we won’t forget…. With Matt’s continued 4 year employment at Paradise Cruises on the vessel “Starlet” – he’s acquired more responsibility as the head manager for Waikiki Ocean Fun & Barbeque (morning boat cruise, allowing passengers into the water). He continues his duties as the evening Captain of the dinner cruise of the same vessel two to three times a week. In June & November, collectively he has taken 4 courses to qualify him for a 500-ton Captain’s license. We are waiting for opportunities in 2009 to expand his career. On his off days, he enjoys playing games on the Wii, watching any of his favorite shows: NCIS, The Unit, CSI: Miami. Switching gears, his better half is happily employed at Marriott International at the Area Office as the Senior Administrative Assistant. After work, Audrey loves to have weekly Monday Night dinners that have interesting themes, what a great time with friends! She also has volunteered with Susan B Komen Race for the Cure, Boy Scouts of America 101 Holes, Hawaii Public Radio Telethon, and Kapiolani Women’s & Children Hospital’s Radiothon. After returning from their Louisiana trip in May, Audrey planned for them to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary at the beautiful Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. A few of her favorite TV shows are CBS’ Survivor, Amazing Race and TLC’s Jon & Kate plus 8. Special events in our family’s life:MB’s Birthday Gift from AB: Deep sea diving w/sharks, while in a cage, of course. We survived with all toes & fingers in tow. Here’s to celebrating 27 years! Audrey welcomed in a new decade Sept 20th - "30 ain't a bad age, Honey!" Did you know? AB has lived in Hawaii for 6 years & MB for 5 years! Getting Off “The Rock” Took a trip to Louisiana in May & Sacramento in September. Are you the spouse always planning Valentine’s Day and your Wedding Anniversary? We designate an event to each spouse, and switch every year. It’s puts the FUN back in celebrating. Try it for yourself - we’ve done it now for 4 years. Wishing you a Mele Kalikimaka & a Haouli Makahiki Hou! The Byrd's | | |
| Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Hey guess what – we are waiting too for our very own “keiki” (children). We know that that is probably the very first thing you’re looking for…maybe in next year’s newsletters. Guess you’re going to have to subscribe to find out! We can’t believe that 2007 is wrapping itself up! As we were going home one afternoon in November, I (AB) was reflecting back on all the things I wanted to accomplish this year – one thing is being LESS of a procrastinator. And guess what MB’s response was?!?! “Awe what’s wrong? You keep putting it off?” I couldn’t be mad at him for this comment b/c it was true! We laughed about it the whole way home. So to accomplish that goal – here we are writing our 2007 newsletter! We wish you a very Merry Christmas & many blessings on you & your family in 2008! Captain Byrd’s CornerOn his 3rd anniversary with Paradise Cruises, Matt started taking his Captain’s course. After completing 5 weeks of intense classes, he successfully passed the Coast Guard certification. His license allows him to drive up to a 100 ton boat! That’s him in his captain‘s uniform on our Christmas Photo. When Matt’s schedule allows, he’s also been hired as dive help for Fish & Dive Hawaii. He assists first-time divers to get comfortable with the scuba gear. Also, he’s a Captain-on-call on the “Honey Girl” boat. With these jobs, they all keep him pretty busy! It’s no wonder he likes to take it easy by staying indoors when he isn’t working. We would love to have you on the boat – just give us a call to arrange that! Special events in our family’s life • Matt turned 26 on July 31st! • Audrey turned 29 on Sept 20th! • Celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on May 29th! Audge’s Corner Well where do I begin…I’m loving my job @ Marriott. It is such a blessing to work for such a great company! I’ll be making 3 years this coming March. Can’t wait to make the Quarter Century Club – only 22 years to go! As in years past MB & I take at least one vacation off island – this time we went to Yosemite in June with Mike & Pam Byrd (MB’s parents). For someone that has lived in CA before, this was my first time there! It was absolutely beautiful - the weather was just perfect – not too cold for the island girl & boy! In addition to this trip, I was able to witness Jazmin & Jacob’s wedding in Austin, TX. She was my maid of honor in our wedding & I wouldn’t have missed it for anything! In July, I was involved in a car accident, where someone ran the red light and I was in the middle of it. Thank God that I wasn’t seriously injured. However, our Rav4 was totally destroyed. The insurance stepped up to the plate to expedite the claim process. Within 3 weeks, we were blessed with a 2001 Xterra. The best part is that we don’t have any car payments! Other events that happened this year: **Took a square dancing class with Wendy S & Lisa W. **Ran 6 miles as part of a relay team for the Honolulu Triathlon Race. Special thanks to Wayne & Lindsay for letting me be a part of Team Mojo Two! ** Learned how to make baklava from a good friend, Holly. **My first scuba dive – June 23rd! In Oct, I (AB) went to visit family in Sacramento. John (my youngest brother) was hospitalized due to his heart condition. Doctors were able to figure out why blood was in his lungs and after two weeks of being in the ICU – John was released to go home! Praise the Lord for his continued miracles! During this time, I was able to visit my Grandpa Dennis and Aunty Alicia in Santa Rosa & spend time with Auntie Amanda who was in town from San Diego. And of course, spending time with my 3 favorite nephews – Caleb, Jeremiah & Joshua! When I came back from Sacramento, we enrolled with the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center. Their goal is to prepare each family to purchase their home by conducting various classes on homeownership and to discuss them in one-on-one sessions with a counselor. We are grateful to Ms. Becky for her invaluable insights & guidance. We are on our way to owning our own place. In closing, we wish you a very wonderful Christmas & a happy New Year! Looking forward to hearing from you in 2008! Matthew & Audrey | | |
| This year, we are having a traditional Christmas...immediate family gatherings, turkey, gumbo & corn chowder, cold weather, fireplace, airport connections. All this means we're in Louisiana & California. We'll be back home for New Year's celebrations..where it doesn't get any better with fireworks in Hawaii! Mele Kalikimaka & Haouli Makahiki Hou! From our home to yours, we wish you the very best this Christmas season. Love & aloha, Matt & Audrey | | |
| Hi Everyone, Letting you know that Matt & I are doing well after the earthquake yesterday. We spent much of the day at our friend's place - sandwich lunch, worship service (since no one went to church), played ultimate frisbee/football in the rain, followed by a candlelight hibachi dinner. Electricity was gone almost immediately after we got it - came up running at 1100pm. Thanks for the phone calls and prayers. Hawaii still has the Aloha Spirit ~ so don't be afraid to come visit us in the near future! Mahalo, da Byrd's | | |
| - get up, get out, get active....get off my okole!!!
- a year closer to 30?
- to challenge myself..like I didn't do that with Pikes Peak?!?! So I was at a race about 3 weeks ago cheering a great friend and it inspired me to get back into shape. That same day I put on my running shoes and haven't looked back. This time I'm doing it as a relay team - I'll be running 4.5 miles and great for friends who are stronger at the swim & bike. Here's to health, long life & future races!!! http://www.koolinatriathlon.com/index.html | | |
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