Christmas covered the island from sea level to mountain top. Perhaps one of the most beautiful holidays I have ever, ever seen. Along the coast the sun was always shining, tropical days in bikinis and sun drenched runs, swims, and bikes. Up above the clouds was nothing but white, pure as snow, snow white. To the eyes, beautiful...

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My heart was a little heavy from time to time as I missed Kainoa dearly while he was with his dad this holiday and of course last years big Marshallese holiday had me longing to take focus off my wants and needs to get caught up in giving to others who may be more in want and need. I say "may" loosely as it seems I'm learning sometimes having less really is more and often times just to be alive is enough for some...

This Christmas I got adopted by Mike and his boys. They welcomed me (and my bike) into their home with open arms. For the 2 weeks Kainoa was/is away their home became mine and it sure helped keep my Christmas spirit less Grinch like. After a warm ocean swim we landed on top of Mauna Kea for some snow games. The laughter sure caused me to let go of all the little things that are not intended to clutter Christmas...

Back on the beach for Christmas Eve the friends and I gathered for sunset and some hilarious gift giving. It sounds so cliche to say, but really over the years my friends are always the best gifts every single Christmas.

Christmas would not be complete without some sister, brother n' law, and nephew loving! So we did the big Christmas dinner and filled the room with laughter like always. Thankfully they did all the cooking as the morning was a long run followed by a Christmas hike, so much activity that by the time we landed at their home my stomach was growling for the goodness they were serving up.

Hiking so happy. This is most likely my last hike for a while as it's time to get the legs more focused on the 2012 triathlon season and less on the "off season/recovery" adventures. Living in such a beautiful spot on Earth it's really difficult to not get caught up in the surroundings...

It's now Monday, back to the grind, a grind I am above and beyond thankful to still hold gently as my job. My day was 4hours on the bike and 2 hours with the Kealakehe squad. It feels very much like falling back into the rhythm of training, travel, racing will be smooth as I'm pretty refreshed after a Winter of hikes and simple sunsets.

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Hope your Christmas was a good one...

LOTS of Aloha,

Bree