Today, I went with my mom to town to finally watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One. Later, we came home and took some author portraits for her, but Koda kept interrupting.

Today, I went to the Ali`i Kula Lavender farm with Mika and her friends, where we had lavender scones and lavender coffee before driving further up the hill for some photography lessons in the forest. Later, I went with Sarah and Gabriel to the Waihou Springs trail, where we hiked to the bottom and took some photos, though it was dark by the time we made it back to the car.

Today, I went to Makawao to walk around, where I bought a flowy blue dress, an antique sterling silver/garnet bracelet, and a handmade paper sketchbook from Nepal. Later, I met up with Sarah and we went to Cafe Des Amis for crepes and coffee (and sangria!) before going to Macy's with my mom for her first professional makeover.

Today, I went to Big Beach to meet up with Mika, Naomi, Bristol, and two of Mika's friends from Toronto. Later, we were going to have a photoshoot but postponed it due to extremely unattractive vog, so I came home and photographed Koda running around playing with my mom. She's missed the big yard.

Today, I did some chores around the house and packed for Maui before my parents and I headed to the airport with Koda. Later, after arriving on Maui, I went to my friend's house for a traditional bonfire reunion party that our group of old high school friends tries to have everytime there are a lot of us back home.

*Daily photos are on schedule, but posting may be choppy due to unreliable internet on Maui.

Today, I slept in till noon since I stayed up having Christmas with him past midnight. Later, my mom and I baked cookies before we had a simple pre-cooked dinner and watched some movies. Koda loved her present of fancy dog food (Tuscan-style beef stew).

50 days till 365.

Today, I picked up my parents this morning and brought them back to my house before we walked to Aloha Stadium for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. After leaving the lost game, we walked back home, and I took this photo kind of as a sarcastically emo Christmas photo, but then realized it kind of sums up my feelings about this Christmas after all, so I'm posting it in all its emo glory.

Second and hopefully last Christmas apart.

Today, I woke up late, but got Chelsea to the airport on time. Later, I hung out in the Kaimuki and Diamond Head areas for a while to see if my repaired camera would be coming back to Hawaii Photo Rental, but the FedEx truck didn't get there before closing so I'm renting a body through the holidays.

Today, I went to town with Chelsea and we did a little more shopping at Ala Moana, luckily before any power outtages. Later, I went to Hickam Air Force Base to photograph President Obama's arrival.  Unfortunately, since he arrived close to midnight it was extremely dark, and I had a difficult time photographing the situation, but I learned a lot and will be better prepared next time I'm shooting in the dark like this.

Today, Chelsea and I made our morning coffee with my new French press before hanging out for the day and then going grocery shopping. Later, we went to Aimee's house for dinner where we hung out late into the night, and I got some photos of Sophia by the tree.