I had the pleasure of meeting the Cruse family during their recent visit to Waikiki, thanks to an introduction courtesy of Dallas child and family photographer Catherine Clay. The Cruse family is a quintessential all-American family, and as beautiful inside as out.

Oldest son Connor, age eight, is a sweet, slightly mischievous soul. He is also one of the bravest warriors I’ve ever met- at age 4, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. You can follow his story here and learn more about how you can join the fight against neuroblastoma.

Theirs is a family filled with hope and love. Mom Joy is an amazing person full of grace- her inner strength and love for her children binds the family together.

Dad Tait is one of the most active, hands-on dads I’ve met. It’s easy to see where his boys get their energy!

Both Joy and Tait have a great sense of humor- a trait their kids have inherited. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so much!

Hug your children a little tighter, and say a prayer for Connor and his family.

In your journey, may you shine your light on all whom you meet along the way.

After an exciting three weeks on the mainland visiting family and friends, I’m glad to be home! With the cold weather in Washington and California, I came back craving Zippy’s chili and grilled cornbread, mmm. One lucky reader will win a $10 gift certificate to Zippy’s- read on for details.

Our trip began in Washington, visiting dear friends. The last time we saw each other, Miss G was barely a bump in her mama’s tummy, and Baby C hadn’t yet been planned.

Aren’t these three sisters beautiful? They are so sweet and special, with their own unique personalities. We found “fairy coins” growing in a little field.

Little Miss G is about to turn two. Something about her makes me think of on older time, like Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie. I think maybe it’s her “old soul” eyes.

Sweet Miss L will be five soon, and when I last saw her she wasn’t much older than her little sister and sported a halo of blond fuzz. Now she’s a caring, stylish little girl with a bright smile.

And Miss N.. serious, inquisitive, funny, perceptive. She has grown from a little girl into a young lady, leading and guiding her younger sisters with love and kindness.

After we bade our friends goodbye and promised to return (in hopefully less than 2 1/2 years!), we traveled to Southern California. Along the way we stopped at a few of our favorite places, one being the Griffith Park Travel Town in Los Angeles.

And yes, at nearly 18 months, Baby C is definitely the center of the universe. I can’t believe that in just a few short months I won’t be able to call him a baby anymore.. but he will always be my baby.

What do you get when you put two Hawaii boys in the snow? Fun!

T loved the snow. C was a little uncertain at first, then ran around having a lot of fun, then decided he was too cold and wanted to go home. T, on the other hand, had to be dragged out.

Now, I ask you- what do you look forward to most when you return to Hawaii? Leave a comment below and tell me no later than March 1. One winner will be randomly selected to win a $10 Zippy’s gift certificate!