Happy New Year

Arriving in Hawaii at the end of December is our cue that the new season is about to begin. We can't think of anything better than being with family and friends in Hawaii to bring in the New Year.

This year was the first "off season" that Parker has experienced since he turned professional.

We kept pretty busy catching up on things at home and Parker dedicated himself to training and practicing. We also took a wonderful trip to Italy in early December. It is important to us to end the year with some time away where we can turn off all communication - no phones and no computers. Its amazing how cleansing and freeing it can be to just put down that Blackberry. It allowed us to reflect on the previous year and prepare for new season right around the corner. Ironically, the exact time of our trip to Italy was the week of 3rd stage of Q-School. This was Parker's first year to not have to return to Q-School, so we toasted with great appreciation of all of his hard work.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence

Tenute Silvio Nardi Winery in Montalcino

With our friends Andrew & Marissa at Altesino Winery in Montalcino

The most exciting event surrounding the New Year was the opportunity we had to meet President Elect, Barack Obama. Parker's father, Chris McLachlin, was Obama's varsity basketball coach at Punahou. We have all followed the extensive media coverage of Obama's love for the game, and anxiously awaited the reunion between player and coach.

While he was here vacationing on the island, the President Elect gathered some former teammates and headed to the gym for a pick up game at his old high school. The game just wouldn't have been complete without their coach and the night before ....Chris, Parker, and his brother Spencer received the invitation to join him for a game.

So on their very first meeting, Parker guarded Obama, and Obama guarded Parker!

After the game, the rest of the family was permitted to gather in the athletic office for a short get together with the basketball gang. To our surprise the future President of the United States said...how about a family picture...