September 2023

It's been so fun having Kristi on the island with us. She has the knowledge of what to do, what to eat, and what to avoid from her last 2 years of trial and error while living here. We met her to go shopping at the beginning of month.

Kate eating a chocolate coco puff from Liliha Bakery at the International Market Place.

We hiked with friends to Lulumahu Falls.

For Kristi's birthday, we paddle boarded from Kailua beach park to Moku Nui Island. It was a really fun day for everyone!

Our first papaya. I am not sure how to get them to grow bigger? Anyone?

Howie was invited to a birthday party. Our neighbor's dog turned 11 years old and had all his dog friends over for some fun. Treats and party hats were given to all the dogs. And apparently there will be a dog calendar for next year? Haha!

We hiked the popular Manoa Falls Trail. It is absolutely gorgeous!

Kate has been really into cooking. She checked out a Harry Potter cooking book and made a parmesan cheese pastry to look like the Whomping Willow. 

The girls had a sleep over at Kristi's apartment. They both said it was the best weekend ever! It was full of crafts, the Barbie movie, and sugar. 

Meanwhile, Bryan and I went on an epic hike on the east side of the island- Kuli'ou'ou Ridge-Pu'u 'O Kona Loop Trail. This was my birthday present from both Kristi and Bryan. I loved it!

Every (almost) Monday, we go to White Plains for family surf night with friends. This particular evening we got to see a Monk seal!

Bryan left for the mainland and Howie decided he was allowed to sleep near me for protection?

We went on a sunset hike to the Pink Pillbox, also known as Pu'u O Hulu Trail.

Our church had a little beach day at Haleiwa Beach Park, paddle boarding up the 'Anahulu River.

 

August 2023

Every weekend we try to explore different parts of the island. 

We boogie boarded Makapu'u Beach Park.

We camped at Bellows while Bryan took a wilderness first aide course with Kristi. Howie learned all about the ocean during his first visit to the beach. Kate and Jane learned that there are centipedes here and to keep the tent closed. 

Sunrise at Bellows

Teaching the girls how to play the game of LIFE while we cool off in the air conditioning.

Playing in the sand at one of Ko Olina's lagoons.

Both girls were excited to go back to school so they could start making friends. It has been tough finding friends in the neighborhood because most kids are inside staying cool OR they are at day camps because both parents work. Our specific street happens to be mostly retired, elderly persons.  It is a good thing our girls play well together, and love being with one another. 

There is a walking path by our house that leads to the elementary. It is a quick 5 minute walk. Howie likes to join us. Sometimes we meet parrots.

Bryan had a business trip to the Big Island during the third week of August. We joined up over the weekend to do a little bit of exploring Kona.  

Kailua-Kona

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Lava tube

Volcanoes National Park 

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park 

I have been learning (sometimes failing too) how to grow/fertilize/water/prune the different tropical plants on our property. I have been attempting new recipes to use the fruit, as well as freezing some for smoothies and dehydrating some for snacks. Below is a fig custard cake. It was pretty yummy! 

Swimming at Waimea Falls. 

 

Paddle boarding up the 'Anahulu River in Haleiwa.

Lei Po'o Making Activity with our church.

Jane turns 8!

Making Jane's birthday special was really important for me. I wanted her to know that we were thinking about her, even with everything else going on. I was able to find the tropical island decorations and get a few presents shipped to our house quick enough to celebrate the day. I think she did feel loved!

Kate is the sweetest older sister and has been working on presents for Kate over the last 1.5 months. Jane was so excited to FINALLY open what Kate had obviously been trying to hide over that timeframe. 

We enjoyed the morning playing at the waterpark Wet 'N Wild by Jane's request. Then we walked to a local restaurant for dinner. Because she couldn't decide on which dessert she wanted, we ordered two! Her face is priceless.

Some of Jane's presents showed up a little later than planned, so we had birthday opening later in the week. I even baked another dessert. Lucky girl!

She is sweet and strong. She is smart and sassy. She is funny, but also dramatic. It has been fun to watch her become a little more independent during our time at Fort Leavenworth. She would walk the dog around the neighborhood, run over to friends houses to play, send letters to friends and family, and bike home from school. She was often found playing Barbie's or with her stuffed animals. She also likes to create villages for gnomes, fairies, and her tiny mochi squishies. She excels in reading, but hates the way her new school teaches math. She is involved in piano, soccer, and tumbling. She has mastered the cartwheel and backbend walk-over. I am not sure if she like performing yet, because she still very much enjoys doing the same things as Kate. Jane loves animals and friendship. I told her she can get a cat when we get settled into our house, but I haven't kept that promise. She reminds me daily. We just love Jane. I hope you had a great birthday week!