December 2023

Christmas in Hawaii is a bit different than we've experienced in our other locations. Mostly, it just isn't cold. The people here do know how to decorate their homes and have a good time thought!

The first weekend, Krist came over for a girl's night. We made gingerbread houses, watched a movie, and pampered ourselves (Bryan even took in on the festivities!).

Bryan's best friend Marcus was visiting Maui, so we decided to tag along and enjoy their condo's nice amenities. I can't wait to go back and visit more of this beautiful island!

Bryan's brother Adam and his family came to visit over Christmas break. We went to the Polynesian cultural center for the first time, and it didn't disappoint. Lots of activities, lots of food, and great entertainment to the very end!

We took his family to Secret Beach

and went on a sunset cruise on the south side of the island. 

We took the girls on a hike up Tripler Ridge and found the Christmas tree 

and swing!

The girls had a Christmas recital and performed very well. We had a hard time finding a piano teacher, after 2 trials. We are so glad we found Zui! The girls are happy and practicing often.

Of course we got in the Christmas spirit by traveling around the island to the most decorated areas. Ewa was amazing! We even saw Santa walking around the neighborhood in his swim trunks!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day: Kristi spent the night, Santa brought way too many things again, and we did a cold plunge with our new pool. 

Then we headed over to White Plains for some beach time and surfing! So fun to see all the surfers wearing their Santa hats.

On New Years Eve, we hike Makapu'u for the last sunset of 2023.

 

July 2020

Our July was really fun.  We were able to visit lots of family over the 3 week trip.

We traveled up to Adam's house for the 4th of July. 

We had such a fun time with his family on the lake.  The girls are getting used to playing in the lake, rather than pool water this summer.  It can be a little uneasy as a parent, as my girls are not strong swimmers yet.  

We LOVED being pulled together as a family.  Kate didn't mind going with her cousins.  Jane preferred mom and dad by her side.

Adam always has the greatest parties.  He went over the top with fireworks this year.  

My girls loved being in his pool.

After visiting Adam, me and the girls drove to Utah for 2.5 weeks of vacation.  

Our first stop was to visit Rachel and her family before they headed back to California the next morning.  We hung out at Renae's house, swam, and played dress up with more cousins.  It was so fun to see Rachel's new baby Victoria.  My girls loved holding the baby.

After visiting the Zentz and Izu's, we traveled to grandma and grandpa Koplin's house.  The girls really enjoy getting spoiled there. 

One day we went on a hike/bike at Highland Glen Park with grandma and grandpa, Kim, Norah, and Zander. 

Ezra, McCartney, and Daphne came over to play with us a lot.  Kate and Jane even had a sleep over at Linsey's house.  

We hung out at the pool.  We loved that Utah county hardly acknowledge the pandemic!  

Jane had a birthday party at the pool with all of her cousins.  

Jane got her ears pierced. 

We went to see Frozen Jr. with grandma and grandpa Ahlborn.  It was just as cute as the one we saw in Texas. 

I was able to go mountain biking and road biking with Becky.  The weather and scenery were gorgeous!

On our trip back to Texas, we climbed Wilson's arch.  

We also visited our friends who recently moved to El Paso.  The girls met their new puppy!

Our trip was a great break from the crazy problems going on in the world.  It was nice for the girls to just enjoy time with family and friends.

 

Fun Month of May

We decided to take a little break this month from all the work we have been doing over the last few months! Plus, it is almost time for us to depart San Antonio.  We are headed to Fort Hood, Texas.  Again.  But this time, I will be with my family.  I was a little bummed about going back, but I know the area and it has really grown.  They have a new YMCA, yoga studio, and hospital.  I just need an Orange Theory fitness to  open and I'll be good!  Either way, we are excited for the new adventure. 

Jane has been having a hard time at school.  Her favorite teacher Ms. Felicia decided to pursue a college degree.  Jane has had a really hard time with her new teacher.  We all thought she had some sort of bladder infection, but turns out she has some anxiety issues and uses the bathroom as an outlet. She will trickle 50 times a day.  Poor thing just hangs out on the toilet all day.  Plus, she has kept us up at night wondering to the bathroom all night long.  We've put her in pull-ups at night and that seems to have helped.  We had resolved some of the issues, but she definitely had us wondering.  

We took a trip to Puerto Rico with Adam and his family.  All of us at La Coca Waterfall in El Yunque National Rainforest.  

 Adam's little girl Zoe, me, and Kate at the waterfall.

 Faithlynn and me at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. It was really, really windy that day.

Bryan and Jane at the castle.  I overheard Jane say she has never been to a castle before.  If she only knew about all our adventures in Europe! Haha!!

 Faithlynn and Kate walking down the stairs of the castle.

Bryan and I got to go on a day date while Adam and Natasha watched the kids.  We returned the favor as well.  We had plans to go scuba diving, but the seas were pretty rough all week.  Instead, we went on a boat ride to another island and did some snorkeling.  It was pretty fun! Nice to do something alone too.

 Zip lining through the jungle!

 Making mermaids in the sand!

The resort was really nice.  There were 5 pools and then the beach.  One of the pools had a lazy river and another had a splash pad and slide.  There was a playground right outside our door.  And the beach was access only from the resort.  It was perfect!  All the kids loved it.  The only issue is the rest of Puerto Rico isn't the nicest.  

Kate finished pres-school at the end of May.  She received 3 awards- high achiever, Spanish class participant, and leadership award.  So proud of this bright, young lady.  She is nice to everyone and always praised by her teachers for doing the right thing.  I am glad I have the smarty pants because Jane is a different issue!

May 31, 2018 Pre-School Graduation from La Petite Academy

 We got Kate some flowers.  She felt so loved.  

 Her awesome teachers- Ms. Lynn and Ms. Lorraine

 Kate's best friend, Texanna or Texi.  They both got identical flowers.