August 2025

Stacey visited from the end of July into August. We did a lot of touristy stuff while she was visiting.

We hiked Diamond Head with Stacey.

We missed a bunch of surf nights with our group while we had visitors and/or vacations- so they took a picture as a remembrance to come back!

First day of 7th grade for Kate

First day of 5th grade for Jane

We missed the bus on the first day of middle school for Kate. We just watched it pass by as we were approaching the street. This is a video of her riding the bus for the very first time on the second day of school. We have not missed a day since that dreadful first day!

Forcing my girls to take a walk on the beach on North Shore.

The Blue Angels came to town! I remember watching them when I lived in San Francisco, so I made sure we didn't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

There were a lot of STEAM activities on the tarmac, which helped to pass the time until the Blue Angels did their thing. 

Made in Hawaii. Expensive, but worth it!

Bryan and I have missed out on opportunities to go scuba diving in one of the best places on the earth. No more! We are paying one of Bryan's friends to take us out once a month. This will guarantee attendance.

Rebekah attended Kristi's graduation from her DNP Residency.

Kim, Malachi, Norah, and Zander came to visit for the week. It was nice being able to hang out with my sister and check things off my list I have not yet done.

Malachi and I were able to hike Koko Head Arch.

We finally were able to swim in cockroach cove and crawl through the tunnel.

The kids went swimming near Mermaid Cave.

The tide was too high, but we were able to go in some parts.

We celebrated Kristi and Jesse with a friendly game of bowling at Schofield Barracks.

We attempted to hike the legal way to the Stairway to Heaven. There were police at the beginning of the trail who would not let us pass until 7am. We decided to hike Tripler Ridge Trail instead. Great views, but terrible without long pants. We got so scratched up from the ferns. Krist almost died from dehydration. And Jesse had a panic attach. Malachi, Bryan, and Rebekah did just fine. 

June 2025

Kate went to her first Young Women's camp the week after school let out for the summer. They spent 3 nights at Camp Mokuleia. One of the funniest things she mentioned was falling asleep in her camping chair because one of her friends in the tent was snoring. She left the tent in anger and sat in the camping chair in frustration- and then woke up with the sun. 

Of course, her favorite part was all the crafts!

Wendy and I our Primary girl group to see a play at the Paliku Theatre at the Windward Community College: Legends of Olympus

We finally saw the live action Lilo and Stitch with friends! Jane is obsessed!

I went to see the musical Six with my book club friends: Juanita, Wendy, Khinna, Ali, and Leslie.

I love it so much and scored free tickets- so I took Kate with me.

Hannah and Ashley visiting for the week. They flew over to go with Kate and Jane to Camp Erdman over on North Shore. Kate and Hannah shared a cabin. Jane and Ashley shared a cabin. They were able to hang out as a group throughout the week. We feel so grateful they were able to make fun memories with their cousins. 

After picking up the cousins on the last day, we showed how we jump the rock at Waimea Bay Beach Park. This is my favorite place.

Riding the train at the Dole Plantation.

Visiting Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe.

Watching the fish eat was so entertaining on the temple grounds.

Finally making Spam musubi!

Ward Camp

Our tent did not work with the wind, so we slept in the car and/or truck. We only spent one night at Bellows but wished we had planned for more. I was able to watch the sun rise in the morning. I have such a great love for this beach and these views. 

Primary activity at the camping grounds of Bellows.

Playing in the waves with the ward.

January 2025

Family party with the Ahlborn's before our trip back home. 

Visiting with Grandpa Ahlborn.

Bryan and I hiked Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak on Oahu. Unfortunately, our views were obstructed at the very top and we didn't find any of the protected snails up there. I guess that just means we need to do it again- even though I said I would never do it again.

Lots of high lunges and ropes.

Kate went on her first camp out with the YW. They went to Malaekahana Beach.

Waipiolani YW and YM

Kate and Jane took hula as an after-school activity at Kanoelani Elementary. They performed at one of their assemblies. 

White Plains: Kate decided to let the little kids bury her in the sand.

Mom and daughter hike up Friendship Garden Trail in Kaneohe.

Howie turns 4 years old!

Jane started taking surf lessons with the city and parks recreation. She had to pass a swim test and recall board terminology before going to Haleiwa Alii Beach.

 

December 2024

Christmas Carnival Games

Christmas Parade

Beach Cleanup with 808

Gingerbread contest winners at Bryan's work.

Wreaths Across America- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

6th grade Christmas Party

19th Anniversary in Maui

Snuba/Snorkle Molokini Crater

Hiking Haleakala, Waihee Ridge Trail, and Iao Valley

Christmas Party with Aloha Eye Clinic

Bryan works 2-3 days every month at an eye clinic in Maui.

The girls had a blast staying with our dear friends, the Chambers.

When we got back from our trip, we went Christmas caroling.

After we celebrated Christmas in Hawaii, the girls and I flew to Utah for a week. The girls were super excited to be cold, touch the snow, visit cousins, and open presents from grandma and grandpa.

We drove up to Bear Lake with Kim and her family. Kate and Jane couldn't wait for grandpa to pull them behind the 4-wheeler like they saw their Koplin cousins do last year.

We enjoyed 2 days of skiing at Beaver Mountain. This was my first time skiing here and I absolutely loved it.